Class Note 2004. Hi, ’04s! Happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays! I know this time of the year is beyond hectic as we finalize our travel plans and prepare to wrap things up at work. It’s also hard to believe we are already at the end of the year. Where does the time go? But in between finalizing your holiday menus and responding to that last email right before taking some time off, here’s hoping you can find a little joy in reading some recent updates from your classmates.
To start, I am happy to share that David Shamszad recently released a book, I Am Someone You Know. The book is a literary memoir that addresses addiction, mental illness, and recovery. The story is meant to be shared with all of those in the mental health and recovery communities as well as their loved ones. Thank you for your courage in publicly sharing your story, David, and we wish you much success with the book!
Additionally, I am pleased to share that Megan Fontanella, who currently serves as the curator of modern art and provenance at the Guggenheim Museum, recently penned the publication, Gabriele Münter: Contours of a World, a major exhibition catalogue. This catalogue accompanies the exhibition of the same name opening in November at the museum and running through April 2026. Well done, Megan, and ’04s please check out the exhibit if you have the chance!
Congratulations are also in order for Joanna Giordano, who, after 17 years, legally married Michael Wagner this past Valentine’s Day. She and Michael also embarked on another adventure this summer when they took their kids (ages 5 and 1) on a family road trip to children’s museums and hotel pools between their home in White Plains and Buffalo, New York. Joanna, here’s to a lifetime of happiness for you and Michael, and I hope the summer adventure was unforgettable!
With that, I wish you all a magical holiday season and a very happy new year! See you in 2026, ’04s, and until then, stay safe and warm!
—Johanna Thomas, 14 Logan Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005; johannarthomas@gmail.com