Class Note 1978
I was delighted to run into Ben Stutz at the N.Y.C. bat mitzvah of Barbara Moses and Matt Grayson’s daughter Lizzie. Ben has lived for more than 25 years in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Cynthia Gulick ’80, a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Their oldest son Trevor is graduating from Dartmouth in June, while son Reed starts at the College in the fall.
Ben emailed this update: “I practiced law for four years before jumping into renovation of vintage apartments, converting some to condos. My wife and I also built and expanded her medical practice, which I manage, and which has about 50 employees. I continue to be involved in real estate projects and I have a really cool bar, Kelly’s Olympian, which is oriented toward Portland hipsters with contemporary (loud) bands and decked with motorcycles hanging from the ceiling. I ride bikes (it’s a Portland thing), grow pinot noir grapes and make wine (it’s a Portland thing), drink perfectly roasted and pulled espresso (it’s a really snobbish Portland thing) and ski a lot at Mount Bachelor, three hours from our house. I love my life and my family and look forward to continuing the journey.”
Sharon Cowan writes that she and her 10-year-old daughter Masha just moved from Rome to Budapest. “Still working in corporate communication for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. I’ve transferred from headquarters to our regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Andrea—my partner and Masha’s dad—stayed in Milan for his work, so we’ve joined the ranks of 21st-century Skype families. So far, I have to say we are really enjoying Budapest, which is far more functional than Rome. My new job is far more hands-on than my previous role and will probably entail a lot more travel. Two weeks in Romania coming soon, for example. More as it happens!”
Ever wonder where your class dues go? Last year our class provided funds to allow prospective student-athlete Jeremiah Douchee to visit Hanover from his home on Chicago’s south side. Now Douchee, valedictorian at Hales Franciscan High School, is playing defensive end and plans to major in biology and anthropology. He dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. “I feel like I have to perform and make a difference and show other African Americans that there are other things to do in life,” Douchee told a reporter. A story we can be proud to be part of.
Regarding my ongoing thread about the reunions, Steve Adnopoz, Mara Dinsmoor and Scott Axford all say that they have attended every single class reunion. Scott wondered if I raised the question simply to gin up responses. It’s sad to be so transparent!
In the last Class Notes I incorrectly identifying Genet Ide Duke’s niece Maisie Ide ’16 as her daughter. “We need to get this corrected or my brother will have my head on a platter!” Genet wrote. Well, as long as it is not my head. Maisie is a wizard skier, and no wonder. Her parents are Arthur “Bud” Ide ’80 and Lisa Ragen Ide ’84, both Dartmouth ski team members. Noting the error was in the March/April issue, I hereby apologize and resolve to “beware the ides of March!”
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—Rick Beyer, 34 Outlook Drive, Lexington, MA 02421; rick@rickbeyer.net
