These pages contain all class notes from the Yale Alumni Magazine from 1957 on. The notes appear unchanged from their original publication save for the correction of misspellings and other small errors. The few gaps in coverage that exist result from the absence of Class of 1957 notes in a few issues of the magazine over the years. Also, in keeping with changes in the magazine itself, the frequency of publication occasionally changes.

Return to Master Index of All Class Notes

Notes: January/February 2012

Notes: March/April 2012

Notes: May/June 2012

Notes: September/October 2012

Notes: November/December 2012

Notes: 55th Class Reunion

Notes: November/December 2012

NB: Annual New York dinner and council meeting, Thursday, May 2, 2013.

Backed up from having to substitute a reunion report for a normal column, I beg forgiveness for overlooking news from last spring. I heard then from Chip Anderson, who'd just returned from a Vietnam and Cambodia vacation and was preparing his wooden gaff-rigged sloop for its 40th season. And the man still practices law four days a week! Coincidentally came word from Bill Cuddy, recovering from an ankle replacement, that he's planning a Burma trip this January. "So I haven't and don't plan to become sedentary soon." Vin Marchesi remains active in Yale's department of pathology and Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, his focus being the challenge of Alzheimer's. He writes of his recent attempts to help people with minimal cognitive deficits but adds "that too many unknowns about it remain to be solved before we really know how to prevent/treat this awful disease."

At reunion, Jack Turben put me onto Don Griffith's late-life sports achievements—his participation in Senior Olympics basketball. Among other sports like golf and tennis, there's also senior pickleball, if you've heard of that. Don's hoop-shooting 75-79-year-old "seniors" compete nationally in 3-against-3 half-court games. (Come on, Don. Cantcha get down the whole court?) Last year, his team pulled down a silver medal. Roger Gambetese, Geoff Skidmore, Hank Chisholm, and Mr. Turben have "expressed interest" in these games. Does this mean that we'll have a '57 "senior" pickleball team?

Bruce McLanahan notified me that Frank Michelman has retired from Harvard Law School in a blaze of honor and celebration, news that Frank kept from me at reunion. In a symposium marking the achievements of his career, American colleagues and jurists from as far away as South Africa praised Frank for his work in comparative constitutional law, especially in South Africa, and his scholarship on law and philosophy. Well deserved, old friend!

And now the sad news. As always, fuller obituaries are on the class website.

In Memoriam: Guy A. Goethner died on February 29, 2012, in Southbury, CT. Guy spent his career in industrial and environmental engineering. He was also a classical pianist, avid RV traveler, and committed Red Sox fan. Much to his delight, not long before his death he nailed down a coveted seat on the Green Monster, that distant Fenway scourge of right-handed hitters. Guy is survived by sons Steven and Keith, daughter Ann E. Lockhart, and others. Contributions in his memory may go to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517, or woundedwarriorproject.org.

In Memoriam: Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr. died at home in Watch Hill, RI, on March 15, 2012. Distinctive from early years, Pete retired as the Bankers Trust Company's first vice president before our 25th reunion. According to Don Roberts, he was a pillar of his Watch Hill community and something of the town's Grover Whelan, a greeter introducing new residents to others. He also supported community endeavors, including the Westerly Hospital, and, a passionate supporter of animal organizations, helped Stand Up for Animals (in Westerly) and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. Sandy Clark recalls Pete for his laughter. Bob Mobley calls him "joyous." His notable deep voice may explain his appeal to women older than he (or us). Pete is survived by two daughters, Kirsten Stephens and Kimberly Anderson, his former wife Kathleen Knudson Wattles, and others. Contributions in his memory may go to Stand Up for Animals, PO Box 1706, Westerly, RI. 02891.

In Memoriam: Gilbert R. H. Kennedy died on March 25, 2012 in Vero Beach, FL, of complications from pneumonia. Few, if any, classmates surpassed Gil in the number and variety of academic institutions he attended, degrees he accumulated, and fields he pursued. At Yale, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, was a Rhodes finalist, and was also a member of the varsity crew and an alternate for the winning American crew at the 1956 Olympics. After Yale, he took down a divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary, an LLB at Yale, and an MA in health care law at the University of Houston. He worked for Morgan Stanley, then in venture capital. His principal later-life interests were the environment and sustainable aquaculture farming. Gil is survived by daughter Blain, son Gilbert, and others. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Marine Resource Council, 3275 Dixie Highway Northeast, Palm May, FL 32905.

In Memoriam: Art Gardiner alerted us that James G. King died suddenly on April 5, 2012 in New London, NH. As a member of Yale's varsity soccer and lacrosse teams, "the most memorable moment of his lacrosse career," Terry Simmons writes, "was probably when he scored a goal against Princeton, thus helping us defeat them for the first time in 23 years." For much of his career, Jim worked in Boston as a financial analyst and portfolio manager. In the early 1990s, he and his wife Susan started what Jim called a "side business"—raising alpacas—in New Hampshire. By the time of our 50th, they had a herd of 120 beasts and were helping develop the industry nationally. In addition to Susan, Jim is survived by their two sons, James G. King III and Brewster Y. King, and their families. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston MA 02108.

In Memoriam: Doug Murray (who entered with us but graduated in '58) informs me of the death on June 26, 2012, of Leonard J. Hassler (also of '57 but graduated in '58). Len was captain of Yale's baseball team and then taught math and coached sports in private schools. He's survived by daughter Sheryl Hassler-Moclock and son Leonard James Hassler, Jr., step-children, and others. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to local hospice programs.

—JMB

Notes: September/October 2012

Backed up because of the special 55th reunion column last issue, I must omit some news, with apologies to anyone who may feel ignored. One important item hangs over from the spring Class Council meeting, when said body voted unanimously that "the council of the Yale Class of 1957 resolves to send its most heartfelt wishes to its former secretaries, Tom Perkins and Steve Hopkins, for their continuing recovery from recent mishaps, in gratitude for their great contributions to Yale and the Class of 1957, and with affectionate regards." Good news: Evident at the reunion, both make progress.

A March Wall Street Journal front-page article on poor legislative drafting quoted Gil Merritt's attack on the "tortuous text" of legislation. May the good judge and his colleagues themselves be attentive to their use of our glorious language in their briefs and opinions, not always lucid to mere citizens like myself. Also, the June 7, 2012, front page of the New York Times carried Gerry Jonas's obituary of Ray Bradbury.

Art Gibb reports on the Americas circumnavigation of a boat sponsored by Don Backe's Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. Over 309 days and 27,000 miles, the craft's young captain and only human, Iowan Matt Rutherford, braved storm and loneliness to complete his remarkable voyage. Don, in his wheelchair, was joined in May by Senator Tom Harkin to welcome the sailor home to Maryland's capital. Were it not for Don's unrelenting enthusiasm and fund-raising for an exceptional cause, the feat would not have been possible.

In Memoriam: With the February 15, 2012 death of William H. Dabney, we lost one of our most distinctive classmates. Bill was, in the classic sense, a hero--someone who risks his life in defense of the lives and welfare of others. After being with '57 for a year, he joined the Marines, in which he made a 36-year career, then earned his undergraduate degree at VMI. Yet Bill always considered himself also a member of our class. His two tours of duty in Vietnam distinguished him. He won fame in 1968 for his command of a unit defending an isolated hill during the Khe Sanh siege. His valor earned him the Navy Cross, that service's highest honor and the nation's second highest honor for valor. He also earned a Purple Heart, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry. Yet in his reflections for our 50th reunion book, Bill rued US involvement in Vietnam. "I thought then that the war was strategically unwinnable, and nothing I've learned since persuades me otherwise....The tragedy was that all the factors that made that outcome inevitable were present from the beginning." After formal retirement at the rank of colonel, Bill returned to VMI as commanding officer of its NROTC unit and then commandant of cadets. His unselfish service to country and institutions brings honor to the Class of 1957. Bill is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Virginia, a son Lewis, a daughter Virginia Keane Kauders, a sister, and grandchildren.

In Memoriam: Thomas T. Houston died on February 18, 2012 in Venice, Florida. Tex pursued a career in industrial management as president and CEO of various firms. An avid golfer, he was a passionate fan of the Red Sox--giving the team, notes a published obituary in words that no doubt describe others, "much needed coaching advice when he was watching them on TV." Tex is survived by his wife Judith Coffey, his daughter Janice Leo, two stepchildren, and others. Donations in Tex's memory may be made to jimmyfund.org or buttonhole.org.

In Memoriam: James J. Fischer, a marathon runner, died suddenly while running in Madison, CT, on February 22, 2012. Jim served on the faculty of the Yale School of Medicine for 34 years until his 2002 retirement. After study at Harvard Medical School, Jim joined Yale's medical faculty in 1968 in its department of radiology. By 1972, he was Robert E. Hunter professor and chairman of the department of therapeutic radiology. His specialty was radiation oncology, for which he was widely recognized as a leading expert and pioneer in cancer-treating procedures and drug protocols. Jim is survived by his wife, Anne Curtis, son Henry, daughter Gwendolyn Magnon, and grandchildren. Contributions in his memory may be made to Yale's Smilow Cancer Center.

In Memoriam: Charles R. Schaller died on March 5, 2012, in Beaufort, SC. After spending the early part of his career in the petrochemical business, in the 1980s Chuck moved into biotechnology and served as founder or director of a number of corporations. He served his South Carolina community widely on non-profit boards. Chuck possessed the enviable skill of completing each Sunday's New York Times crossword puzzle in ink before dinner. His roommate Tom Rohner recalls him, as so many others do, as "enthusiastic, energetic, and optimistic" and for his "outgoing personality and style." Scott Cannell writes that "whatever project or activity he took on, he jumped into with an intensity, spirit, and determination that few can match." His rare auto-immune disease "never stopped him. He got himself upright with braces on his legs and canes in his hands, put a smile on his face, and continued his management work and even played golf right up to the end." Chuck is survived by his wife Susan; two sons, Charles and William; a step son and step daughter; and others. Another son predeceased him. Donations in Chuck's memory may be made to the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation, PO Box 2233, Beaufort, SC 29901; Lowcountry Institute, 40 Mobley Oaks Lane, Okatie, SC 29909; or the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort, PO Box 1482, Beaufort, SC 29901.

—JMB

Notes: 55th Class Reunion

Arriving for the reunion from Washington at the New Haven train station, my first visit there since 1957, I was quickly cast into reverie recalling all those girls (notice the plural, o ye envious classmates), whom I'd kissed on those platforms. But I was quickly roused from such dreams by the words I heard uttered behind me: "What would Paul Weiss have said about that?" Paul Weiss! That opened another line of recollection, perhaps one more fitting for the occasion

Hard as it is to believe, it was 59 years ago, not 55, that we became a class. In deep friendship, a happy June weekend it was to recall those years, wishing frequently that more classmates had been with us.

The weekend's most memorable program events were those devoted to the Class of 1957 alone. The first was a Thursday afternoon hour with David Swenson, Yale's celebrated chief investment officer. After reviewing the university's investment history and current strategy, he took questions, all marinated in financial savvy, from experienced classmates. Everyone came away reassured that in a topsy-turvy world, alma mater was in good hands.

Friday noon's lunch was devoted to the class's Music in Schools project. We heard updates about the project from Steve Wittenberg and Michael Yaffe, associate dean of the Yale School of Music. The best part of the program was a performance by roughly 30 John Daniels School pupils, one of them a mere 3rd-grader and none of whom had played an instrument before last November. The music was rousing, the audience exhilarated. There's no doubt that the class's creation and support of the music project is positively affecting many New Haven schools and many of their pupils, as well as injecting new energy into the music school.

That afternoon, the class gathered in Battell Chapel for a service in memory of deceased classmates. Brilliantly planned and executed by Alan Lovins, the service included music and musical settings by Hannes Somary (dec.) and a reading, by four class widows—Lynne Chapman (Blackie), Pam Hull (Paul), Ellie Jones (Dick), and Sandy Schocket (Jay)--of the names of classmates who'd died since our 50th reunion. The service ended with a heaven-busting, full-stop Bach organ piece that had your corresponding secretary, who'd sung in that church for three years under Luther Noss, alternately weeping and exalted.

The class dinner Friday night featured John Watling's report on the class treasury (in fine shape) and Tom Perkins's report on the 55th reunion class gift drive, whose committee included Pete Capra, Jack Turben, John Watling, and Rod Correll. (At the time of this writing, the gift drive has not closed. A report of its final results will follow.) Tom Chittenden then presented AYA awards in recognition of distinguished service to the class to Steve Wittenberg and yrs. truly, for which I feel greatly honored. Then, albeit without drums and bugles, the torch of Class Secretary was passed from Tom Chittenden to Rod Correll.

After dinner that night, the incomparable Bud Trillin had us in the aisles over such weighty matters as chicken a la king, Ivy lockjaw, Thatcher Batcher Hatcher (I dare you to find him on the class rolls), and his poetic rendering—not exactly in the manner of Shakespeare or Eliot—of the class history. If all goes well, a DVD of Bud's talk will be made available to everyone. I'm confident that he'd like to learn your views of his poetic skills.

Finally, we gathered Saturday afternoon for a panel, moderated by Murray Biggs of the English and Theater Studies program, on "One Life, Many Answers." An attentive and active audience heard Rod Correll, Court Haight, Dave Johnson, and Reed Taylor reflect on their lives and the vicissitudes of existence in our days. A fitting conclusion to the formal elements of reunion, the session released us for more conversation, more reflection, more recollection, and, as always, more laughter, especially at dinner that night, dance music, as always, provided by Dick Voigt and his Eli's Chosen Six.

Two people above all made the 55th reunion what it was. The first is Andy Glass, who once again produced a class directory indispensable to us all. The second is Bern Kosto, who like Andy, is a recidivist, he as reunion director. It is not excessive to say that Bern's skills, attentiveness, and devotion to the class are unsurpassed among us.

—JMB

ADDENDUM: For a video of Bud Trillin's remarks at our 55th reunion, click here.

Notes: May/June 2012

Previous column scribes have held contests for classmates with most children, most Yale children, and the like. I initiate another: latest-in-life marriages. My first candidate is Bruce Agnew, who writes "that last October (2011) I got married to my high school/college flame, Joan Constantikes, nee Joan Simons (Bennington, '56). We had gone our separate ways in 1956, but we reencountered each other in 2007 and, well, things just developed from there." Splendid news. Now who'll take on Bruce's record?

Another Bruce, this one Bruce Arneill, has "finally retired," he says, from his architectural firm, The Slam Collaborative, which, since its 1981 founding, has grown to 200 people in three places--Glastonbury, CT, Boston, and Atlanta. Notice also comes from Vic Goodman that after having served previously as a trustee both of Ohio University and the university's foundation, Ohio's governor has appointed him to another term as university trustee. Also, through the hard work of Alan "Sam Spade" Lovins, with a major assist from special agent Lynn Williams, who provided the clue, we've found a hitherto "lost" classmate, Marty Miller. Lynn led us to the New Haven area, and I turned to Alan for help. He, in turn, found clues to Marty's family, was led to a sister, and with her help ran Marty to ground in Dallas. Marty warmly recalls many classmates and indicates the hope of attending our 55th. Welcome back to the fold, Marty!

As for our 55th, it will have occurred by the time you're likely to read these notes. A report of reunion events will follow. Sad news about those who can't follows in a continuing cascade of such reports.

In Memoriam: George A. Mascarish died at his home in Salisbury, MD on December 23, 2011 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. George spent his entire career in the telecommunications industry, 37 years of it with Western Electric, the remainder until his 1994 retirement with ATT. A published obituary records his love of golf, wine, and classical music and his avid support of the Metropolitan Opera, Mt. Vernon, and Ford's Theater in Washington. George is survived by three daughters, two brothers, a sister, and other family members. His wife Arline predeceased him.

In Memoriam: Shimen Baer Zudekoff died on December 26, 2012, presumably in Virginia. A son of New Haven and holder of two Yale degrees (the second from the Yale Law School), Shim was variously a legal consultant, human resources director, and, with his wife Ann, founder of an innovative digital printing firm in Yale's home town. Then this city boy transformed himself into a farmer and beekeeper in the rural fastness of Huddleston, VA. In this nation's history, the usual path has been from country to city. Shim proved that the reverse path could also be pursued with satisfaction to the spirit and benefit to the land. In addition to Ann, he is survived by their son Roger and daughter Debra.

In Memoriam: Donald S. Bab died suddenly on January 1, 2012. At Yale we knew him best as a standout on the varsity basketball team, especially in senior year, when the team captured the first Ivy League basketball title and then went on to scare undefeated UNC in the first round of the 1957 NCAA tournament, which UNC eventually won. It was Don who clinched the Ivy title by scoring the winning point in the last two seconds of the 57-56 Dartmouth game. After graduation, Don became an attorney and practiced law. His warmth was infectious, his smile ever-present, his thoughtfulness widely recognized. In remarks written for the 50th reunion book, Don characteristically pointed to the "privilege and responsibility" of his Yale education as strong motivators, especially in later life. This sense of obligation, plus his quiet judiciousness and balance, earned him a place on the council of the Yale Club of New York and eventually the club's presidency. Don is survived by his wife Ryna, their children Andrew ('86) and Emily Kirsch ('90), and their grandchildren.

In Memoriam: William E. Olson died on January 31, 2012, in Columbus, OH. An attorney, Bill worked in the legal department of the American Electric Power Company until his retirement. Bill's roommates, Rod Farrow and Dave Lawrence, characterize him as a "serious birder," very good company, and "quick to see humor in almost any situation." Dave notes that "Bill participated with a 'club' organized around old Buicks. He was, for many years, the editor of "The Torque Tube" for the 1937 and 1938 Buick Club. These can still be seen via the Internet (1937and1938buicks.com)." Bill's published obituary notes his "voracious intellect" and the fact that he was a Master Gardener. He is survived by his wife, Mary, their sons Peter and Laurence William and their families, and a sister. Memorial contributions in Bill's name can be made to The Nature Conservancy.

—JMB

Notes: March/April 2012

As our 55th draws nearer, I solicit all classmates' widows and widowed companions to let me know their current email addresses if they aren't currently on the class list. My email address is jbanner@aya.yale.edu. I'd also appreciate classmates' help in urging the survivors of our deceased classmates to inscribe themselves on our email rolls and class registry.

Crawford Shaw was noted in a late December issue of the Washington Post as representing a trust claiming a $14-million-plus Iowa lottery ticket. The article noted that Crawford, who hadn't responded to the Post's telephone inquiries, got the ticket to lottery headquarters only two hours before the submission deadline. Hey Crawford, mail early and answer your phone.

As I write, Mike Mellon, still on UVA's active faculty, recently returned from academic leave at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. He and Karen resided across the sound in Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, and ferried their way back and forth to the Cape. Charlie and Melba Strong toured Eastern Europe in September shortly after selling their San Francisco house in exchange for a senior independent living apartment in Plano, TX. "Glad to be free of home maintenance and preparing meals," he writes. Chris Schwab is also a Texan, one out of New Braunfels, where, though retired, he's on the board of the Mid-Texas Symphony. Dave Mininberg continues his out-of-tomb researches into the dead. In September, he spoke about "Museum Mummies and Medical Musings" to Cornell Medical School alumni. "The crowd of more than 100 was all awake at the end," reports our lecturer. How would they have dared sleep, given their likely fear of rising wrapped corpses ? Jack Hughes reminds me that Frank Top is now senior vice president with MedImmune's venture capital team. A pediatrician and virologist, he's held many senior positions at the company, helped to bring to market FluMist, and worked on its HPV program.

From Jesse Lemisch comes word of a short Errol Morris film, "The Umbrella Man," that stars our very own PI Tink Thompson. The film offers a wry look at strange historical occurrences, this one of an umbrella at the site of JFK's assassination, which gets Tink musing about historical significance, conspiracy theories, and chance.

In Memoriam: We've learned tardily of the death in Anguilla on October 10, 2010 of Rafael V. M. Cestero. A native of Puerto Rico, Ralph was a Rochester, NY, physician in private practice who directed the nephrology unit of the Monroe Community Hospital there and served on the faculty of the University of Rochester Medical School. After retiring, he remained in medical practice as director of the dialysis unit of the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Anguilla. Peter Capra recalls Ralph fondly for "his good humor, bright smile, and warm and generous personality." Ralph is survived by his wife Jacqueline, as well as by their three children. Contributions in Ralph's memory may be sent to the Trustees of Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810.

In Memoriam: George Perlstein died at his home in Portola Valley, CA on October 13, 2011. George spent his long career as a neurologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. After tiring clinical work, he became medical director of the Foundation, then its managing partner. George is survived by his wife Judith and their children. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 or to Pathways Hospice Foundation, 585 North Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085.

In Memoriam: On November 14, 2011, the class lost Richard O. Jones after a long battle with cancer. After Marine Corps service, Dick began a career in business that saw him working in large corporations, as a public utility commissioner for Connecticut, as director of Yale's support services, and most recently as owner and operator of Terra Nova Enterprises, a food ingredient distribution company. His devotion to the Corps was evidenced by his long participation "in uniform," writes John Westcott "at memorials and funerals for fallen marines." As John also notes, for far-flung classmates Dick was a lifeline to Yale, near which he lived all his life. But perhaps most of all Dick was a sports fan. His most direct contribution to Yale sports was his leadership of the effort to raise funds to help restore Yale Bowl through a dedicated portal in '57's name. Vern Loucks writes, "We'll miss Dick at all the places he has graced for many years with his love for Yale and for his class." Along with his wife Eleanor, Dick is survived by their three sons. Donations in Dick's memory may be made to the American Legion Griswold Post 79, PO Box 504, Madison, CT 06443, or to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospital, c/o Yale-New Haven Hospital Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508.

—JMB

Notes: January/February 2012

Plans move ahead for our 55th reunion. All involved in organizing the event hope for a large turnout and much due celebration of our longevity, productivity, and continuing contributions to the world. Attend!

One recently honored for his contributions is George White, founder of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT. George has been inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime achievements. All hail George for earning a pedestal in this Pantheon.

On the productivity side, Muller Davis has co-written “Enforceable Civility: A Critical Part of the Judicial Process in Divorce Litigation” for Strategies for Family Law in Illinois. Enforceable civility in all divorce procedures everywhere—how about in all public life?—seems a good idea to me.

I suspect that, were all classmates to report in, I could fill this column with nothing but travel news. Among our wayfarers has been Ivan Selin, who, with his wife, children, and grandchildren, fetched up in Mozambique and South Africa last summer. By request, you can secure a full report, with photos, from this Homer, our Ibn Battuta. Also, Hugh Thompson has led a Rotary Group Study Exchange team to five Middle East countries despite the region’s uncertainties. These visits are all home-hosted, which allows Hugh and his fellow travelers to see and learn from others’ lives up close.

From John North comes word that after retiring, he and Penny have moved near Rutgers and Princeton for their cultural offerings. He also volunteers as chairman of the county board that reviews court cases ordering children to be removed from their homes. John reports the fact that his granddaughter Anna (’13) is the fourth-generation North family Yalie . Can anyone in the class, quick or otherwise, top that? Please let me know.

In Memoriam: William M. Finn died on August 10, 2011, at his home in Augusta, ME after a long bout with cancer. Bill had practiced law in Augusta, then joined the legal office of Central Maine Power Company, rising to associate general counsel and secretary, and finally the Yankee Atomic Power Company. Don Bab recalls him as a quiet and thoughtful man. He’s survived by his wife Suzanne and their two daughters, Julia Finn Ruesch and Meredith Finn. Contributions in Bill's memory may go to the Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

In Memoriam: We lost one of our most distinctive classmates with the death on August 15, 2011 in Seoul, South Korea, of Kong Kyun Ro. Born in North Korea and raised under Japanese occupation, KK fought against North Korea with R.O.K. naval and marine forces for four years after 1950. Serving on U.S. ships during the war, KK gained the sponsorship of several US naval officers, at least one of them a Yale graduate, who sponsored KK’s Yale application. He joined our class in the spring of 1954 and graduated a ranking scholar magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He then went on to secure Yale MA and PhD degrees in economics before pulling down an MBA at the University of Chicago. After that, KK pursued a career inside and outside the academy and published widely in applied economics and energy. As he wrote for our 50th, "After my first marriage to an American woman failed, I returned to Korea to start life over. They say you can't go home again. That's not quite true. You just can't be the same again. As an Americanized Korean, I found myself viewed as an outsider when I returned to my homeland, just as I had been an outsider in America. But outsiders sometimes see things more clearly than the insiders can." KK is survived by his sons Christopher and Kyong Hoon and daughter Alice.

In Memoriam: After a sudden illness, Robert A. Blazis died on August 23, 2011, in Hamden, CT. Bob was not listed with us during college but turned up later as a member of the class. After graduation, he studied music history at Stanford and won a prestigious Rome Prize Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome. But instead of going into academic work, he taught at local New Haven-area schools, then began work in libraries, including Sterling. After 1973 he was a member of the professional staff of the Library of Congress. Bob has no immediate survivors.

In Memoriam: Daniel Cornwell died in his sleep on September 11, 2011 at home in Spring City, PA. A splendid swimmer, at Yale Dan was on the varsity team and the All-American Team and so helped maintain Yale's unbeaten swimming record in our era. After Air Force service, he started his long business career with Merrill Lynch. In the West Chester, PA community, where his family had lived for generations, Dan served on the Board of the Chester County Hospital for many years. "His easy way with people and his great sense of humor," writes Ralph Douglas, "accounted for his popularity wherever he went." But it was in the water, notes Ralph, that he was in his element. ”He seemed to find contentment and serenity in the sea." Dan is survived by his wife Hendrika, their daughter Heather Gray and son Dan, as well as by five grandchildren. Contributions in his memory may go to the Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA.

In Memoriam: Stephen L. Wanger died on October 8, 2011 after a long struggle against cancer. After medical school at Columbia, Steve moved to Chestnut Hill, near Boston, where he remained thereafter. For his entire career, he was associated with the Lahey Clinic as a practicing neurologist while also on the clinical faculties of the Tufts and Harvard medical schools. Bob Barton writes about Steve that “if anything, he was too consistent in his advice (first voiced in his high school valedictory) that people should think for themselves, for his son and daughter both went to Harvard!" Steve is survived by his wife Nancy, as well as by their children David and Betsy and their families.

—JMB