Class Notes

A postcard was received from Cecile Shipman Kaufman on an Alaskan cruise in July. Another postcard arrived from Phyllis Hartleb Rowley from a cruise in October called the Oceania “Artistic Impressions.”

Beth Shocat Cole, who attended our 50th, settled in Tucson, Arizona. Her daughter has a ranch and horse business – Beth is renting a house from her. She is adjusting to the desert after three years at the beach in Jacksonville. She has a small coaching practice and offers a program at the local library for job seekers. They have an outstanding track record. Beth has been practicing yoga for 50 years and continues feeling it keeps her in good health. Her three daughters are doing well. Her oldest grandson is in a serious relationship. His bride-to-be has a darling daughter which will give Beth a great grandchild. Beth’s granddaughter is at Colorado State University. She is majoring in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (five-year program.) Her youngest granddaughter is 16 and attends the Denver School of the Arts. She is a terrific singer. All five grandchildren are doing fine – three are seriously working and career-oriented.

Irene Piscopo Rodgers was recognized at commencement with an honorary doctorate of human letters. She is a very active advocate for UMW.

Martha Spilman Clark and Paul hosted eleven abandoned boys and their families at a gathering in March. Martha was honored at a Retreat Center as the first Teaching Director. Their son John visited them for a few days. He lives in Dallas and reviews hotels. Their son Billy lives in Peru and was recently in the U.S. raising funds to coordinate Scripture Union work in Ecuador and Bolivia. Martha and Paul are still not ready for retirement. They stay busy with conferences on Bible Study, ministry, Deaf Schools, Medical and Administration, Training, Abandoned Boys and Camps.

Dan Proulx has been fantastic keeping in touch with news of his and Pat’s grandchildren. Austin, Pamela and Mark’s son, is in his third year at the School of Architecture at Virginia Tech. It is a five-year program with one year away from campus. Meghan, their daughter, is a high school senior and planning community college next year. John, Gray and Gina’s son, is in third grade. He is an excellent reader and takes karate and tennis. Dan stays busy attending football games and local events. He and his family are planning a cruise in December. He will attend a friend’s daughter’s wedding in February on Jekyll Island, Georgia, and next he’s off to Sarasota for nine days.

Lucas is getting tall! His fixation these days is Lego and learning about the U.S. states. He also enjoys going to the movies (or is it the popcorn?)

The Class of 1959 Endowment had a value of $157,810 as of June 30, 2014. Donations in 2014 totaled $10,939. The endowment supports the annual Research and Creativity Day symposium held each April.