Class Notes

The planning of our 50^th reunion has begun. You should have received a letter discussing the plan to establish the Class of 1973 50^th Reunion Scholarship. The scholarship will demonstrate our gratitude to Mary Washington and dedication to future educational opportunities. If funded as described in the letter, the first scholarship could be awarded fall of 2022 in time for our 50^th reunion, spring 2023. The committee hopes that everyone will consider contributing to this effort over the next five years and beyond either through cash donations, multi-year pledges, transfers of stocks and insurance policies, or through your estate plan. All gifts must be designated for Class of 1973 50^th Reunion Scholarship.

In the spring we traveled with my sister, Grace Hines Sorey ’70 and fellow travelers to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Now we’re enjoying summer and time with grandkids.

In May Janet Hedrick was in Guatemala to help build a “bottle” school – we will tie recycled bottles filled with trash to chicken wire to form a wall of the school – it’s a trip organized by the travel club I belong to. I will return on May 30.  In August I’m going to spend two weeks in Wyoming visiting Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks. My travel companion is Catherine Janis, daughter of Sharon Richmond Janis ‘73. Still working, but I will retire before our next reunion!

Jo-Ann Sowers was “lost” from the alumnae list for many years, and is now reconnected. “I was a Psychology major and had wonderful memories of Professor David MacEwan who made a huge difference in my future career. He recommended that I attend graduate school at Drake University and provided a strong recommendation for my application. I contacted him prior to his retirement to let him know how important he was to my career path and life. I have very fond memories of MWC, including playing on the tennis team and going to Spring Breaks with dorm friends. I definitely received a top-notch education from MWC.  I went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and spend my career as a Research Professor in the area of Rehabilitation and Special Education at several universities. I retired about 5 years ago, live in Portland, Oregon, and spend most of my time doing long distance bike riding, traveling, and gardening. “

Julie Howe Young has been living in Coronado CA for 14 years.  She feels very fortunate to have both her sons and their wonderful wives living nearby.  Julie retired as Chief Financial Officer of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego last year and is thoroughly enjoying having the time to pursue her art and volunteer activities with the refugee community in San Diego.  She also spends time with her 93-year-old dad and her 2-year-old grandson.  She and Jake have been married almost 46 years and enjoy traveling, skiing, and sailing.  They just bought a house near Lake Tahoe and hope to enjoy it for years to come!

Thank you to Jo-Ann and Julie, first time contributors to Class Notes. Please follow their lead and send a short update once a year.  We’re only four years away from our 50^th reunion. Stay in touch!

Joyce Hines Molina