In three weeks after submitting this column my wife Susan and I will move to Atlanta and an Independent Living Community near our daughter. After 26 years in Savannah this has proven to be a massive undertaking, more than anticipated. But so much for personal musings. Most of you have followed some of the dynamics in our 61 Alumni Class organization. We welcome Sue Lewis and Doug Uhler as our new co-Presidents. They have graciously agreed to serve through the current term expiring in 2026. I’m sure they can count on our support as we proceed with our activities. Sadly, their new responsibilities reflect the unfortunate attrition of our other class officers. Carol Franklin and David Kessler both long term class officers and our co-Presidents Dick Tatlow and Jim Moore all passed away somewhat unexpectedly in the last nine months.

The College of Arts and Sciences has established the Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professorship for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics.

Distinguished mathematician, award-winning teacher and well-known science communicator Steven Strogatz has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the chair. The professorship, believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, is supported by a $5 million endowment and will offer dedicated time and support to enable the holder to focus on public outreach.

“Understanding and broadening public support for math and science have become ever more essential in this 21st century, and yet too many people feel intimidated and distant from both,” said Barton Winokur ’61, who with Susan Winokur endowed the chair. “It is our hope that this professorship will help bridge that gap.” 

“Professor Strogatz has already demonstrated his ability to engage and indeed fascinate people at all levels of knowledge. He is already well-known for his popular books, podcasts and New York Times articles; this chair will enable him to share his insights and enthusiasm even more widely,” said Susan Winokur ’61.

Marilyn Zucker Wrote a lengthy note updating the comings and goings of several classmates. “I was lucky enough to spend a great afternoon in January, in Palm Desert, CA with a few pals from our class. Anne Lasher Mihalisin, Marian Pearlman Nease, Marjorie Seybold Vaughan, Ellie Harder Johnson and me, Marilyn Slutzky Zucker. It was like old home week, immediately recognizing one another, even the few of us we hadn’t seen in, what? 60 years. Eek! Went to the zoo, had a meal, took photos and hung out, completely enjoying the experience and marveling at the affection we shared.

Me? Still reading and writing and travelling. I’ve been staying in Venice, Italy for a few weeks each spring and back also to Lisbon, where I taught several years ago. I first went to Portugal in ’98 on a teaching Fulbright to Aveiro, a city in the north of the country. Since then, I’ve been back many times, staying with friends in Lisbon, connecting with colleagues in the Virginia Woolf Society and teaching a course at the University of Lisbon in personal narrative. At the time, writing about oneself was rather new to the Portuguese students, while in the US, even a cereal box asks “tell us your story!”  Turned out they had much to say about their own lives and that of their families and their culture.  It was a most unusual and fulfilling project. Finally, my dear friend Micki Bertenthal Kuhs has moved to Easthampton, a mere hour and a half away - that is, without summer traffic. It’s a joy to have her sorta nearby….

Charles Hecht writes from Manhattan, “I’ve eliminated trial work and focusing on corporate work and helping new enterprises. With my significant other, Leslie Toeprer, we’re doing things including travel, opera, philharmonic and seeing our children and grandchildren, bicycling, and reading.”

Another Class Note from Arthur Shostak answers the question What was your favorite memory of Cornell? “Earning the highest GPA in my ILR College class and leveraging it to earn a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at pay for a Princeton PhD”. He goes on, “I’m giving increasing academic employ of ideas in my 32^nd book, published in 2017, Stealth Altruism: Forbidden Care as Jewish Resistance in the Holocaust. Also I am continuing to research two books in preparation, a study of ways societies have memorialization, and a lengthy memoir. We moved nine years ago from Philadelphia to California to escape the winters and be closer to our grandchildren. May Lee Ling writes from Laguna Wood, CA that she is retired and enjoying time spent with family, friends and classmates. A grandson was married last year and a granddaughter this Spring. A new update from Jim Baden, still residing in Hilton Head, SC. Although retired from his practice Jim works with Volunteers in Medicine as a physician. His special interest is singing in the Barber Shop Chorus Harmony Society. And a favorite Cornell memory is the fantastic 1960 Men’s Glee Club trip to Russia.

Please keep your news flowing to us. ❖ Doug Fuss (email Doug); and Susan Williams Stevens (email Susan)