Tony Hawthorne writes with the proud news that his son, Christopher ’93, architecture critic and journalist, has been appointed to the faculties of Yale School of Architecture and the Department of English; and that Christopher’s wife, Rachel Fine, has become executive director of the Yale Schwarzman Center. Their daughter Willa is in the Class of 2026. Tony’s daughter, Amy, is Class of 1990.
Two new Tuesday Teas added to the website: Amanda Ewington, “The War in Ukraine”; Amanda is the daughter of Alan Caplan. And Joshua Kalla ’14, “Political Persuasiveness—Its Successes and Failures.”
The kind words of commendation for the work of members of the class executive committee, though much appreciated, more properly should be addressed to the women who provide the support and labor in the background: Ellen Cole (YAM), Stacey O’Donnell (YAA), Christine Seager (development office), Jessica Verdi (Alumni Records), Jean McKillop (webmaster), and many more, in particular, Jennifer Julier ’77, who has been our Yale Alumni Association “go-to person” for over 20 years. Jennifer is retiring to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this year, and we hope to honor and to thank her for such exemplary service to the Class of 1960 at our minireunion in Philadelphia.
Jay Gitlin ’71 has agreed to be dinner speaker and performer, with his wife, Ginny Bales, in Philadelphia. Jay, a musician as well as historian, teaches the wildly popular Yale and America, while serving as associate director of the Howard R. Lamar Center for the Study of Frontiers and Borders.
Howard Lamar, who taught many of us in History 37, The Trans-Mississippi West, including the distinguished amateur historian, Bill MacKinnon, celebrated his 99th birthday in November. He and Martin Duberman ’52 are the only two faculty members I know who are left from our time. Others? Howard sends warm greetings.
Five more obituaries posted on our website:
Bing Blossum. Stock market and financial analyst, family foundation president, zealous Cleveland baseball fan and coach, and butterfly enthusiast, Bing created a sanctuary for the Swallowtail and Monarch species. Planting milkweed would be a fitting memorial.
Joseph Crowe. As a Hartford native and a math major, a 30-year career with Aetna, from actuarial student to executive vice president, seemed to be predetermined. Joe’s second career was as CEO of Financial Industries in Austin. Lector and Eucharistic minister to his congregations, he volunteered his expertise to AARP.
Samuel (Sunny) Howe. His lifelong passion for tennis, squash, and court tennis led to national championships and tournaments throughout the world. Sunny shared with the youth of Philadelphia his conviction that the magic of the racquet sports was ennobling. Trained as an engineer, he earned his keep as a long investment advisor.
John Mitchell. Retired president of Pfizer Global Manufacturing, John began with Procter and Gamble before launching a 40-year distinguished career with Pfizer. Note the statement published with the obituary from his health care proxy recalling the day John, as the manager of Mt. Hermon’s football team, forgot to bring the footballs to an away game with Choate. Note also John’s strong affirmation of diversity in our 50th reunion book.
Terry Rothermel. With training in chemical engineering at Yale and management at MIT’s Sloan School, Terry was well prepared for his 27 years at Arthur D. Little specializing in environmental issues. Elected Concord (Massachusetts) selectman, commissioner of public works, member of the Housing Authority, he fought for affordable housing in Concord. Among his many activities, the highlight was his starring role in the musical Grub.
Tempus fugit, sumus hic.