Class Notes & News
1960s
Kenneth Emil Scheck '63 and Maggie Newsome Scheck, writing as MK Scheck, announce the publication of "The Deadly Pearls of Josephine" the second in the Hippolyte Maxwell Mystery Series. Find it on Amazon where books are sold. Hip Maxwell never knows who'll wash up on the island of Martinique next. This time it's a woman with a problem she can't take to the police — her valuable pearl necklace and her no good boyfriend have disappeared. Join Hip for a mayhem, sunshine and run-soaked adventure in the French tropics. Follow them on Facebook as MK Scheck and on Instagram as m k scheck. (8/23)
Linda Kosek Daly ’65 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National American Society of Interior Designers. She had done Hospitality Design of Ye Old Temperance House in Newtown PA and the Doylestown Inn and restaurants in Doylestown PA. Linda had studied Historic Preservation and applied what she learned when designing the Inns. More recently she has been designing interiors for “high end” residences. She is currently being asked to design Transitional and even Contemporary interiors. Linda loves what she does and has no plans for retirement. (6/24)
A group of 1969 AOPi’s gather yearly on Cape Cod. From left: Cissie Martin Willets '69, Karen Brown McCahill '69, Susan Thomas Denton '69, Linda Ayres '69, Bonnie Strayer Leach '69, and Marjorie Jones Madera '69. (6/24)
Peter and Ginna Joslin ’69 are retired and split their time between their North Ga. mountain home and Isleaway — the family farm on an island off the coast of Maine. They enjoy sailing, pulling lobsters out of the pots, organic gardening, watching the grandkids play sports and being active in their church. They hope this update finds everyone well and look forward to their next class reunion. (11/23)
1970s
Former teammates Peter Boggs '72 and Greg Lane '74, 4x MVP's, 2x National Championship Runner's Up, met up in Inverness, Scotland. Boggs was recognized as the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation, Honorable Saltir Lacrosse Laird of Scotland. Peter's wife Gail McPherson Boggs '73, another WC alumnus, joined them. (6/24)
Suzie Duffin '76 has "finally" moved to St. Augustine - her place in the sun! She is looking forward to seeing all her WC friends in '26 at their 50th reunion. (6/24)
1980s
Leslie Lighton-Humphreys '82 was recently promoted to Senior Manager, Compliance and Process Management at Cencora, the 2023 Fortune 11 company. She leads the global ISO IT CSV & SQA team responsible for ensuring internal secure supply chain computerized solutions affecting or in support of patient health and safety are compliant with pharmaceutical industry GxP regulations. (11/23)
Forty years of Fabulous! Kelly Hardesty Phipps '84 and her father Bernard "Bo" Hardesty '62 recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their restaurant The Narrows, in Grasonville Maryland. Friends, family and favorite customers came and celebrated this momentous occasion. Kelly started working at the restaurant when it very first opened in 1983, even bar tending on her graduation day immediately after convocation! She has been going strong ever since and now manages the family owned and operated business. (6/24)
Mary Helen Sprecher '86 has written three textbooks on the construction and maintenance of sport-specific facilities which, as everyone knows, makes for fascinating cocktail party conversation. But she also caught this great fish on a business trip. (12/23)
Lynn (Burris) '89 & Tony Caligiuri '90 celebrated their 32 wedding anniversary this year after meeting at WC in 1986. They both work in land conservation in Colorado where they relocated in 2014, enjoying a new chapter living in the Rocky Mountains. (12/23)
1990s
Erin Murphy '90 published a new book of poetry, Fluent in Blue (Grayson Books) in April 2024. Murphy is the author or editor of thirteen previous books. She is professor of English at Penn State University, Altoona College, and serves as Penn State's inaugural Mellon Academic Leadership Fellow for the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Website: www.erin-murphy.com (6/24)
Rich Wood '91, John Kircher '91, Cliff Schroeder '91, and Chris Deegan '89 gather for a picture in celebration of Rich Wood's son enrolling at WC. (5/23)
Roxanne Beaver '93 published her first Middle-Grade fantasy book! Sasquatch is available online via Amazon and in select Barnes & Noble stores. Additional locations and languages to come! (11/23)
Yvette Hyson '93 was just signed to JaMaAa Love Records as a recording artist, and her single, "More Than Yesterday" was released in May 2024. (6/24)
Ciaran O'Keeffe '94 is Head of School at BNU (Buckinghamshire New University). He is responsible for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Psychology; Education; Social Science; Sport & Exercise Science; Criminology; Sports Therapy. He also leads Parapsychology research and teaching — a subject which he frequently discusses in the media. Recent media projects have included BBC Radio 4's "The Battersea Poltergeist"; "The Witch Farm"; "Uncanny" and an upcoming series, "Uncanny TV" for BB2 (due out in the Fall). He'll also be touring live in the Fall with the "Uncanny Tour." Many of these paranormal media projects have come off the back of his successful co-authored text on haunting experiences, Ghosted! (6/23)
Anna Gruber Kiefer-Douglas '99 moved to Winston-Salem, NC, and remarried in 2021. She's an English teacher and newspaper adviser at Mount Tabor High School-- and she continues to adjunct (online, History) at Laurel Ridge Community College in Virginia's lower Shenandoah Valley. (6/24)
2000s
Kristin Van Eron Erdman '01 is working as a Programs Manager at the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets at the Robert H. Smith School for Business at University of Maryland. The WC Career Center, specifically Georgina Bliss, was pivotal in helping her comb through jobs and prep for her virtual interviews. (6/24)
Stephanie Fowler '01 is working on her third book and hopes to publish it before the end of the year. Her independent publishing company - Salt Water Media in downtown Berlin, Maryland - just celebrated its tenth anniversary and Stephanie and her team are looking forward to their eleventh! (6/24)
Jackie Smith Kuleszynski '04 is enjoying life as a mom of two; her daughter Laina turns 4 in June and her son Leon will be 18 months old in July. Jackie celebrated 6 years working at Hearst Magazines in March. (6/24)
Jennifer Daley Nesaw '04 was recently promoted to Program Manager at the Johns Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth. She manages the Math Academy for Promising Scholars which is an acceleration remediation program. She also just adopted the cutest little fur baby, Henry River Nesaw. (6/24)
Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski '04 completed her Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership at the University of Colorado, Boulder this summer. She's working in public land management as the Deputy Communications Director for the Bureau of Land Management Colorado State Office. (6/24)
Erin Kube '05 completed her PhD in Counseling Psychology (2016) and became board certified in Geropsycholgy (2022) through the American Board of professional Psychology (ABPP). She also got married on June 5th, 2021 to Jordan Snittjer. They currently live in Chicago with their yellow lab, Douglas. (6/24)
Darren Colananni ’07 and his wife Kristen welcomed their second daughter, Gianna, to the world on December
17, 2022. In addition to reporting mega girl-dad power, Darren was just named Partner
of his wealth management firm, Centurion Wealth Management. He was recently named
a Top Wealth Advisor in Northern Virginia Magazine and awarded the 5 Star Wealth Advisor
again. For the last year he has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and other
news publications on a variety of financial topics. (8/23)
Hilary Sama Wagner '07 moved from Chicago to Los Angeles last year. She and her husband, Nick, have a two-year-old son, James (Jamie). Hilary completed her master's in public health at Johns Hopkins University in 2017. She works for a public policy research firm and specializes in helping the Federal and state governments improve food assistance programs. (6/24)
Carin Janet Golze '09 was recently appointed as Magistrate for the Circuit Court for Frederick County, Maryland. She presides over domestic cases, juvenile delinquency, matters, and Children in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases. (6/24)
2010s
Genevieve Macfarlane '10 was named Partner at the Law Offices of Stevens Palmer, LLC in Centreville, Maryland. Her practice areas include real estate and land use law. (6/24)
Daniel Pierce '10 finished his first full Ironman distance triathlon in Sacramento, CA in October 2022, along with 18 fellow Golden Gate Triathlon Club members. (6/24)
In January 2024, Tina Gardner '11 adopted a 1 year labrador/coonhound puppy named Elroy! Elroy comes from a rural shelter in South Carolina where adoptions are scarce. Since joining the family, Elroy has gone through puppy school at Sit Means Sit and has made so many new friends. He is such a good boy and Tina is so happy Puppy Paws Rescue Inc- Maryland brought them together. (6/24)
Kelsey Newborn Chapman '12 completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Therapies and disability inclusive research methods at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Australia, where she is now working as a research fellow. (6/24)
Kyle Dixon '13 was recently recognized for ten years of full-time service with Harford County Public Schools. He teaches grades 6-8 life skills special education at Southampton Middle School. Before that, he taught at Havre de Grace High School for several years. In May 2023, he was appointed to the City of Havre de Grace Historic Preservation Commission. He was also recently interviewed in connection to his senior capstone thesis, which he had written while attending Washington College, titled "Standing in the Schoolhouse Door: The Desegregation of Public Schools in Cecil County, Maryland, 1954-1965." Joe Piner is creating this documentary, which tells the story of students who attended Elkton, Maryland's formerly segregated George Washington Carver School. (6/24)
Katie Bradley McShane '13 and her husband, Charlie McShane '13, now have three beautiful daughters! (6/24)
Erin Veloso Franco '13 has gone back to school to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner! Her projected graduation date is spring 2025. (6/24)
Gabriella Rojas '13 and her husband welcomed their first baby! They also started a business designing and installing Ponds & Waterfalls! They are Oasis Water Gardens. (6/24)
In the past 3 years, Becca Fenzel Blazejak '14 and her husband have built their forever home on the Shore. She found a wonderful job where she is proud to say that she can make a difference, her and her husband had a beautiful baby boy and they will be expecting a baby girl the end of the summer. (6/24)
Amanda Boyer '14 started a new job as the Facilities Assistant at County College of Morris. She will be holding this job in tandem with her Office Manager position for a roofing contractor she started last year. (6/24)
After receiving the Fulbright Scholarship at WC, Charllotte Costa '14 lived in Mexico for the past 9 years working as an English teacher and English Coordinator in various private schools. Charllotte and her family have recently relocated to Buckhannon, West Virginia for Charllotte's husband's job. They just welcomed their second baby to the world on December 5th. Charllotte is now a stay at home mom who helps a school in Mexico with its English program in her free time. (6/24)
Nearly 10 years after graduating, Christina Eliades '14 decided to go back to school and in two years she's going to be a veterinarian! (6/24)
Katie Ridgeway Kropkowski '14 is married and a mother to two beautiful little girls, Gracie and Lilliana, born in June 2021 and July 2023. She has been working for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland for 10 years. She and her family are Harford County residents. (6/24)
Olivia Hughes '15 has a new job! She started working for the Washington Department of Natural Resources as an IT Application Developer in January of 2023. She moved to Washington for this job and has been really enjoying the Pacific Northwest. (6/24)
Dede Eveland Pardee '15 started a new job with Affiliate Sante Group as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. (6/24)
Nicole Schuyler '15 got engaged, moved to Florida, and started a new job. (6/24)
On her birthday, November 15, Jenna Chirico-Berman '16 and her husband, Marc, welcomed their beautiful daughter Sophia to the world! (6/24)
Anna Windle DiPaola '16 received her PhD from the University of MD Center for Environmental Science, married Joe DiPaola '15, and is doing postdoc at NASA Goddard. (6/24)
Brianna Jehl '16 earned her PhD in child clinical psychology from UMBC and completed her residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. She will be completing a fellowship in pediatric pain psychology at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. (6/24)
Patrick Thomson '16 got married in June 2024! (6/24)
Ali Nolan Colby '17 has a lot of news - she graduated from law school in 2020, married Harrison Colby in 2021, and they welcomed a baby boy, Tommy, in 2022, and a baby girl Madison in 2023. In 2023, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while she was pregnant with Madison and out on bed rest. Now they are both totally healthy and Ali is cancer free! While she was on bed rest she continued working as an attorney and won a case in a published opinion from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and then won again at the Supreme Court of the United States. Ali started a new job as a commercial construction and development litigation attorney with a law firm based out of Houston this week. She says she misses WC all the time and wonders how everyone is doing. She hopes to connect with some WC alum soon. (6/24)
Kristin LaLone Kelley '17 bought her first house in Sudlersville with her husband, David Kelley, a Kent County native. They were married September 24, 2022 at Great Oak Manor. (6/24)
Ellen Maxwell '17 of the women's swimming team, and Brian Wilkinson '17 of the men's soccer team, who were both captains of their respective teams, got married October 28th 2023 with many members of both teams in attendance. They made so many forever friends at WAC and even had a teammate (Pat Elliott '17 of the men's swimming team) as their officiant. (6/24)
Nicholas Stewart '17 is excited to have been promoted to Director of Competitive Employment Services for Abilis in Greenwich, CT. Nicholas and his team support adults with intellectual developmental disabilities from birth to death. Nicholas specifically supports those adults who are working, volunteering or seeking employment. (6/24)
Autumn Spence McCloskey '18 got married & had a baby boy! (6/24)
Jeffrey Wrobel '18 recently competed in the B More Global Patterson Park home brew competition along with Max Ruehrmund '13. They entered an Apricot Pale Ale for the category of specialties and fruit beers. The beer name was the Star Spangled Sipper. They came in Second place. (6/24)
Kelly Valette '18 moved back to Maryland and got her dream job working at a private high school in Annapolis as a high school college counselor! She wants to say thank you to the WC admissions office for preparing her to take on this role! (6/24)
Matt Aubin '19 completed a Masters in Autism at Towson University. He became a special education teacher in Howard County Maryland. He is the Wilde Lake Soccer head coach and the Atholton High School head baseball coach. Matt won special education teacher of the year, and coached in two Maryland state championship games (baseball & soccer). (6/24)
Amanda Clem '19 won the "Outstanding Contribution to Student Life" Award from the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at Salisbury University. (6/24)
2020s
Vincent Pacheco '21 moved back to Baltimore, and is working in government affairs for the department of human services.
Caitlyn Creasey '20 got a new job teaching dance! (6/24)
Alexis Young '20 graduated from law school this past May, took and passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam in July, and began her legal career in November as an associate at a law firm in Philadelphia! (6/24)
The summer after Nathaniel Neuland '21 and Najeyah Altamimi '21 graduated from Washington College, they got married. Nathaniel is now a medical student at George Washington University and Najeyah graduated with her Masters in Environmental Biology from Hood College. She has now achieved her dream of working as an Environmental Biologist for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission! They would like to thank Washington College for where they are now. (6/24)
Nina Daddario '22 recently started a new job at Guardant Heath. Her company provides minimally invasive liquid biopsies to breast, lung, and colorectal cancer patients and have reached over 550 million patients. (6/24)
Teresa Draves '22 has been attending the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in DC for the last year and a half. She is officially halfway done with Law School! While in DC she has volunteered at ProBono clinics and worked at the US Office of Special Counsel. Recently, she accepted a Law Clerkship for the 2024 summer with the Department of Navy's Office of General Counsel, which she is very excited for. She has engaged in many exciting opportunities since moving here, and said she owes WAC a huge thank you for preparing her. (6/24)
Emily Dunsmore '23 started a new job as one of the Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Members at the American Chestnut Land Trust in Prince Frederick, MD! (6/24)
Faithlin Hunter '23 recently moved to San Jose, California with her partner Evan McCarthy '22. They met at WAC! Faithlin is excited to announce that she started her first position post-graduation! She is the Office Coordinator for West Valley College's MESA program. Evan is working in Silicon Valley for a Japanese networking manufacturer, Allied Telesis. (6/24)
Gabriella Scorsone '23 is currently a Case Manager at Bright Harbor Healthcare. She is pursuing a Master in Social Work this fall at Stockton University. (6/24)
Leann Standridge '23 is a horse back riding instructor and trainer in Chestertown. She loves her job and the relationships she gets to build with her kiddos. In her free time, Leann is still riding at home and spending time with her horses, dogs, and family. (6/24)
Cristal Wright '13 and her husband eloped in August 2021 to Ireland for an intimate wedding ceremony. They were married in Minard Castle by an Irish officiant who has been performing traditional Irish wedding ceremonies for decades. (6/24)
Ryan Mckim '20 and Natalia Nagy '20 got married in April 2023! They are currently living in Cincinnati with our dog, Max. (6/24)
Virginia Nock Hague '41 PM'79 of Millington, MD, died on February 5, 2023, at the age of 102. She majored in Latin at Washington College and was a member of the Chester River Yacht and Country Club and the 1782 Club. Hague was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the beach, wildlife, and her pets. Survivors include her daughters, Diane, Merilyn, and Linda M'79; her grandchildren; and her faithful cat "Tabby."
Annabelle Sunderland Kepler '44 died on January 2, 2023. She and her husband, Atlee C. Kepler '42, both attended Washington College.
Irma Rogers Lore '44, of El Paso, Texas, died on June 9, 2022. She majored in chemistry at WC. She is survived by her loving children, Patricia, Thomas, and Randolph; her dearest grandchildren, Nicholas, Alex, Jason, Aaron, Colleen, Kasey, and Tara; and has two great-grandchildren on the way.
Randolph T. Faulkner '45 died on November 8, 2022. He attended Washington College before joining the U.S. Army.
Dorothea Miller Linley '46, of Easton, Connecticut, a biology major, passed away on October 6, 2023.
Sophie L. Jones Smith '46 died on January 24, 2022. She had a career in teaching and is survived by her children, Ben, John, and Gillian.
Dr. Frederick W. Shillinger '47 died on January 31, 2022. Showing early intellectual promise, he was awarded an academic scholarship and entered Washington College at the age of 16.
Emma M. "Grace" McCabe McCool '48, of Elkton, Maryland, died on November 17, 2023. At Washington College, she met the love of her life, Ralph W. McCool '49, a returning WWII D-Day Veteran. They married and raised three sons. McCool was a proud 40-year founding member of the esteemed "That" Bridge Club, a local institution in Elkton with twice-monthly games and a lengthy waiting list. She was also a member of the Cecil County Board of Elections and a beloved substitute school teacher. An astute genealogist, she was an active member fo the Daughters of the American Revolution and a proud American who referred to herself as a Delawarean by birth. She is survived by her three children, Geoffrey, Ralph, and Findlay; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her brother Vernon.
James R. Wright '48 P'81 died on February 21, 2022. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington College and went on to a career as a chemist.
Doris Wheatley Phillips '49 died on April 17, 2023. She majored in chemistry at Washington College.
Julian A. Dorf '49 died on June 2, 2022. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington College and served with honor in combat for the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Frances Steffens Doherty '49 died on August 1, 2022. She met her husband of 64 years, James E. Doherty '47, while attending Washington College.
E. Rankin Lusby '50, of Kennedyville, Maryland, died on August 2, 2023. After graduating from Washington College, he farmed with his father until being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955. Later, he worked as a 4-H agent, then for the Maryland Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Lusby devoted many years of his life to serving his community through rotary, his church, and the Maryland Farm Bureau. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy Carole; children, Kimberly and Kyle; and grandchildren, Lena and Owen.
Walter L. Roney '50 died February 19, 2022. He attended Washington College after serving in the Marine Corps.
M. Rogers Smith '51 died on January 25, 2022. He majored in economics and history (magna cum laude) at Washington College and served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Don C. Freeman '51 died on May 17, 2022. After graduating from Washington College, he established a law practice in Suitland, Maryland. He ran the practice for more than 40 years.
Donald F. McHugh '53 died October 19, 2022. He majored in business and went on to be a financial planner for Pioneer Fund in Boston, Massachusetts, for 20 years.
Charles Waesche Jr. '53 of Rock Hall, Maryland, died on August 18, 2023. A history major, during his time at Washington College, he was known as "Chuck." Waesche was a member of the lacrosse team and the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a tremendous champion and volunteer for his alma mater. He is survived by his wife, Gail, and his daughters, Carol and Diane.
David Ellsworth Boyd '54 of White Hall, Maryland, died on January 17, 2024. After earning his bachelor's degree from Washington College, he earned a master's in education and, in the mid-1960s, joined the education department at what is now Towson University, retiring in 1991. He combined his professional life with a love of the sea and writing articles on shipwrecks, becoming hooked on scuba diving and writing articles for Skin Diver Magazine and later Underwater USA, NUMA News, Northeast Dive News, and Sport Diver magazine. He frequently spoke at dive and shipwreck conventions and wrote travel pieces for the old Sunday Sun Magazine. In addition to his teaching, diving, and writing, he spearheaded Property Taxpayer United, an organization that fought rises in property taxes. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catherine Anne Panzarella, two daughters, and five grandchildren.
Thomas C. Hofstetter '54 of Aiken, South Carolina, died on June 14, 2022. He earned his degree in history from Washington College and went on to attend the University of Maryland Law School. He enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and promoting the arts in retirement. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Sally; sister, Joyce; children, Thomas and Kimberly; and five grandsons.
Thomas L. Bounds '55 P'83 died January 4, 2022. He met his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Reichlin Bounds '57, while attending Washington College.
Sue Samuels Flory '55 P'82 died on May 18, 2022. She earned her degree in biology from Washington College and is survived by her sisters, Anne '59 and Joan '59; and her children, Deborah '82, Scott, Michael, and David.
Donald S. Owings '55 of Brooklyn, New York, died on June 28, 2022. He earned his degree in English from Washington College and worked in the Miller Library. He worked as a longtime computer programmer with the Pratt Institute. Owings served Washington College by donating his time and funds to the library and leaves an incredible legacy to the College through his estate.
Charles P. Covington Jr. '56, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, died on June 25, 2023. After graduating from Washington College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, he served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Diana Covington '54; children Diana, Deborah, Charles, and Craig; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Joseph H. Keller '56 died on January 2, 2022. he met his wife of 63 years, Anna-Lucy Allspach Keller '58, when they both majored in chemistry at Washington College.
Priscilla Dumschott Hutchinson '56 died on April 12, 2022. She was born and raised in Chestertown, Maryland, and earned her degree in history from Washington College.
Dr. James R. Leonard '56 died on May 6, 2022. He earned his degree in psychology, graduating magna cum laude from Washington College.
Howard D. Morrison '56 died on June 27, 2023. He majored in political science and was in the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Washington College.
W. Oliver "Ollie" Beall Jr. '57, of New Bern, North Carolina, died on October 26, 2023. He married his Washington College sweetheart, Rena "Nicky" Knickerbocker Beall '59. They celebrated 66 years of marriage in June. He majored in economics and was senior class president, secretary of Phi Sigma Kappa, and a part of the Young Democrats. He shared his love of sports with family and friends and especially enjoyed coaching Little League baseball. Ollie is survived by his wife, Rena; children Cyndi and Judy; and five grandchildren, Jake and Kira Wallin, and Caity, Maddy, and Henry Regrut. He was predeceased by his son Jeff.
Beatrice Clarke Griffith '58 died on February 8, 2022. She earned her degree in psychology and played tennis and badminton at Washington College.
Henry Covington Sr. '58 died on May 29, 2022. He earned his degree in history from Washington College and went on to be a farmer in Centreville, Maryland.
William C. Litsinger '58 P'83 of Maryland, died on April 13, 2022. He earned his degree in sociology at Washington College and was an active member of the soccer and lacrosse teams. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Ellen Jo Sterling Litsinger '59. He is survived by his wife; children, Bill '83, Jim, and Katy; brother Jere; and his grandchildren, Layne, Nate, Gabe, Emily, Lauren, Grace, Owen, and Zoe, who knew him as "Poppy."
Kathleen Brackett White '58 M'80, of Queenstown, Maryland, died on July 20, 2022. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology and teacher education from Washington College. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha women's fraternity. She is survived by her children, Maynard and April, and grandsons, Matthew and Joseph.
C. James "Jim" Holloway, Jr. '59, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died on October 12, 2023. A 1955 graduate of Wicomico High School, he earned a bachelor's in economics with a minor in mathematics from Washington College, where he was in the Kappa Alpha National Social Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, National Leadership Honor Society, and served as senior class treasurer. He was honored by the Washington College Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1958 baseball team. Holloway earned a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University in 1962. He had a distinguished 35-year federal government career with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He earned a Meritorious Service Award for Administrative Excellence and retired in 1997. He resided in Rockville, Maryland, for over 30 years and retired to Ocean Pines, Maryland, where he was a member of the Community Church at Ocean Pines. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty; children, Paul and Linda; and five grandchildren.
Felicia Wozniak Miller '59 died June 9, 2022. She is survived by her daughters, Celeste, Valerie, and Michelle.
Dr. James M. Potter '59, of Pensacola, Florida, died on January 12, 2022. He graduated from Washington College with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and from the University of Florida with an M.D. in 1963. He is survived by his wife, Martha; twin brother, John; sister, Mildred; children, Martha, Kathryn, and Patrick; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
G. Robert Tyson '59, of Chestertown, Maryland, died on October 4, 2022. He majored in mathematics and physics at Washington College and went on to teach high school mathematics, physics, chemistry, and science on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Helen Hull Tyson '57, and nephews, Matthew and Benjamin.
William H. Caldwell '60 died on March 29, 2022. A double-major in mathematics and teaching education at Washington College, he became a popular professor of mathematics at the University of South Carolina.
Peter C. Charuhas '60 died on March 26, 2022. He earned his degree from Washington College in political science.
Beverley Burge Connolly '60 P'91 died on February 23, 2022. She earned her degree in political science while at Washington College and is survived by her husband of 57 years, Peter Connolly, and her children, Gavin '91 and Kirsten.
M. Leonard "Len" Leshem '60, of Lewes, Delaware, died on October 19, 2023. He attended Washington College and Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington, Delaware, and proudly served his country as a member of the Delaware Army National Guard. An avid sports enthusiast, Leshem completed his first Ironman triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. He went on to complete a total of eight Ironman events. In the mid-1980s, he became involved with Delaware Special Olympics and embraced the organization for the rest of his life. For more than four decades, he coached several sports, raised a total of a quarter-million dollars, and was on the coaching staff for Team Delaware for three World Games. He was enshrined into the Special Olympics Delaware Hall of Fame in 2005 and was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He is survived by his wife, Susan Thaler-Leshem; sister, Carol; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Robert M. Warren '60 died on March 31, 2022. He earned his degree in mathematics at Washington College before joining the U.S. Navy.
Wilson B. Watson '60 died on April 24, 2023. He was a double-major in English and teacher education, and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
Linda Feinsilver Berkowitz '61 died on January 8, 2022. She is survived by her loving husband, Lewis, and her daughter, Rosalind.
Suzanne Hughes Rhodes '62 died on January 10, 2022. She is survived by her children, Sandra, Craig, and Scott.
William B. Purcell '62 died February 19, 2023. He earned his degree in economics at Washington College and is survived by the love of his life, Holleyanne Purcell.
William P. Kesmodel Jr. '62 died on March 8, 2022. He received his degree in economics from Washington College and opened his own law practice in Duluth, Georgia.
Susan Hair Wright '62 died on March 11, 2022. She worked in admissions and financial aid at Washington College from 1967-1980.
Mareen L. Duvall Jr. '62 died on July 26, 2022. She earned her psychology degree from the College and was inducted into the Washington College Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball and baseball.
Anne Lovell Sebastyan '63 of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, died on February 7, 2024. She met her future husband, Charles Sebastyan '62, at Washington College, where she was a copy editor for the college newspaper, a member of the chorus, a soprano in chamber music groups, secretary of the Lutheran Club, and played intramural basketball and volleyball. She attended Maryland Institute College of Art and Walters Modeling Academy during her summers. She taught at Linganore High School for five years, then moved to Trans World Airlines Dulles, where she met many famous people, including astronauts. She is survived by four children, six grandchildren, a brother, and many nieces and nephews.
Robert C. Everett '64 M'75, of Millington, Maryland, died on September 29, 2023. After graduating high school, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Washington College and went on to teach mathematics at Queen Anne's County High School for 22 years, retiring in 1988. He then operated the family farm, where he lived his entire life. Everett and his wife, Alice Faye, also owned and operated Hickory Lane Farm & Florist Store in Millington for 12 years. He was a member of the Queen Anne's County Retired Teacher Association and Asbury United Methodist Church, where he was active with the food pantry. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Alice Faye, and son Christopher.
Dr. John Alexander Conkling '65.
A giant of the Washington College community and chemistry department passed away during the pandemic. News of his death and an opportunity to celebrate his life may not have been shared with the entire community.
Conkling was a graduate, professor, and benefactor of the College, as well as one of the world's leading experts on fireworks and pyrotechnics. He passed away on December 18, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Baltimore, Conkling earned his Bachelor of Science from Washington and his doctorate in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. After graduating, he returned to Chestertown to teach and research the subject he loved alongside his mentor Joseph McLain '37, another alumnus turned professor. (McLain also served as College president from 1973-1981.)
Both men collaborated on the study of pyrotechnics, and their contributions to the College and their field were honored in 2019 with the installation of the Radiant Echo artwork in the McLain Atrium of the John S. toll Science Center. The light sculpture fashioned by Flux Studio of Baltimore displays constantly changing light patters to evoke fireworks.
Conkling was an important leader in both education and applied pyrotechnics. He held eight patents, published two books, and traveled worldwide to advise the fireworks industry and governments. He left his tenured position at the College in 1985 to focus on his work as the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, which he had been helping to lead in various roles since 1972. (Even after his retirement from Washington, Conkling continued to teach and advise students as an unpaid volunteer and adjunct professor of chemistry.)
In the 1980s, many fireworks and pyrotechnics texts covered the production and utility of energetic materials but not the chemistry of these reactions. In 1985, Conkling published Chemistry of Pyrotechnics: Basic Principles and Theory, which remains an essential textbook on the physical-chemical aspects of energetic materials. Conkling continued to update the book, publishing a third edition in 2019 in collaboration with Chris Mocella '01, one of his former chemistry students.
Conkling developed a summer pyrotechnic seminar series at Washington for 26 years, bringing countless professionals to Chestertown to learn directly about the chemistry of energetic materials. He organized regular fireworks shows at the College for convocation and commencement to give back to the campus.
Outside of teaching, Conkling was an enthusiastic member fo the faculty softball team and advisor to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, to which he had belonged as a student. He met his wife, Sandra "Sandy" Murray '65, while both were students at Washington, and they enjoyed cheering on the College's basketball and lacrosse teams. Conkling served on the Board of Visitors and Governors for six years and was recognized with the Alumni Service Award in 2013.
"Throughout his life, Dr. Conkling exemplified the character of a true philosopher king: generous with his life to friends and community, compassionate with his devotion to family, welcoming and thoughtful to everyone he met, and truly sage and honored in his scholarship of chemistry and pyrotechnics, " Mocella said. "Dr. Conkling is remembered for his immeasurable contributions to Washington College."
Richard H. Evans '65, of Tallahassee, Florida, died on January 24, 2023. He earned his degree in physics while attending Washington College. He loved buying and selling land, especially forest land. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Barbara; children, Duane, J. Douglas, Miriam, and Ruth; sister Diane; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his faithful dog, Crackers.
Charles E. Sparks '65 P'96 died on October 13, 2022. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his degree in history at Washington College. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla, and son, Darrick C. Sparks '96.
Frederick B. Weiss '65 died on July 16, 2022. he was a Kappa Alpha fraternity member and played soccer and lacrosse at Washington College.
Susan LaRocca Fast '66 died on January 30, 2022. She earned her bachelor's in political science while attending Washington College.
Richard H. Smith Jr. '66 died on March 30, 2023. He earned his degree in chemistry and served as a professor of chemistry with McDaniel College in Maryland.
Christina M. Schilling Harrison '66 died on June 25, 2022. She majored in teacher education at Washington College and is survived by her husband of 57 years, Haydon.
Phyllis M. Smith Wright '67 died on October 23, 2022. She was a pre-nursing major at Washington College.
Richard J. Carrington '67 died on October 30, 2022. He played baseball for Washington College and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Deutsch Carrington '69.
Patricia Eliassen Wegner '68 died at her home in Fort Belvoir, Maryland, on February 28, 2024. A Spanish major and a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she was a courtroom social worker for Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis for more than 30 years. Following retirement from the courtroom, she launched a 12-year second career as a paralegal for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Rose Ellen Wolford '68 of Catonsville, Maryland, died November 23, 2023. While at Washington College, she majored in biology and was a Pegasus editor. She is survived by her longtime companion, Samuel T. Helms, a sister, two nieces, and several cousins.
John J. Cambardella Jr. '69 died on February 12, 2023. He met his wife of 50 years, Pam Davis Cambardella '72 while attending Washington College.
Eleanor Frances "Ellie" Davidson Leonard '69 died on August 8, 2023. She received her bachelor's in sociology from Washington College. While here, she was active as an officer in Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and played intramural sports. In June of 1970, she married William O. "Bill" Leonard, Jr. '70. Their marriage would span 53 years. Following graduation from Washington, she was employed by Londontown Manufacturing Company in Baltimore as a sales correspondent. Later, she served as manager of the commercial binding office of Johns Hopkins University's Milton S. Eisenhower Library. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Anne and John; and her grandchildren, Henry and Zoe; and three nephews, four grandnephews, and one grandniece.
Carol Payne Gadsby '71 died on January 8, 2022. She earned her degree in humanities at Washington College and worked as an administrator and school psychologist in both public and private elementary schools in Maryland.
Lora Dean Junkin '71 of North Chesterfield, Virginia, died on February 26, 2024. After earning a bachelor's in philosophy, she earned a master's and pursued her doctorate. In 1992, she became the executive director for the William Snyder Foundation for Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare. Her lifelong loves included collecting antiques, gardening, cooking, and animals. She is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and a nephew.
Dr. John A. Doran Jr. '73 died on April 7, 2023. He earned his degree in biology at Washington College before graduating from the Maryland School of Dentistry ad establishing his own dental practice.
Robert H. Ingersoll '74 died on April 29, 2024, in Chestertown, Maryland. He studied at University of Maryland until 1967, when he signed up to join the U.S. Navy. He returned to Chestertown in 1971 and helped start the earliest recycling effort in Kent County. Following a long list of other vocations, he worked with Rebuilding Together Kent County and at the polls and sat on the boards of the Kent County Library Foundation and ShoreRivers. His mechanical knowledge and diagnostic skills were incredible to behold, and he helped any individual who had a problem that he could solve. His volunteer efforts were immense: Sumner Hall, Sultana Projects, the Chestertown Marina, Kent County Arts Council, and Kent Attainable, among them. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Ingersoll, two children, six grandchildren, three brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nathaniel Lee Parks Jr. '75 of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, died on February 15, 2024. He met his lifelong love, Diane, at Washington College. An English major, he led an active life. He was an accomplished pianist, an excellent golfer, and an amazing bowler. He will be remembered for his magnetic personality, charisma, humor, and affinity to dress in loud colors. Ultimately, his graciousness and kindness stand out. He is survived by his wife, Diane Marie Kaminski Parks '75, two children, six grandchildren, two nieces, and a brother.
William "Bill" "Woofer" Barksdale '76 of Radford, Virginia, died on August 29, 2020. A drama major, he was known for his lighting and set design work. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre from Virginia Tech. His career in theatre design and technology took him to the Henry Street Playhouse and Stock Company, Baltimore Center Stage, Alabama Shakespeare Center, Dartmouth College, Northern Kentucky University, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. In 1992, he returned to Virginia Tech's theatre department, where he served as a professor and technical director until his retirement in 2017. He loved the mountains and rivers of his native Rockbridge County. He is survived by his sister and two cousins.
Craig C. Butcher '76 died on April 17, 2022. He earned his bachelor's in English while attending Washington College and is survived by his wife, MaryLee Martelli M'89.
Christie Robinson '76 of Exton, Pennsylvania, died May 2, 2023. She majored in drama at Washington College and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She had a career in the travel industry and is survived by dear friends and her cats.
Christopher E. Hupfeldt '77 of Pennsylvania, died on June 3, 2023. He earned his degree in political science from Washington College and was a member of the lacrosse team. A lifelong lacrosse enthusiast, he played in and held management roles for several club teams throughout his life. In 2015, he was inducted into the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Carole; two songs, Christopher and Reilly; siblings, Kimberly and Juliet; and seven step-siblings.
Eileen Lois Boyle Pallace M'79, of Lewes, Delaware, died on October 10, 2023. She earned a bachelor's from the University of Delaware and a master's in English from Washington College in 1979. Pallace began teaching at George Read Middle School in New Castle, Delaware. After marriage, moving to Dover, Delaware, and having her daughter, Christine, she returned to work in 1974, joining the staff of Caesar Rodney High School, where she taught English and creative writing. She was named Caesar Rodney District Teacher of the Year, 1982-1983. Following her retirement in 2005, she and her husband, Jack, moved to Lewes, where she was a longtime volunteer at Beebe Hospital. She was a Road Scholar and avid traveler. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack; daughter, Christine; grandchildren, Benjamin and Anna; sister, Patricia; and many nieces and nephews.
Stephen M. Schaare '79 died on October 17, 2022. He double-majored in English and teacher education at Washington College.
Ronald W. Norvell M'81 died March 17, 2022. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he went back to school and earned his master's degree in psychology from Washington College.
Linda M. Benson '83 died on March 7, 2023. Linda earned her degree in economics from Washington College.
John H. O'Donovan '84, of Maryland, died on January 7, 2022. He majored in economics and had a career in finance. Friends described him as "fiercely loyal." He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 30 years, Lisa; two sons, Hugh and John; two sisters, Betty and Achsah; and several nieces and nephews.
Kurt E. Keller '86 of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died on September 10, 2022. He earned his degree in mathematics and business administration, was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, and was inducted into the Washington College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl Clagett Keller '85; children, Megan and Brandon; and brothers, Leroy '85 and Erik.
Andrew P. Beirne III '87 died on November 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane Marrow Beirne, and children, Marrow and Melissa.
Thomas R. Shepherd III '93 died on March 31, 2022. He earned his degree in economics and French with a minor in business management from Washington College.
Helene M. Black '94 died February 10, 2022. She is survived by her father, Robert Black, and brother, John.
Jennifer R. Trapnell '95 died on April 16, 2022. She received her degree in psychology from Washington College.
Benjamin "Ben" Wentworth '97, of Washington, D.C., died on August 20, 2023. He earned his degree in psychology from Washington College and after graduating was a devoted alumnus and an avid lacrosse fan who rooted for the Shoremen with great pride. He returned each year to his alma mater to give multimedia lectures in his favorite psychology professor's classes. He is survived by his parents, Eric and Jane Wentworth; four siblings; their spouses; and eight nephews and nieces.
M. Heller Halliday P'90 '02 of Chestertown died April 21, 2024. A talented dancer and actress, she starred in the original Broadway cast of Peter Pan and in the original color television production of the show. She also modeled at Elizabeth Arden in New York. The daughter of the late theatrical producer Richard Halliday and the Broadway actress Mary Martin, Heller had an interest in nature and all things of natural beauty on earth. She loved to smile and sing, dream, dance, and reenact the "Crow" call from Peter Pan. She is survived by her husband, Martin Carrigan, four children, Timothy Weir, Matthew Weir '90, Mary Devon DeMeritt '02, and Geoffery DeMeritt '02, eight grandchildren, a nephew, and several special friends.
Annie B. Coleman P'94 died June 20, 2023. The former executive assistant to seven presidents of Washington College spent her whole 33-year career at the College, and is survived by her husband, Dudley, ad children, Brian and Lawrence. For a full obituary, go to jmswierski.com.
Robert Day P'94, a cherished former Washington College professor and author, died in Kansas on January 6, 2022. His impact on the community and former students will endure through his founding of the creative writing program and the creation of the Rose O'Neill Literary House and Literary Press. in addition, Day established the Robert and Kathryn Day Endowment for the Literary Arts for the Kansas City Public Library. He is survived by his wife and alumni, Kathryn Jankus Day '95 P'94, and their family.
Judith I. Hymes, of Chestertown, Maryland, died on July 21, 2023. She joined the staff of the Miller Library at Washington College in 1984, retiring in 2014. Judy played a vital role in automating the Miller Library by replacing the outdated card catalog with an advanced computerized system. She also initiated an acquisition project that was close to her heart as a local historian. Hymes established Miller Library's Maryland collections, with a focus on the Eastern Shore and Kent Country. She is survived by her niece Stephanie, nephew Charles, and cousins Allison, Margaret, and Krista.
Richard Lance, of Chestertown, Maryland, died on August 4, 2022. He was a professor emeritus of Cornell University's College of the Engineering Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. In 1998, he and his wife retired to Chestertown, where he was deeply involved with the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Virginia; children, Cathy, Julie, and Fritz; and five grandchildren, Virginia, Kirsten, Zach, Erin, and Sandrine.
Tuck Maddux P'78 GP'18 died July 15, 2023. He was a 20-year member of the Board of Visitors and Governors and the president of Easco Engineering Corp. and is survived by his children, Thomas H. Maddux and Jenny M. Washburne '78, and grandson, Austin B. Maddux '18. For a full obituary, to go jmswierski.com/class-notes.
Daniel L. Premo P'90 died July 4, 2023. The former professor of political science at Washington College is survived by wife, Rita E. Premo, and children, Alison and Christopher. For a full obituary, go to jmswierski.com/class-notes.
(8/24)
Paul Noto '77 P'10 '14 and his wife Jennifer recently became grandparents to two future Shoremen. Sonny and Theo Carter. (6/24)
Katie Blaha Foster '09 and Walter Smith Foster IV welcomed John "Jack" Walter Smith Foster V on November 9,
2023.
Lindsay Haislip Mehta '13 and her family are happy to announce the birth of their baby boy Cameron Alexander
Mehta on October 12, 2021.
Darren Colananni ’07 and his wife, Kristen, welcomed their baby girl, Alice "Ali" Colananni, to the world on March 12, 2021. Darren was also named to the board of Chance for Life, a nonprofit charity that raises money for pediatric cancer research.
Jeanne Clark ‘07 and Travis McCormack M'05 are happy to announce the birth of their son James Sutton. Born July 29, 2020, in Rockville, Maryland, James joins his 2-year-old brother, Patrick. (7/20)
Nick Faherty '04 announces the birth of daughter Hazel Sunflower "Sunnie" Faherty, born April 3, 2020. Faherty
and his wife, Bridget, moved from the East Coast three years ago to Seattle, where
he is currently a global business director at Xenon Arc Inc.
Jonathan '04 and Amy Lange '04 are happy to announce the birth of their son, Hudson Charles Lange. Hudson was born
July 25, 2020, and welcomed with open arms by his big sister, Henley.
Greg Ordile '04 and his wife, Kathleen, welcomed Annaliese Barbara on Dec. 6, 2019.
Katie Juromski Kennedy '08 and her husband Brian Kennedy welcomed Rory Andrew Kennedy on September 22nd, 2023. Big sister Evelyn Grace is over the moon. (6/24)
Mollie (Shipley) Smith ’13 married Garrett Smith on Oct. 27, 2018, with her Washington College women’s lacrosse teammates attending and participating in the wedding. The couple welcomed a baby girl, Collins Frances Smith, on Oct. 21, 2019.
Casey Frisch Cameron '14 and Ben Cameron '14 welcomed their daughter Charlotte Eliza Cameron on January 26, 2024. (6/24)
Summer Smith Hendrie '15 had a baby in September! Caroline Jane Hendrie was born in 9.15.23 at 8:22 pm. (6/24)
Allison Halt Donehower '16 welcomed her second child, Brian Donehower, at the end of December 2023. (6/24)
Sadie Robertson '16 and her husband, Frank Unger, welcomed their son, Franklin (Finn) Unger, on January 4, 2024. (6/24)