St. Lawrence University Class of 1978

03/27/2024

A big thanks to Suzanne D’Amico-Sharp for all of her efforts to corral a group of alums to meet and catch up on Friday, March 1st at the SLU/Princeton men’s hockey in Princeton, NJ, to include: Ann (English) Barneby, Carol Coyne, Doris Danielson, Dorothy Mickiewicz, Ron Daniels and Joel Collamer. It was a very exciting game that ended in a 4-4 tie, went into OT without any score, and SLU finally eked out a win in a very tense back and forth shootout!

Carol Coyne “decided to retire back in August 2022, after 40 years as an attorney with the NYS Legislature and then the NYS Dept. of Public Service, leaving me with more time to spend with family, friends - and my ADPi sisters - all of whom I (try to) no longer bore with the intricacies of utility regulation – a win-win for all!

Dorothy Mickiewicz “retired from teaching computer programming in 2009 and stays very busy. My husband and I live outside of Lancaster PA (Amish country) in a wonderful small town named Lititz. We do a lot of bike riding, golf, pickleball, walking, and bridge. I volunteer doing taxes for AARP Taxaide and we volunteer as ushers for the local theater that gets many Broadway actors for fantastic plays. We live in a 55+ community with many activities - our southern retirement from north-east Connecticut.

Our daughter has lived in London for 10+ years and has two boys (age 3 and 6). We [visit them] at least 4 times each year and take advantage of their location for easy train travel and then branch off to the rest of Europe on many trips. At the end of March finds us starting in Barbados on a Windstar Cruise.

I am in contact with Liz Barth Harten and the Rebert Hall gang. Every Sunday night, I join in with the ADPi zoom chat and go every year on our October get-away weekend. Doris Danielson, Carol Coyne, Donelle Wright, Suzanne D'Amico Sharp and I are making our plans for the reunion this May”.

Ron Daniels continues as a Pharmacy Manager at Doctors Pharmacy in center city Philadelphia, and in his spare time enjoys running, listening to jazz, and hanging out at jazz venues.

05/22/2023

SLU Alumni News Summer Edition Class Notes Preview for the Class of 1978.

Bill Connors sent this email update & photo in March. “For the past 15 years I’ve been the President & CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. We have become the fastest growing city in the USA for the past few years. One of my newest business members is a restaurant called the ‘St. Lawrence Gridiron.’ It’s so cool to see the St. Lawrence name out here in Boise, Idaho! A couple of years ago we had THREE SLU hockey players playing for our local pro minor league hockey team and I sent that news to the [SLU} sports information folks at the time”.

In late April, Sue (Drolet) Ferguson was honored by A Better Chance – Ridgefield at a spotlight gala for her many years of dedicated volunteer work with the organization. The gala was held at the historic Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. A Better Chance – Ridgefield’s mission is to provide academically promising, but disadvantaged young women, with the opportunity to live in Ridgefield, CT, study at the local public high school, prepare for college and empower them to assume positions of leadership and responsibility as adults. The following SLU alums were in attendance at the gala: Margie (Greer) Creamer and husband Dr. Tim Creamer ’76, Lynn (Ruane) Tuttle, 77 & husband Warren Tuttle ’77, Sue (Beucher) Cady and husband George, Rich Veith, Joel Collamer and wife Nancy.

In early May it was announced that Joel MacClaren ’77 & Darcy (Reiman) MacClaren have sold the historic Brandon Inn. Joel emailed that “Spending time with grandchildren became increasingly important, and delighted to be turning the Inn over to a great guy” and to have “checked these boxes – lived in a cute Vermont town, owned an Inn, ran a café, had a bar, ran wonderful events, and could NOT have done this without Darcy’s help! Next adventure? Who knows?” Stay tuned for updates.

05/10/2023

Bill Connors sent this email update & photo in March. “For the past 15 years I’ve been the President & CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. We have become the fastest growing city in the USA for the past few years. One of my newest business members is a restaurant called the ‘St. Lawrence Gridiron.’ It’s so cool to see the St. Lawrence name out here in Boise, Idaho! A couple of years ago we had THREE SLU hockey players playing for our local pro minor league hockey team and I sent that news to the sports information folks at the time”. So if you're in Boise, looking for bite to eat and to connect with SLU alums, check them out at: https://www.saintlawrencegridiron.com/menu

11/28/2022

I received this information today from classmate Mitch Brown with help from his son Nate Brown:

"Hi All- I wanted to give you all an update on my life now and the near future.

I have been diagnosed with acute dementia. Most likely from all the concussions I received playing football. I am unfortunately struggling to take care of myself, my memory is getting worse and as a result I need to go to assisted living in a few months. Not how I imagined my retirement would be.

I’ve had a lot of help from my SLU friends, my kids and I’m forever grateful for their love and support throughout the past several years.

Much love and I hope we cross paths soon.

My kids set up a go fund me to help pay for the assisted living expenses. If you can help us out with some financial assistance I would greatly appreciate it!

This GoFundMe is definitely not what we imagined having to put together for… Nate Brown needs your support for Help Mitch Brown as He Struggles with Dementia

09/01/2021

Steve Freeborn sent news. “I’m still doing a lot of swimming, but with pools at limited capacity I’ve been primarily swimming in Puget Sound and lakes since COVID restrictions last March. We are all healthy and my wife and I have gotten our COVID vaccinations.

For the last several years we have been a host family (billets) for hockey players in the Western Hockey League (15-20 years old). Two of our kids have been drafted by the NHL. They decided on an abbreviated season, starting next week, so we have kids coming down from Canada to live with us. One of the players was with us last year. Excited about something different in my life, even though games will not be open to spectators.

Hoping we have finally turned the corner and can begin seeing other people as I would like to get back and see my mom. She lives in a retirement community in Pittsford, NY. Haven’t seen her in over a year. Also, when I get back that way, Jim Brush ‘78, Scott Frame ’78 and Monty Bauer”.

Rick Chamberlain reports, “Chamberlains are healthy. Skiing weekly and training in my home gym (getting ready for [senior] spring soccer season.) Growing my beard (plan to trim back for spring-summer). Registered for my 4th
Pan-Mass Challenge [bicycle] ride to raise $ for Dana Farber cancer research and treatment. No longer writing, as my book first book [had challenges]. Watching a lot of Premier League Football and spending "quality time" quarantined with my family.

I am extremely appreciative of the significantly reduced stress of not working at the jail. Can't imagine what that environment is like with COVID 19”.

In March, Michael (aka Bongo) Quinn’s wife, Elizabeth, sent a very nice thank you note that included a request to extend the family’s sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for all of the support they received from their many SLU friends during Michael’s illness and untimely death. Elizabeth and the family are comforted and solace when they get to know and hear about the memories, stories and photos that others have shared with them about Michael. She encourages everyone in the SLU community to please send their stories along.

Received news that Joel ’78 & Darcy (nee Reiman) MacClaren, purchased the historic Brandon Inn in March. It’s been operating since 1786 and is one of Vermont’s oldest, continuously operating hospitality businesses. The Inn is opposite the town green in the center of Brandon, VT, which is well known for its beautiful and varied architecture, history and thriving art community. The Inn has 39 rooms and wedding/event facilities that can accommodate 200+ guests. Nearby outdoor attractions include world class bicycling, hiking, boating, golfing, fishing, and downhill and Nordic skiing, and of course spectacular leaf peeping in the fall time. Middlebury College is a 20-minute drive. The MacClarens have family nearby. Darcy’s sister and her husband operate Maple View Farm, an Alpaca farm, about 3 miles from the Inn. At a time when many of our classmates are making retirements plans, Joel and Darcy are very eagerly jumping into a brand-new business venture. We wish them the very best.

Sue and John Ferguson shared news that they became first time grandparents in August and are thoroughly enjoying their new role.

Barney Stevenson and wife, Diane, celebrated the marriage of their son Alex to Amy Wang at a ceremony and reception held in Texas during August.

Joel Collamer and wife, Nancy, became first time grandparents in July and are overjoyed with their new status.

06/10/2021

Go Fund Me site for those who wish to contribute to the cause:

Less than a month ago, Michael Quinn, AKA Bongo, learned he had the most aggressive version of pancre… Brian Desrosier needs your support for A friend in Need

06/10/2021

A group of '78-'80 SAE brothers & Saints soccer players are coming together to support Michael Quinn's widow, Beth and to honor their memories of Michael, who died Nov. 2, 2020. A fund raiser culminates during the week of August 14th and the group will rehab Beth’s home in Saranac Lake (see photo).

03/17/2021

Received word that Joel & Darcy MacClaren purchased the Brandon Inn in Brandon, VT.

The historic Inn has been operating for nearly 250 years, has 39 rooms and event/wedding facilities that can accommodate 200+ guests.

While many of us, myself included, contemplate slowing down in retirement, they are bravely taking on a brand new challenge.

Darcy's sister and her husband operate nearby Maple View Farm, an alpaca farm, about 3 miles away.

Wishing them all the very best on their new endeavor.

02/20/2021

Rick Chamberlain sent the following news. “Chamberlains are healthy. Skiing weekly and training in my home gym (getting ready for [senior] spring soccer season.) Growing my beard (plan to trim back for spring-summer). Registered for my 4th
Pan-Mass Challenge [bicycle] ride to raise $ for Dana Farber cancer research and treatment. No longer writing, as my book first book [had challenges]. Watching a lot of Premier League Football and spending "quality time" quarantined with my family.

I am extremely appreciative of the significantly reduced stress of not working at the jail. Can't imagine what that environment is like with COVID 19”.

02/19/2021

Steve Freeborn sent the following news. “I’m still doing a lot of swimming, but with pools at limited capacity I’ve been primarily swimming in Puget Sound and lakes since COVID restrictions last March. We are all healthy and my wife and I have gotten our COVID vaccinations.

For the last several years we have been a host family (billets) for hockey players in the Western Hockey League (15-20 year olds). Two of our kids have been drafted by the NHL. They decided on an abbreviated season, starting next week, so we have kids coming down from Canada to live with us. One of the players was with us last year. Excited about something different in my life, even though games will not be open to spectators.

Hoping we have finally turned the corner and can begin seeing other people as I would like to get back and see my mom. She lives in a retirement community in Pittsford, NY. Haven’t seen her in over a year. Also, when I get back that way, Jim Brush ‘78, Scott Frame ’78 and Monty Bauer”.

02/19/2021

Anthony Giardino shared news from Spokane, WA. “Oldest son Mike recently completed his periodontal residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. He joined my practice in July and has already become very productive. It’s been really great having him around the office to compare notes with. Second son Will is a research scientist at Stanford and the principal investigator in his lab working on neuropharmacology, addiction medicine and sleep dysregulation. Thomas and his wife live in Bellevue, WA where he handles marketing and contract negotiation for video gaming company VALVE. My wife Dani and I are looking forward to traveling post-COVID and to eventual full-time retirement. Hope all is well in the North Country”!

Tom Eschenroeder sent news. “Tom is living in Richmond, VA with wife Susan and their highly energetic but emotionally sensitive hound dog, Ted. Tom and Susan's three children are in their thirties now. Tom has been practicing Oral Surgery in Richmond for 30 years. There is not much cross-country skiing down here and there are not too many SLU alumni here either; just Paul Neuman ('79) and me. But, I do keep in touch with '78 classmates: Amey (Rullon-Miller) Upton, Scott Kingsley, Pete MacKay, Jeff Shaw, Mark Noordsy, Joe Meeks, Dave Tuites, Ken Floyd & Dave Kelly via Zoom. We may look a bit different, but don't be deceived; not much has changed”.

Darcy (Reiman) MacClaren shared news that husband, Joel ’77, sold his publishing company, Choice Media, in March 2020 and is evaluating other business opportunities. Darcy plans to stay with SAP (SVP North America Digital Supply Chain Sales) for at least 3 more years. Their son David’s ’11 wedding was “wonderful, but due to COVID, limited to immediate family and the wedding party. It was not the wedding they had expected, but lovely, nonetheless. The newlyweds wanted to get married and start a family”.