Class Notes: July/August 2024
By John M. PinneyEvery year I report on the return of the osprey to our nest platform and although this is not earth-shattering news, as the chaos index in the world seems to be increasing annually, it is reassuring to have a phenomenon of nature to provide some order—they’re back and hopefully this year we’ll see some chicks.
More momentum for upcoming class events: On May 1 we held a remote kickoff meeting for planning our 60th reunion. In attendance were Fred Kneip, David Roscoe, Bob Leich, Carl Farrington, Chris Kinney, Mel Shaftel, Stan Trotman, Bob Hammond, Bill Crosby, Dennis Mack, Ralph Protsik, John Schenck, and Janene Castaldi, our YAA representative. Janene kindly took time from preparing for this year’s reunions to provide us with guidance and insights from ’64’s impending 60th. Topics included lessons from our 50th, the class book and class gift, ideas for increasing attendance, and possibilities for a virtual component for those unable to attend in person. Stay tuned for more on plans and programs.
Reminder: The Asheville minireunion is coming up in September. Those of you interested should have responded to the save-the-date mailing or email blast by saving the date(s): September 16 to 19. The registration materials will arrive in early July. Don’t procrastinate as space is limited.
This year’s class dinner will be held on October 25 at the Yale Club of New York City. Bob Leich and Chris Kinney have asked David Roscoe to present an update of his excellent 2018 class dinner presentation on AI. A lot has happened in the last six years, e.g., the widespread availability of generative AI. I’m thinking about using generative AI to do these notes, which means AI would scan multiple sources and find out what you’ve been up to. It would make up for the lack of news you all provide. And, if I do use AI, I promise not to report any arrests or convictions that may turn up.
The Zoom program featured an April session entitled “Trouble Sleeping? You’re Not Alone and What to Do About It” presented by sleep expert Meir Kryger, MD, professor emeritus of medicine, Yale University. Bob Hammond and David Hoppman facilitated the discussion, which was highly relevant to most of us. If you slept through the session or it competed with your afternoon nap, you can view the recorded version on yale1965.org. The May program featured Jeremiah Quinlan, Y’03, Yale’s dean of admissions and financial aid, facilitated by Lee Bowie and Bill Smith. The topic was “Yale’s Admissions Process: As Strong as Ever.”
In other news, Karl Schonborn reported on Facebook that he was holding a book signing on April 28: “I’ll be signing my new book, Privileged Killers, and a revised edition of Cleft Heart. The new edition of Cleft Heart is out so people can donate a copy to a doctor, dentist, healthcare pro, or speech therapist for them to share with families dealing with birth defects.” Google Books commented on this latest book of Karl’s (full title Privileged Killers: and Sociopaths Who Live and Walk Among Us): “Schonborn’s in-depth training in psychology helps him provide us with useful insights about identifying and dealing with the burgeoning numbers of sociopaths who work and live among us.”
I’m sorry to report that Jack Shairer called to inform me that John Shank passed away in Milwaukee on March 25 after undergoing surgery. John’s obituary is posted on the class website. Following up on the news of Bill Parsons’s death, Terry Parsons sent notice that the memorial service for Bill would be held on Tuesday, May 21. Chris Kinney will provide me with details of the service for the next class notes. Chris and Bill had an especially close relationship, as Chris reported: “Bill and I were born three days apart in the same hospital with parents that were friends. Like twins from the start.” Chris and Day Patterson ’66 notified me that Bob Dunlop died on January 27 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a multi-week battle with COVID. Bob’s obituary is also posted on our website: yale1965.org.
Enjoy your summer, and please send me newsworthy items and any ideas you have for boosting attendance at our 60th.