1970s

70 While We Wait
Unwilling to wait for our formal Reunion 2025, several classmates gathered four days in early May at the Palm Beach Garden FL home of Jane Blanchard ’70SMC and Bill Weirich. Organized by Brian Moore of Honolulu, the gang enjoyed golf, boating, Irish whiskey, Monte Cristo cigars, brandy, reminiscing and appreciating life in general. Mary Pat Ryan ’70SMC and Dewey Poskon, and Maryann ’72SMC and Jim Schwartz, pontificated about “no taxes in the Sunshine State” while Carol and Joe Doyle and Brian wept quietly. Bob Mooney sent his last-minute regrets. The group dined one night with Cathy ’70SMC and Dave Downey ’68 and with Kim (Sullivan) ’70SMC and Jim Ryan. Joe and Carol have moved a few blocks to live across the street from the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Sheila ’69SMC and Dan Robusto hosted Anne and Dan Steffen and Doris and Dave Frisse at their Lake Winnipesaukee NH home in July for the 15th annual gathering of former members of Circuit, the band of classmates and friends. They enjoyed boating, swimming, drinking and gratitude for their blessings and friendships. Featured at the Senior Bar, dorm parties in South Bend and Mishawaka, Caberfae ski trips and Morrissey’s football Saturday celebrations, the band included Gerry Moore ’68 and Jim Armstrong, Russ Laho and Tom Hirschuer (all ’72). The three reuniting couples have also met at campus tailgates and soirees in FL (home of Dan and Anne in Sarasota). Paul Gill continues to write thoughtful blogs, including Post #52, “The Alpha and the Omega,” about near-death experiences. Paul credits his junior-year study of Teilhard de Chardin for stimulating his interest. In July, Pat and I joined Caryn, son Don ’99 and their daughters on a quinceanera trip to Italy. We took trains, boats and rental cars from Rome to Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, Florence, a Tuscan farm, Siena, Venice and Milan. A highlight was walking all day in the 99-degree Roman sun and cooling off in the underground Domus Aurea, Nero’s palace. Roberta and Greg Sullivan attended their grandchild’s high school graduation in Casper WY on June 1. Greg’s next trip was to consult with the country of Cambodia on reforestation. He is also enlisting support in a campaign to limit Costco’s construction of a 32-pump fuel station in Littleton CO. Benzene, other volatile organic compounds and microscopic particulates from the station’s 40,000-gallon daily deliveries could threaten the health of children in the two schools less than 1,000 feet away. Paul Partyka and a dozen hearty classmates held a mini-reunion at the Purdue game. Pregame festivities were well served, but the three-hour midgame rain delay forced cancellation of the postgame celebration. Hot weather returned to ND for the Boise State game, which I enjoyed from the top row of the stadium after visiting the new Graham Family Hall (no relation) on the new quad north of the library. Charles A. “Chuck” McAnallen died April 30 in Washington PA. He married Suzanne Fulton in 1969. After his accounting degree he established CAM Financial Services. He enjoyed family gatherings, hosting over 70 people at Thanksgiving celebrations. Like many of us, he built pinewood derby cars, but he went over the top by converting his lawn tractor into a Thomas the Train ride. He is survived by Suzanne, four siblings and nine grandchildren. Remember that we, as members of the 50-Year Club, are always invited to reunions. Pat and I will attend June 4 - 7, 2026 (visit reunion.nd.edu for information). — Don Graham; 1901 S. Glenwood, Springfield IL 62704; 217-652-1560; fever1@me.com

70MBA Keep the Updates Coming
Peter Siciliano reached out to share sad news of the passing of Bill Keon (many years ago) and Tom Connelly (this year). Please keep their families in your prayers. Peter’s wife, Becky, is from South Bend and they were married in the Log Chapel on June 8, 1970, the day after graduation. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren (15, 14 and 13 years old) who live nearby in Darien CT. Peter is a retired partner since 2011 from RSM (CPA firm) and enjoys golf and skiing in VT. Peter has organized an ND football game watch for 29 years, which Doug Kaiser has joined a couple of times. Please send updates by Jan. 18 for the next Class Notes column. — Richard Johnson; rcjfly68@gmail.com

70JD Mystery Solved
Happy New Year everyone! For over 30 years, in his spare time, Jerry Perry was a referee for women’s basketball games at the high school, junior college and Division III college levels. He also served as a ref for the MN girls state basketball tournament. As the season came to an end last year, Jerry decided it was time to retire. During his final game between Logan HS and Winona, Jerry was honored by both teams on the court as they presented him with the game ball and the players, fans and fellow refs all wished him well. Carol and Terry O’Connor welcomed a new granddaughter, Riley, into their family a few months ago. I had the honor of meeting Terry’s mom, Regina, when Terry, Mike Kelleher, Dan Rybak and I all studied together for the NYS bar exam in Buffalo during the summer of 1970. Although Regina passed away a while back, I have a feeling she is smiling right now and looking down over her new great-granddaughter. Congratulations go out to Ted Lee who is the recipient of this year’s San Antonio Bar Association Joe Frazier Brown Sr. Award of Excellence. Such recognizes an attorney who has exemplified all that is good about the profession. He was also awarded the Tom Arnold Lifetime Achievement Award from the Intellectual Property Section of the State Bar of TX. Ted and his wife, Jerelene, have recently adopted their grandson who has been living with them since he was 8 months old. Ted proudly notes that his grandson is now 10 years of age and speaks fluent Spanish. John Tully returned to South Bend in September to watch the Fighting Irish take on Texas A&M. His son married into an Aggie family, and the game was an opportunity for all to get together on campus. John went along with the explicit understanding he would be cheering for ND and that his granddaughter would be wearing Irish attire. Mike Kelleher also attended the Texas A&M game along with his daughter, Shannon Bauer ’92, and lots of family members and several close friends from the Lone Star State. Rumor has it Jim Kirker might have been among Mike’s group. For several years Ken Iverson and Dan Rybak have been traveling to different MLB stadiums to watch ball games and catch up on where life has taken them since law school days. This past year found them at Camden Yards as the Orioles took on the LA Dodgers. I circulated a photo a while back showing Prof. Broderick with Jim Harrington and Bob Quinlan standing upon a desk during one of the Chief’s in-class pep rallies. The rally in question was to cheer on our Moot Court team as they headed off to a national competition in Louisville. In the picture there was an accordion player off to the side that no one could identify. I am happy to note that the mystery has been solved. Fred Kumar ’71JD contacted me in July to indicate he had read our class column referencing that photo and explained that during the 1969-70 football seasons he had been recruited to play the ND fight song in the Chief’s classes before football games. I sent him the photo and Fred confirmed that it was in fact him on the accordion. Until next time, stay well. Go Irish! — John K. Plumb; jkplumb37@gmail.com

71 An Approaching 55th
Gentlemen, mark your calendars. Our 55th Reunion is June 4 - 6. Some Class specifics: An evening meal and a Mass will be carved out from the larger over-50 crowd. Consistent with earlier practices, an off-campus venue will be identified as a rendezvous point for staggered arrivals opening night. Selection criteria for this venue for ambience, cuisine and décor will be of the highest standards, or maybe not. The Class website (1971.undclass.org) and reunion.nd.edu will have real-time updates as info becomes available. Father Jim Chelich retired last May after 32 years as the day-to-day pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish and School, but remains in Grand Rapids MI to pinch hit elsewhere in the diocese as needed. Condolences to the family of Mike Smyth, Sheboygan WI. A member of the Innsbruck contingent sophomore year, he passed away in August. Condolences to his family. Home games also present golfing opportunities. On A&M weekend, Jim Coolahan, Dan Diedrich, Jeff Gallagher and Gary Gardner participated in the ND Senior Open, which supports the God, Country, ND Endowed Scholarship Fund. Jim was one of the founders of this event 10 years ago, and the dollars raised since have been substantial. Mike Prendergast passed away in October after a two-year battle with ALS. A native of OH, a government major and a resident of Zahm, he was a longtime accountant with the VA. Condolences to his wife, Gloria. Peter Moulder, Pittsburgh, continues to serve on the Senior Alumni Board as the director for the mid-Atlantic region. Doug Coppola and his sons were back for the rain game, Purdue, as well as Mike Meyers, Chicago. Doug and Paul Jones are Buffalo-based attorneys with the opportunity to visit over lunch. Ralph Martino was on campus for the NC State game. The longtime IBM exec has retired to the SC barrier island Isle of Palms, while Ken Israel is 90 minutes up the coast in Murrells Inlet SC. Bob Bramlette, Chicago, served as Ken’s Uber driver Boise State weekend. Ron Chernak, Colorado Springs, also made it back for Purdue, with Bill Barz as his driver. Southern CA in October continues to be a destination of choice for Terry Lee from the Bay area, Charley Flynn from Miami, Tom Sinnott, Barry Pflum and Dickie Johnson from Jersey, Joe St. Onge from Yonkers and Gary Kessler from Dallas. And our neighbor Mark Hubbard hosted Tony Jeselnik, Pittsburgh, and Jack Regan, Boston. Terry Mackprang passed away in September. A native of LA, a resident of Farley and an English major, he returned home to Southern CA and formed his own construction company in 1975. In the small-world department, Terry’s daughter is married to Tim Kane’s son. Condolences to his family. Harry Cancelmi passed away in September. He was a longtime attorney in Waynesburg PA and a graduate of the Duquesne U Law School. Harry was an AL government major and participant in the Innsbruck program. Condolences to Pam and their family. Joe Kubinski, Pat McAdams, Bill Pagendarm and the girls opted to pass on fall football and instead cruised the Snake and Columbia rivers. Neil O’Connor passed away in September. A native of Ontonagon MI, a resident of Dillon and a philosophy major, he was also a graduate of Northwestern Law School, practicing in Chicago his entire career. He was interred in Cedar Grove on campus. John Bruha, Grand Rapids, Paul Bonitatibus, New Orleans, and myself were present for the services. Condolences to Patti and their family. The Outer Banks of NC were the destination for a fall retreat for Holy Cross Hogs Al Heinz, Dan Dell’Orto, Pat Stoy, Jules DeCoster and Bobby Harrington. Happy New Year and throw another log on the fireplace! — John Snider; 830 N. Saint Peter St., South Bend IN 46617-1936; res 574-217-8961; cell 312-860-1779; jlscpa@yahoo.com

71MBA Short Report
A short report due to limited responses. By the time this gets published, our football team should be participating in the second CFP. Go Irish! Robbie (Parker) ’71MA and Jim Fackelman recently took our three local grandkids to the NC State football game. This past weekend Patricia and Rod Spear hosted us in South Bend and joined us at the USC game. Even the game-time rainstorm could not dampen the joy of beating that rival. Anyone else attend any games? The Fackelmans, Spears and Stratis are planning a mini-reunion next season at the game against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field next year on Sept. 6. By the time you see this, Helena and Tony Strati will have added one more grandchild, raising their total to three. They are still avid skiers at their place in Purgatory (that’s in CO, not the other one) and continue their obsession with global tours. Next is a cruise in Antarctica. They still do a lot of stateside travel with kids in Muskegon MI, Kansas City and Phoenix. I get occasional messages from Mary Jo and Todd Helmeke in ID. — Jim Fackelman; 4635 Lakeview Circle, Slinger WI 53086; cell 414-379-0968; jfackelman@alumni.nd.edu

71JD Happy New Year
I’d love to hear what everyone’s plans are for 2026. Please send me your life updates by Jan. 18 for the spring Class Notes. — E. Bryan Dunigan; 646 Fair Oaks, Oak Park IL 60302; 312-857-2114; bdunigan@duniganlaw.com

72 Stanford and Cavanaugh Reunions
Bob Donahue reports that he and 15 class members who had lived in Stanford Hall, most of them for four years, have gotten together each year in Pittsburgh, in Nashville and at Notre Dame: Frank Bontempo, Jim Doro, Jim Grumley, Gerry Gulick, Bob Hansen, Kurt Johnson, Jim McCaughan, Jack McDevitt, Mike Monserez, Tom O’Connor, Al Picozzi, Tom Pifferetti, Paul Toner, Mike Ward and Mike Wiedemer. A group of classmates, mostly from Cavanaugh, some of whom spent senior year in a house on US 31, have been in touch for some 30 years — after email and the Alumni Association’s accessible database made it easier to connect. Eight met at the end of May in Detroit for three days: Rick Love (Cumberland MD); Don Morrison (Lynchburg VA); Steve Schwab (Wentzville MO); Jim Finnegan (Chappaqua NY); Bob O’Brien (Detroit); Pete Hoffman (Monrovia CA); John McElligott (NYC); and Frank Baysore (Aurora CO). These men attended a Tigers game and toured the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the Detroit Museum of Art, the Motown Museum and Belle Isle Park. Two of the group couldn’t attend this year: Bill Harrison (Australia) and Dan Sentz (Pittsburgh). Three more are deceased: Bob Brinkman, Greg Dana and Rick Fahey. The next reunion of this group, in 2027, will be in the Badlands. Another group of classmates, two of them from Stanford, held a reunion at Bethany Beach DE over the Fourth of July: Skip Huisking, Jim Piffath and Hank Suelau, and their families. Kevin O’Leary couldn’t make it. They followed this with a trip to the Texas A&M game. Phil Meeks passed on June 14. He came to campus from Andrean HS in Gary. After graduation, he obtained a doctorate from UT-Austin and taught political science and international relations, first at the U of Georgia, then tenured at St. Mary’s in San Antonio, and then tenured from 1992 to 2016 at Creighton. For his work, he interviewed local scholars and others in 28 countries. Our condolences to his wife, Carolyn, their four children, seven grandchildren, his 12 in-laws and 50 nieces and nephews. Ray Camosy ’72, ’12MBA died on July 31, a resident of South Bend. He was a graduate of Tremper HS, Kenosha WI. Forty years later, he obtained his MBA magna cum laude and taught construction management classes at Notre Dame as an adjunct professor from 2017 to 2019. He retired as longtime president and CEO of Camosy Construction General Contractors. Our condolences to his wife, Mary Ann, and their children and grandchildren. Bill Wilka passed on Aug. 16. He came to ND from Sioux Falls, the eldest of 12 children, all of whom survive him. After graduation he obtained his law degree from Georgetown. Following two years as counsel to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary, he taught law for a year at the U of Singapore on a Luce Scholarship. He practiced law in the Bay Area until he retired in December 2024. Our condolences to his wife, Theresa (Willke) ’74, and their children. Let us pray for each other, living and deceased, to the Mother of Holiness. — Jim Thunder; thundergroup@alumni.nd.edu

72MBA Heard From the South
I received an email from Dennis Atwood right before the USC game. Denny is still living in Charleston SC, and he and Bill Herzog were going to the game and wanted to meet up with Bill Effler, if possible. I sent Denny Bill’s number but, unfortunately, they weren’t able to make contact. Denny and Bill H. did get to see a great (if water-logged) Irish victory over the Trojans. That’s all for now; it’s already past the submission deadline for this issue. God bless. — Alex McLellan; 913-991-0944; irish72mba@gmail.com

72JD Please Send Updates
I would love to hear what everyone has planned for 2026 so please send me your life updates by Jan. 18 for the spring Class Notes. — Chris Schraff; 1881 Marble Cliff Crossing Ct., Columbus OH 43204; 614-227-2097; cschraff@porterwright.com

73 NFL Football Star
Our lone class representative in the NFL is Jim O’Malley. I communicated with Jim concerning Arkansas tickets. Jim attended three games this fall. After retirement from the Denver Broncos, he scouted for Tampa Bay for a couple of years and then got into the oil and gas business, from which he retired as director of land, North America Exploration for Anadarko Petroleum. He is blessed with three children and four grandchildren. He now resides north of Houston on Lake Conroe. Steve McGraw reports that his show Love Quest in Winter Haven FL, which ended Oct. 26, went very well. The Winter Haven run created great interest and attendance. Steve is looking to run the show in other venues across the US. You can contact Steve at sfmcgraw@gmail.com. Steven Spielberg shot video footage of the show! Great news! I received word that Bob O’Brien obtained a kidney donor and will have his transplant on Nov. 25. Bob thanks all of his classmates for contacting him. Eddie Henn stopped by to see Bob in August. Thank you very much, Eddie! Jane McCurdy sent information concerning the annual lunch in St. Louis with a lot of classmates. Jason Love, the father of Jeremiyah Love, was the guest speaker. These lunches are organized by Sue Mogab, who did a fantastic job and was also in charge of the Notre Dame Senior Alumni golf outing in September. Way to go, Sue, and good to see you! Harry Haverkos has recently written a memoir with his contributions to a modern understanding of the AIDS pandemic. Harry is a retired captain in the US Public Health Service and a physician with expertise in internal medicine and infectious diseases. His book is available on Amazon. Brian Neary recently merged his law practice with Connell Folley. Writing with an update is Bill Quigley. Bill moved to the Boston area where he is CFO for the largest US family-owned grain-based food manufacturer for over 32 years, retiring in 2021. He said his spouse passed away and Bill moved to the Brookshire Mountains in Western MA that he shares with his daughter and her family. As usual, unfortunately, there are a number of deaths to report. Paul Collins passed away following an eight-year battle with prostate cancer on Aug. 20. Paul most recently founded Skyline Systems and acted as the CEO until his retirement in 2019. Paul and his wife, Debbie, were the parents of two Notre Dame graduates. Thank you for the information from Jackie Carey Shrake of the passing from natural causes of her brother-in-law Drew Carey in Lenoir City TN on Aug. 4. Drew had lived in Farley Hall and was a chemistry major who went on to get a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at Ohio State. He had founded his own company and was a listed inventor on 18 patents. Mary Sharon Johnson, wife of David Johnson for 51 years, passed away in February after a brief battle with cancer. I’m sad to report the death of Bill Allen in Canton OH. Bill was formerly the president of the NFL Football Hall of Fame in his hometown. From this date on, I will be placing all obituary information on an In Memoriam webpage on our class website: 1973.undclass.org. Please visit this site often and continue praying for our deceased classmates. I will have more information in my next column. I’m always looking for more news. — Michael W. Hansen; 3013 Sanctuary Court, Joliet IL 60435; cell 815-212-3661; mikehansen@mikehansenlaw.com

73MBA Year-End Response Returns
Les Sorg writes that he is doing everyday activities as home repair and helping the farmer who cuts and bales his field. He has lately, as an amateur genealogist, researched his wife’s Italian origin in an Italian church and town hall registries. Her elders have sworn that in the 18th century one of her ancestresses was a countess of high rank — not true. This is his personal challenge to get him mentally active. Gene Schraeder shares that he is still working and has moved over to an independent platform after decades of being a financial advisor and branch manager for both A.G. Edwards and Wells Fargo Advisors. He now has an office very close to his home under the umbrella of The Princeton Group. He has about 60 clients, most of whom have worked with him for 30-plus years. Both his wife, Ellen, and he have had hips replaced, but both are playing what he calls “mature golf.” He has two grandkids now at LSU, so he is forced to tolerate Brian Kelly. His health seems to be OK. If they can secure tickets, Chuck Welter and he hope to attend next year’s Walker Cup in Ireland. Gus Browne says there’s nothing much going on for them. Minimal travel. On the positive side, in one month they replaced a washer/dryer, water heater, water softener, disposal and the cement portion of their circular driveway. He adds, “Isn’t home ownership fun?” My wife, Susan, and I replaced our family room rooftop air conditioner, household water heater, home security system and three dual-pane windows. We are looking forward soon to replacing our 40-year-old roof and painting the house, among other projects. Please take the time to share your experiences with your classmates in this legacy publication. Update your email addresses. Come visit us when in SoCal. — Thomas Jindra; tajindra@charter.net

73JD Some News
When Jane and I moved to a retirement community in March, I figured that it was our last move, but that was not to be. When a larger apartment became available we decided to take it, and I am finding out that a move of only 50 yards down the hall is as much work as a move of 200 miles, and you have less time to do it. I got a note from Phil Cardarella who said that he and his wife, Katheryn Shields, have moved from Kansas City MO to Silver Spring MD to be nearer their son, Philip. In his note Phil referenced that Katheryn had been the county executive for Jackson County MO. I did some research and found a video of Phil giving a campaign speech for her — he does not seem to have changed much since I last saw him (which was probably at graduation). Worth at least a look. I also got a note from Steve Mitchell (two notes in one publication cycle, I am overwhelmed — not really) who is gainfully retired from Squire Patton Boggs in Tampa, and he and Judy are spending much time traveling, including around the country to see their children and grandchildren. He said that he spoke to Tony Terlep who is well and living in Elkhart IN. In his note Steve mentioned Tony’s service in Vietnam (where he was a decorated fighter pilot), and it got me thinking about how many of our classmates served there, and how I regret not making more of an effort to learn more about their experiences. A different time, I guess. Last time I checked, my email is working, so feel free to make a contribution. — Paul Reagan; 30 Bokum Road, Apt. 139, Essex CT 06426; cell 847-915-9796; pvreagan@gmail.com

74 Bring on 2026
As I write this in the fourth quarter of 2025, I think we will all agree that our calendar days are moving at lightning speed. So, let us run first with Gary Hartman and his wife, Chris ’75SMC, who split their time between the mountains of CO in the summer and winter and the beach outside of Charleston SC in the spring and fall. Gary retired from the business world of manufacturing and a short toke; I mean time in the recreational industry when it was first legalized in CO. Now Gary enjoys assisting as a treasurer for his sons’ nonprofit out of London, Ukrainian Action. This nonprofit delivers vehicles with humanitarian supplies to his team in Ukraine. It also has a veterans rehabilitation program in the Carpathian Mountains. Steve Tierney keeps a competitive travel eye to Kevin Calabria who was in Morocco, as was Steve in April 2025. Possibly I miscounted, yet Steve, have you traveled to over 40 countries internationally? We must share Prague notes. Steve lives in Fort Pierce FL. You must share notes with Dr. Tom Eichler. I don’t know who travels more? Carol Longo Kaupp, my former ND roommate, traveled to Washington DC for a girls’ gathering with friends from Saint Mary’s College. Letters and Science major Clifford Ramirez has shared that his first novel, After the End, has been published and is sold on Amazon and at other booksellers. Cliff began drafting the book shortly after he was laid off in 2014 from his Claremont Graduate U position. His son fell ill, and Cliff formally retired and became his caretaker until his son passed away in 2024. Cliff’s book reflects on death and life, drawing together reflections from his years studying for the priesthood and engaged in active ministry. Interesting. I remember when I was in the Chamber of Commerce world, I asked the owner of a funeral home what his best takeaway was. He said he never left home, even after an intense argument, without expressing his love to family members because so many never get a second chance and then regret it. Thanks, Cliff. Frank Pomarico works at Holy Cross Village in South Bend. It was founded by the Brothers of Holy Cross and is located between Holy Cross College and Saint Mary’s College. If interested in finding more about it, reach out to Frank. Kevin O’Neill keeps it rockin’ on Wednesday nights at WIXY1260online.com — so fun. A celebration of Art Ferranti’s life occurred last summer after his passing, with great and memorable stories from ND days and beyond. Marylee Ferranti ’87 wrote that it made the occasion a reflective mini-reunion. Steve Wagstaffe, Matt Lam, Steve Kane ’73, Pete McVoy ’73, Tom Burke ’75 and Linda McVoy ’75SMC attended. And speaking of ’87, I was invited to the retirement ceremony of Gen. Bryan Fenton ’87 in Tampa last fall. This man is a legend! After 38 years in active Army service and three years as the 13th Commander of the US Special Operations Command, he recently passed the command to Adm. Bradley. What an honor to have attended this auspicious event. I met the most amazing military officers and commanders that keep our America free. Amazing men and women who serve our country. Gen. Fenton had a receiving line that went for five hours … I know, I waited for two of the three hours in heels on a hard floor! Luckily I was able to spend a little more time with him at his fun social gathering the night before. Keep writing. Mark “Class of ’74,” or visit. — Dede Lohle Simon; 160 Commonwealth Ave., Unit 417, Boston MA 02116; dedersimon@gmail.com

74MBA Burnett Travelogue
My typical beginning to this article the last several years has been “no news from classmates.” This is true again. You will have to settle for another quarterly report of news from the Burnett family. Helen and I are off to Las Vegas in the middle of October with two of our daughters and two sons-in-law. It’s just a quick four-day getaway, but there are always interesting things to see and do in Vegas. We have tickets to see The Eagles at the Sphere, which should be a great time. We have never been to the Sphere, but we have heard that the concerts there are an amazing experience. Just for fun, we are also seeing the movie The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. A little casino time, a little pool time, a lot of people watching and it will be a great time with family in Las Vegas. Helen and I are also hoping to get away in early November for a dose of warmer weather. We are thinking about FL or a Caribbean cruise. It will be just a brief escape from the already anticipated onslaught of cold weather. At our ages, you have to travel while you can. By the time that you read this article, it will be the holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our former classmates and their families. I hope the holidays find you healthy and happy. Drop me a line or give me a call to let your classmates know how you are enjoying your retirement years. — Jack Burnett; 19248 Glen Eagles Drive, Livonia MI 48152; 734-464-3458; jburnet1@sbcglobal.net

74JD Crickets
No news — hopefully that’s good news. Stay well. — Joe O’Reilly;

cell 502-649-6955; joe.oreilly34@icloud.com

75 Need More News
Thanks for your messages over the years, but don’t stop just because we made it to the 50-year landmark anniversary of graduating. Let me know about your grands and your travels, your fave charities and mini-reunions with classmates — please! New class president Jeanne Murphy sends her greetings: “It’s been a great year for the Class of 1975 beginning with an exciting football playoff season followed by our best Reunion yet (50 golden years!). Your class officers hope your holidays were blessed and terrific. Soon we will be planning our 75th birthday event for Class of ’75.” Sad news about the passing of classmates: Brian McGinnes of Peoria passed away in June and is survived by wife Mary Jane and three children. Brian was one of my suitemates in Flanner in 1971, and he made fast friends with everyone. Jeffrey Pfister of Tavares FL died in May and is survived by wife Lori plus several children and grands. John Collins MD of Glenview IL passed in July and is survived by wife Jackie. Victoria Robinson ’07 reported the Aug. 5 passing of her father, Dr. Henry Danielsky, who received his MA in biology from ND in 1975. He was a family physician in Greenville MI for many years and treasured his friendship with Jack Zuza. Henry’s wife, Barbara, survives him. Please continue to send me your news. Thanks! — Norm Bower; 3946 Fernwood Ave., Davenport IA 52807; 563-349-0469; normbower53@gmail.com

75MBA Not Done Yet
Fifty years ago, Dean Malone asked if I would be the class correspondent. Since Bill Raidt took on the initial role followed by several classmates, most recently Jim Ouimet, the correspondent role has been covered. However, since the autumn 2025 magazine arrived with no representation of our class, it became time to fulfill my commitment. I am hopeful we can increase the level of input as we enjoy the golden years. In September I returned to campus for the Purdue game and golf at the Warren course with old roommates Ance Day ’74 and Terry Cavanaugh ’75, 50 years after arriving in Chicago to join Coopers & Lybrand along with Nick Hertzel. Prior to kickoff we were welcomed to Jim Corgel’s tailgate. In addition to his generosity, including underwriting the rector of Dillon Hall, Jim served as chair on a committee to enhance the campus community environment. Who better to preserve the spirit of Notre Dame than Jim? I hope you all have had an opportunity to return to campus. The growth has been amazing without losing any of the beauty and spirit we all experienced in our graduate years. The past 50 years have been a blessing. I have been able to maintain close friendships, and with my wife Molly McKenna ’76SMC, daughter Caroline ’16MA and daughter Margaret ’14SMC, I’ve had opportunities to return to campus and experience the growth of the University overall, particularly the business program. Over the course of my career, as I traveled throughout the United States and internationally, my Notre Dame degree was always met with respect and admiration; my Notre Dame education has served me well. In recent years there has been little news from our class, but I know there is much that can be shared. It would be wonderful to hear from each of you of your journey from Hayes-Healy to these golden years. I would also encourage anyone to send a note of remembrance on any deceased classmates; they should not be forgotten. My pledge is to ensure the MBA Class of ’75 never again is absent from Class Notes. Your job is to provide me news, including thoughts on how Notre Dame has played a role in your life. I look forward to hearing from you. — Bob Sliney; bobsliney1@gmail.com

75JD Winter Notes
The architectural presence of the Law School on the du Lac campus is a breathtaking sight; if only it had been our home 50 years ago. The 1972-73 project complicated our first year, but the expansion/renovation was worth the wait. The larger project, dedicated in 2010, gave the campus one of its finest treasures. The archway alone is a stunning combination of beauty and functionality. Count your blessings, because it almost never happened. In 1969, an earlier law dean proposed the Notre Dame Law Center, a structure to be built behind the Hesburgh Library. Plans called for the buildings to be connected by a tunnel or Cambridge bridge because, it was said, undergrads wanted access to law books, and law students wanted access to regular books. Huh? Under the direction of William B. Lawless ’44JD, the law dean, fundraising for the behemoth moved quickly, but there were qualms in some quarters. The architectural renderings in the South Bend Tribune portrayed something akin to an extraterrestrial vessel lodged uncomfortably amongst “Collegiate Gothic” buildings. Viewed through today’s lenses, it could have been a regional software headquarters in a sterile suburb. Nonetheless, it was full speed ahead. The dean looked forward to groundbreaking and anticipated enrollment going quickly from 400 to 600. When he introduced the plans to the local community, he quoted the delightful song from the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, and he was not wrong; indeed, it was an impossible dream. Suddenly, the man and his proposal were both gone. The next dean, Thomas L. Shaffer ’61JD, was a scholar thrust into a leadership role, but he wisely led the University to a perfect place: Fix the existing building, a 1929-30 architectural beauty with good bones and a great location, and let the next generation figure out future moves. The costs associated with the 1972-73 project (as reported in the Dennis Owens yearbook) were one-sixth the anticipated expenses for the proposed law center. As for Dean Lawless, his instincts may have been wrong at Notre Dame, but he had a distinguished career and later served as law dean at two other institutions. He died in 2007 and is buried on our campus in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Mary Sommers continues to represent juveniles in immigration proceedings and keeps busy with other volunteer activities. Mary and Jay visited Iceland, Scotland, Wales and England last summer. She and Mary Ellen (Pelling) Hulce will get together in Naples FL during the third and fourth weeks of February and would love to connect with any classmates in the area. Our dear friend Peter Lardy would be touched to know that Amanda Garcia, a third-year law student, was selected last summer for the 2025-26 academic year to receive the scholarship in his name. Originally from FL, Amanda is an alum of Florida International U. She is extensively involved in the law school community, serving as president of the Women’s Legal Forum and Tax Law Society in her second year, and treasurer of the Student Bar Association. Outside the Notre Dame community, she volunteers for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to constructing beds for children in need. Remember, our contributions ensure fund growth and a corresponding increase in annual stipends. Kudos and many thanks to Maura C. Doherty ’91JD for her generous contribution to the fund. Maura was a Lardy scholar in her third year, and her kindness is deeply appreciated. — Frederick Giel; fggiel@gmail.com

76 Rally for Our 50th Reunion
A great 2025 mini-reunion is in the rearview mirror, and now we look forward to our 50th Reunion, June 4 - 7. Can you believe it? The 50th Reunion of the Class of 1976, aka “ND’s First Coed Freshman Class” or “Notre Dame’s Best Class Ever,” is this year! Make sure you check two websites regularly for the latest Reunion information, our class website at 1976.undclass.org and Notre Dame’s official Reunion website, reunion.nd.edu. The Reunion website is where you will register for Reunion and find information about discounted hotel accommodations and the dorm designated for the Class of ’76. Once registration opens in early 2026, this website will feature a “Who’s Attending?” page where you can monitor who has registered. Also, be sure to watch for emails from the class officers and Reunion Committee members and for posts to our class Facebook group. Research shows the “Number One” reason alumni attend Notre Dame Reunions is to see their classmates, so you can make our 50th Reunion unforgettable just by being there! In fact, your own personal outreach through calls, texts and emails to your friends letting them know you’ll be at the reunion is just as important, if not more important, than any contact by the Alumni Association, the class officers or our Reunion Committee members. The Alumni Association and our 50th Reunion Committee are putting together a great program of events for you, including our formal induction into the Golden Domers Club. Our recent mini-reunion was a rousing success. We had great attendance at all mini-reunion events: our 50th Reunion planning session and our informal gathering at the Larkspur Landing hotel, our Saturday morning memorial service and butterfly release at Our Lady’s Butterfly Garden, our Class Tailgate, a victory for the Fighting Irish over the Purdue Boilermakers, and our “during the game” (thanks to lightning!) and “post-game” gathering at the Embassy Suites. Here are some of the classmates seen on campus that weekend (we always make our best effort to capture as many classmates by names and in photos as possible; our apologies to anyone we missed): John Albers; Mary and Frank Bennett; Sally (Naxera) Benson; Janita Tucker and Pete Bialek; Marie and Mark Boyle; Ed Brower; Pat Burke; Bob Byers; Ed Carey; Mary Clemency; Barbara ’78SMC and Matt Cockrell; Debbie and Greg Courtney; Linda and Ed D’Arcy; Debi Dell; Paul DeRusso; Steve Diebold; Gerry Dube; Wendy Duffey; Bruce Evans; Betsy Fallon; Alice and Rick Ferrara; Bruce Fortelka; Eileen McGinnity and Frank Fransioli; Claudia and Mark “Irish” Gibson; Xiao Xia and Jim Gradoville; Kathy and John Harvan; Anna and Tom Haunert; Chris Hearne; John Hedges; Pamela and Brian Hegarty and their daughter, Camelia Hegarty ’18; Kathryn (Anderson) and Peter Hoppner; Gina and Curt Johnson; Bill Kelly; Teresa and Jim Kinealy; Steve Klug; Carrie and John Lane; Julie and Steve Lavender; Rocco Martino; Lisa and Tom Matthews; K.B. and Phil Murren; Mark Nishan; D.C. Nokes; Pat Novitzki; Mike O’Connor; Marcia and Don Opal; Diane Ostermann; Tara and Jack Packo; Tom Paulius; Lionel Phillips; Sue (Caranci) Pronove; Joe Pusateri; Chuck Quackenbush and his granddaughter Gia; Bob Quakenbush; Jim Rashid; Tom Ryan; Chuck Sanders; Lynda and Pat Sarb; Ace Schroeder; Pat Scott; Chris Sever; Shelley Muller Simon; Nancy (Brenner) and Joe Sinnott; Ron Skrabacz; Jim Spurling; Sharon and Mark Stern; Mark Sullivan; Joe Thomas; Dave Tulsiak and his fiancée, Cathy Howard; Mary Beth (Gillespie) and Scott Weber; Jule Wetherbee; and Barb Zintsmaster. Since our last Class Notes, we learned of the passings of classmates Timothy J. Devine in July 2021, Heinz Hayen in June and Michael T. Hassett in late September. May Our Lady watch over them, their families and their loved ones. Finally, if you have any suggestions for Reunion or connecting fellow classmates, reach out to any of the class officers. And, if by any chance you have not received any information, please take the time to update your profile in my.nd.edu. May The Spirit of ’76 guide you home — to the Golden Dome — for our 50th Reunion! — Bob Quakenbush; 3611 Wellington Ridge Loop, Cary NC 27518; 574-323-4423; quakend76@gmail.com

76MBA 50th Reunion News
The next reunion is June 4 - 7. Visit reunion.nd.edu to register and email me to let me know who is coming. We are planning special events outside of the reunion. Thanks for the news. Send some news. — Mike Norris; 248-330-5366; norris1021@comcast.net

76JD Happy New Year
Visit reunion.nd.edu to learn about the June 4 - 7 Reunion weekend on campus. — Virgil L. Roth; 51 Tammany Road, Upper Black Eddy PA 18972; 626-260-2223; fax 626-441-1166; vroth@vlrlaw.com

77 The Seventies Still Rock
Roxanne O’Brien Martino received the U of Chicago Booth MBA Distinguished Alumni Award. She and Rocco Martino ’76 are grandparents of 5-year-old Jack and 2-year-old Charlie. Class President Rob Tully, Jay Pittas, Mike Santillo and John Goodmann continued almost 40 years of Cubs ’n Pubs weekend in Chicago in August. Bill Ellsworth writes: “Continuing the ’70s theme, I had the privilege of running with team ‘70 Rocks’ in the Hood to Coast Relay from Aug. 22-23. In this race teams run from near the peak of Mount Hood 196 miles to the coastal town of Seaside OR. Our team consisted of six men and six women all over the age of 70 (team average age was 75). Despite the challenging hilly course and temperatures during the race that peaked at 101 degrees, we completed the course in 30 hours, winning our division and placing in the top 25 percent of the more than 1,400 teams in the race.” Bill also competed in the Sept. 21 Berlin Marathon in Germany, with Deb Kenny Ellsworth joining him. Fourteen Zahm and Keenan friends were hosted by John Meuleman and Fritz Shadley ’78 in August in Dowagiac MI: Richard Spellman, Kevin Cullen, Chris Bowe, Bob Quigley, Mike Ostrander, Jack Hanzel, Jim Sholl, Rick Larkin, Jim Bibby, Mike Mountford, Earl Ghaster, Jerry Zuzollo and Mark Goodwin. Walsh and Cavanaugh friends gathered for a Millennium Park concert in Chicago on Aug. 11: Deb Kenny and Bill Ellsworth, Eileen O’Grady and Steve Daday, Mary Reher, Sheila O’Brien, Janet Carney O’Brien, Leslie Barnes Karas, and Elaine Cerny Raccuglia. Estelle Broussard Huston and Donna Hinton were unable to attend. Thomas Grimm, Frank Caprino, Bob Ducanis, Chip Habig, Bob Hogan and Phil Bartoshesky, members of “The Mangy Moose” who shared a suite on the third floor of Sorin junior year, gathered at Chip’s farm north of Indianapolis on Sept. 12-14. The Purdue game weekend included Cheer Her Name events celebrating 50 years of women’s varsity athletics at Notre Dame, the rededication of the Main Circle in honor of 50 years of coeducation and dedication of the Sister John Miriam Tree dedication, spearheaded by Jen Ryder Raabe. Rev. Austin I. Collins, CSC, assisted in the redesign of the Main Circle. Classmates attending were Sue Fitzpatrick Drago and Lou Drago, Sarah Lynch Hadley, Patty Coogan Wyle, Polly Mack Spangler, Betsy Lamping Sklena, Mike Parseghian MD, and Kara and William Jacobitz. Sharon and Jeff Vitter’s three grandsons were baptized at the Log Chapel on Sept. 27: Arthur Vitter Alagic (son of daughter Jillian ’07 and husband Denis), Cormac Vitter McCabe (son of daughter Audrey ’13 and husband Ryan), and Jeffrey Scott “Scotty” Vitter III (child of son J. Scott Jr. ’10 and wife Lindsay ’10). Oldest grandchild Josephine Sena “Josie” Vitter (daughter of Scott and Lindsay) was baptized at the Basilica three years ago. A “fantastic” 70th birthday mini-reunion in South Bend Sept. 26-28 included Mary Ellen and Bob Kastenholz, Martha and Jorge Lopez, Carla and Mickey Thomas, Paula and Kevin Butler, Andrea and Brian Shappell, Pat and Joe Erpelding, Pat and Tom Coffey, Carole and Jim Bibby, Kathy and Joe Connelly, Donna and Gene Gorman, Kathy and Jerry Zuzolo, Bob Biermann, John Hanzel, Mike Kafka, Bill Mueller, Bob Yurkovich and Father Jim Hyland. Kathy DePauw Graham and Jerry Graham hosted ’77 classmates at the Boise State game. Keenan Hall’s Paul McDonnell, Chris Schweitzer, Elton Moore and Burt Brunner met for ND-USC game. Rev. Anne Dilenschneider Ph.D. volunteers with her two therapy dogs, Kiki and Sadie, in juvenile detention centers, elementary classrooms, medical facilities and libraries. Attorney Mike Richter represents people who have sustained brain injuries, taking four significant cases in 2025. We were saddened to learn that Carol Simmons, our first class secretary, passed away in October after a long battle. Dave Kuzmicz also passed away this fall. Dave was an ND basketball player from 1973 - 1977. — Virginia McGowan Bishop; classof1977@alumni.nd.edu

77MBA Class Secretary — Alan J. Fisher;

ajfisher7577@gmail.com

77JD Buller Explores Paris
Susan Buller recently spent a couple weeks exploring Paris. Highlights were the Musee d’Orsay with its incredible collection of impressionist masterpieces and the beautifully restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Susan’s husband, Jeff, has closely followed the restoration with utilization of traditional building techniques by tradespeople who are highly regarded in France. Susan was moved by the Paris Shoah Memorial Museum. I too found the memorial moving, and I was surprised and sobered to see numerous men, women and children named Becker among the thousands of Parisian Jews rounded up in 1942 and sent to death camps. While Kathie DeMetz was back in her hometown to attend (Mishawaka) Marian’s HS reunion, we took advantage of the opportunity to have lunch at Legends and to walk around campus. It has grown so much since we were students; however, the heart of campus is always familiar and inviting. — Janey Bennett; 50850 Tarrington Way, Granger IN 46530; 574-298-9251; res 574-383-5745; jane1977nd@outlook.com

78 Tailgate Reunions
Greetings fellow members of the class with class! I trust that you enjoyed a magical Christmas and look forward to an early spring thaw! Onto the news! The night before the Boise State game, Tony Bezouska, Bill Flanagan and Greg Principato had dinner at the home of Scott Appleby. A nice Alumni Hall Class of ’78 reunion. Tony and Bill are successfully retired. Scott and Greg failed retirement. Scott remains a professor at Notre Dame and Greg is the president of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the global federation (recognized by the International Olympic Committee) overseeing air sports such as parachuting and aerobatic flying. Greg and Amy live in Staunton VA. Pete Andreyev flew in from Thailand for the Texas A&M game, joining Rich Barlow and Don “Dancing Bear” Smail for another epic weekend, including VIP dining at Parisi’s Bar. We all shed a tear at the loss of that fine establishment. Jim “Boobie” Clarke joined Tony “Disco” Crudele, Mike Reda, Danny James, Terry Heidcamp and the Forever ’78 crew at the Pat and Laura Flynn memorial tailgate spot behind Legends for the NC State game. Soon to be designated a campus landmark! Pepi Santoni reported on the gathering of the Hog Nation for Purdue weekend as they remembered fellow student manager and Boss Hog Drew Danik ’75. Other ND ’78 brothers attending included J.P. Russell, Rick Gabbianelli, Al Paulus, Mike Michalek, Brian Clancy, Steve Meiskey, Max Brady, Bruce Skeldon, Dale Merten, Mark Wurfel, Paul Lancos, John O’Lear and Monte Towle. USC gave us a battle and another epic gathering for tailgating and Teeling tasting, despite a few sprinkles. Many thanks to Danny Romano for hosting another epic USC pregame party at his home in Chicago. Joining the entourage at the Romano party in Chicago and in South Bend were Jim “Souls” Coyne, Don Smail, Brian “Pinky” Cronin, Jeff “Carp” Carpenter, Jimmy Dunne, Nace Mullen, Pete Haley, Charlie Wolfe, Jack Stephens, Tom O’Neill, Greg Kulis, Jack Boehm, Rev. Ed O’Shea and Chris Crnkovich. Dennis Doughty hosted a luxe gathering at his home USC weekend. Nace Mullen, Jim Wendell and Anne Combs were among the star-studded guest list. Pete Haley’s Saturday tailgater was located right by the bookstore! Who do you know, Peter? Joe Montana was also at The Linebacker pouring Guinness on Friday night to wild acclaim. Joe reportedly also had some supportive whispers for the cadre of football recruits on campus for that big game. Bill “Beefsteak” Reifssteck was chosen as the 24th recipient of the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the highest individual honor the construction industry bestows. It is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the design and construction industry through outstanding leadership and innovation in the advancement of design-build project delivery. Recipients of this award have exhibited originality, vision and breadth over the course of their professional life, with 30 years or more of strong and well-documented commitment to design-build project delivery. Please remember in your prayers the family of Paul Korzeniowski, who has died. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Please keep in touch to keep all informed. Love one another! If you already do, do it harder! God knows we need it! Go Irish! — Jim “Souls” Coyne; 1801 Butler Pike, Apt. 20, Conshohocken PA 19428; 267-847-8808; jcoyne@cohs.com

78MBA Class Secretary — Mamie Anthoine Ney; 41 Applewood Lane, Falmouth ME 04105; res 207-229-0989; bus 207-333-6640 ex 2020; irishwasherwoman@alumni.nd.edu

78JD Class Secretary — Vincent R. Johnson; 210-410-3562;

vjohnson@stmarytx.edu

79 Row Your Boat
In late September, the NDames, a team of alumnae from various class years who rowed crew while at ND, competed in the Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta in Cleveland. The team reunites for a couple of regattas a year. Ginny Ott Elliott, from WV, and Kathy Dilworth, from Detroit, rowed with the team. After 41 years, Kathy retired from GM where she worked in various manufacturing management positions. She and her husband raised two daughters. Like many of you, I attended my 50th high school reunion this year. My high school, Sacred Heart of Mary, has since merged with the boys’ school, St. Viator, and St. Viator hosted a joint reunion in the cafeteria in Arlington Heights IL. I celebrated with Bob Rasmus and Bill Barnes. Bob is CEO of Advanced Emissions Solutions in CO, a company that provides emissions control solutions for the power generation, industrial and municipal water purification markets. Bill is an accountant with Barnes Givens & Barnes in the Chicago suburbs. Dillon residents gathered at Terri (Pucevich) and Bob Jank’s home in Sawyer MI for the Boise State game. Hugh Campbell, retired from ZGF in Portland OR as a medical architect, and Joe Scaccia, from LaQuinta CA, joined the group. Joe and Tom Schweitzer married on Jan. 11 after 32 years together. Last February, Maria and Jeff Withum welcomed their first grandchild, Sophie, daughter of son Thomas and his wife, Erica. In 2024, his son Anthony married Katherine Bush ’15. Last March, the plane Paul Flanigan was piloting crashed onto a golf course. Paul has taken recovery seriously and is exercising and back to some of his former strenuous physical activities, as well as playing pickleball, chasing after his grandchildren and dancing with his wife, Michele. Paul, who has a law degree, lives in the Fort Lauderdale area where he has been an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, buying and managing several restaurants. He has a son and a daughter. Bill Griffin retired from his dental practice and this year became the senior VP of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, an organization of 14,000 health care professionals with which he has worked for the past seven years. He works to equip members to provide spiritual care to patients who need more than physical treatment. He and his wife, Linda, live in Bristol TN and have five grandchildren. Maura (O’Malley) and Fran McDonald ’76 live in South Bend and have had three new grandsons this year, giving the now six grandsons the edge over the five granddaughters. Thanks to all who sent news. I look forward to hearing from more of you. — Barbara A. Langhenry; cell 216-509-8962; breclw@aol.com

79MBA Class Secretary — Patty Kennedy Kerr;

7750 Leonard St. NE, Ada MI 49301; 616-682-1223; kerrtaxcpa@gmail.com

79JD Football Connections
I received a few notes from classmates over the past six months, mostly about reconnecting while at a football game on campus. Ken Kolstad said he would be attending the Purdue game. It was something of a “full circle” for him. He mentioned he was born at Purdue, and the game would be his first time back to Notre Dame since we graduated in 1979. That prompted Dillon Dalton Costa to respond that she and her husband, Tom Costa ’80JD, would be attending the Texas A&M game with Tony Early and his wife, Sarah. And not to be outdone, Greg Murphy said he would be attending the USC game, Peggy Foran said she would be at the Syracuse game, and Pat Scott said he would be at the Louisville game. Pat also mentioned that he was retiring from his practice on Aug. 31 and moving from Fort Lauderdale FL (his home for 70 years) to Greenville SC. Pat explained the move makes him a “half back,” the term Floridians use for those moving north for cooler but not frozen weather. Who knew??? And a sad note. Duane Tarnaki ’80 JD-MBA wrote a few months ago that our classmate Gerry Shea died from a heart attack at his home in MA. Gerry loved our class and his time at Notre Dame. With his thick NY/Queens accent, he was a “good guy” in the truest sense of the word. Please send a note or update about Class-related things if you have them. Thanks to all and Go Irish! — Daniel F. McNeil; 1001 NW Lovejoy, Unit 205, Portland OR 97209; 503-539-9188; mcneil.daniel12@gmail.com