FALL 2024
Featuring news received between August 20, 2024 and November 25, 2024
Class Notes Quarterly features professional accomplishments, educational attainments, awards, and other life milestones celebrated by our alumni. A section of In Memoriam listings follows to honor alumni who are no longer with us, including links to complete obituaries available online at the time of publication.
See the links below to jump to your choice of decade, or to additional sections devoted to marriage, birth, and death announcements. Based on alumni feedback, we have created easier to find and read In Memoriam listings for deceased classmates and friends, and we are pleased to provide links to their full, online obituaries as published by local media outlets, when available.
Searchable Archive: Our online class notes archive may be accessed and searched at any time. The archived collection of notes (including class notes, marriage and birth announcements, and in memoriam listings) begins with those received in 2010. Use the sidebar menu (at left) to navigate between the archive and past issues referenced in the notes.
Have news to submit? Please submit your news via the online Alumni Update Form.
Did we miss something? Don't see a note that you remember submitting prior to August 19? Is a correction needed? Email bwalumni@bw.edu, and we'll make the necessary additions (or edits) to this page and to the class notes archive.
Class Notes
1957
edward westhoven, Green Valley, Ariz., has retired in Arizona and is enjoying his time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
1963
ronald geese, West Lafayette, received the Manuel Yingling Award in October 2023 for his work in promoting and performing the works of Manuel Yingling. He has published more than 40 pieces of music for low brass and woodwind quintets.
1967
REV. BRAD KARELIUS, Laguna Niguel, Calif., published a new book, “Desert Spirituality for Men.” He presented three workshops on the Desert Mystics of fourth century Egypt for the Diocese of West Missouri.
1970
Susan “Susie” Bainbridge LaViola, Grayson, Ga., retired from teaching middle school 8th grade math in 2015 and retired from elementary 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade advanced math in 2021. She now substitutes often enjoying time with her four God-grands and one grandchild.
1972
keith johnson, Falls Church, Va., was the drummer for famous bands like Buffalo Springfield, The Ventures, Neil Young and Steven Stills, and many more. He is now retired and teaching students drumming privately.
1973
WILLIAM “WILL” STEWART, Arlington, Va., is teaching Beginning German in Arlington County’s (VA) Continuing Learning Program introducing students to the basic structure of the language.
1974
David “dave” hickle, Palm Harbor, Fla., retired in January 2023 after working as a medical microbiologist at the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
1975
donna appel bowles, Emerald Isle, N.C., is a retired high school English teacher.
wayne hammond, Williamstown, Mass., retired in 2022 after working as a rare books librarian at Williams College. He published a book that he co-edited with his spouse titled “The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien.”
priscilla giles schlea, Berea, homeschooled all eight of her children who work in various careers. She continues to direct choirs, teach piano, and instrumental music privately.
george snyder, Los Angeles, Calif., retired after 15 years as senior archivist for British artist, David Hockney. He is now concentrating on writing and volunteering for various charities across Los Angeles.
1976
DAVID “D.C.” ANDERSON, New York, N.Y., released his 13th commercial album of songs titled, “D.C. Anderson - Believe, Breathe and Sing.” He performed in The Line Up at Birdland in New York in October. He will portray “Matthew Cuthbert” in the new musical “Anne of Green Gables” in 2025.
1977
robert “Bob” Heun, Brecksville, recently retired after 45+ years of service with Energizer Holdings as senior global procurement manager at Energizer's Global R&D facility. He is looking forward to his next career as a full-time grandparent to six grandchildren.
1978
sandra schwoebel mccleave, Tucson, Ariz., played with the FLISPA Opera Festival Orchestra in Medellin, Colombia where they performed “The Barber of Seville,” “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi” in August.
1979
gail garcia ostrowski, Pataskala, retired after 40 years as an accountant and real estate agent in April 2023.
1981
Gene obrock, Westlake, retired from Shurtape Technologies after 30 years of service. He is a proud grandparent of five grandchildren and celebrated 25 years of marriage with wife, Marcia.
1983
timothy de palma, Boca Raton, Fla., published a chapter in the textbook titled:
“Your Safety and the Safety of the Campus Community during Blue-Skies, Emergencies and Disasters.”
gayle williams, Sarasota, Fla., is the executive director of The Pops Orchestra as well as a music critic for the Herald Tribune and Observer Media Group.
1984
christine zemko chenevey, Carmel, N.Y., has been named Advancement Officer for “I Am Boundless,” the largest non-profit in Ohio serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
1985
stacey webb horn, Madison, Tenn., launched a recovery home for women aged 50 and older in June called “Next Chapter Homes.”
robert magee, Berea, was inducted into the Cleveland United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in July.
fletcher white, Indianapolis, Ind., celebrated 15 years working as V.K. Stoelting Professor and Vice Chair for the Indiana University School of Medicine.
lisa latessa zanglin, Pike Road, Ala., published a book titled “Dirty Little College Secrets: Getting In, Staying In, and Graduating,” with the purpose of helping students and parents with the college admission process.
1986
Lucy kazarovich (MBA ’92), Jacksonville, Fla., was elected as president of the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association for the 2024-2025 term and has been a member since 1992. She is an Alpha Phi who has continued to volunteer in different roles since 1986.
1987
jim parenti, Chicago, Ill., was appointed dean and clinical professor of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Loyola University Chicago. He previously served as senior advisor to the president of Georgetown University.
1990
matt kubinski, Victor, N.Y., was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for football.
phillip “phil” stringer, Marietta, Ga., was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for baseball.
1991
TERESA TOHMS ACKERMAN, Mentor, has been a police officer for 30 years most recently with the Madison Township Police and is married with two kids. In her spare time, she is a reporter for the Lake County Tribune.
1992
curtis “curt” hamilton, Alliance, has been a teacher at Marlington local schools since 1993. He retired from coaching wrestling in 2021 and is the commissioner for the Eastern Buckeye Conference.
Lucy kazarovich (MBA ’92), see ’86.
karen schuster siiman (MAED ’02), Columbia Station, retired from the education field after 29 years. She now travels with her husband Bill and keeps active through swimming, walking, and bike riding. Also, she has completed numerous online courses for her teaching license renewal and hopes to work as a tutor in the future.
1993
WILLIAM “BILL” MCBRAYER is celebrating 30 years of marriage with wife, Suzanne “Suzy” Hadley McBrayer ’94 in December. Bill has resurrected a Pre-Prohibition family bourbon, and they have published a coffee table book with the history of the founding family and their contribution to Kentucky Bourbon History at www.McBrayerLegacySpirits.com.
1994
SUZANNE “SUZY” HADLEY MCBRAYER is celebrating 30 years of marriage with husband, Bill McBrayer '93 in December. Bill has resurrected a Pre-Prohibition family bourbon, and they have published a coffee table book with the history of the founding family and their contribution to Kentucky Bourbon History at www.McBrayerLegacySpirits.com.
1995
doug knight, Parrish, Fla., was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for wrestling.
Christopher noga, Twinsburg, retired in 2021 after serving 24 years with the Twinsburg Police Department, 15 of those years as chief of police. He now serves as the summer camp director and properties superintendent for The Great Trail Council.
1996
sarah dorrance minch, Indianapolis, Ind., published a first novel, “Ancilla” and celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary with husband, Don.
grant redhead, Bryan, retired after coaching football for 20 years and is now enjoying his time with wife and two kids.
andrew “andy” Schmitz, Chicago, Ill., was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 as an honorary member.
1997
sara scalzo manson, Parkville, Md., joined St. Timothy’s School as their director of Alumnae and Constituent Relations.
1998
kris boey, Delaware, was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for men’s cross country and track & field.
scooby meredith, Reno, Nev., was promoted to director of program operations at Davidson Institute.
shannon reigle swank, Valley City, opened her own flower shop called “Blanc Slate Floral.”
2000
Andrew labadie (MAED ’03), Bainbridge Island, Wash., was named to the board for the Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in Seattle.
amber prekler wood, Streetsboro, was named campus director of admissions and enrollment services at Cuyahoga Community College.
2002
Phyllis “SEVEN” Harris, Cleveland, has been named to the board of trustees at Zygote Press.
david henry, Bloomington Ind., was elected at-large to the Monroe County Council. He is a government management consultant and lecturer at the Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the outgoing chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party.
karen schuster siiman (MAED), see ’92.
michele shoemaker thoman (MBA), Naples, Fla., was named chief operating officer for Broward Health Medical Center.
2003
laura callahan, Middle River, Md., received her PhD from The University of Florida last year and is now a Spanish professor and coordinator of Intermediate Spanish at Townson University.
Andrew labadie (MAED), see ’00.
2004
cassie labriola whitman, Canfield, joined the Oncology space at Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine.
2008
stefanie deka, Northfield, was featured in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. She specializes in Commercial Litigation and Financial Services Regulation law at McGlinchey Stafford.
2009
amanda farris fronek, North Ridgeville, was named dean of students at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
kelly allison kerns, Perrysburg, she completed her master’s in literacy from American College of Education and is a second-grade teacher at Springfield Local Schools.
Benjamin “ben” schaefer, Berea, was named the legislative liaison for Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
2010
ariel brough, Columbus, was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for women’s basketball.
2011
christopher kuhner, Richardson, Tex., started a new career at Edward Jones as a financial advisor and welcomed a new baby girl to the family.
elizabeth “beth” sterling, Chelmsford, Mass., started her own private voice teaching business called Beth Sterling Voice Studio. She welcomed her first child in January 2022 with husband, Paul.
2012
MONICA GUSTIN, Cleveland, was named one of Crain's Cleveland Business’s 40 Under 40 for 2024. She is the vice president of business development at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
2013
S. A. Ferguson, Chardon, published their first book, a science fantasy novel titled “The Elders' Sequence, Book One of The Leaders of Aluzamoak Series.” They also established a literature company called “Compassionate Alien Press,” which aims to publish literature that dispels the dualistic paradigm of otherness.
rebecca kapusta, Dublin, was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for women’s golf.
BRADEN PONTOLI, Pasadena, Calif., released a new EP called WILDSPHERE in November. WILDSPHERE is a multi-sensory sonic odyssey for those navigating the wild journey of rediscovery. Through layered drones, worldly flutes, haunting vocals, and tranquil atmospheres, the album invites listeners to explore beyond conception.
brooke hamilton seiler, Aurora, was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame for women’s golf.
sarah baker zito, Westlake, was inducted into BW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for softball.
2014
RACHELE STECK HILL (MBA), Bay Village, was named one of Crain's Cleveland Business’s 40 Under 40 for 2024. She is the director of human resources at Osborn Engineering.
2015
jacob donofrio, Tiffin, reunited with Amanada Griffiths ’16 at the Vermillion Band Festival, leading the marching bands of Clyde High School and Elyria Catholic High School, respectively.
sagar udeshi, Cleveland, published his second children’s book called, “Case of the Missing Laddoo: A Diwali Story.”
2016
Amanda Griffiths, Elyria, reunited with Jacob Donofrio ’15 at the Vermillion Band Festival, leading the marching bands of Elyria Catholic High School and Clyde High School, respectively.
Nicholas “nick” malvasi, Huntersville, N.C., is vice president at Wells Fargo in the middle market banking division. He serves as the CFO for the Southeast market and for the U.S. Commodity Finance Group.
BRITTANY SMITH, Cuyahoga Falls, will be moving to the Charlotte, N.C. area in December. She has accepted a new position as an assistant professor in the exercise science program at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. beginning in January.
2017
blake perry, Fairfield, Calif., is a professional MMA fighter. His next fight is December 13th in San Diego airing live on UFC fight pass.
2018
Madeline miley, Chicago, III., was named supervisor of workplace services at Salesforce (Chicago).
2019
KATIE WOHLFORD, Fairview Park, started a new position as a fraud decision science analyst at USAA.
2020
darrius cook, Washington D.C., was promoted to senior podcasts operations specialist at NPR.
2021
ERICA REED, Shaker Heights, is working as a talent acquisition partner in Human Resources at the Oatey Company.
mary simmons, Middleburg Heights, had her poem titled “Trespass” published in the fall issue of The Baltimore Review.
2022
lauryn cook, Cleveland, returned to Cleveland after 2 years in Chicago at JPM. She is a senior investor relations analyst at KeyBank.
jessica hill, Bellevue, Wash., is pursuing a master’s in marketing data analytics from Pacific Lutheran University. She is working full-time at Nintendo of America.
2024
ricki janis (MBA), Lakewood, started a new position as a recruitment specialist at Cuyahoga Community College.
lauryn rosinKsi (MAED), Cleveland, started a new position as director of admission at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
grace smith, Wyandotte, Mich., is attending Northwestern University for their master’s in creative leadership enterprises.
Marriage Announcements
heather o’brien ’03 to Jaroslav Padus
Ashton Cluts ’15 (’20 MAED) to Justin Christy
MADELINE MILEY ’18 to Nicholas Cramer
marcus martin ’20 to Lydia Berkey
Birth Announcements
ALEXANDRIA Romanovich ’10 (’12 maED) and husband Maxwell, a daughter.
christopher kuhner ’11 and wife, a daughter
nicholas “nick” traverso ’16 and wife Renee, a daughter
carlynn “carly” arthur workman ’18 and JAMES WORKMAN (’19 MAED), a son.
In Memoriam
1948
WILLIAM "BILL" CLARK, Brecksville, died on November 17, 2023. Majored in health & physical education. Navy-V12 veteran who lettered in baseball. He was the head basketball coach at BW for ten years (1967-1977). Bill and his wife Glenda co-wrote a book together about their relationship and his career titled “Our Story, 78 Years Married.”
jean williams long, Rocky River, died on March 19, 2023. Majored in elementary education and was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta.
1950
CLARENCE BOWERS, Painesville, died on October 9. Majored in physics and astronomy. President of Pi Lambda Phi.
isabel Dornon huber, Salem, died on August 23. Majored in biology. Member of YWCA and White Rose recipient.
1951
arthur dumke, Stow, died on September 12. Majored in biology and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
1952
merle koppenhafer, Vermilion, died on August 15. Majored in business administration and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau.
1953
gail boydell smith, Mansfield, died on October 17. Majored in music education and member of Delta Zeta.
1954
sister mary ALICE henkel, Toledo, died on October 12. Majored in biology.
1956
donald “DON” wilson, Avon, died on August 18. Majored in history.
1957
donna shields gray, Stow, died on October 1. Majored in home economics and member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
richard “dick” Lowry, Berea, died on October 29. Majored in health and physical education. Member of Lambda Chi Alpha and lettered in football (captain). Inducted into the BW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. Family received the Family Heritage Award in 2006.
1958
phillip “PHIL” fay (BMED ’61), Wilmington, died on August 30. Majored in music and member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
philip (PHIL) hamilton, Sunbury, died on August 18. Major undeclared. Member of Alpha Tau Omega.
1960
janet burnside daly, Baton Rouge, La., died on October 27. Majored in English literature. Member of Delta Zeta.
1961
sandra marpe buchheit, Orwell, died on August 28. Major undeclared.
lARRY “Luke” izer, East Sparta, died on August 17. Majored in health & physical education. Member of Alpha Tau Omega. Lettered in baseball and football. Inducted into the BW Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.
1963
ROBERT “BOB” HOPPERTON, Sylvania, died in October. Majored in English Literature.
1964
carole keith carlson, Bloomfield Township, Mich., died on September 8. Majored in music education.
1965
janice “JAN” bogert dachtler, Southern Pines, N.C., died on September 12. Majored in education. Member of Phi Mu.
spencer “spence” meloun, Montpelier, died on October 30. Majored in business administration.
john “jack” scott, Georgetown, died on November 2. Majored in business administration. Member of Alpha Tau Omega. Lettered in football.
1967
charles “gene” wilson, Dublin, Va., died on September 14. Majored in business administration.
1968
james “JIM” gulmi, Nashville, Tenn., died on August 26. Majored in business administration. Member of Lambda Chi Alpha.
susan rothermel marino, Pine Island, Minn., died on October 26. Majored in German and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta.
1969
howard crook, Paris, France, died on August 27. Majored in music. Member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
john going, Rocky River, died on August 29. Majored in health and physical education.
david long, Frankfort, Mich., died on September 5. Majored in biology and member of Phi Kappa Tau.
roger moore, Lakewood, died on October 28. Majored in speech and communication. General manager of WBWC Radio Station.
1971
patricia “pat” jones, Springfield, died on October 30. Majored in music education. Member of Phi Mu.
1973
david young, Oak Hill, W.Va., died on October 6. Majored in health and physical education.
1974
rev. wilson “alan” delAmater, Burnt Hills, N.Y., died on September 27. Majored in psychology. Member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
1976
JUDITH “JUDY” Osterhouse evin, Cleveland, died on July 11, 2022. Majored in sociology and anthropology.
clifford johnson (MBA), Albuquerque, N.M., died on September 5. He majored in business administration.
1977
REVEREND ARLIS ROBINA VAUGHN, Columbus, died on October 23. She majored in music education.
1978
john bauer (MBA ’81), Seville, died on November 5. Majored in health and physical education.
orville oliver, Copley, died on November 7. Majored in psychology.
1979
beverly kotlyn bartel (MA), Naples, Fla., died on October 11. Earned a master’s in reading literacy.
1980
william “bill” brune, Paulding, died on October 21. Majored in theatre. Program director for WBWC Radio Station and Editor of Exponent (1979-1980).
1983
suzanna chipman, Elyria, died on September 22. Majored in history.
doward douwsma (MBA), Lisle, Ill., died on June 8. Earned an MBA in executive management.
1985
melanie marrapodi (MBA ’88), Middleburg Heights, died on September 15. Majored in business administration. Earned an MBA in business management.
1990
jill frantz, Medina, died on September 20. Majored in political science.
thomas “tom” surrarrer (MA), Berea, died on November 5. Earned a master’s in education.
1994
sharon flaherty, Lakewood, died on September 22. Majored in history.
Friends of BW
ANTHONY "TONY" LAURIA, Miami Beach, Fla., died on November 20 (obituary not available at time of publication). He was a former BW Math and Computer Science professor for 18 years. He and wife, Pat Lauria '91, supported students through several scholarships and awards.
REV. DR. NEAL MALICKY, Olmsted Twp., died on November 22. He was president emeritus for Baldwin Wallace University, dedicating 25 years to BW, serving as president for 18 years, vice president for academic affairs for six years, and chancellor for one year.
james needham, The Villages, Fla., died on August 11. He taught economics and statistics at BW.