Program Highlights!

16 July 2015

The excellent programs presented by members of the Class of ’65 included a wide variety of topics. A few were recorded (see the links below) and they are well worth a listen. While it was not possible to record the others, those attending enjoyed them immensely. (Follow the link to the reunion photos to see that.) Many, many classmates spent innumerable hours preparing these presentations, and we are all grateful for their shared talents and time!

The Present and Future of Liberal Arts Colleges, featuring Susan Ashley ’65   

“I Want Vankat Out of the Park!”: Science and Forest Fires in National Parks. Fire ecology and changes in fire management by John Vankat ’65 

Indian Folk Art, with Sue Wadley ’65  

Memorial Program, Sunday June 21 

Additional programs presented by members of the Class of ’65 included a wide variety of topics.

Sustainability and Food—presented by Melissa Young ’65 and Mike Goldwasser ’65

Melissa’s documentary Good Food depicted the resurgence of family farms and orchards in the Pacific Northwest focusing on supplying healthy, local, sustainably grown food. Following the film, beef cattle farmer Mike Goldwasser ’65 commented on his experiences and perspectives. A lively discussion included audience questions and responses by Melissa, her partner Mark Dworkin, and Mike.

Conversation Café led by Kathy Kerns Gilmer ’65

“Speed (re)connecting” Friday morning helped participants discover classmates’ life adventures and passions as well as their Carleton memories.

Spirituality—How Are We Answering the Big Questions? Facilitated by Brian Fitch ’65 with introduction by College Chaplain Carolyn Fure-Slocum ’82

Conversation groups shared and discussed views of how we view spirituality and religion and the roles they play in our own lives.  

The Music of Women Composers presented by Pianist, Victoria Griswold ’65

By telling us about them and by playing some of their music, Vicki introduced us to several incredibly gifted and virtually unknown women composers.  Music by Polish composer Maria Szymanowska strongly influenced Chopin. Fanny Mendelssohn wrote over 400 works and was considered more gifted than her younger brother Felix. African-American composer Florence Price, born in 1887, graduated from the New England Conservatory at age 19 with a double major.

Scent, Sex, and Disease: The Importance of Smell in Our Lives by Gary Beauchamp ’65 and Mike Baum ’65

What does odor have to do with diagnosing disease or finding a mate? Gary and Mike are key researchers on different aspects of smell and oder.  Each shared his fascinating research on the impact of odors and olfaction.

What in the World Happens Next? Howard Tyner ’65, Carl Petry ’65, and Dan Turnquist ’65

Howie, former Chicago Tribune editor and reporter from Russia and eastern Europe; Carl, Northwestern University historian specializing in Egypt and the Middle East; and Dan, foreign service officer specializing in international labor affairs and veteran of posts in Latin America and Western Europe, discussed some of the major developments they expect in their areas of special expertise that are likely to shape international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Dave Moberg ’65, senior editor, In These Times, moderated a discussion on international relations after their remarks.

Diseases, Drugs, and Delivery presented by Dr. Victor Yu, Dr. Robert Koshnick, Dr. Charles Peterson

The panel discussion focused on current challenges and innovations in three areas of public health. Vic, infectious disease specialist, helped discover and explained how Ebola is spread. Bob explained that pain has become a primary malady, resulting in overuse of medications including opiates. Chuck talked about developments in military medicine, such as telemedicine and limb replacement, that are making their way into civilian care. The session ended with audience questions, participation, and discussion.

Sing-along with Charlie Brook ’65, Dave Erbstoeszer ’65, Art Kaemmer ’65, and Elise Bickford Jorgens ’65

After dinner Saturday, Charlie and company led us through songs from our time at Carleton and other favorites. Memories, memories! The impromptu singing “We Shall Overcome” while standing in a huge circle and holding hands closed our evening, connecting all.

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