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Class Notes

by Jenny Skoble ('76)
Los Angeles, Nov 14, 2007

A propos of class news, I attended a certain well known liberal arts college in the Northeast that regularly sends me a glossy magazine with articles by and about fascinating, globe-trotting, over-achieving alums. I flip right by these articles and go straight to the “Class Notes” section in the back. Having graduated from college in 1979, I can barely remember most of the people I went to college with, so I can’t explain this strange compulsion I have to read about them. At least there are still more entries in the “Notes” section than in the Obituaries. But every time I read the Class Notes, I end up regretting it immediately afterwards, because I get a queasy feeling that not everything is what it should be in my little life. I mean, how can I possibly compete with the guy who was just named CEO of a large Wall Street brokerage firm? Or the woman who won a Pulitzer for her reportage on downtrodden peasants somewhere in the developing world? Or the couple who together found the cure for some disease that kills babies? Why doesn’t anyone ever write in to report that they are just hanging in there, surviving if not thriving? Why must reading Class Notes leave one with feelings of vast inferiority? So, since I have a vivid fantasy life, I have dreamt up the following class notes.


Class of 2005

Jill Barton wrote in to say that her husband of 6 months (Tim Hardy, ’03 (remember those beautiful wedding pictures?) has left her for Steve Chen ’03. Also, as you all might remember, Laura Conroy was applying to law school. Unfortunately, she did not get into the school of her choice, and will be attending Eastern State. Sorry, Laura! But think of all the money you’ll be saving going to a state school instead of Harvard!

Class of 2004

Ellen Lee says her unemployment benefits are about to run out any day now. Anyone need a massage therapist for pets? Robin Furman says he got a great shot of Paris Hilton leaving a nightclub, and he’s recovering nicely from the black eye he got from her bodyguard. Just keep those dark glasses on, Robin! Just like back in college after a long night!

Class of 2003

Joe Fromm is excited about his new job with the State Department, but less excited about his posting to Iraq. Just stay in the Green Zone, Joe, and everything will be fine! Robby Keller got into a small mix-up on the freeway with a truck carrying fresh eggs. Too bad about the ’69 Mustang convertible! How many of us remember it flying off the speed bumps in front of the library!

Class of 2002

Our condolences to Leslie (’02) and Jill (’99) Simon over the loss of their father, Morton Simon (’52). Too bad they’re having that little disagreement over the will in probate court. But at least they get to see Jeff Gaines (’01); he’s the bailiff in the courtroom their case is assigned to!

Class of 2001

After a brief vacation in Acapulco, Suzy West wrote in to say that no one should ever have dental work done in Mexico.

Class of 2000

Whoa! A lot of news from these guys!
Jeff Wharton says Hi! from the Pensacola County jail where he's doing 6 months for beating his wife Mary Penscott Wharton ('01); Jeanine Winters writes that she is doing well in rehab, and expects to be able to make it to the next reunion - but don't offer her a drink! Bob Katz is still working at his father's insurance agency and still hating it. Only 30 years ‘til retirement! Hang in there, Bob!