Class Notes

Class of 1961

Nancy Strong Weyant '61 treated Celia Bonomi '25 (Bucknell University) for lunch in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Class of 1962

Kansas State University President, Dr. Richard H. Linton, recently awarded Randy Nichols '62 Emeritus status.

Class of 1966

Friends alum, Andy Chen '91 treated Judy Anderson '66 to a flight around the city to celebrate her “realignment”.

Class of 1970

Martha Burns '70 stopped by 16th street for a tour of the School.

Class of 1971

As reported by Laura Ward '71

Multiple congratulations are in order. Susan Strauss Hurwitz '71 reports that her younger daughter, Annie, and her husband Peter gave birth to a baby girl in August 2024. They live in Houston and are the proud parents of a 5 year old son, a three and a half year old daughter, and the aforementioned fifteen month. Susan’s daughter, Leigh, is a curator and librarian for Brooklyn’s public libraries. On a sad note, Susan writes that it is hard to believe that her husband Harlan Hurwitz '65 has been gone for more than five years. In June, Margaret (Margarita) Alban '71 received the 2025 Community Impact Award from her local League of Women Voters, in Greenwich Connecticut. Margarita has been a dedicated volunteer in the Greenwich community for over 30 years. She joined its Planning and Zoning Commission in 2006 and has been its leader since 2018. I had the pleasure of reading Deborah Hauer Schwartz '71’s newly released novel “EmmaCare” a gripping legal, medical, and corporate thriller that dives deep into the dark underbelly of the healthcare insurance industry. This thought-provoking novel tackles the consequences of prioritizing profit over people’s health, unraveling a suspenseful story of greed, power, and redemption. The book is available on Amazon. By the way, if you have not read Deborah’s first book, “Woman On Top,” I recommend that as well. Talara Hoss '71 is living in Aurora, Colorado. She continues to dance and just opened her fifth (and hopefully last, dance studio). I love the name 'DANCETRUTH' which is quite striking in this day and age.

Kate (Katherine) Johns '71 writes that she and Jason Shaw '71 continue to love living by the sea in Massachusetts. While retired, Jason chairs the town’s Planning Board; Kate serves as their town’s Historical Commission chair. Kate continues to engage in some architectural design work, “but only the fun part.” Kate and Jason spend a lot of time with their three grandsons in the Hudson Valley and as much time as they can with their granddaughter in California. They exercise, with the goal of remaining healthy. They enjoy cultural offerings that Boston has to offer. They took a walking tour in the Cotswolds. 

Todd (Robert) Neilson '71 writes that he has been enjoying travel and most recently went to Slovenia and the Dolomites.

Jack Arning '71 recently finished renovating his apartment, which has been in the Arning family since the late 1960s. He wants to sell it. If you or anyone you know is looking for a four bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment in Manhattan, contact Jack. He wants to stay in the building in a smaller unit. 

Donna Rich '71 continues to work remotely on a part time basis as a therapist She also offers grief counseling in her town. Her son, Daniel, and his wife, Rachel, had a courthouse wedding in Portland, Maine. Their follow-up celebration was an “intimate very sweet gathering” Rachel’s boss offered the use of her amazing property for the post ceremony celebration, enabling the couple to share their good fortune with all their friends.

Robert Tatum '71 writes that he and his wife, Stephanie, live in Knoxville, Tennessee and just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have four children between them, one of whom has three children ages 12, 10, and 7. The two oldest are girls and the youngest a boy. The grandchildren live 15 minutes from Bob, so he is able to see them a lot. Bob practiced OB/GYN medicine and retired 2 years ago, 40 years to the day he began practicing. He currently volunteers teaching at a faith based clinic two days a month. Bob and his wife are active in a “very special non denominational, evangelical church.” He and his wife enjoy traveling and Bob continues to pursue his photography. 

Laura Ward '71 was made a New York State Supreme Court Justice, in June, 2024, by governor Kathy Hochul. In September, 2025, she took her partner, Henry Berger, to Africa to celebrate his 80th birthday. Laura visited South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe with her sister Carolyn Ward '74 in 2014. This year she visited South Africa and Kenya. Everyone should experience a safari in Africa at least once in their lifetime.

Class of 1978

As reported by Ellen Lourie '78

I am excited to share a milestone event. My daughter, Miranda Shulman's novel, “Harmless” will be coming out on April 14th 2026. Harmless is available for preorder here.  

Class of 1984

Last month Charles K. Rosenberg '84 generously donated art supplies to the School.

Class of 1987

On November 22, 20225 friends and family from the Class of 1987 held a memorial service for beloved classmate, Shelly Ann Levin '87 in the Meetinghouse.

Class of 1991

Erica Fyvie '91’s new children's book, “The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy” was recently published. It is available for purchase here.

Class of 1995

Ronah Harris '95 shared the following in memoriam for former Head of School, Rich Eldridge:

When I think back on my time at Friends Seminary, I think of Rich Eldridge. He was the Head of School when I attended, but to me he was also a mentor and one of the first adults who truly saw me.

Without Rich, I imagine I might have moved through the world quietly, unsure of my own voice. But one day during meeting for worship Rich heard me speak, it was an impromptu reflection I felt moved to share with my peers. As an upper schooler I forgot adults were also listening and I was surprised when he stopped me afterward and encouraged me to consider myself a public speaker. He had no idea what he would awaken.

The very first time I spoke to a crowd was in the meeting house. For the past twenty years I have been an educator and as a leader in my industry I’ve lectured to thousands of learners and built a career helping others find their confidence, their voices, and their power. Every time I stand before an audience, I can trace that moment back to Rich’s simple invitation: “You should speak more.”

After graduation, Rich remained a mentor I could turn to when the world felt big and intimidating. He taught me to ask questions, to connect with authority rather than fear it, and to trust my own inner voice. Those lessons helped me navigate institutions that once felt closed to me.

I grew up without my father, and trusting men didn’t come easily. But Rich was one of the men who helped me learn what trust could look like: grounded, kind, and respectful. When I decided to go to graduate school, he wrote recommendation letters on my behalf, opening doors that reshaped the course of my life.

I wrote to him several years ago, when he was already in decline, to tell him how much he had meant to me. But I want to say it again here: Rich Eldridge changed my life. He gave me permission to believe that my voice mattered. For that, I am deeply grateful.

Class of 2000

Congratulations to Homer Steinweiss '00 and Mariana Alexander '07 on the birth of their new baby.

Class of 2004

Legacy Russell '04 has been appointed to Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani’s Arts and Culture Transition Committee and has been recognized as a 2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader. Click here to read more.

Class of 2005

Last month, Phil Brest '05, a veteran of the judicial confirmation battles, was named on Wednesday as the new president of the American Constitution Society, a leading progressive organization active on legal issues nationwide.

Class of 2007

Mariana Alexander '07 has joined Friends Seminary’s Board of Trustees.

Class of 2011

Soren Hope '11’s artwork was featured in The Brooklyn Rail Magazine. Click here to read more.

Class of 2012

Helen Rouner '12, an Editor at Penguin Press, was recently named Publishers Weekly’s Star Watch “Superstar” in 2025. Her list includes books by Spencer Ackerman, Max Chafkin, Lauren Christensen, Michael Clune, Bruce Feiler, Mark Ford, and Ernest Freeberg, among others, and she works on the Significations series curated by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Class of 2014

Reuben Gordon '14’s art was recently on exhibit at the 81 Leonard Gallery. Click here to read more.

Class of 2019

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of Abram Goren '19. Abram passed away on October 23, 2025. We are holding Abram’s family and friends in the Light.