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CLASS NOTES
Kevin Fay I regret to inform the Class of 1981 that no news (good or bad) was received by this correspondent over the past few months, so I must resort to providing you with an update on the Fays. My eldest daughter turned 13, and we enrolled her in a new school (private — very strict). Needless to say, this did not improve our relationship. She is speaking to me occasionally, the content of which I cannot print due to the family nature of this audience. Our middle daughter is in the sixth grade, plays soccer like a boy (I know this sounds sexist, but she is very aggressive on the field!), and is doing very well in school when she concentrates on her studies. The youngest is hooked on Harry Potter (we have all the books, and she has seen the movie twice). J.K. Rowling has taught her to enjoy reading, for which I am forever thankful. My wife desires that I earn more money, so she can quit work and become more active in community affairs (I’m working overtime). As for me, I traveled to Saudi Arabia again for our annual meeting, which went very well. Despite what you hear and read, there is no hospitality greater than that extended in the Middle East. I did grow the beard to “fit in” and left my Yankees cap behind, but otherwise felt very safe and welcome. Periodic Fay updates can be pretty boring. Please tell me what’s going in on in your lives, or else this will continue. Finally, I wish the entire Class of 1981 belated holiday greetings.
Robert W. Passloff Our 20th Reunion is fast approaching, so save the following dates: Thursday evening, May 30, through Sunday morning, June 2. The tentative schedule includes a Broadway theater outing on Thursday night as well as faculty lectures and the Dean’s dinner. There also will be a children’s program. Please look for correspondence from the ’82 Reunion Committee or College Alumni Affairs to remain up to date as the schedule develops. The reunion committee includes: Joe Cabrera, Louis DeChiara, Lloyd Green, Nobuhisa Ishizuka, Frank Lopez-Balboa, Mark Moerdler, Thomas Nevitt, Mike Schmidtberger and me. The committee will continue to meet regularly through May. Anyone interested in attending the meetings or joining the committee should e-mail cc82reunion@columbia.edu. In some sad news, cardiologist Robert Rubino was killed when his car veered off the Montauk Highway on Long Island and struck a telephone pole and some rocks. Bob was on his way to Good Samaritan Hospital from Southside Hospital. He is credited with helping to launch a critical care program to save heart attack victims on the brink of death by quickly opening blocked arteries to allow blood flow to the heart in an angioplasty procedure. A 1988 graduate of New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., Bob lived on Long Island with his wife, Debra Guzov, Barnard ’83, and their 2-year old child, Justin. A friend, Peter Fumo ’83, described Bob as having “the kind of personality that made you want to be his friend” and noted that he had a subtle charisma and a very dry sense of humor. He will be terribly missed.
Roy Pomerantz My wife, Debbie, and I attended Columbia’s Homecoming and were delighted to see Stephen Huntley-Robertson. Stephen is the vice president of asset-based lending services at Bank of America. Many of you may remember that Stephen was a world-class athlete at Columbia and helped our crew team win countless competitions. He is now training to compete in a triathlon. He lives in Florida. We also were happy to bump into David Kriegel. David is a dermatologist, practicing in Manhattan, and an avid biker. He still keeps up with many of his Columbia classmates. Hopefully the class of ’83 will be better represented at future homecomings! Adam Bayroff is a partner in the real estate group at Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman in Manhattan. He is still playing basketball and tennis regularly (I never could return Adam’s topspin). Adam lives on Roslyn, Long Island, with his wife, Margo, and their children, Logan, Amelia and Aliza. David Einhorn has been authoring the semi-annual supplements of the two-volume treatise Patent Licensing Transactions (published by Matthew Bender, a division of Lexis-Nexis). His father was the original author of the treatise. David also was reappointed this year as chairman of the American Bar Association committee on broadcasting, sound recordings and performing artists. As reported in the last column, David is practicing law at Anderson Kill & Olick, P.C., where he is chairman of the intellectual property law department. Ben Geber e-mailed that he, too, always reads Class Notes first in CCT. Ben is the finance director for NYC’s Medicaid program, analyzing the Medicaid budget and such issues as universal health coverage and increased prescription coverage. He will be celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary this year. He is a CPA and received his master’s degree in public finance from SIPA. I was elated to receive an e-mail from Mark Licht. Mark and I lived on the 14th floor of John Jay and were members of the marching band. Mark writes: “After Columbia, I attended medical school at the University of Rochester, trained in urology at the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic and settled in Florida. I am in private practice in Boca Raton, the anthrax and butterfly ballot capitol of America. I have been married to Marjorie (Forman) Licht ’83E for 17 years. We have three children: Sam (5), Lena (4) and Sarah (1) (after touring the USA, we finally settled down and had a family). I keep in touch with Myles Hansen, who is an attorney in Washington, D.C., and is married with three kids, and Matt Samarel, who is a pediatrician in North Carolina with three kids. I also talk to Scott Kirschenbaum, who runs a small, successful company in NYC.” Many of us fondly remember Marjorie. It is great to see a Columbia couple raising another generation of prospective Columbia first-years! Michael Broder sent me a rich, informative e-mail. “I enjoyed your September column, although we traveled in different circles and I don’t really know any of the people about whom you had news. Nevertheless, your column inspired me to drag out my yearbook and look for every one of those guys’ pictures. I sorta recognized a few of them. My friends from the class of ’83 were Bill Kolbrener, Jordan Shapiro, Joe Zwicker and my many floormates from 12 Jay, a floor distinguished by our habit of eating meals together in the John Jay dining hall. I had good friends in the Class of ’82 (Gavin Smith) and ’84 (Steve Cohen, Barry Zevin). Of course, there were many people I was not particularly close to whom I would nevertheless like to know the fate of. “I’m sure we’ve all been through and done a lot in the past 20 years. I’m currently working as a group program director at the Health Science Center for Continuing Medical Education, located in New York City. I’ve been in medical communications for the past eight years, after previous stints as a graduate student (M.A. in classics from CUNY, 1989), teacher, nonprofit administrator, editor and freelance writer. I write poetry and coordinate a weekly reading series at the Ear Inn, a historic tavern on Spring Street (I’ll certainly let you know if I ever have a book coming out). I live in the city with my partner, Jason Schneiderman, who recently received his M.F.A. in creative writing from NYU and is now teaching part time at Hofstra and freelancing as the art director at the National Arts Club. I feel that sharing personal info is, well, personal, so I hesitate to ‘inform’ on my old class of ’83 buddies, but I will divulge that Bill, Jordy, and Joe have all done things to make us very proud (in the study of English literature, the study of African colonial history, and the practice of law, respectively). If I get permission, I’ll be happy to tell more. I, too, hope that our column grows enviably long and abundant in class notes.” Wayne Root feels kind of left out way out on the “left coast.” Wayne states: “I may be one of the only (or just THE ONLY) Columbia alumnus who has built a life in the gambling business and on Wall Street — all from Malibu, Calif. and Las Vegas! Thought my classmates might be interested in my unique career success. After Columbia, I decided to pursue my true love — a career in sports handicapping. My goal was to replace Jimmy ‘The Greek’ on national TV. Only a Columbia grad would figure out a way to turn a love of sports gambling into a national TV career and a Wall Street conglomerate! Yes, I have taken my company public. I am now chairman and CEO of America’s only publicly traded sports handicapping firm, Global Sports & Entertainment (stock symbol: GWIN), based in Las Vegas. I also am the executive producer and star of The Global Sports EDGE, airing 8:30 a.m. EST on Saturday mornings on PAX TV. I also star on Proline at 9 a.m. EST on USA TV Network. My Web site, www.GSportsEDGE.com, is among the most popular sports sites on the Internet. I just returned from presenting my company at the Bear Stearns Gaming Conference in Las Vegas (even terrorist bombings can’t slow me). It’s been a great run since graduating from CC in ’83 — exhilarating, exciting and stressful. I now split my time between my beachfront home in Malibu and my second home, The Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. I am married to Debra Parks Root (Pepperdine grad), with two beautiful children — Dakota (9) and Hudson (1).” Wayne, what are the odds the Columbia Lions will win the Ivy League hoops title this winter? Several classmates sent e-mails to the alumni September 11 status page. Richard Jorge informs us that he is OK in Connecticut. He would like to hear from John McGivney, Kurt Lundgren, Frank Antonelli and Robert Flock. David Propert was “scheduled to go to the Pentagon, but had not yet left the office. Friends and close colleagues there were spared.” George Wilson notes, “Holding down the fort here with the rest of us New Yorkers. Peace and faith for those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy; Infinite Justice for those who perpetrated it.” Bruce Abramson remarks, “Live and work within blocks of White House; a bit hairy on 9/11, but no real danger.” Paul Burke ’84 states, “I’m fine, so is my family. Lost a lot of friends and business contacts.” Danny Schultz ’84 adds, “OK in body but lost many friends on the day.” Daniel Ferreira (Barbados, Wis.), Andrew Gessner, Robert Kahn (along with his wife, Linda, his son, Elliot and his daughter, Eva), David Lyle (Nashville), Frank Messina, Mark Sharp, Greg Keller, Ed Koral and David Woo thankfully report they are unharmed. Hopefully we can hear from these classmates soon under better circumstances. P.J. Pesce is a writer and director making a living in Los Angeles. He writes, “I am about to marry for the first time, to the lovely Susan Morris. Susan works for the Sundance Film Festival. I recently finished directing the film The Hangman’s Daughter for Miramax/Dimension, produced by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, and I’m in the process of writing a script for Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu that Lucy will produce. Please give my regards to Professor Selig if you have the chance, as well as Brad Gluck (a fellow resident of 12 John Jay soph year). Other alums I’m in touch with: Simon Black is married to Marita Spiess; they make their living writing for the movies. Michael Calabrese teaches Medievel English literature at Cal State, Northridge.” According to Entertainment Weekly, Eddy Friedfeld will be working with comedy legend and television pioneer Sid Caesar on a book about Caesar’s life as an entertainer. In addition to being a lawyer and corporate executive, Eddy is a film critic and writes entertainment features for the New York Post. He also is working on a book on the history of Jews and comedy in America. Finally, in keeping with Columbia’s Core Curriculum, emphasizing the great books of Western Civilization, I have just signed a deal with Universal Studios Licensing for the rights to the fictional literary characters portrayed in the classic Curious George books. I will be using these characters on my complete line of baby accessories. For my less esoteric customers, I also have acquired the rights to use the Flintstones characters for my baby and pet companies.
Dennis Klainberg Tough times often bring out the best in people, so it’s no accident that several classmates are doing their part to improve the lives of others. “0-21-34....,” that famous Boston ZIP code that pervades our minds as a result of the theme song from “Zoom,” can now be claimed by our class, thanks to esteemed classmate, intrepid political/social activist and WKCR standout Jon Abbot. As vice president and general manager for TV Stations at WGBH (the PBS affiliate in Boston), Jon is part of TV’s finest and most important incubator for excellent, intelligent programming. Thanks to Jon and his staff, culture comes to our door, giving us and our children a safe venue in which to learn and be entertained. “I was just back at Columbia for the 60th anniversary for WKCR and the dedication of the new studios,” Jon says. “What an amazing new student center and great studios. They’re a far cry from what the Band and ’KCR crews of our generation had available. Good to know that Columbia’s made great improvements in the last 15 years.” Jon lives in Newton, Mass., with his wife, Shari, and children Ellie (8) and Tatum (5). Another television professional making his mark is our own Newton “N.J.” Burkett. Newt reports regularly on Channel 7 Eyewitness News in New York, and often on ABC National News and Live with Regis and Kelly. Newt deserves special kudos for his amazing work in the field: investigative reports abroad prior to September 11; on the scene and very close to harm’s way during the WTC devastation; updates on potential terrorist activity throughout NYC; and reporting from JFK literally minutes after the American Airlines tragedy. Throughout it all, Newt has great composure and stage presence... and a terrific family to boot. Newt lives on Long Island with his wife, Margy, and children Jay and Amanda. Saul Hansell, once WKCR news director, continues to write about the Internet and electronic commerce for The New York Times. “All the times I worked as a back-up obituary writer have come in handy as I write the final notices for the companies I have been covering, like WebVan,” he writes. “I’ll hang on until I know what happens to the last survivors, like Yahoo! and Amazon. Then I’ll find another beat.” He lives in Chelsea with his wife, Lynne Eisenbrand, and their 3-year-old daughter, Clare, of whom he notes, “She’s already asking tougher metaphysical questions than my CC teacher.” Adam P. Dicker, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, was promoted to associate professor of radiation oncology, where his research focuses on antiangiogenesis. He and his wife were recently blessed with the birth of Yehuda, who joins Michal (10) and Shimshon (5). Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Kevin G. Kelly Alex Spiro writes: “In an effort to read about people I know in Class Notes (including myself), I offer the following: In July, Dimitri Colevas (high school and college classmate) visited with his wife, Patti, and children Electra (7) and Anatole (4), from their new home in Washington D.C. Both Colevii are doctors; the good Colevas (Patti) is a general practitioner, while Dimitri is working at NIH doing important stuff in connection with cutting edge experimental cancer drugs. Dr. Ronald Schwartz, his wife, Rachel, and their son, Alexander (it is my claim that the boy is named after me), arrived and informed the uninformed that they were soon moving to Hattiesbrug Miss., where Ron’s neurological talents and Rachel’s parents were much needed and needing. (They have since moved.) Also in attendance were Bob LaPalme (attorney for the city) and John Keller and wife, Cecilia Barnett, ’86 Barnard, who came down from their Connecticut home. John continues to work in advertising while Ceci is an artist. Arriving late in Peter Strunsky’s never-ending party-mobile (no, it’s not still his mother’s Monte Carlo) were Peter himself, comedian extraordinaire, his brother Moose a.k.a. Steve, and Andrew Andriuk ’89, he of two children (Luke and Leo) and wife Nuners (none in attendance). Andy is building low-income housing in tiny Connecticut suburbs — low income being in the $1,000,000 range. While they arrived late, it should be noted that they also stayed very late, which, no doubt, pleased the gracious hostess. From the other side of the aisle, Barnard ’86 attendees included the glowing Velaire Renko (and her husband, Kris Woolsey), Marta Kuzma (the always gallant Mr. Strunsky having whispered to me, “Who’s that hot blonde?”), who was on her way to Italy, and Sarah Pozefsky. I am reliably told that my old roommate, Joe Chu, has moved to San Francisco and, entirely coincidentally, Ann McCarthy ’85 Barnard has moved there too. Also entirely coincidentally, the only other person who is my year at Columbia and my high school, Brian Kirby, is working at the same firm as I, Société Générale, albeit on the other side of the pond. He is married to a French lady, has children and lives in Paris. The night after Marin’s fete, largely the same group (ex-spouses, ex-Dimi and ex-Barnard ladies) reuned at Cannon’s, much changed but still the same. We were joined by L.A. brother Brooks Tomb, who is gaffing (I swear this is a word and a profession), acting in an improv troupe, extolling the virtues of marriage and fatherhood (toddler daughter) and the good qualities of wayward alum John Adelman, with whom Brooks had just taken several long walks spoiled (that’s golfer for golfing). John almost made it to New York. (without his wife and two children) but was detained by an unexpected regatta (sorry guys, there are no secrets). I am on the Upper West Side with wife Vanessa and son Henry (4). Still loving NYC despite the horrific World Trade Center events. My strongest hope is that NYC as we knew it can survive. Tom Wheeler, M.D., writes: “Apparently it has been 20 years since we loped about the floors of John Jay as freshmen and visited the Ukranian Club with Andy. I still see Glenn Alper on occasion in San Francisco. My wife, Tamara, and I finished our residencies and fellowships at Vanderbilt University. We stayed on the faculty for five years and moved back to Indiana. I practice maternal-fetal medicine in Fort Wayne and chase my 3-year-old son, Evan, around.” Thank you, Alex and Tom, for your submissions. I encourage all members of the class of 1985 to drop me a line with information concerning their milestones, achievements, friends, thoughts and other newsy bits.
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