Class Notes

I caught up with many classmates at our 35th reunion in June 2017. After our award-winning rendition of a Ballroom Keg Party for our 30th, we decided to celebrate our 35th by paying homage to Seacobeck. Thanks to Gregg Stull ’82, UMW Chair and Professor of Theatre and Dance for the authentic china and furniture. Sadly, we did not repeat the top award but a requested vote challenge is underway. Through the generosity of many and the challenge leadership of Anna Geisler Hogan ’82, the Class of 1982 was recognized as top Reunion Class Fundraiser. Reunion faithful attendees Nancy Kaiser ’82 and spouse Mary McElhone stay busy with their home renovation business, a national Scottie Dog rescue group and lots of fabulous travel. They toured the Baltics in June. Jenifer Blair ’82 is the Director of College Counseling and Advising for the South Carolina Governors School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville SC. She is also VP, Alumni Awards for the UMW Alumni Association Board and always up for a road trip to Fredericksburg or her beach house in Delaware. Retirement was a popular theme of reunion, Facebook and holiday cards. Carla Richardson Barrell ’82 retired from teaching but still plans to stay involved by substitute teaching. John Hoffman ’82, school principal also retired. His wife Terri Torri Hoffman ’82 continues to work for the Federal Reserve and they divide their time between Northern VA and Harrisonburg VA. Mia McCall ’82 retired after a long career working for the “Government” aka CIA. She is exploring opportunities and possibly moving closer to her parents in California. Betsy Rohaly Smoot ’82 retired after 34 years at the NSA. Annmarie Cozzi ’82 will reluctantly turn in her badge in early 2018 when she retires from the Bergen County NJ Prosecutor’s office. She plans to move “down the shore” full time. My roomie Debbie Snyder Barker ’82 took on mother of the groom duties twice for sons Chip and Sam’s weddings. Daughter Leah is working and living with friends in Arlington VA. With the youngest off to college (JMU) Heather Archer Mackey ’82 and husband Mike downsized their home in Richmond. Heather is a UMW Network Leader in Richmond and loves catching up with classmates at events. Dan Hudson ’82 sold the family home in Warrenton and moved to Richmond. He is always up for a foodie adventure. Erin Devine’82 celebrated her 5th anniversary as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Erin’s three kids have successfully flown the coop – Kathleen is a licensed clinical social worker at the McLean Hospital in Boston; Patrick is doing economic development/social enterprise work in Mumbai, India and Caroline graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2016 and plans on nursing school. Erin lost her beloved husband Phil Keating in January 2011 and is delighted to share that she has a wonderful new man in her life. They are renovating a 1692 Ordinary (tavern and inn) in New Kent, VA that will likely open as a bed and breakfast and possible brewery. Sandy Young ’82 proudly shared daughter Amanda’s graduation from Hollins College. Becky Batten Rosenberger ’82 married in September and they bought a house in the Fan district of Richmond. Her son and daughter both live in Florida. Catherine Miller Canty ’82 not only retired from teaching but also celebrated her daughter Meghan Canty’s December college graduation and wedding. Vicki Haynes Morris ’82 continues to enjoy life and work in Wisconsin. She loves spoiling her grandson Maddox and recent trips included Cuba, Australia and New Zealand. Georgiana Hall ’82 left sunny Miami and is enjoying? her first winter in Colorado Springs. She will be volunteering at the Humane Society and continuing as a licensed educator for the House Rabbit Society. She also hopes to take up golf again and write more books. Her sequel to “Hershey”; “Trouble in the Attic” by GG Hall is out now. Jennifer Goodwin Donegan ’82 lives in Norfolk. We enjoy attending museum lectures together and lamenting the fact that we never took Art History at Mary Washington. Daughter Meredith graduated from Darden’s Executive MBA program, continues to work for Operation Smile and will be married in October. Caroline Borden Kirschner ’82 still lives in California and recently spent time with her daughter on a Mercy Ships voyage/mission. Ever elusive Michael Bennett ’82 recently spent time in Italy and Mallorca but promises to make our next reunion. Jackie Tanous Jacobson ’82 who continues to live and work in Colorado. Tim Horn ’82 recently wrote that after Mary Washington, he ended up going to SUNY-Binghamton for an MA in Theatre Arts and the University of Georgia and dissertation work at Yale but of all these schools, Mary Washington was the best. He married Janet in 1996 and they live in Nokesville with horses, dogs, cats and an unwelcome groundhog. After teaching in public and private schools for 24 years, Tim retired to focus on his Hypnosis business helping people become non-smokers, relieving stress, improving study skills and a myriad of other things. His former roommate Tim Erickson ’81 organized a theatre reunion and he caught up with Gregg Stull ’82, Seth Schrager’82, Ruth DeArmitt ’80, Rob Powell ’79, Bobby Kerns ’81 and many others. As for me, I celebrated my 30th anniversary at UBS and stay busy with local non-profits and continued volunteer work at Mary Washington. I enjoy living at the beach in Virginia Beach and welcome visitors. Please stay in touch.