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CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY have three sons, Mike, Steve and Paul, and three grandchildren, Chris, Kaylee and Ryan.” Our 60th Alumni Reunion Weekend is scheduled for Thursday, May 31–Sunday, June 3. Take a look at the reunion website (reunion. college.columbia.edu) and mark your calendars now. More information will start to arrive during the spring, so be sure Columbia has your correct postal and email addresses. Your reporter thanks you for your contributions and wishes you good health. 53 Lew Robins 1221 Stratfield Rd. Fairfield, CT 06825 lewrobins@aol.com Our exuberant, musically enthusiastic and talented classmate Howard Pettebone passed away at his home on July 28 surrounded by his wife, Barbara, and his health aide and friend, Sam Agebese, after an 18year battle with transverse myelitis and Lewy body dementia. After graduating from the College, Howard served three years in the Navy as a supply corps officer and then became a C.P.A. at Arthur Young & Co. In 1959, Howard joined the First National Bank of Central Jersey as an installment loan officer. In 1966, he was named v.p. He retired as the president of Bank of America in 1991. Howard and Barbara had been married since 1955 and their family includes Elaine Ford and her husband, Edwin; Charles Pettebone; and Bonnie Carden and her husband, Tom. They have six grandchildren. At our 55th reunion in 2008, our classmates were thrilled to hear a recording of Howard’s blowing his trumpet at the class dinner under a tent and the stars in Van Am Quad. His triumphant sound recalled happy memories of football games at Baker Field. One of Howard’s many friends, Jim Higginbottom, sent me the following email about our special classmate. “Howard’s service was well attended by friends from all stages of his life, including from Columbia. As you might have guessed, he occupied a huge space in the lives of all who knew him, and his trumpet will resound in our ears as long as we are alive. My wife, Patti, and I and our family were tightly bound to him and his family all of our lives, and we all were there to be with them. I visited Howard a month before and all he wanted to do was sing Columbia and SAE songs. We should be glad he came to our 55th via telephone and gave us a memory we can carry to how- ever many reunions we have left. We know he will be there in spirit.” Howard’s vibrancy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed at our 60th reunion in 2013. I’m terribly sorry to also report that at the age of 80 one of our distinguished, and highly articulate, classmates, Rolon W. Reed, passed away on September 18 near his home in Lake County, Fla. Rolon was always famous for his oneliners, and he is reported to have said that he wanted the following carved on his gravestone: “I had a ball.” Quite a few years ago, Rolon retired as a partner in the prominent Manhattan law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. For nearly 10 years in the 1970s and early 1980s, he also served as the mayor and trustee of the Hudson River village of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., until New York Gov. Mario Cuomo appointed him as a Westchester County Court judge. Rolon will always be remembered as the crusading, hard-working, dedicated classmate we knew as undergraduates. Who could forget that as the managing editor of Spectator, Rolon participated in the controversial editorial decision to endorse Adlai Stevenson against Dwight Eisenhower in the 1952 presidential election? Those of us who were members of Phi Gamma Delta will never forget his superb intellect, quick wit, passion and creative thinking. He told us then and throughout the years, “There are two types of people in government: those who want to do good, and those who want to do well.” Even as an undergraduate, Rolon showed signs of becoming a “charismatic contrarian” who thrived on crusading and controversy. As the mayor of Dobbs Ferry, Rolon set out to fight corruption and championed reasonable development and the preservation of open space. Never losing his endearing sense of humor, townspeople fondly remember Rolon presiding over board meetings wearing a navy blue T-shirt that said “Irate Taxpayer” in large white letters. Voters appreciated his courage and far-sighted leadership by overwhelmingly reelecting him to two additional terms. Following his court service, in 1989, Rolon and his wife, Diana, relocated to their country home in the Lake Jem area outside Mount Dora. Rolon is survived by Diana and by his children from his previous marriage to Ann, Rolon A. III of Athens, Greece; Hillary Yeo of Cary, N.C.; and Jennifer Simon of Camden, Maine; by sister Marilyn Mellor of Flowery Branch, Ga.; by grandchildren Samuel Reed, Jordan and Molly Yeo; and Ella Simon; and by his beloved dog, Jesse. I’m certain we’ll remember Rolon as a towering, talented, exciting classmate. Life was always alive when he was in the room! If you have stories about Howard or Rolon, would you take a moment to email your anecdotes? I’ll be delighted to insert them into the next column. 54 WINTER 2011–12 60 Howard Falberg 13710 Paseo Bonita Poway, CA 92064 westmontgr@aol.com I have been so pleased to hear from a good number of our classmates, who responded to a survey I sent out. Bob Schaefer went on to P&S and then interned at Stanford Hospital & Clinics. After completing military service, he went to Switzerland and “while there got married Ed Cowan ’54 and his wife have completed their campaign to see a baseball game in each of the 30 major league ballparks. to my wife of 49 years, Doris.” After military service, Bob did advanced medical work in both California and later in the state of Washington. He was on the faculty of the University of Washington for seven years and then went into the private practice of radiology in Bellevue, Wash. Bob retired in 1994. He has been involved with volunteer work with the Seattle Opera. His fond memories at Columbia are “some really excellent professors — Jack Stein (German) and Douglas Moore (music) and laughing my head off in geology class while listening to Saul Turteltaub.” David Williams retired in 1998 and is professor emeritus at the University of Memphis. He wrote a book that was published in 2007, and he collects information on the history of music theory (his specialty). David wrote, “I have many fond memories of Columbia, but I have drifted apart from my roommates: Larry Gartner, Mike Naver, Brian Tansey and Dan Wakefield ’55.” I know that David would love to hear from those four. Speaking of Saul Turteltaub, he recently had his second knee replacement, and things are going well. “I guess I am retired, not having a series to write or produce after 50 years, but I am still writing freelance — a novel and memoirs. Send my best wishes to all classmates. Can’t think of one I didn’t like.” Ed Cowan and his wife, Ann Louise, have completed their campaign (which began in 2000) to see a baseball game in each of the 30 Major League ballparks. They are both great fans of the sport and as Ed says, “The collateral benefit was that we took in a great deal of America on side trips, such as Minneapolis and Lake Superior, Houston and the Texas Hill Country, Atlanta and a stunning museum display of quilts from southern Alabama.” Ed adds that they enjoy summering in northern New Hampshire. While back in Washington, he plans to continue his occasional pro bono writing about D.C. government as well as editing. “In D.C. I see several classmates — chiefly, David Bardin, Don Crabill and Herb Hagerty. I am pleased to note that the youngest of our three children, Rachel Cowan Jacobs ’90, writes her class’ Class Notes for this magazine.” I was pleased to hear from Norma Dallal, wife of George Dallal. George had a fall and broke his left hip. He has been active in the Albuquerque community, interviewing applicants for the College and serving as board member of the Albuquerque International Association and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Norma writes, “On his behalf I send regards to all his classmates of the Class of ’54. Our daughter, Melissa, is a member of the Class of ’93.” Get well soon, George! Jack Bloom responded beautifully to my request for fond memories of his experiences at Columbia. “My freshman year, I was walking with Nick Poulos, who was only at Columbia for his freshman year, along 116th Street toward Morningside Drive and we were both wearing our freshman beanies when who should come by but Dwight D. Eisenhower, at that time the president of Columbia, who upon seeing our beanies stopped and solicitously inquired of us how we were doing, and so on. The whole thing took only a few minutes and ended with his wishing us well … this event has stuck in my mind all these years. I was never bored at Columbia. Who could be with teachers like Fritz Stern ’46, ’53 GSAS, Charles Frankel ’37, ’46 GSAS, Jacques Barzun ’27, ’32 GSAS, Andrew Chiappe ’33, ’39 GSAS and Douglas Moore, among others? It has been a good path. Thank you, Columbia.” Hank Buchwald continues to work “full time as professor of sur-
COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES gery and biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I have cut back on my operating room time and increased my dedication to research, writing, meetings and other academic activities, avoiding administrative responsibilities. “I have fond memories of all my academic studies at Columbia and continually reminisce about my time on the swimming team. I have one major regret about my time at Columbia; namely, that I left after my third year on professional option to attend P&S, and then returned to graduate with our class. That fourth year, which I would have devoted solely to non–pre-med studies, would have represented a year of pleasure. My advice to Columbians today would be to enjoy the full four years and not be in such a hurry to start a professional lifetime.” If any classmates either live in or near Minneapolis, I would suggest that they contact Hank. He is extraordinary in many ways. Serge Gavronsky is semi-retired from the faculty at Barnard. He will teach a final semester in the spring. He is the author of several novels, poetry in French and in English as well as a translator of Louis Zukofsky’s A. Serge also has been involved with painting. His daughter graduated from Barnard. He remembers with satisfaction “seminars with Lionel Trilling [’25, ’38 GSAS] and Jacques Barzun [’27, ’32 GSAS] ... working on WKCR and tiny roles in the CC theatrical production ... and I mean tiny.” Tom Paonessa has a full life despite being retired. He is involved with “investments; listening to classical music; an interest in wines including visiting wineries, tasting and collecting; and travel. We have been to New Zealand, Australia, Alaska and Israel. Through the years we have visited most of the National Parks in western United States and Canada. We have been east once to see a childhood friend in New Jersey and visit relatives in Virginia as well as historical sites in Pennsylvania and Virginia.” Tom’s fond memories of Columbia include “being manager of the varsity baseball team, working in the College cafeteria and a snack bar at Baker Field during football seasons, and enjoying going to classical music concerts at Carnegie Hall.” It’s always good to hear from John Timoney, who now is fully retired. He writes, “After more than 20 years with W.R. Grace & Co. in South America and in the United States, I joined Applied Science International, where I was employed until 1997. From 2000–11 I was a director of Omnicare, an institutional pharmacy, originally a subsidiary of W.R. Grace. I am now a director of International School Services, a nonprofit in Princeton where my wife, Ana, and I live. ISS operates schools in China and the Caribbean. “Ana and I have four children — all attended Columbia. Two sons graduated from the College, one from GS and our daughter graduated from Barnard. They also attended Columbia graduate schools. Our grandson is now a freshman at Engineering.” John adds, “One of my fondest memories was a conversation with Jacques Barzun ’27, ’32 GSAS in fall 1950 in Hamilton Hall. We talked about the British cardinal, John Newman.” If you haven’t read John’s book, From La Paz to Princeton, I strongly recommend it. If you want a copy, please let John know; he’ll send it by “snail mail.” I feel sad about ending this class report by having to tell you that George Fadok passed away on July 17. He was a warm, caring individual and will be missed greatly by his family and friends. I have a good number of responses to my request for information. If you haven’t responded yet, please do so. If there is not enough room in one issue of Class Notes, I will add the responses to the next issue. 55 Gerald Sherwin 181 E. 73rd St., Apt. 6A New York, NY 10021 gs481@juno.com As most of you already know, CCT has become a quarterly publication — “new and improved,” as they call it. Don’t think that Columbia has forgotten you. The other “hot news” on campus during the past few months was the resignation of Michele Moody-Adams as Dean of the College. James J. Valentini has settled in quite nicely as the interim dean. Before assuming his new position, Professor Valentini was chair of the chemistry department and was one of the faculty members of the Columbia College Alumni Association. If you are making plans for 2012, have your “Experiences of a Lifetime by Private Jet” — an unforgettable adventure in Egypt, Rwanda, the Maldives and the Kingdom of Bhutan among other lands. The plane is leaving shortly — in late February. Also in February, don’t miss “Expedition to Antarctica” through Buenos Aires in February (bring your parka) — penguins galore! In April, you can travel to the historic cities of Southern Spain and Morocco with General Studies Dean Peter Awn on the “Fabled WINTER 2011–12 61 Andalusia & the Imperial Cities of Morocco” cruise. It should be an invigorating time for all (depending who you go with). [Editor’s note: Learn more about alumni Travel Study Trips here: alumni.columbia. edu/research-learn/travel-studytrips.] Back in warmer New York, President Lee C. Bollinger’s annual “Fun Run” kicked off the new academic year. Despite a strong finishing kick, our president could not overtake the leaders. The Columbia University Club was the venue for a special event hosted by the Columbia Alumni Association directed toward entrepreneurs. More than 300 got advice, offered help and made connections with Columbia alumni entrepreneurs. The event was more than outstanding. Another success for our class: We were informed by the College that our Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund recently generated a one-time increase in income — a tremendous benefit in meeting the financial needs of the student body. The University Senate will be quite active this year with various items at the top of its agenda including the review of the “Conflict of Interest” policy, the finalization of bringing ROTC back to campus and the opening of several Global Centers (globalcenters.columbia. edu). There is always something emanating from Morningside Heights (and the Medical Center, farther uptown). What’s going on with the guys in our class, you may ask? As reported a couple of issues ago, Norm Goldstein is back east as a senior faculty member in the Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center. For many years Norm practiced his trade in Honolulu. Jack Freeman reports on the “Annual Boys of Summer” festivities held in the late summer. Attendees (who brought their mitts) were John Naley and George Raitt. Absent were Ron McPhee and Tom Brennan. Where was Tony Palladino? All missed their late teammate Don Schappert. Some members of the Class of 1956 also made it to the event. Walt Deptula was on the West Coast finishing his autobiography, which makes for some interesting reading: The Path Less Followed: Walter Deptula — A Short Biography. It includes a lot of interesting pictures from days gone by. We heard from the perennial traveler, Don McDonough, who stopped off in Bethesda, Md., to see Lew Mendelson before embarking for Paris (France, that is). Other news from the D.C. area: Sven Johnson continues to follow Columbia athletics from afar, especially the football team. In New York City, former Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch was honored on September 15 by Friends of the Upper East Side at the group’s annual Upper East Side Award Dinner. Much toasting and glasses held on high. Jack Stuppin is not only a terrific artist but he also has become a great marketer of his paintings. His latest endeavor was used in a calendar (2012) called “Songs of the Earth.” The “Class of Destiny” continues to have monthly gatherings in restaurants around the greater Columbia School Designations In Class Notes, these designations indicate Columbia degrees from schools other than the College. Arch. School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Arts School of the Arts Barnard Barnard College Business Graduate School of Business CE School of Continuing Education Dental College of Dental Medicine E The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science GS School of General Studies GSAS Graduate School of Arts and Sciences J Graduate School of Journalism L School of Law Nursing School of Nursing P&S College of Physicians and Surgeons PH Mailman School of Public Health SIPA School of International and Public Affairs SW School of Social Work TC Teachers College
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Columbia College TODAY Winter 2011-
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20 Tohoku Diary A firsthand account
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Dear Columbians, In my first three
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Piero Weiss ’50, ’70 GSAS have
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“I’m looking forward to helping
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Page 98 and 99: In the mid-1960s, the captain of th
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