Class Notes

Sidney Griffith Keith lives in Florida with her husband, Mark. She is a certified Science and Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. She learned braille and Nemeth, a math code. Mark is a research and training specialist who supports school districts, parents, and professionals working with sensory impaired students throughout Florida. Son Ian is studying GIS mapping and hopes to transfer to UMW soon.

Brian Parsons and Carolyn Sydnor Parsons ’83 have two grown children, Abby and Collin, and live across the street from UMW. They love to travel to pursue their eclectic interests, which range from attending the Galax Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention to visiting their student exchange family in France. In the fall, Brian will spend a month in New Jersey training with his new guide dog—a life-transforming experience.

After graduation, Brian obtained master’s degrees from U.Va. in environmental planning and public administration and worked with the Commonwealth of Virginia, transitioning from environmental policy work to programs that support community living for individuals with disabilities. He also served seven years as Director of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.

Following 9/11, Brian was inspired to transition to Washington, D.C., to make a positive impact at the Federal level. Since 2006 he has worked as a Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, overseeing the Department’s efforts to strengthen compliance with the nondiscrimination protections of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. He focuses on emergency management and deploys to the field following major disasters. He ensures that federal response and recovery services are inclusive of individuals with disabilities, those with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and persons with limited English proficiency.

Catherine Gibbons Kunkel wrapped up her 22nd year teaching and is still going strong as a first grade teacher. Her daughter Katy is a junior at UMW majoring in geology, and daughter Emily is a freshman at VCU majoring in technical theater. She and husband Chris are enjoying their somewhat empty nest.

Gayle Greenwood Whitlock’s son graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Integrated Science & Technology. They are also celebrating the joys of being first-time grandparents, as their daughter had a baby boy.  

Jennifer Stanley Reese and her husband Stuart live in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She works as a hydrogeologist and project manager with Groundwater Sciences Corporation, an environmental consulting company. She also plays the cello in the Hershey Symphony. They have three children: Daniel studies meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, Nathan is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, and Shannon is a sophomore in high school.

Kathleen Dwyer Miller’s oldest daughter, Maddie, works in Winchester, Virginia, as a certified dog trainer, while daughter Becca attends the University of Mississippi.

Alison Metzger La Mura and Ray La Mura ’86 are entering the empty nesters’ stage. Alison is on the lookout for new ways to fill her day. Daughter Madeline is a freshman at U.Va., where she joined her brother, Ryan. Ray is President of Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association and Vice Chairman of The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

Kim Slayton White and her husband, Dave, celebrate 23 years of marriage this year. Kim is a judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Son Hampton is a junior at the Fuqua School, where he plays soccer and enjoys Model General Assembly. Katherine, a seventh grader also at Fuqua, is active in the theatre scene, and has landed roles in Les Miserables and Wizard of Oz acting alongside professional summer stock actors.

Joanne Bartholomew Lamm and Chris Lamm are proud parents of two UMW students; their daughter was a 2013 graduate and their youngest son is a freshman this fall. They also have a son who is a senior at Virginia Tech.

As for me, I still work with ELL students in K–12 while Scott finalizes his History Ph.D.  Our daughter Lauren successfully finished her first year teaching in Wisconsin and is ready to inspire a new class of elementary students. Our son Sean lives and works in Seattle.

A big thank you to Renee Kuntz, Lisa Taylor, and Abas Adenan for planning a wonderful 30th reunion. From all accounts, Reunion Weekend was a big success for all classes. The Class of 1985 won third prize in the tent contest with its pink flamingo 1980s retro theme, and we ruled the dance floor at Saturday night’s All-Class Party! Stay tuned for other opportunities to connect with the MWC Class of 1985.