Arcadia Magazine

Barbara Klein Fraser shared: “I’m still active volunteering for Granite State Adaptive Program cleaning horse buckets and sweeping barn for the Equine Program. Was Djembe drumming until Covid and hope to return soon. I’m in touch with Else Holm ‘50 and Peg Callaway Avison ‘49. Independent in own home in Wolfeboro, NH. Resort town on Lake Winnipesaukee. Love to hear from colleagues.”

Nancy Brown Duvall shared: “Had myself a posh birthday party. I hit 90 and thought I deserved it. My five grandkids are all gainfully employed or in grad school. They are truly “grand”. Life is still good for me. I am lucky.”

Carol Young shared: “A big Hello! to my friends. I am living in Rydal Park, a retirement community in Jenkintown where my husband and I moved 14 years ago. He was with me for 3 years before he moved to the Medical Center and he is now gone. My 3 children, my 5 grandchildren and my 1 great grand daughter are living nearby. Well, sort of. One son lives in Zion Grove, which is in black bear and bald eagle country. I participate in all sorts of activities both at Rydal Park and in Philadelphia, but I no longer sing since my voice is not what it used to be. I started when I was 5, so 83 years is a pretty good run! I now write regularly for the newsletter at Rydal.”

Joan Sweiger Toth shared: “Took my granddaughter, Taylor, on a trip to Amsterdam and Reykjavik in June. Recently, on a visit to family in CT, met with my former college roommate, Barbara Daugherty Jenkins. It’s been 66 years since graduation from Beaver, and we’re still going strong!”

Emma Jane Burns shares: “On Friday, April 22nd, our class celebrated its 65th reunion. Thanks to our reunion chairs Edie Hall Neal and Ellie Perrrine Cox we got together via Zoom with the help of Andrea Reeds, Director of Class Reunion Programs. Five of us tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to reach all the members of our class from a list supplied to us by the University. Twenty of us took part in our “get-together” including Jean Bankson Hearst, Marti Bergland Curtiss, Pat Carthage, Dotti Chapman Carney, Marci Clist Hardy, Freda Friz Schopfer, Barbara Gordon Cooke ,Edie and Ellie, Cindy Howard Hermanson, Lois MacElroy Wells, Nancy Maresca Piper, Bernie Markin Garber, Emma Jane Murphy Burns, Jean Stout Fletcher, Lois Wrigley Caldwell, Nancy Williams Galluccio, Gail Leonard Williams, and Pene Zack Riggs. Helen Viniarski Crisp sent greetings from the UK.

After hearing from each of the participants, we reminisced about our professors, chapel, trips on the yellow buses, the library above the gym, the “Hugh” pool, and the fun times we had as a class including Song Contest which was mentioned several times. We all agreed that we had the BEST class and that we had all been greatly influenced by the experiences we had had at Beaver College. We also agreed that we all look great!

We decided that we have to get together more often than every five years and are planning to do so again next year…2023! So ….update your address, phone number(s), and email address with the Arcadia. Get in touch with your classmates and prepare to be contacted early next year! We can’t wait to see more of us at our 66th!

At approximately 86 years of age travel to the campus might have been difficult. BUT this way we were able to see everyone and even giggle a bit. Of course you can send any news to Arcadia directly, too.

Jean Stout Fletcher shared: “An unusual summer as I had a knee replacement in late June, so have spent time house and deck bound, icing my knee, exercising and doing PT. It paid off as I’ve made great progress, so much so that we’re able to go to England at the end of August to visit our son Bruce and family. They live in London but have a Cotswold home too, so we’ll have a lot to see and do. Otherwise all is well. Loved the idea of our Zoom reunion, but wished some other friends had joined in.”

Mary Avakian Freericks says: “My poetry memoirs begin with “Blue Watermelon” in Tabriz, Iran, where I was born, continue with “Cheer for Freedom” including our move to the United States followed up by “Furs for a Vegetarian” focusing on my Russian, artist, mother, then “Green Eyes” about my marriage and two sons. “Swimming Through the Generations” which goes back to Pilgrims and up to f ive grandchildren is about to be published. These memoirs are page turners on Amazon and available for purchase.”

Jane Lewis Grove shared: “Granddaughter Abby Grove will start her freshman year at Brown University this fall. She was admitted under early decision -- only 7% of female applicants are admitted this way. She was valedictorian of her high school class. Grandson Nathan Grove will start his senior year at Amherst College.”

Betty Holton Weiss shared: “Three grandchildren. All off to college, a Sr at Penn State, a freshman at Pace and Muhlenberg. Still playing tournament tennis and pickleball. For our 60-61 reunion we had a virtual Zoom meeting. It was good to chat with fellow classmates. Molly Fretz Stevens was the reunion chair and I was class agent.”

Katherine Gipe shared: “I moved in Sept 2021, not downsizing but going to a townhouse where I would not have to mow, shovel, etc. I am still in East Aurora; it was a good move. I wiped out in my garage and had a spiral fracture of my femur. I missed a wedding in Tampa in March because of it, but I can do all three flights of stairs in Barnegat Light as well as get over our big dunes to get to the beach.”

Carla Chepigan Branyan shared: “I have retired as an ESL teacher, and I am continuing my singing in church as worship leader. I had a hip replacement last summer, so we are now going strong again on our day trips.”

Marion Yick Rosenbaum joined a Chamber music and Symphony orchestra at Settlement Music School, Willow Grove branch. She continues taking violin lessons and enjoys it immensely.

Helene Rolfe Ham shared: “Happy 75 classmates. This June I threw caution to the wind and participated in my first Art Fair. I sold 19 paintings which surprised the heck out of me. I am delighted to be learning more everyday and that my days are awash with beautiful colors. My husband and family are well. So very grateful.

Monique Miller shared: “It’s coming, our 50th year reunion! Co-chairing with Marie Duke. Please let us know what you are interested in doing and what will motivate you to come back!”

Mary Hobler Hyson shared: “We welcomed our 6th grandchild at the end of February, George. We are planning on flying to Kansas to meet him. Since my husband, Eric, retired after 42 years as a Radiologist we are traveling more. I continue to benefit from twice a week sessions of Pilates; daily walks; watercolor class; playing piano & now trying to organize tons of photos. I still like making greeting cards using my photos. I am eager to see two of my Beaver friends (Mary Chomitz & Ella Straw) at our 50th reunion.”

Linda Mattuci Schiavone shared: What a wonderful day, volunteering at Arcadia’s 2022 Commencement AND meeting up with fellow ‘81 grad, Linda Pascal! Despite 41 years passing, we recognized each instantly. Though graduating with a BA in Chemistry from Beaver College, I have had several career changes over the years, and now am a Licensed Professional Counselor, having received my MS in Spiritually-Integrated Counseling in 2013 and my Master of Applied Positive Psychology from Penn in 2017. I work in private practice in Devon, PA. I will be married 40 years this September and together we raised two accomplished young adults, our son who graduated from Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, and our daughter who graduated from Fordham University, is continuing her education at Thomas Jefferson University, and will be applying to medical schools. I am forever grateful for the path Beaver College set for me, in education, in life and with long-lasting friendships. I would love to hear from other members of the Class of ‘81!”

Deborah Derrickson Kossman shared: “My essay, Churn, appeared in the Nashville Review in December, 2020 and was included in Memoir Monday’s weekly roundup of best essays. It is adapted from my recently completed book, What We Hold On To. I’m also very pleased to share that in June, 2022, The Woven Tale Press published chapter 3 from my memoir What We Hold On To. It can be found here: online.flipbuilder. com/eovs/rmnj/ and starts on page 52. I have transitioned my full time private psychology practice over to telehealth exclusively which also gives me more time for my writing.”

Art Himmelstein shared: “December 31, 2021: The last day of the work week, the last day of the pay period, the last day of the month, and the last day of the year. That was also my last day as a member of the workforce, as I retired following 31.5 glorious years as a CPE (Computer Programmer Extraordinaire) with the State of New Jersey. In February of 2022, I received my first pension payment and Social Security payment, making it official. Also that month, I bowled my 2,000th consecutive league game, and on a different night, my 6th-best series ever, a 673. The Streak is now at 2,037 games, awaiting the new season in September. But not everything in retirement is all Social Security, pensions, senior citizen discounts, kitties, sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. On July 21st of this year about 2:30 a.m., while trying to help my wife get Nani the tortie out of my wife’s bathroom, I slipped on a towel and crashlanded on the ridge of the shower where one climbs over to get in or out. As a result, I broke 4 ribs, which hurt big-time, and I had a partially collapsed lung. I was in the hospital for 6 days. As of this writing on 8/8, the lung is f ine, I am limited to lifting 5 pounds, and the ribs hurt mainly when I sneeze, cough hard, or get into and out of bed. As broken ribs take 6 weeks on average to heal, I am hopeful of being able to bowl and continue The Streak when the season begins. Finally, to all alumni/alumnae who live in New Jersey, thank you for paying my pension, and salary before that. LOL”

Colleen Anderson shared: “This past September, my son Bobby (who attended the Children’s Center at Arcadia), got married and he and his wife delivered my grandson, Hudson, in June.”

Cynthia Wilson published her first children’s book titled, “The Tooth Fairy Lost Her Way” to encourage children to use their imagination. Her daughter Harmony is the illustrator.

Margaret Poteet shared: “I recently celebrated my second anniversary as a minister at a Presbyterian church (PCUSA), serving in Chattanooga, TN. After working at Arcadia for 12 years following graduation, I had the opportunity to attend Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 2020. I am loving my new hometown, and am grateful for this community that I am privileged to serve!”

Derek Wager has been working as a physical therapist since graduating in 2008. Currently Derek is the supervisor of outpatient rehabilitation for Ocean University Medical Center. In 2022, Derek graduated with a master of science in management with a concentration in healthcare administration from Wilmington University.

Amy Longo Sweeney shared: “My husband and I welcomed our first child, Callum, to the world on November 23, 2021.”

Tera Yacobacci Hare shared: “In 2022 our family welcomed our third son, Elliott John Hare.” Sarah Schwartz Hill says: “I’ve been recently promoted to Director of Content Strategy at BarkleyREI, a full-service digital agency located in Pittsburgh, PA. As part of the Experience Design team, I own the agency’s content practice and direct the team that supports it--everything from defining content strategies on behalf of clients; building and directing an inhouse and external team of content strategists, migration specialists and copywriters; and serving as the lead on SEO engagements.”

In November, 2021, Kristina Gannotta became the Director of Lifecycle Marketing at Niche.com. In her new role she leads a team responsible for communicating with students throughout their college decision process. Danielle Frank was elected to the Board of Directors for Little People of America in June of 2022, for a three year term.

Rachel Fox shared: “Remember that throughout your studies and the craziness of the real-world, that YOU matter the most. Giving back to your needs and priorities is something you are capable and worthy of; you are special just because you’re you, and you’re here! Arcadia will allow you to learn about yourself, your peers, and what skills you want to move forward through life with. There are resources on campus to make sure you are supported and cared for—be your best advocate and ask for help; you are not alone!!” 2016 Katie Bowles Sciamanna graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney on August 5th with an MS in biology.

Naya Brown shared: “I own and operate my online retail business called The Fine Auntie. The Fine Auntie brand is geared towards women that love and support their nieces and nephews! The website can be viewed at the-fine-auntie.myspreadshop.com”

Tanner Pajakinas obtained his Masters in K-12 Counseling from Widener University where he also served as an Assistant Lacrosse coach for the Men’s Lacrosse Team. He has accepted a position as a Guidance Counselor in the Muhlenberg, PA School District.

Matt Reid, who obtained his Masters in Education and certification in Social Studies has just completed the 2021-22 school year at Wissahickon High School teaching Political Science, US History Honors, and African American studies as a long-term substitute. Matt has recently accepted a contracted position to teach history at Upper Merion High School. Matt has a children’s book titled ‘Who Are You?’ and a memoir titled ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Kid: My Home is in My Head.’ Both are available on Amazon.

Christopher Saxon recently started a job at Rite Aid Pharmacy as a service associate. He also belongs to Nami Philadelphia and the Philly Transit Riders Union. Christopher recently created a website: journalistsaxon.wordpress.com.