Class Note 2004
Issue
January-February 2022
Hi, ’04s! Happy New Year and welcome to 2022! The last couple of years have brought us so many unexpected twists and turns, so it is hard to predict what is in the forecast for this year. But I know many of us recently turned or will turn 40 this year, so I do hope this next decade is our best one yet and brings us countless happiness and joy. And whatever your resolutions are, please add to your list a commitment to continue to stay in touch with your classmates! One thing that has helped many of us stay reasonably sane these last two years is the ability to connect with friends near and far, so keep those updates coming. To make sure we start off the new year on the right foot, I am pleased to share the following updates with you.
Bartow J. Elmore, who is an environmental and business history professor at Ohio State University, recently released a new book titled, Seed Money: Monsanto’s Past and Our Food Future. This is Bart’s second book and is the definitive history of Monsanto, a St. Louis, Missouri, chemical firm that became the world’s largest genetically engineered seed enterprise with an outsized influence over our food system. Congratulations, Bart!
Anna (Fleder) Connolly wrote to say that she and her husband, J.P. Connolly, recently moved back to the Dartmouth area and are now living in Norwich, Vermont. Welcome back, Anna and J.P.!
Oliver Caplan wrote to say that he released his latest album this past fall, Watershed. The album was conceived as a love letter to his home state of Massachusetts, and each piece is inspired by one of his favorite walks in nature. Bravo, Oliver!
“Bucky,” a.k.a. Catherine (Buck) Le, shared that after spending seven years running the biggest and best Krav Maga gym in the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband, Chau, decided to close their gym, sell their house in Seattle, move to the country (Stanwood, Washington), and launch an online strength and self-defense business. After a lovely trip to Maui, Hawaii, last September, followed by an epic fall camping trip in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, they are finally home and working on building their dream garage gym. If you are ever north of Seattle, please stop by for a workout! And if you want to learn how to get strong with kettlebells, just search for “Cat & Chau” on YouTube. Bucky and Chau are also working on figuring out that #digitalnomad life, so tips from other digital entrepreneurs are welcome!
As a point of personal privilege, I want to announce that I recently started a new position with the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, serving as a counsel on its communications and technology subcommittee. This is my first time working on the Hill, and I am looking forward to this next step in my career.
And lastly, a call for help. Is your New Year’s resolution to volunteer more or reconnect with old friends? Look no further! Your ’04 class officers are looking for a creative director who will manage our web and social presence and a diversity and inclusion chair who will shape inclusive class-wide outreach and advocacy. If you’re interested, email dartmouthclassof2004@gmail.com.
Stay warm this winter, ’04s, and look forward to catching up closer to the spring!
—Johanna Thomas, 14 Logan Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005; johannarthomas@gmail.com
Bartow J. Elmore, who is an environmental and business history professor at Ohio State University, recently released a new book titled, Seed Money: Monsanto’s Past and Our Food Future. This is Bart’s second book and is the definitive history of Monsanto, a St. Louis, Missouri, chemical firm that became the world’s largest genetically engineered seed enterprise with an outsized influence over our food system. Congratulations, Bart!
Anna (Fleder) Connolly wrote to say that she and her husband, J.P. Connolly, recently moved back to the Dartmouth area and are now living in Norwich, Vermont. Welcome back, Anna and J.P.!
Oliver Caplan wrote to say that he released his latest album this past fall, Watershed. The album was conceived as a love letter to his home state of Massachusetts, and each piece is inspired by one of his favorite walks in nature. Bravo, Oliver!
“Bucky,” a.k.a. Catherine (Buck) Le, shared that after spending seven years running the biggest and best Krav Maga gym in the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband, Chau, decided to close their gym, sell their house in Seattle, move to the country (Stanwood, Washington), and launch an online strength and self-defense business. After a lovely trip to Maui, Hawaii, last September, followed by an epic fall camping trip in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, they are finally home and working on building their dream garage gym. If you are ever north of Seattle, please stop by for a workout! And if you want to learn how to get strong with kettlebells, just search for “Cat & Chau” on YouTube. Bucky and Chau are also working on figuring out that #digitalnomad life, so tips from other digital entrepreneurs are welcome!
As a point of personal privilege, I want to announce that I recently started a new position with the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, serving as a counsel on its communications and technology subcommittee. This is my first time working on the Hill, and I am looking forward to this next step in my career.
And lastly, a call for help. Is your New Year’s resolution to volunteer more or reconnect with old friends? Look no further! Your ’04 class officers are looking for a creative director who will manage our web and social presence and a diversity and inclusion chair who will shape inclusive class-wide outreach and advocacy. If you’re interested, email dartmouthclassof2004@gmail.com.
Stay warm this winter, ’04s, and look forward to catching up closer to the spring!
—Johanna Thomas, 14 Logan Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005; johannarthomas@gmail.com