“Cornell’s Department of Athletics and Physical Education has announced plans to build an indoor sports and recreation facility on Tower Road. The facility will be called Meinig Fieldhouse, in memory of former Board of Trustees chair and university benefactor Peter C. Meinig ’61.”  This announcement is wonderful news for all of us.  Pete was tireless in the giving of his time, his assets, and above all his leadership.  Along with his wife Nancy, they set a standard for all alums.

Many class notes have come from  all of you starting with NANCY PAULL McKEEVER.  She is active in the UU congregation in Westport, CT and is president of her condominium board. “Great memories of Cornell especially the Clinton Rossiter course in the American Presidency.  I’m still active in hiking, kayaking and travel and spend time with close friends.”  BARBARA ECKELMAYER also sent a class note from Skillman, NJ.  “I’m enjoying life with my family, not working and enjoying our retirement community.”  And another note from DEE KAPLAN in Shrewsbury, NJ.  “Recently moved to an Assisted Living Home and enjoy the new activities while I am able to visit with nearby family. Finally sold the big home.  I have fond memories of the music room at Straight Hall and some fine Spring Weekends.”  JOEL BLATT reports he is still living in NYC.  “My work continues as a professor of History at the Stamford Campus of the Univ. Of Connecticut.  I have fond memories of my Cornell classes with Edward Whiting Fox and Walter La Faber.”

Gerald Schneider, PhD, Cornell Bachelor of Science, 1961, recently published A Practical Guide to Progressive Values, Libertarian Solutions. Released by Page Publishers, this book suggests realistic and ethical solutions to many world problems that invite dialogue. It bridges the gap between progressives and conservatives in a divided America. Readers will find it original, thoughtful, lucid, concise, and reasoned as well as provocative. The book includes ironic and humorous quotes that keep readers turning pages.

Another class note also highlighting his new book arrived from EDWARD GOLDBERG.  “With the arrival of Covid, and resulting quarantine and isolation, I had time to write the book that had been percolating in my mind. I combined my love of American history and my 30 years spent as a primary care physician. The result was Presidential Health Matters, published by Konstellation Press and available on Amazon. The book relates how medical history and politics have been intertwined over the years. There are presidents who contributed to medical advances, e.g. FDR and the March-of Dimes. Some presidents used their knowledge of medicine to further their politics, e.g. Teddy Roosevelt, yellow fever, and the Panama Canal. Some presidents were overcome by medical events e.g. Wilson and Influenza 1918. My Cornell teachers were a great source of inspiration for me. Thank you, Andrew Hacker, Walter LeFeber, Clinton Rossiter. Hopefully, I will be worthy of your input.”

JIM KEENAN wrote from his home in Reno, NV. “ My favorite memories of Cornell involve managing all the food stands at home football games throughout the stadium.  Now I am retired, cooking my own meals.  I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran which limits my activities but then so does my age!” GAIL RIPPANS commented, “I am very saddened to hear of the death of Carol Franklin. Our senior year boyfriends lived together so we got to spend a lot of time together.  Carol was beautiful and talented and generous. We are fortunate she led our class.  She will be missed.”

And a  lengthy note from MARLENE TEIN.  “It was rough last year.  My husband of almost 57 years passed away in March of 2022.  I sold the house in Boca Raton and moved to an ILF in Kendall, FL.  I am now closer to our children, son Michael and daughter Naomi.  Big changes in lifestyle but I’m getting used to it and doing OK.  While living in Boca Raton I was able to get together with DALE ADAMS RASKIN every week.  We do so now by Facetime.  I live in the “Palace Suites” in Kendall and it is like being on a cruise ship with lots to do, good food nice people, etc. (but the ship doesn’t sail!).  It has been a year of adaption., but with the help of family and friends I made it.”

“I am now professor emerita.” writes JOANNE SCHAPIRO KOCH.  “I served as professor and director of the Masters in Written Communication Program at National Louis University in Chicago for 22 years.  Children grandchildren and playwriting are bringing me the most satisfaction in my retirement.   I’ve had two staged readings of the new play ”Good Trouble” at the City Lit Theater in Chicago and continue to work on the play about unsung civil rights champion and President’s Medal of Freedom winner Fred D. Gray,  The musical “American Klezmer” will have a pre-New York presentation in L.A.  I’m looking forward to a production of “Belle Barth Musical” for which I wrote the book.  Grammy nominee Ilya Levinson wrote the music and Owen Kalt wrote the lyrics.  The show had its premiere at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, NY to raves and will be touring this 2023-4 season.  Finally, one of my favorite memories of Cornell 1961 is seeing my first play produced there as winner of the Forbes-Heerman Playwriting contest.  I’ve written and seen produced 18 plays and musicals since then, but nothing was quite as thrilling as having noted NEW York producer Norris Houghton comment after my “Family Dinner” that he expected see ‘more wonderful plays from Joanne Schapiro in the future.”

I’ll  end this column with a tribute to our longtime Class Officer and reunion chair, PAULINE DAGENFELDER.  Pauline passed away November 16 following a lengthy  illness.  Our sympathies go to her family and husband JOE ’60.

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