Class Notes

Class of 1958

Former Friends Faculty and Parent of Alumni, (Tammy Martin '98), Marge Gonzalez, recently reviewed

“A Steinway on the Beach, Wounds and Other Blessings” by Roger Rosenblatt '58.

A Steinway on the Beach is a series of meditations, whimsical musings, free

associations, and questions, both answered and unanswered, on the theme expressed

in the subtitle, that misfortunes may be fortunate. At the center is the author’s mind as it

meanders, fueled by events (such as the piano, which astoundingly washed up on the

beach) and remembrances both of lived events and of all the lore – literary, biblical and

historical—that this mind (and heart) has absorbed. Although the form feels free and

somewhat random, a closer look confirms that the topic of how the hurtful and the

helpful, both always present, are enmeshed in each other.

One insight came from Lewis Thomas, the renowned father of another Friends

writer, Abigail Thomas '59. He called our very existence a “wonderful mistake.” It is a

tenet of the theory of evolution, that species owe their existence to errors, or. wounds in

the terminology of the book, in our genetic makeup. Without mutations I guess we

would still be one-celled asexually reproduced organisms. The errors in DNA could

certainly be considered blessings if you happen to like being aware you are alive,

appreciate music, and take joy in thought. The quote behind this positive view of injury

is Rumi’s “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”

Free associations can get dark as beer becomes bier and morphs into a small

bier in Sudan, but mainly they are darkly fun and just as complicated and contradictory

as humankind tends to be. The beer-bier chain occurs in a riff on what the world is.

The world (turns out) “speaks your language. The world speaks no language, certainly

not yours….” Okay.

Vignettes introduce us to the author’s encounters with exemplary characters. He

meets Betty, a woman who sings on the street corners for change, when he volunteers

in a project to help the homeless. She claims an unlikely past of glamor. Yet she turns

up in an old issue of Life, dancing with Joe DiMaggio.

If I were having a chat with Roger Rosenblatt about this book, I would tell him

that throughout the book I kept thinking about Sartre. Some place in my long-ago

education I remember Sartre writing that man (which I believe in his mind included

people like me) was the hole in being. A hole, a wound, I guess it’s the same thing. The

idea is that what consciousness adds is the thought that there could possibly have been

nothing at all. Questions like where do we come from and why are we here don’t seem

to go on in the heads of other species. Nothingness is nowhere but in the human brain,

and we are blessed to be the hole (the wound) in being.

Class of 1959

We are sad to report that Keith Boyer '59 passed away on August 30, 2025. Keith’s obituary can be found here. We are holding Keith’s family and friends in the Light.

Class of 1963

As reported by Ellis Rubinstein '63

Leaving Friends, my first challenge was surviving the Sixties at UC, Berkeley: for example, the mercifully short LSD fad (I lost friends for a while because I wouldn't join them), and the grinding battle against the Establishment which didn't want us to speak on campus of the horrors of Vietnam or what was happening to black Americans in the South (I did join those protests).

After a year of graduate school, I was about to escape to Toronto to avoid the draft when I suddenly learned I would be deferred if I returned to my home town to teach in the schools. That led to 3 interesting years as a high school English teacher.

At 27, my real career began at last. Thanks to our demanding English teacher, Mr. Shank -- and the inspiring tutorship at UC Berkeley of the great English poet, Thom Gunn -- I could write. So I became a journalist working first for an engineering magazine and then in science. Within a decade, I was fortunate to bring two publications 3 National Magazine Awards, the Pulitzers in the American periodicals industry.

By then, I had become a Managing Editor, and I spent an exciting year at Newsweek as Senior Editor, News, during the exciting year when Gary Hart flamed out and Ronald Reagan was caught in the Iran-Contra scandal. Then I spent a thrilling decade as Editor of Science magazine.

Finally, for another 17 years, I was fortunate to be President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences where I managed to initiate global STEM programs for high school children and a Nobel-like prize for the most exceptional young scientists in the U.S., U.K. and Israel.

At 75, I retired and moved to Stockholm, Sweden, with my Swedish wife so we could live near our 2 Swedish daughters, their husbands and our 7 grandchildren. Here each morning, I write (unpublished) novels for fun. Who knows, maybe they'll appear someday on Amazon.

Class of 1964

As reported by Barbara Carey '64

We had an amazing trip to Africa in June, with stays in Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Large numbers of lions, including two full grown males with manes, and more hippos than I even thought existed, some of whom we viewed from a small motorboat at scarily close range. Interestingly, it was extremely cold (38 degrees) in some of the camps we stayed in. I seem to remember that back when we were learning (or not) geography from Mrs. Terrell, we were taught that Africa

was “backwards” because the hot weather “enervated” the population and held them back from the cultural development typical of European countries. Besides the racism inherent in this teaching, it’s just plain wrong. We were freezing!

I missed the last deadline for the Friends newsletter though some of our classmates had written in, so I sent the class the notes from those who had written in, with the promise of sending them again to the online newsletter.

Jonathan Cerf '64 writes, I had a health issue last year on the day after Christmas. My heart stopped beating, and I died. Luckily for me, I died in a good place. There were doctors and nurses nearby, who were able to bring me back to life. My death was completely unexpected and completely painless. One minute I was helping myself to a drink from a water cooler, and from my point of view, in the very next moment I was lying on a stretcher in a strange hospital surrounded by people I had never seen before.

I have no memories at all of what death was like. My life did not flash before my eyes in my last moments. It was all simply a complete blank, like a dreamless sleep. I hope my next experience of dying and death will be as painless and easy. I am sorry to have died without having first told you all how very valuable your friendship has been to me. I resolved not to make that same mistake during my second time around. Jonathan reports that after a bit of heart surgery he remains alive today.

Mark Deyrup '64 writes, Greetings from the Archbold Biological Station in Florida! I retired 7 years ago, but the World is so full of amazing things that I hardly noticed. Nancy and I are beginning to write up a big project, one that will seem bizarre to most people. If you walk about in the woods you will notice (or maybe ignore) lots of dead branches, twigs, and even dead logs. While these look dead, they are often full of life. Dead wood is a major source of biological diversity. For the last seven years we have been working almost full time to demonstrate this.

Deadwood insects are important as decomposers, recycling dead trees and branches. They also help remove the lower branches of trees when the tree has started to shade out some of its lower branches: the tree cuts off water, then insects bore into the branch, carrying with them decomposer fungi. A clean, pillar-like tree trunk is the result of the tree, insects, and fungi all working together. Many birds (think woodpeckers) and small animals feed on the insects in dead wood. Some deadwood insect species pollinate native plants, as we have shown in our research. The insects themselves are usually attractive seen close up, like the fly and beetle in my attached drawings (colored scratchboard). The colors and curious morphological features displayed by deadwood insects are all adaptations to their way of life, although often nobody knows how these adaptations function; insects live in their own world that is

difficult for us to understand.

There are a lot of these insects. Here at the Biological Station, we have found 758 species of insects that are dependent on dead wood. I don't think there is another comprehensive study of the deadwood insect community at any other site in this country—no surprise there, it takes a gigantic amount of work, and it is not like the government is going to give a grant to study all these critters. Consequently, deadwood insects are not particularly well known, especially the smaller species. We have found dozens of species that are undescribed, that is, scientists have not previously found them and assigned them names (such species are often called “new species,” but they have generally been around for millions of years). Earlier in my career if I discovered an undescribed species, say an ant or a grasshopper, I would usually pause to describe it, but at age 78 there’s not enough time, I need to get on with writing up the project.

Is the general level of ignorance about the community of deadwood insects a problem? Maybe so. If we knew more about the intricate systems of decomposition in forests, we might not take these systems for granted and might even refrain from messing them up. One thing is for sure: if forests could speak, they would boast of their efficient methods of waste disposal and recycling, in such contrast to our own species’

abysmal record in that regard. On a more positive note, it should enhance the enjoyment of a stroll through the woods if we realize that dead branches and logs are not actually dead, but amazing generators of biological diversity.

Susie Localio '64 writes, I realize that at almost 79 I am incredibly lucky to be able to hike up into the

mountains to revel in wildflowers and distant peaks and huge skies. Last Thursday I went with my old lady hiking group up to Buckhorn Pass. 14 miles round trip but on a smooth trail and never very steep so it sounds more challenging than it is. The wildflowers! So many different kinds. I find in the mountains the peace that is missing in our national life. I did go with a neighbor to our local NO KING event which was actually almost joyful! My sign read “Trump is not a king, just a crook from Queens.” I liked the alliteration. There were kids and dogs and someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty. I have never been one to go to protests but this was a celebration of our commitment to the idea of democracy and respect and decency. It felt good.

Jonathan Nareff '64 writes, Being fully retired most days I’m not too busy. I do volunteer at the Red Cross

one day a week. Lately, I’ve attended several No King rallies and I expect to go to more. My grandson graduated from junior college this spring and my granddaughter graduated from high school so that level of family is moving forward. We just got back from a trip to the West - seeing Mt Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone National park with all sorts of sites, and animals, Old Faithful, and all sort of other sites in SD,

Wyoming, Montana, A great trip even if very tiring. If you haven’t been out to that area I would recommend that you do.

Jill Ross Stewart '64 writes, I have nothing momentous to report but have had a great year with my

grandchildren as they continue to grow up as teenagers and one now in college. It’s such a blessing to go to concerts, swim meets, lacrosse and field hockey games.

Christine (Tina) Hehmeyer Rosso '64 writes, David and I (who just celebrated our 47th anniversary) haven’t done much traveling since the pandemic. We are in Sailfish Point, our community in Florida, for the winter, where I practically run a family hotel. 17 distinct visitors with a total of 27 visits (some people came twice). Even my brother Alex (Sandy Hehmeyer '60) came to visit from California. I love it… it’s so much fun to actually live with people for a few days and really catch up with what they are doing. Then back to Chicago for the summer, where we spend a lot of time with the 7,5, and 2 year olds. Plus their parents of course, although David and I will be taking care of the two-year-old for the 4th of July weekend while my son, Mark, and his wife Larissa are in London for a wedding. My knees aren’t what they used to be, but the little girl is an easy toddler. My son still co-manages a closed hedge fund and my daughter is General Counsel for InterPark. That’s all for now. I hope everyone is in passably good health and cheerful spirit during these complicated times.

Louise Walsh '64 writes, We participated in an Ireland Study Tour (“The Art and Poetry of Revolution”) sponsored by Cornell, my grad school alma mater. Being Irish to the bone, I felt a connection to ancestors I know so little about.

Starting and ending in Dublin, we covered Belfast, Sligo, Derry, Donegal, Galway, the Atlantic Causeway and the Aran Islands (not in that order). In Belfast, we felt the ongoing tensions evidenced by large political murals and posters along the streets. Union Jacks flying on one side of the river, A Roman Catholic conclave on the other. The Republic of Ireland is in the Euro Zone so that was fun for us Francophiles. N. Ireland uses pounds and dollars, also appreciated. We had virtually no time in Galway and the bus rides felt interminable over long, hilly and curvy, and narrow bumpy roads. However, we fell in love with our Dublin bus driver who drove us around the Emerald Isle, and our two tour guides—one an Irish historian and Cornell prof who learned on our trip she was promoted from adjunct to full professor. So we celebrated Kate McCullough’s upgrade constantly. And I rediscovered my love of poetry, recalling poems memorized as a child—Walt Whitman’s “O Captain, My Captain,” multiple Dorothy Parker ditties, Wordsworth’s “Lines Above Tintern Abbey” (sections) and my lifelong effort to memorize T.S. Eliot’s “The Love song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” not just the first half. I’m uncovering poems now I wrote in my teens. And of course ones in The Stove, our FS literary magazine. We loved our Ireland trip.

Earlier this year, we took a riverboat trip on the Danube from Passau to Budapest, many stops on the way. No bumpy bus rides. Travel while you can.

Class of 1974

We are sad to report that Thomas Morley '74 passed away on September 20, 2023. Thomas’ obituary can be found here. We are holding Thomas’ family and friends in the Light.

Class of 1977

Heidi Reavis '77 gave Alumni Director, Michael Mudho a tour of her firm’s law office in Manhattan.

Class of 1985

We are sad to report that Shelly Levin '85 passed away on August 1, 2025. A memorial is being organized by classmates and is scheduled to take place in the Meetinghouse on Saturday, November 22 at 11 AM. Please contact Josh Isay '87 for more information.

Class of 1986

Heather Cross '86’s new book, “Amanda” was published last month. On Thursday, November 13 at 7pm, Heather will be reading from the book alongside novelist Sheila Kohler at the Community Bookstore in Brooklyn.

Class of 1990

Left to right: (Lute Breuer '93, Arya Shirazi '93, Dave Zirin '92 and Lateef Bost '90) met over the summer to catch up.

Class of 1991

Lee Shapiro '91 is featured in the August issue of White Hot Magazine of Contemporary Art in the article entitled, “The Artist, the Curator, the Therapist, and his Patient.” Click here to read the story.

Class of 1998

Andrew Sullivan '98’s Linkedin article entitled, “AI and the Pursuit of Ethical Clarity” explores how Jesuit and Quaker Practices can guide the use of artificial intelligence. The article can be read here.

Class of 2018

Lucas Ansel '18, “The 12 Inch Pianist,” Rhode Island School of Design, won an Academy Award for Animation at the 52nd Student Academy Awards Recipient for Animation. Click here to read and learn more about Lucas’ work.

Class of 2005

We are sad to report that Melissa Perez-Colon '05 passed away on October 7, 2025. A tribute from Melissa’s close friend and Friends Alumni, Sarai Narvaez '04 is shared here:

Melissa Colón passed away suddenly on the morning of October 7, 2025. Melissa was a strong, opinionated force of nature. Full of hopes and dreams, her life was cut short after a long battle with Lupus. Though Melissa battled illness for many years she did not let that stand in her way. She lived life to the best of her ability, sharing laughs and love. Melissa was a devoted and loyal mother, wife, friend, and colleague. Melissa would not want you to cry for her absence, but to celebrate the time that was shared. Melissa leaves behind her beautiful daughter Sofia (4) and her husband Will, along with countless friends and other extended family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, 11 AM at 519 Mabe Drive in Woodbine, MD 21797. Memorial contributions may be made here. We are holding Melissa’s family and friends in the Light.

Class of 2021

Dance Teacher Barry Blumenfeld (pictured above) recently had dinner with his former students Mia Gigante '21, Josey Cuthrell-Tuttleman '21 (Pictured on the right). Josey was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and will be in Berlin, Germany for the next nine months to research a movie she'd like to make about Isadora Duncan's (considered one of the founders of the modern dance) original dance students.

Class of 2025

August Castelli '25 on move in day at Amherst College.

Class of 2025 Alumni move in day at Colgate University, Julian Joseloff '25, Sacha Tracy '25, Vallie Torres '25 and Della Stern '25.

Esme Townsend '25 and Simon Friedman '25 on move in day at Northwestern University.

Dalya Amouyal '25 on move in day at Tulane University.