Alumni Class Notes

The Alumni Office is delighted to publish the following news items and updates from HM graduates all over the world. If you are celebrating a milestone, making a career change, or enjoying a new hobby, we want to know all about it! Please drop us a line at alumni@horacemann.org.

Porter Miller ’52 wrote recently, “Three or four times a year, seven to ten classmates from the Class of 1952 gather for lunch in NYC. Good times!”

Howard Wolf '54, author and emeritus professor emeritus at the University of Buffalo, will participate in a discussion of his short novel Distant Love on June 27, 2023, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo-Amherst (2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst, NY). The book dramatizes in terms both humorous and elegiac a quest for something like love at an earthly level for the protagonist and a cosmological height for the heroine. It may call to mind Robert Browning's "Love Among the Ruins" if his poem were set in Buffalo, New York City, Paris, and Key West. A book sale and signing with light reception will follow. Free and open to the community. Registration required. Suggested donation is $10.00. To register:  https://shorturl.at/rEFM5

After graduating from Horace Mann, Daniel Levine ’60 – retired professor emeritus of political science at the University of Michigan – earned a BA from Dartmouth, MSc from the London School of Economics, and MPhil and PhD from Yale. As a political scientist focusing on Latin America, he authored 10 books and multiple papers, and lived in at least 10 countries and 14 cities since graduating from HM. He wrote recently of his interest in mentoring current HM students on a variety of topics, including college choice, the virtue of learning languages (he is fluent in English and Spanish, close to fluent in Italian, and rusty but still capable in French), his decision to go to graduate school rather than law school, and his career as a university professor, among other topics. As Daniel wrote, “A great life. Horace Mann gave me the basic tools.” He believes the point of retirement is to stay flexible and open in mind and body. By studying Italian, he has discovered great contemporary Italian literature. At age 80, he still swims for distance five days a week. As a student at HM, he sang in the glee club and now in retirement sings in a large, 140-voice chorus. As he says, “Singing is almost as good for you as swimming!” If you would like to read about Daniel’s reflections on two mentors who shaped his academic career, please click here:  "On Mentors and Mentoring" by Daniel Levine '60

Daniel Brent ’63 has three granddaughters, ages 10 weeks, 18 months, and 33 months. He is a nationally recognized arbitrator and mediator of employment-related and labor management disputes and is a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He served as an arbitrator on the Court of Arbitration for Sport Anti-Doping Arbitration Panel at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

After 48 years in Central Pennsylvania, Ed Beck '64 and his wife of 55 years, Esther, have relocated to Huntingdon Valley, near Philly. Ed was originally a member of the Class of 1963 who graduated with the Class of 1964, after having spent the year between his junior and senior years as HM's exchange student at Wallasey Grammar School in the UK. It has been 62 years since Ed has seen members of his original class, so he is excited to be working with Steve Drimmer ’63 and Kenneth Casazza ’63 on planning the 60th Reunion of the Class of 1963 this year. After a successful career in academics, counseling psychology, and working as a pioneer advocate for mental health counselor licensure, he retired and founded and led Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, which named him President Emeritus. While he remains active in Jewish communal activities as a volunteer, his current career is as a full-time grandfather and “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren.

Robert Geller ’68, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading seismologists, resides in Tokyo with his wife Emiko Kakiuchi. Upon his retirement as a full professor of geophysics at The University of Tokyo in 2017, he was named Professor Emeritus. He has published over 100 highly cited papers in journals including Nature, Science, and top specialty journals. For more information, see Geller's Caltech Heritage Project interview:  https://heritageproject.caltech.edu/interviews-updates/robert-geller

Darwin Eton ’74 (formerly Fleischaker) has enjoyed a successful career in medicine as an internationally known vascular surgeon. He was trained at MIT, received his medical degree from NYU, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Society of Vascular Surgery and of the American College of Surgeons. He pioneered a new approach to the management of vascular disease that won the 2016 Cures Within Reach Inc. Competition, across all disciplines in medicine. The treatment overcomes disease related obstacles impeding neovascularization (growth of new vessels). Darwin’s research has also led to the formation of Vasogenesis Inc., which develops regenerative cell therapy for vascular disease. He has been married to his wife Linda since 1988. Their daughter Katherine is a Chicago architect who received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design. Their son Ryan and his wife Emily graduated from Harvard Medical School, where they received the top award in surgery and ophthalmology respectively. They couple are pursuing their residencies at the University of Michigan.

Television and movie producer Dewey Wigod ’80 was a featured presenter at “Men’s Club Presents:  ‘Movie Music with WQXR’s Elliott Forrest’ in Conjunction with ‘A Journey Through the History of the Movies’ with Temple Members Edith Kraft and Dewey Wigod.” The program was held on April 30^th at Temple Emanu-el in Manhattan. Dewey’s work includes the “AFI’s 100 Years . . . 100 Movies” series of specials for CBS, That Way Madness Lies . . . for PBS, and Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War, a Ken Burns film about the cloak-and-dagger rescue of World War II refugees (PBS).

Manan Bhansali ’88, Vice President-Operations at The East India Co. Fine Foods Ltd., announced the release of commemorative gold coins to honor the coronation of King Charles III and the new Carolean Age. They are available in extremely limited quantities in a five-coin set, a three gold coin set, and the Spade Guinea. You can pre-order here:  The Coronation Spade Guinea

The company is also offering a custom Build Your Own Truffle Chocolate Box, filled with your favorites treats. Better yet, they ship to the USA! Click here to embark on a Build Your Own Truffle Chocolate Box adventure:  Build Your Own Truffle Box

The East India Company is also offering the first King Charles III coins in limited edition gold and silver. For more information, click here:  King Charles III Coins

Ron Blum ‘79 and his wife Robin were in line for passport control on March 23^rd at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, where they happened to meet Sari Mayer '84, who also had just arrived on an overnight flight. Ron and Robin were attending a performance by Renée Fleming (parent of a 2010 HM graduate), while Sari was visiting her daughter Ellery Lapin '22, a George Washington University/American University Paris Scholar in her freshman year. This photo was taken on the RER B train into the city.

Meredith Paley ’85 was recently promoted to senior vice president of public relations for Talbots, Haven Well Within, Ann Taylor, and LOFT. Talbots just wrapped up its annual campaign in support of Dress for Success Worldwide, which raised $1.1 million to benefit economic independence for women.

John Sorkin ’86 was recently promoted to co-leader of Ropes & Gray’s New York office.

Nicole Kaufman ’89 started a new position as Sales Operations Manager at PurposeBuilt Brands.

Anthony Ramirez II ’96, a partner in the Bronx Beer Hall, announced the release of The Bronx Little Italy Italian Pilsner (4.2% ABV), described as a lightly dry hopped pilsner. Crisp, refreshing, and delicious!

Donald Sherman ’98, senior vice president and chief counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, was interviewed by CNN in their report examining Justice Clarence Thomas’s connections to billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow:  CNN report featuring Donald Sherman '98

Eliah Seton ’00 has been named CEO of SoundCloud. He joined SoundCloud in 2021 as president and has been instrumental in refocusing the business on deepening the relationship between its artists and fans through new economic models, products, and tools. He lives in New York City with his husband, Dr. Jamie McKeever, and their twins.

Sixiang Wang ’02 is an assistant professor of Asian languages and cultures at UCLA. He earned his PhD from Columbia University and is the author of Boundless Winds of Empire:  Rhetoric and Ritual in Early Chosŏn Diplomacy with Ming China (New York:  Columbia University Press, 2023).

Michael Pareles ‘03, who is currently living in Singapore, reported that Nicholas Frisch ‘03 married Leora Kelman in an intimate ceremony in New York in September 2022. In attendance were his brother Simon Frisch ‘08, and (pictured left to right) Kay Negishi ‘03, Garth Sheldon-Coulson ‘03, Sarah Ball ‘02, Ruthie Birger ‘02, Samantha Do ‘03, Mike Pareles ‘03, Ben Bright ’03, and Sam Ashworth ‘03. Recounting Nick’s many foibles at Horace Mann, it is widely acknowledged that Mike and Kay delivered the best speech of the evening. 

Alexandra Sakatos ’03, co-founder of Ancilia Biosciences – described as a CRISPR route to success for live biotherapeutics and bacterial products – recently wrote that her company is looking to hire. They are seeking scientists and microbial engineers who want to join an early-stage, mission-driven startup to create a new class of bacterial therapies and products for a range of applications. Ancilia Biosciences Jobs

Carolyn Ureña ’04 has been appointed as University of Pennsylvania’s Director of Academic Advising in the College, effective May 1, 2023. Dr. Ureña is the ideal person to take the reins of College Advising as we adapt to the challenges of the post-pandemic era and serve a talented student population that is more diverse than ever.  As a member of the College Office staff since 2020, Dr. Ureña has advised a full load of students and served as liaison to Penn First Plus, FGLI DAB, La Casa, Makuu and multiple academic departments and programs.

Chris Altchek ’05, founder and CEO of Cadence in Los Angeles, CA, is featured in a podcast of The Pulse by Wharton Digital Health. He shares his vision for how advanced remote monitoring technology is changing healthcare and how his company is empowering physicians and their patients with chronic conditions to manage their health at home. You can listen in here:  The Pulse featuring Chris Altchek

Stephanie Chou ’05 performed at City Winery – The Loft on Monday, May 29^th in “An Evening with Stephanie Chou Quintet:  Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month.” The show featured a mix of Asian-influenced jazz and folk songs, with vocal music in Mandarin/English and instrumental pieces including fresh takes on Chinese folk songs and tongue-twisters (from Asymptote), excerpts from the Comfort Girl song-cycle/jazz-opera, songs exploring math and literature, and a few new tunes. While there is a strong element of Chinese culture, it is meant to reach all audiences and invite people to think about music as a key unifying force.  For more information about  Stephanie’s artistry, visit www.stephaniechoumusic.com. 

 

Victor Eng ‘06 and husband Wilson Dunlavey welcomed their second child, Phoenix, on April 9, 2023. Dare, their firstborn, is 18 months old and is thrilled with his new role as older sibling!

Ian Konsker ’08 fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became a zoo veterinarian for the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this past December. www.greatzoo.or

McKenzie Ryan ’10 is the head of the award-winning McKenzie Ryan Team at Douglas Elliman, selling luxury real estate in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Last year, 86% of her clients’ homes sold above asking price. McKenzie was recently recognized with the Pinnacle Award at Douglas Elliman as one of the top 3% of real estate agents nationwide. She has been featured in Forbes as the #1 Millennial Power Broker and continually ranks in the top 25 agents at her firm. This spring, her first real estate TV show is coming to HBO. McKenzie has built a large social media presence with 65,000+ followers. In December 2022, she got engaged to Jordan Wexler, the CEO of EarlyBird. You can follow her at @McKenzie_Ryan or email her at mckenzie.ryan@elliman.com.

Washington, DC’s own Finn Vigeland ’10, Task Lead and Transportation Planner at Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning, announced the launch of the metropolitan area’s Better Bus Experience Lab—the first look at a “Visionary Network” of what bus service in the DMV (District Maryland Virginia) region could be. The project offers users ways to plan out the trips they take the most, comment on an interactive map, and pore through hundreds of route profiles. As Finn explained, “Metro is coming back in the fall with a revised network, so the team needs your comments on this in order to improve it. This project has occupied the better part of my time for the last six months and I could not be more thrilled to share it with the world. It's been such a treat to work directly on improving the services of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the system I ride on a daily basis. Here's to a Better Bus!” Click here for more info:  Better Bus

Sofia Selig ’12 is a writer for Shrinking, a new comedy series for AppleTV+. The premise of the show is “a therapist dealing with severe grief begins to breach ethical barriers by telling his patients what he completely thinks, resulting in massive changes to his and their lives.”

Flo Ngala ‘13 is making headlines again! She photographed this year’s Met Gala for Vogue. 2023 Met Gala

Anika Tripathi ’13 started a new position as Director of Analytics at Media Futures Group, a bespoke agency solution for Google that delivers strategic, creative, and data-driven media to drive brand and business outcomes.

Namit Satara ’14 has joined the strategy team at Tovala, the first-ever meal service paired with a countertop smart oven. Tovala smart ovens cook Tovala meals and other foods perfectly using automated multi-mode cook cycles and the simple scan of a QR code or barcode, virtually eliminating the time it takes to plan, prepare, and clean up a home cooked meal. Launched in 2017, Tovala’s scan-to-cook technology — paired with chef-crafted meals — meets a deep-seated consumer need, delivering a premium experience without effort. Meals take less than one minute to prep and cook perfectly in under 20 minutes.

Morgan Raum ’15, who runs the social media account @TooMuchFood, was featured in a recent New York Post article about the controversy surrounding the tendency of influencers to photograph food in restaurants. You can read the article here:  NY Post - April 11, 2023

Sabrina (Lautin) Reichert ’16 obtained a BA in environmental chemistry from Columbia in May 2020, then worked in finance and spent some time as a research associate in geosciences at SUNY Stony Brook. She is currently pursuing a PhD in geophysics at UT Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. Sabrina recently presented at the December 2022 American Geophysical Union conference on the geodynamics (paleo-tectonics) of the East African Rift Basin. She is a frequent contributor to Physics World Magazine.

Dillon Holder ’17 is a data scientist at Brimstone. He visited campus on April 18^th to be a guest speaker at SciTech, the Upper Division science research conference. Brimstone is tackling some cutting-edge climate change challenges. As the company’s website states, “Cement is one of the most used materials on the planet. It's also a huge source of global emissions… We're here to change this with our breakthrough process that makes carbon negative cement. It's the exact same material builders have relied on for over a hundred years, now with a positive climate impact.” The company has “invented a way to make carbon-negative Portland cement that is identical to conventional cement and lower in cost.” (Source:  brimstone.com)

Jephtha Prempeh ’17 graduated from USC in 2022 with a degree in non-governmental organizations and social change, with minors in music production and dance. They are a rapper, singer, producer, and dancer who performs under the stage name JAYKAYPRIME!. Jephtha is working on the second edition of their independently published arts and culture print magazine called PEWM (Proud of Everything We Make). A launch party was held on May 5^th in Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles. For more information about the magazine, email community@pewmvisions and follow the Instagram handle @pewmvisions. In their spare time, Jephtha is working on their first record, entitled A Silver Lining, described as “a reckoning with the limiting politics of authenticity, desire, and romance that force misfits like me to find and nurture our hard-won confidence as we chase our dreams.” You can support these efforts via the following GoFundMe page:  https://gofund.me/7c771275

Pranav Srinivasan ’17 has started a new position as an analyst at Diameter Capital Partners LP.

Beatrix Bondor ’18 was recognized last fall with Princeton’s George B. Wood Legacy Junior Prize, which is awarded to members of the senior class in recognition of exceptional academic achievement during junior year. She recently graduated from Princeton with a degree in English and certificates in French language and culture, creative writing (poetry), and European cultural studies. She has enrolled as a J.D. candidate in the Class of 2026 at Stanford Law School.

Amir Moazami ’18 has founded a platform for online chess lessons called Rookly. His love for chess began at Horace Mann in kindergarten, when started playing chess with Gregory Cesar. He was interviewed in Episode 244 of the podcast Premier Chess. You can find the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Brittany Jones ’19, who just graduated from Emory University, was honored with the Faraaz Hossain Core Values Award from the Goizueta BBA program. The award is presented to a senior who embodies the most noble principles and values as set forth in the Goizueta BBA creed:  respect, scholarship, integrity, leadership, diversity, community, and celebration. Brittany will be starting a position as an executive search analyst at Spencer Stuart. (Source:  LinkedIn)

Malhaar Agrawal ’20, a junior at MIT majoring in humanities and science, has been selected as a 2023 Truman Scholar. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship supports and inspires the next generation of public service leaders. Truman Scholars are selected for their outstanding leadership potential, commitment to a career in public service, and academic excellence. He joins the 61 other new Truman Scholars who were selected from 705 candidates nominated by 275 colleges and universities. (Reprinted with permission of MIT News (http://news.mit.edu/)

Nshera Tutu ’21, who is a health care policy major at Cornell and a 2023 Weisenfeld Health Equity Fellow, will be working with the Ujima Company in Buffalo, NY, as part of the Cornell High Road Fellowship this summer. As Nshera explained, “Their ‘Theater Behind Bars’ project combines my lifelong passion for the arts with my interest in prison reform. I am incredibly honored to work with this amazing organization, and am thankful to everyone who helped me in securing this opportunity.” As a senior at Horace Mann, Nshera received the Robert Moses Prize (a gift of the Class of 1964) and the University of Chicago Book Award. (Source:  LinkedIn)

Return to The Lion's Pride - Spring 2023