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MAR./APR. 2005 VOLUME 107 NUMBER 5 Class Notes

2000 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05

00 | Hey, Class of 2000! Are you thinking about reconnecting with and old flame? How about reliving past glories on the field? Feel like waxing poetic about Ithaca weather? Then you must be ready for Reunion 2005, which is only a few short months away.Make sure you have confirmed your itinerary for June 9-12. We expect to see you there for a fantastic weekend! And don't fret, because it is not too late to register. Head online right away to http://classof00.alumni.cornell.edu.

Since we are on the topic of reunions . . . Barrett Yates, Nina Lee Torkelson, Liz Kang, and Nick Janiga are leading a committee of more than 35 classmates for our 5th Reunion Campaign. According to Barrett, "Our goal is to raise $65,000 from 650 donors, including 65 giving society members and five Tower Club members. Thank you so much to those who have already supported our efforts by making a gift to Cornell. If you haven't had a chance to make your gift yet, please join us! Gifts can be made online at https://www.alumni.cornell.edu/giving/giftcard.taf?function=giftform, or call 1-800-279-3099."

Now, I'm sure you noticed Nina Lee's new surname above. She married Georgetown alum Tom Torkelson on June 26, 2004, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. According to Nina, those attending the wedding got to spend time on South Padre Island and in Mexico. Cornellians in attendance included bridesmaids Melissa Gardner Curri '99 and Ashton Chen '99. Also celebrating the nuptials were Rebekah Gordon, Travis Scott '01, CJ Cintron '99, Gwen Christini '01, Chris Chiambalero, Rory and Kristen Chenet Linehan, and Alice Lu '99.

Wedding bells also chimed for Cecilia Zhang, who married Jason Stiber on July 31 at Queen of the Apostles Chapel in Maryknoll, NY. Cecilia is currently in her third year of law school at Boston College. Elizabeth Jennings and Thomas Dispenza were married on October 9, 2004 at Sage Chapel on campus. They are both in medical school and report that they will be graduating in June.

We have happy news from Beth Sullivan and Bill Walkenbach '98, who were married on June 27, 2004. Guests included bridesmaid Kate Procopio, Kelley Boutin, Rick and Kelly Dean Sacchetti, Erica Sperry, Kriss Green, Nick Bayer, Jack Franke, and Sarah Walton. Beth writes that she and Bill are house parents at Sigma Delta Tau on Cornell's campus. Both Beth and Bill are currently coaching; she is the assistant field hockey coach and he is the assistant baseball coach. Beth is also pursuing her master's in education at SUNY Cortland.

Our congratulations extend to Kathy Knapp and Jordan Schaeffer, who were married in August 2003 in Ipswich, MA. Cornellians in attendance included Sarah McGoey '01, John Osgood, Mike Nemeth '01, ME '02, Kristen Wolf '99, M ILR '01, Kim Regan '99, and Johanna Myers. Kathy writes that she is in law school while Jordan is in medical school in Colorado. And last, but certainly not least, A. Danielle Routt and Jimmy Gonzalez '99 were married on August 20, 2004 in the Bahamas. The happy couple currently resides in Miami. Upon graduation from law school, Danielle writes that she will be practicing real estate law.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes . . . baby Seth, brand new son of Matt Varble and his wife Raquel. Seth was born on October 22, 2004. Congratulations! We expect to see pictures of Seth in Big Red gear. Matt and Lynn D'Silva Cinelli are proud to announce the newest member of their family, Amanda Mary, born in September. Lynn and Matt live in New City, NY. Lynn also reports that she attended quite a few Cornell weddings in 2004, including those of Keli Henderson Laverty, Stacy Nicks Fitzgerald, My Nguyen Smith, Cathy Wong Chan, and Lucy Padilla Gallery.

In other news, Zareen Mistry is currently completing a veterinary small animal internship, while Ben Kuhn reports that he is a fourth-year medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.He writes that he will enter a pediatrics residency this summer. Jenny Schlesinger says that she is still working for Bloomberg financial markets in sales.

We have exciting news from Jeremy Schwartz, who writes that he is currently in Kampala, Uganda, where he is a Fellow on the Fogarty/Ellison Overseas Fellowship in Global Health and Clinical Research. Jeremy will be in Uganda until June of this year. He is doing clinical research on tuberculosis, with a focus on pediatric TB. Candace Davies earned a full-tuition merit scholarship to the Johnson Graduate School of Management. Candace says that it feels good to be back at Cornell!

Rebekah Gordon writes, "I left the corporate world behind last summer, moved across the country, and am now pursuing my master's at Columbia U. Graduate School of Journalism in New York City. A total career change!" Rebekah adds, "School doesn't afford me a lot of time for fun in the city, but I have managed to hang out with Evan Bloom, Margaux Neiderbach '99, Marie Kayton, Kristen Sweeney, Florence Natter, and Allie Wesson."

As for me? I am proud to report that I completed the Philadelphia Marathon—my first marathon—on November 21, 2004 in 4:10:22. Here's to NYC '05! Andrea and I are looking forward to seeing all of you at Reunion 2005, June 9-12. As always, keep those updates coming! -- Sarah Striffler, sjs34@cornell.edu; and Andrea Chan, amc32@cornell.edu.

01 | Hello, Class of 2001! We hope that everyone is doing well. Here's more news from your classmates. Double congratulations to Toby Merchant for graduating law school and getting married to Jennifer in May. Toby moved to Cincinnati, where he is an associate at Dinsmore and Shohl LLP in the corporate department. Congratulations also to Carrie Cresenzi, MS '03, and Alan French '03, who were married on June 18, 2004 in Sudbury, MA. They are currently working at strategy consulting companies in the Boston area for the in vitro diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries.

Congratulations to Jennifer Linker and Adam Nadborny on their wedding in August 2004. They were married at the Woman's Club ofWhite Plains, NY. Both the bride and groom recently received law degrees from the U. of Virginia. Jennifer is working at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York City. Dustin Grethen and Elizabeth Wallis '02 were married at their church in Oak Park, IL, exactly six years from the date they met as pre-frosh as they were preparing to leave on a six-day backpacking trip with Wilderness Reflections. They honeymooned on the big island of Hawaii, where they enjoyed hiking, off-roading, and relaxing on the beach. Dustin is now working at Daimler Chrysler Services. He is fortunate that his company is paying for his MBA in Strategy, Execution, and Valuation at DePaul U. Liz is in her third year of medical school at Loyola.

We are happy to announce a few weddings that took place at Cornell. Emily Shook '02 married David Guinn at Sage Chapel, with a reception at the Johnson Museum on June 19, 2004. The couple currently lives in Indianapolis, IN. Another Cornell wedding was for Erik Falck, MBA '03, and Carrie Salo '02 on August 28 at Sage Chapel. Peggy Imboden and Joseph Salsbury '99 were married on August 14 at Sage Chapel, with a reception in the Statler Ballroom. The wedding was filled with Cornell alums, including Praveen Anumolu, MEE '03, David Tisi, MS '04, Eva Chiamulera '97, MA '00, Jen Lamontagne, Mike Munoz '00, Rich Hovorka '96, and Scott Southard '97. The happy couple currently resides in Geneva, NY. David Tisi also wrote in to tell us that he's working in Cambridge, MA. He would love to hear from anyone who is passing through or living nearby.

Lauren Eade writes that she's now a second-year law student at William and Mary. Currently she is looking for a summer associate position in the Baltimore/D.C. metropolitan area. Dianne LaRocca completed her law degree in June 2004 when she graduated from Harvard Law School. She now lives in Washington, DC, and works at Piper Rudnick as an associate in labor and employment law. Another student, Ryan Nelson, tells us that he is in his fourth year of medical school at the U. of Buffalo. He is currently applying to internal medicine residency programs in the northeast.

Jennifer Yang is a resident at the UCSF Dept. of Surgery. Congrats to Jennifer! After getting her PhD in pharmacology from Cornell in May 2004, Victoria Ying is now working as a scientific executive at Optical Bioscience Pharmaceuticals. The company owns many different drug patents. She helps market these drugs to biotech and pharmaceutical companies to get them through clinical trials for FDA approval. These drugs help treat cancer, HIV, and cardiovascular and diabetic diseases.Victoria is living in Mount Kisco, NY. Faizeen Khandaker (dhikr2@aol.com) recently joined Citizens Bank after its acquisition of Charter One Bank in Albany, NY. He and his wife have been married for two years and now have a 1-year-old son. He still loves Big Red hockey and attends the games at Union and RPI and the ECAC championships. He's looking forward to getting in touch with other Cornellians in the Capital Region and the Berkshires.

Checking in from Brooklyn, NY, Princess Osei-Bonsu recently received an MA in psychology and education from Columbia U. Congratulations! Checking in from New Jersey is Nick Kowalski. He has been spending time with Cornell Fijis Jesse Rothermel '00, Doug Tyre '02, Mike Zinkand, Christian Yunker '02, and others. Last summer he spent weekends at the beach and traveling to Philadelphia. Nick is still the owner and operator of www.radiatorexpress.com. He just launched another retail accessory site at www.goldenfishstore.com. If any fellow Cornellians need an auto radiator condenser, heater core, and/or gas tank, use coupon code "Cornell" for a $20 savings at www.radiatorexpress.com. Also in New Jersey, Phil Chen tells us that after spending three years at Merrill Lynch, he has recently switched to a new position at American Express, where he ran into a number of Cornellians during the first few weeks!

A shout out to Sophie Aiyer in Washington, DC, Viktoria Lovei in Chicago, IL, and Lyndsay Wegman in Charlotte, NC. Another shout out to Greg Barratt in Park City, UT!

So . . . what's new in your lives? Any exciting trips? New job? Grad school? Weddings? Babies born? Let us know. E-mail us at classof2001@ cornell.edu.We hope that all is well with each of you and that you'll let us know about it!-- Lauren Wallach, lew15@cornell.edu; and Trina Lee, TKL6@cornell.edu.

02 | Another year almost over as I reluctantly break out the clothes that fail to give me any shape or allow any movement—my winter reminder. Every year at this time, like clockwork, I curse the frigid weather and my New York roots and swear to move to San Francisco, but perhaps you fellow dwellers of the big city will agree that at holiday time it is difficult not to like New York at least a little. The trick is not to get in the way of a tourist and the tree in Rockefeller Center— it can get ugly. The Ithaca cold didn't seem to faze me. I have a big bunch of you (and Wegmans) to thank for that. Still, one thing stands out as being the saving grace of winter this year—"Alias," Season Four. Oh yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

We have classmates in graduate schools countrywide. "I have been promoted to first lieutenant and given an extreme amount of control and responsibility,"writes Bryan Maule Jr. He was recently selected to serve a one-year tour at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea. He is very excited and hopes to have a wonderful time. Bryan is also working toward his master's in security management, with a concentration in homeland defense, at the American Military U. Pete Carroll is now the assistant men's basketball coach at Case Western Reserve U., while also a graduate student in the Dept. of History there. Rebecca Walker recently left Goldman Sachs to begin the JD/MBA program at Harvard. Katherine Paz writes, "I have loved Austin and the U. of Texas since graduating from Cornell. I finished my master's degree in human development and family sciences in May 2004 and will be here for another one-and-a-half years working on my PhD." Jake Levy began his first year at UCLA School of Law last fall.

Interesting and impressive career paths are under way for many of us. Gwynne Koch of Stockbridge, MA, graduated with her master's from the Dept. of Design and Environmental Analysis in August. Her thesis title was "Factors Influencing the Green Building Practices of Northeast US Home Builders." She now works as assistant editor for Laurin Publishing in Pittsfield, MA. Scott Belsky writes, "I am now working with the Pine Street team at Goldman Sachs and continue my interests in writing and developing a few business ideas outside of work. I have also become involved with real estate." Friend and classmate Michael Schwalbe '03 is making his mark at Goldman Sachs in the fixed income division, while Michael Brown is one of the most popular history teachers in Rochester, NY. Rebecca Pizzitola of Raleigh, NC, is working for Lab- Corp as a GC/MS technologist, volunteering regularly with many local organizations, and will be applying to graduate school for fall 2005 admission for an MPH degree. She is also strongly considering medical school in the future.

Some location and career changes have come through for classmates, including Marianne Drowne, a Design and Environmental Analysis major, who moved to Washington, DC's Capitol Hill in October. She is learning the ins and outs of the spa world at a day spa in the Northwest.Munib Jalali writes, "After Cornell, I spent a difficult year teaching math and physics at a boarding school in Massachusetts. Quickly convinced that teaching was not for me, I spent the next year traveling around and contemplating life, and then just recently accepted a research engineer position with a laser technology company just outside Denver, CO." Sounds like some good soul searching can prove worthwhile.

With every load of news I receive, weddings are becoming a standard grouping. David Huang married Wendy on August 7, 2004 in East Brunswick, NJ. Jason Litchney, MEE '03, writes,"My college sweetheart Sarah Lightbody and I were recently married.We had a beautiful California wedding and amazing honeymoon in Fiji.We felt lucky to have several good friends from Cornell, especially fellow Phi Delta Thetas." Jason is currently the assistant VP of segment analytics at Bank of America in San Francisco, and Sarah will be graduating with her JD, with a concentration in intellectual property, from the McGeorge School of Law at the U. of the Pacific in May. The couple resides in Sacramento and only occasionally misses the Ithaca winters! Susan McAvoy of Little Rock, AR, married Michael Owens '00, ME '01, on October 2, 2004 in Warren, PA. There were over 30 Cornellians in attendance that day.Mike and Susan met through the Cornell Big Red Marching Band.

I recently attended a Christmas party where I was introduced to fellow alum Robert Anzenberger '48 of the ILR school.When I asked him what he missed most about Cornell, he responded "picnics at Taughannock Falls." I don't know what it is about meeting alumni, but it always makes me happy. The charm of Ithaca is timeless.What do you miss about Ithaca? What do you love most about where you are now or what you are doing now? Where would you love to visit? Read any good books lately? Do you love "Alias" as much as I do? My inbox awaits. -- Carolyn Deckinger, cmd35@cornell.edu; Liz Richards, elizabethlauren_richards@yahoo.com.

03 | I'm writing this entry in my bathrobe while on duty aboard the mighty USS Ross. Duty days require select personnel to stay overnight on the ship and, unfortunately for me, we have run clean out of hot water this evening. Drats! But what better time to write and spread the news that has been filtering in?

Yujin Chung, ME '04, wrote, "I'm currently waiting for a flight to Hawaii to attend my sister's wedding! So that's pretty exciting, getting a new brother-in-law and all." Yujin is still working in Bean Town and having fun. He most recently wrapped up a case on the effects of consumerism, and particularly its effect on health care.

Meanwhile,Matt Haistings continues to enjoy his time out in Colorado Springs, CO, working with the Army Transportation Corps. I spoke with a very sleepy Matt one morning after failing to consider the time zone differences between Virginia and Colorado. Later I was able to get word of how lovely the area is, how much he enjoys living out West, and his latest Cornell experience while joining up with other Cornell alumni from the area.

Tom Struble is continuing along the Submarine Officer pipeline in the Navy and is living in a gorgeous little apartment in Mystic, CT, not too far from the Groton Sub Base.

I am extremely saddened to report the death of a dear classmate of ours, and my roommate for two years while at Cornell. Jordan Ressler died in Nicaragua on November 17, 2004. After 18 days of searches on Ometepe Island, his remains were found at the bottom of a 100-meter abyss on the slopes of the Maderas volcano. A man of great character and a dear friend to many, the memory of Jordan will always stay strong in our hearts. -- Samantha Buckingham, swb9@cornell.edu; and Sudha Nandagopal, sn58@cornell.edu.

04 | This winter I realized how much I miss the long Cornell Winter Break and Stella's coffee. Coffee in Atlanta does not even come close. But it was wonderful to be back in New York City for a short break and to bump into so many Cornellians just walking down the city sidewalks! I hope everyone is doing well!

Mirei Takashima Ryo writes, "I currently work as a management trainee for the marketing division at British American Tobacco Japan (no, I do NOT smoke). The drastic difference between the work lifestyle and the college lifestyle is shocking. I miss Cornell tremendously, and am planning to visit sometime next semester. Feel free to contact me if you're ever in Tokyo!"Hotelie Meghan Bass has gotten comfortable in Indiana at Valparasio School of Law. Naturally, she is one of the school's spokespeople. You can check out a news article she was interviewed for at www.nwitimes.com. The article appeared on October 17, 2004, and is entitled "VU Law School Reports Increase in Applications."

Teresa Devoto is living in New Jersey and is an account manager at CDW. CDW is one of the leading providers of technology solutions for business, government, and education and a principal source of technology products and services. She works closely with clients and acquiring new accounts. She spent some time in December relaxing in the city and at home before diving back into work in January. Jennifer Vanett writes, "If any alumni in the Philadelphia area are interested in going to a Phantoms ice hockey game, contact me and I will arrange a get-together for the local hockey fans! I recently began working at Shire Pharmaceuticals as a medical trial administrator for CNS investigational drugs."

E-mail me updates about your life or just say hello at my address below, or message me on thefacebook.com. -- Vanessa Matsis, vgm3@cornell.edu.

05 | As class correspondents, we would like to be the first to welcome the Class of 2005 to Cornell Alumni Magazine. Please keep in touch by passing on any future news, experiences, and updates to us, Michelle Wong and Matthew Janiga, at the e-mail addresses below. This column introduces the newest Alumni Class Council, who will work together on the Senior Class Campaign, as well as on our 5th Reunion.

Class Correspondents: Michelle is double majoring in Sociology and the College Scholar Program, with concentrations in Inequality and Asian American Studies. She is from Philadelphia, but hopes to relocate one day to California, where there is no lake effect. On campus,Michelle is most involved with Asian Pacific Americans for Action and Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity.Matthew studies Communication. A former assistant sports editor and columnist for the Daily Sun, he now fills his time researching for his honors thesis, stringing for Sports Illustrated, and working on the Class Campaign.Matt hopes to attend law school in the fall, but promises to visit friends and professors who have helped him grow.

Co-Presidents: Jay Jendrewski and Jackie Koppell. Jay is an ILR major from Wading River, NY. He has served as Class President, ILR Student Government President, and Student Assembly Representative. Founding the Psi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi has been a defining part of Jay's undergraduate years. He hopes to keep the Cornell experience alive in all of his classmates. Jackie is from New York City and studies History, with a concentration in Law and Society. In addition to being a student-elected trustee, Jackie has been active in the Student Assembly, Greek system, and Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity. She also travels and is a member of the synchronized figure skating team.

Vice Presidents of Giving Societies: Elizabeth Green and Matthew Janiga. Elizabeth studies Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Engineering Management. She hopes to return one day and go to graduate school. Elizabeth has been involved with the Society of Women Engineers, crew team, and Greek system. Elizabeth looks forward to helping others realize their appreciation for the university.

Vice Presidents of Participation: Ross Blankenship and John Keh. Ross is from Texarkana, TX. At Cornell, Ross is involved with the Educational Policy Committee and the Academic Integrity Hearing Board. He is also president of Mortar Board Honor Society. Ross hopes to attend law school in the fall and eventually get into politics. John is from New City, NY, and currently studies in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Next year, he will be in New York City working as an analyst at JP Morgan. John has had a great time as a student and looks forward to his alumni years.

Vice Presidents of Affinities: Michael Flanagan and Joanna Novick will lead the Greek Challenge, while Kari Steed will lead the Athletics Challenge.Michael is an AEM major in CALS. He is an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity and a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. Upon graduation,Michael plans on attending law school. Joanna is an American Studies major and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She is also a Campaign Manager for Teach for America and is really excited about her acceptance to the 2005 corps. Joanna is delighted that she will continue to represent the university on behalf of the Class of 2005. Kari studies Design and Environmental Analysis. Kari has also been a head clerk for reunions and Alumni Affairs and Development project development. She is also a member of the varsity track and field team. After graduation, Kari hopes to attend graduate school for Architecture.

Vice Presidents of Events: Meghan Cunningham and Anastasia Uglova. Meghan is in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, where she majors in Urban and Regional Studies.Meghan is a co-chair of Senior Week, as well as an active member of Class Council. Anastasia is from Bayside, NY, and studies Government, with minors in French and International Relations. She has been involved with Class Council, Cornell Political Coalition, and Cornell Perspective. Anastasia hopes to work for a freemarket think tank before returning to graduate school.

Treasurer: Aviesha Palmer is from Jamaica, majoring in Economics and Spanish. After graduation, Aviesha will work as a risk analyst in New York City. She is involved in the Minority Finance Commission, Caribbean Students Association, and Teszia Belly Dance Troupe. Aviesha looks forward to increasing Cornell's Alumni Giving Rate, specifically with minorities. Publicity Chair: Jerilyn Gusmanos is a PAM major from Long Island. Jerilyn has been active in Class Council since freshman year. Her Cornell experience has provided her with countless memories and friends that have become family. Jerilyn looks forward to making the Cornell experience more accessible to prospective students.

Secretary: Jenny Meil studies City and Regional Planning and Spanish Literature. She runs cross-country and track and is class correspondent for the Cuban-American Students Association. A Cornell Tradition Fellow, Jenny volunteers for a cooperative of Amazonian Artisans and Farmers in Ecuador and plans to continue working in the area of international growth and development.Webmaster: Eric Hsu feels that the school, faculty, and students have provided great motivation for what he has accomplished at Cornell. Eric is involved with Class Council, Association of Computer Science Undergraduates, and Golden Key Honour Society. Eric hopes to improve the interaction between alumni and undergraduates. Next year he will be an investment banker.

Send us your news! -- Michelle Wong, mrw29@cornell.edu; and Matthew Janiga, mwj3@cornell.edu.

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