Class of 1993 Newsletter

March 2002

The Super Bowl is over and March Madness starts next week - I guess it’s time to write the annual newsletter. I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the start of 2002. This past year was full of emotional highs and lows for me...I got married on September 2nd and then nine days later life in the United States, and perhaps the rest of the world too, changed forever. I hope all your friends and families were safe on that horrific day.

As always, I really enjoyed reading all the e-mails I received - I’m happy to say over 50 people sent me some news this year! Hopefully the webpage is making it easier to submit updates. Sorry if I left your new address, e-mail, or “big news” out, but I did my best and lost a considerable amount of sleep and hair writing this. I look forward to hearing from you all again soon! Enjoy yourselves and keep in touch everybody!

Take care,

P.S. Just wanted to plug our class webpage (http://www.geocities.com/asij1993) and thank Katie Sakuma for all her assistance with that endeavor. If you haven’t visited it yet - you’re in for a treat! We’re adding new stuff all the time, including information on the creation of a planning committee for our 10 year reunion, so go check it out today!!!

Ahuja, Dev I don’t really know where Dev is, but I’m sure the spirit of Jim Henson is with him. He writes, “I quit my job in San Francisco and moved to Nevada. I am planning on starting either a muppet or puppet farm...can’t decide which is best.” Personally, I’d go with the muppets since, according to Henson himself, “Muppets are sort of fuzzy, bright colored, cute, lovable caricatures.” Puppets suck! Dev looked like a strong candidate to win an unprecedented third consecutive “Most Creative E-mail Address” award, but then Karen Hale (Fry) shocked the competition much like the Bakken/Flowers bobsled team did in the Winter Olympics and took home the gold medal! Actually, there is no gold medal or even a certificate...it’s much more of an honor really than an award. Oh, just forget it…

Baba, Marie I received an e-mail from Marie written entirely in the third person, so I’m assuming she either wanted to provide me the exact wording for her entry or she has joined the WWF. Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!?! She writes, “Marie Baba continues to teach middle school students with moderate/severe disabilities. She will be attending San Diego State University for the next couple of years to get her full credentials and Masters degree in SPED. E-mail her if you’re in town.” Thanks for keeping in touch Marie!

Boston (Beverley), Amy Amy is still living in Georgia with her husband, Chris, and two daughters, Emilie and Alexandria. She writes, “I’m just a busy mom! My oldest is in kindergarten...I’m the room mom for her class, plus staying home with my four year old.” Amy still runs her on-line business designing wedding webpages, but spends most of her time with the girls who always come first. She writes, “They [the girls] were recently in a beauty pageant and my youngest won Miss Personality!” Sounds to me like she must take after her mother...sorry Chris, maybe you’re full of personality too, but we’ve never met. You can check out some pictures of Amy’s girls, their artwork, and report cards (thank God my parents never posted mine on the Internet) on the family’s webpage (address is above). Please tell Emilie that the “Rainbow Tree” was my personal favorite. Amy wants everyone to know her house is always open for visitors passing through the Peach State!

Boudewijn, Greg Greg believes this is his first update since graduation, so it was great to hear from him. Since ASIJ pays me per entry for typing the class newsletter, I always like to hear from new people. Greg also came close to fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine to know someone who actually lives in Beverly Hills 90210...so close, yet still so far away. He writes, “I relocated last fall from Boston to LA. I decided not to pursue a law career a few years ago and had been riding the dot-com roller coaster ever since. I’m currently managing domestic and international technology projects for Ticketmaster/Citysearch media partners.” Greg hopes to return to school for his MBA in the next few years and wanted me to let everyone know that he cannot get you free tickets...he can only get me free tickets, right Greg? Thanks for letting us know what you’ve been up to!

Chiller, Andrea Andy started out her e-mail to me by writing, “I’ve probably missed the deadline...if this is too late, then I guess just ignore it - I figured better late than never.” That’s exactly how I hope you all feel about receiving this newsletter approximately three months after most of you submitted your updates. I don’t really know why it takes me so long to write this thing, but hopefully the next class agent (any volunteers?) will be faster. Anyway, back to Andy...she writes, “I’m biding my time until May when I graduate from law school. After graduation, I have to immediately start studying for the bar exam, which I’m not looking forward to at all...but I am looking forward to moving back to New York.” Andy accepted an offer for a permanent position with the Manhattan firm that she worked at last summer. But all work and no play is no fun at all. She writes, “Some friends of mine are planning a trip through Asia after the bar exam and before we all have to start work, so there’s a really good chance that I’ll be back in Japan for a week or so in August.” Andy hopes to stop by ASIJ, her first time back in almost ten years! She plans to spend the next few months taking full advantage of all New Orleans has to offer, so drop her an e-mail if you’re going to be visiting anytime soon. Thanks for the update Andy and please send us some pictures of your Asia trip for the class webpage!

Clark, Matt Matt wrote me a short e-mail from London where he still works for J.P. Morgan. He writes, “Not much to report for myself and certainly nothing as extraordinary as my last update. I’ve done a bunch of traveling and hope to do a bunch more.” C’mon man, you can’t leave us hanging like that...where have you been traveling to? Now I have to wait a whole year to find out! I hate incomplete updates! Matt also says he’s looking forward to the ten year reunion bash next summer. Check out Katie Sakuma’s entry for details…

Collyer (Floyd), Lisa Lisa is engaged to be married in October and is looking forward to seeing some classmates at the wedding. She writes, “I’m very excited that Nagisa Singh and Melissa Shimizu will be coming...in addition, the Brinkmann sisters and Kris Ferguson will be there.” Please send us some pictures of the ceremony and everyone for the class webpage! Lisa was promoted last year to Director of Catering for the Mayflower Hotel and is looking to buy a house soon. Best of luck with the wedding planning and househunting Lisa! Keep in touch…

Crawford, Andy Andy sent me his very first update since leaving ASIJ after eighth grade. He writes, “I returned to Washington, D.C. for high school and then attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. I went back to D.C. and worked as an international affairs analyst for the U.S. Congress from 1997-2001 before coming to Cambridge where I am studying International Relations at the University.” Andy proposed to his fiancée, Monica, last September and they’re now trying their best to adjust to their new rainy surroundings in England. He still keeps in touch with Ed Lam, Joe Fuyuno, Shinta Kano, Riki Hudachek, Bill Speri, and others, but would love to hear from other classmates. Thanks for catching us all up on your life Andy! Keep in touch…

Cruz-George (Cruz), Cathy Cathy sent me a nice e-mail from the “land where palm trees sway” and where you can actually buy a bag of poi at the local grocery store. She writes, “Last April, I become editor of Hawaii Business, a monthly magazine (a regular magazine plus a webpage) for the Hawaii business community. When I’m not working 60+ hours a week, I’m volunteering at the Humane Society or kicking back with friends.” I checked out the webpage (address is above) and learned about L&L Drive-Inn (I can still taste their Hawaiian BBQ Beef) expanding its West Coast market. I know about as much about the Hawaiian Business market as Britney Spears knows about being dressing conservatively, but I found the articles I read to be very interesting...good job Cathy! Cathy’s sister, Christie (’00), visited from the University of Oregon over the holidays and they got together with Katie Sakuma, Craig Sakuma (’91), Mayumi Nakayama, Marisa Yamada, and Lisa Witt. There is a picture of their mini-reunion on the class webpage. Thanks for the news Cathy and give my best to Don Ho next time you’re downtown.

Cybriwsky, Adrian Adrian is alive and doing very well as a graduate student in England. He writes, “I founded a small software company and am now taking a year off from that to do some studying and liver abuse at Oxford. I usually live near Philadelphia and would like to open an invitation to any ASIJ 93er who’d like to go flying...I’m highly experienced and an FAA certified flight instructor several times over.” Adrian recently returned to ASIJ for a visit and was surprised at how little things had changed. He writes, “I have fond memories of you all, except for Keith James, who damned me for perpetuity with his embarrassing year photos.” Yeah, I think “perpetuity” is definitely an Oxford word. Thanks for checking in Adrian and let us know when you’re back in the states so we can all schedule our airplane rides!

Dewanto (Watanabe), Hisako Hisako wrote to say her family was planning a move in February...hope it went smoothly! She writes, “We’re building our house now and staying busy choosing stuff, buying appliances, and seeing money flying away at a fast rate. I’m also expecting our second baby now, so it seems my destiny to move while still pregnant.” Hisako was planning a trip to Japan in January to rest and eat lots of Japanese food which she “was craving.” She’s hoping to start a new business later this year, but are currently awash in baby madness. Good luck with the new baby, new home, and new business Hisako!

Dillon, Briney I think Briney got sick and tired of other people always winning the “Shortest Update” award, so she stepped up to the plate this year and sent in the winner. She writes, “I am in NYC teaching ninth and tenth grade English. All is well, and I see Lyena, Melissa, Nathan, and Fish a lot.” My thoughts and prayers were with all of the ASIJ alums in the Manhattan area on September 11th...I hope that all your friends and families were safe.

Durward (Thornhill), Amy Beth Both Amy and her husband, Doug, finished their post-graduate studies last year and are now enjoying their “school-free” life in a city apparently named after some cats. She writes, “I am working full time as Associate Pastor at Los Gatos UMC. Doug passed the bar exam on his first try and is now a sworn-in attorney in the California Bar, working at a local law office.” I believe Doug was actually Valedictorian of his law class, so if you’re ever in need of a good lawyer (which if you’re like me, you probably are) than give him a ring. Amy and Doug are expecting their first child in July and want anyone in the Silicon Valley area to look them up...probably to help out with all the imminent diaper changing. Be sure to send us pictures of the baby for the class webpage!!!

Edman, Jesper Jesper checked in from Tokyo where he now lives and works. He writes, “I managed to finally graduate in March and started to work in April at Deutsche Bank’s Equity Research division...the hours are a bit long, but I’m enjoying it and learning a lot. Brian Stolz works next door (literally 10 feet away) in the Corporate Finance department. I also run into Riki Hudachek who work in the IT department.” It sounds to me like ’93 is slowly preparing for a bloodless (hopefully) coup of Deutsche Bank...nice work guys! Jesper also keeps in touch with Kin-ei who’s currently working for FedEx. Thanks for the update Jesper and please give my best to the rest of the Deutsche Bank Social Club.

Ellis, Greg No news...just an updated mailing address…

Endo, Bill Congratulations to Bill and Shari who were married on November 17, 2001 in Providence, Rhode Island. He writes, “It only took us eight years to tie the knot...Tom Bunten was a groomsman.” Bill recently accepted a job with Perini Construction working on international projects for the U.S. State Department. Sounds like interesting stuff Bill...let us know how it works out for you. Keep in touch…

English, Crystal Crystal wrote from San Francisco where she still lives and works. She writes, “I just started with a different advertising agency in October, it’s called Venables, Bell & Partners. It was started by two creative directors I used to work for at my old agency. I’m still an Art Director...it’s been a great move and I’m really enjoying working for a smaller, creative agency.” Crystal still sees Cara Naylor a lot and they share a ski cabin in Tahoe with some other friends...they’re looking forward to doing a lot of snowboarding in 2002. Shred on you two. Crystal also wanted to let everyone know that her sister, Tiffany (’91), is pregnant and expecting soon! Auntie Crystal says she very excited about getting her first little niece or nephew! Thanks for the update!

Eshkol, Kinn No news...just an updated mailing address…

Ferguson, Kristian Kris is still living in Fairfax, Virginia and working as an environmental consultant. He writes, “I’ve been in touch with Lisa Floyd and should see her soon...ran into a couple of old ASIJers at a club in D.C. Lots of graduates in this area.” Well, tell them to send me their updates man...I’m also curious (as an old ‘Skins fan) to see what you all think of Coach Snyder, I mean Spurrier. Kris plans to take a trip to Europe this summer...another locale which contains its own fair share of ASIJ alumni. Thanks for the news Kris!

Fluss, Paul Paul wrote me a quick e-mail from Nashville to say he’s preparing to move and start a new job. He writes, “As of today, I’m planning to move to Newport News, Virginia to start a new job with Liebherr Mining Equipment as a Mechanical Design Engineer on mining trucks. I lost my cushy go-kart design and testing job in September, so I’ve been on a nice long vacation since then...I’m looking forward to returning to the old rat race again.” From go-karts to mining trucks, huh? It’s like a Tonka dream come true! Paul still rides/races motorbikes as much as possible and sends his best wishes to everyone.

Gray, Christine No news...just an updated e-mail address…

Gutman, Ken Ken has been keeping busying over the last year with traveling, moving, and working. He writes, “In September, I moved out of suburban hell and into San Francisco with a couple friends...with bars and restaurants within stumbling distance of my house, life is good. I’m still working for The Oakland Tribune as a writer and copywriter...although the pay sucks, the perks are pretty good - season tickets to the A’s, watching Raider games from the press box or the sidelines, and I went to the California Music Awards and sat between No Doubt and Little Feat. Unfortunately, the trumpet player from No Doubt spent the night hitting on my date.” I hate when those Adonis rock star types try to steal our women! Ken traveled to New Zealand in December to spend time with his brother who spent a semester studying in Australia. He writes, “In two and a half weeks, I managed to drive over 3,000 miles on the wrong side of the road, flip a boat while whitewater rafting, bungee-jump off a gondola into a ravine 440 feet below, and drink enough beer to drown a small country.” Are you sure you weren’t auditioning for Fear Factor? Ken is now back hard at work, but is hoping to make a trip to Maui in May.

Hager, Mike Mikey the Man (as I’m sure he’s known to all the young ladies in Blacksburg, Virginia) says not much has changed over the last year. He writes, “I still work at the bar and I am still attending school. My patience for dealing with drunk kids for little pay is waning, but I think I can stick it out until I graduate.” Even though Mike says they’re driving him crazy, I bet deep down he loves those rapscallions. He hopes he doesn’t have to add “idiot killing” to his list of extracurricular activities which I believe currently includes collecting leaves (just like back in elementary school) and teaching yoga twice a week. Thanks for the update Mike and don’t forget to enjoy yourself amongst the chaos.

Haigler (Rigsbee), Becky Becky and her husband, Jamie, are still living in North Carolina where she teaches kindergarten and first grade to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She writes, “I’ve been working with this same group of children since they were two years old in preschool and it has been very rewarding watching them grow and develop.” Becky and Jamie are expecting their own first child in June and are anxiously looking forward to all the new adventures! I guess I have a different definition of adventure. Becky hopes to get back in touch with Beth Wilson and wishes everyone else a wonderful 2002! Hope you’ll send some pictures for the class webpage of the newest Haigler once he/she arrives!

Hale (Fry), Karen Karen dropped me a quick e-mail from Texas to say all is well. She writes, “My super boring life hasn’t really changed...I’m in the same technical writing job, still living in the same house, with the same dog, and married to the same guy” Well, at least your exciting new e-mail address has brought you all the fame and fortune associated with winning this year’s “Most Creative E-mail Address” award. I never thought we’d get that thing away from Dev. Last year, Karen traveled a bit and visited New York, Jamaica, Canada, and Colorado. She writes, “Even though my life hasn’t changed much lately, I love it and have nothing to complain about.” That’s truly a great attitude to possess Karen and I hope 2002 is full of even more happiness for you and Jason.

Heffer (Eshkol), Gali Gali wrote to say that although Israel continues to make news headlines almost daily, all is well and quiet with her and Chen. She writes, “I recently began a new job with Israel’s #1 pharmaceutical company in the Training & Organizational Development department as a translator for international business. It’s a great job and the people are absolutely wonderful.” Gali also provided some news about sister Kinn, “Recently she turned to the field of computers and I believe has found her calling. She completed the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer exams with flying colors and is now working as a system administrator in a high-tech company.” Sounds to me like you’re both doing very well! Gali also wanted to let everyone know that she and Chen will be traveling through Canada and the U.S. in May to attend Tiffany Lai’s wedding and visit several ASIJ friends: Tanya Iwaasa, Boris Yelyashov, Katie Lester, and Adam Diamond (’92). They’ll also be seeing her brother, Ishai (’95), graduate from Yale. She’s looking forward to the trip and seeing lots and lots of people! Enjoy the vacation Gali and send us some pictures for the class webpage of all the events and people you’re going to see!

Keeneth (Aschman), Carrie By the time you’re reading this, Carrie will probably be Mrs. Keeneth. She writes, “I will be getting married on April 6th. He is a fellow OSU grad and former Marine...ironically, he was stationed at Camp Fuji from 1993-94. I hope the two of us can someday return to Tokyo and ASIJ together!” Carrie and Eric will be honeymooning in Italy and then returning to Columbus where she works for a retail design firm. Congratulations to you both and please send us some wedding/honeymoon pictures for the class webpage!

Lin, Chi-Ling Chi relocated from Hawaii to San Francisco in July and took a new job coordinating clinical trials at the UCSF cancer center. She writes, “I love the city, although the weather isn’t like Honolulu...I’m enjoying being back on the mainland and being able to drive long distances and see other cities.” Yeah, it’s hard to take long road trips when you live on an island in the middle of the Pacific. Chi recently visited Los Angeles and Las Vegas (does anyone else think it’s strange that the English pronunciation of “Las” and “Los” are exactly the same) and saw Emily Taguchi (’92) at her aunt’s restaurant in Noe Valley. Chi would love to hear from any other alumni in the city or Bay area.

McEwen, Jeff Congratulations to Jeff and Cinthia who were married on April 21, 2001 in Houston. He writes, “I proposed in September on a beautiful mountainside in the Dominican Republic...it took forever to petition a visa and then get it approved for her to come to the states. While we waited for the paperwork, I was transferred to Dallas by the shutter company I for as a salesman...it pays the bills while I go to school.” Jeff is currently studying to be an architect, his “lifelong” dream, while he and Cinthia are expecting their first child in June. He would like to get back in touch with Cara Naylor and wants everyone to know how sorry he is about not sending invitations out for the wedding. I’ll forgive you Jeff if you promise to send wedding/baby pictures for the class webpage!

McMunn, Chris Well, I guess I should get the boring stuff out of the way first...I’m still living in South Florida and on active duty in the Coast Guard. I was promoted to Lieutenant in November, which really changed my life/job very little other than my paycheck being a little fatter each month. I will probably be transferring this summer to the Coast Guard Academy (my alma mater) in New London, Connecticut to become coordinator for East Coast recruiting and a member of the Admissions staff. I’m definitely looking forward to moving and starting my new job...I’m not really looking forward to returning to snow, ice, and sub-70 degree weather. Oh well, I guess it was bound to happen eventually. My exciting news is Elizabeth and I were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on September 2nd in Cazeonvia, New York. For the honeymoon we spent a few days in Hawaii before heading to Australia (Cairns, the Outback, and Sydney) for about two weeks...it was only suppose to be a 10 day trip, but our flight home was cancelled after 9/11 and we were stuck in Sydney for a few extra days. We tried to make the best of it, but we really just wanted to be home and find out if all our friends/family were safe. We did stop in Japan for one day on our way home to visit my family and give Elizabeth a quick tour around Tokyo. We’ve been laying pretty low since then, just working and spoiling Zoe, our adopted (from the Humane Society) three year old miniature dachshund. We’re in the process of buying a house up north...it’s quite the process for those of you who haven’t had the “pleasure” of dealing with real estate agents yet. I hope everyone is having a great 2002, please let me know if you’re ever in South Florida since I love putting faces behind these e-mails! Take care everybody…

Miller (Brinkmann), Melissa Melissa separated from the U.S. Air Force in October and is currently working for General Electric in Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes, “I am what they call a “Black Belt” which is a cost saver, efficiency expert, etc. Things are going really well, I love the warm weather and enjoy Southern living.” Glad to hear you made a smooth transition out of the military Melissa and are enjoying your new civilian lifestyle. Melissa has recently hung out with Katie Sakuma (another Charlotte local) and still keeps in touch with the “NYC crowd,” Lisa Floyd, Cara Naylor, and Crystal English. She wants everyone to know that she hopes people give her a call if they’re ever in Charlotte.

Nakayama, Mayumi I’m going to continue the tradition of printing Mayumi’s e-mails in their entirety...they’re always so much fun to read and I just ran out of Mt Dew, so my eyelids are getting heavy. She writes, “I had a chance to meet Katie Sakuma, Craig Sakuma (’91), and Lisa Witt over the holidays with my daughter, Cathy Cruz and her sister! It was kind of weird seeing all of them...time SURELY has passed! Craig and I realized that the last time we saw each other was almost 10 years ago...that is crazy, isn’t it? I was invited to Yuko Yamada’s wedding in December...couldn’t go...SORRY YUKO! Junko Tamiya wrote asking if I would be in Japan over the holidays, but I didn’t go...SORRY JUNKO! Chi-Ling Lin will b coming over from San Francisco this weekend and I think we’ll meet up! I’m still working here in Hawaii, but because of 9/11, not all the Japanese tourists have returned yet. Business is still slow in my company...all our hours got cut and it’s not fun trying to think what might happen next. If it gets worse, I’ll have no choice but to consider moving again. My daughter, Erica, is in Japan going to kindergarten there for a year. It is so she can learn Japanese (since I don’t usually speak it around here) and she’s having a good time I guess...I miss her so much that I think I’m ready to have another child - EEK! Still looking for Mr. Perfect, but haven’t succeeded...at least Cathy approves of the one I’m with now! He’s going to move to North Carolina in April, so I think I’ll get to see Katie a lot more often than I do now!” See, now how could I have even begun to think about editing that. Thanks for the update Mayumi and let us all know how things work out with the job situation! Take care…

Naylor, Cara This update is from May, but it’s the most current news I have... Cara says her Mom guilted her into finally sending an update in - good job Mrs. Naylor! She writes, “After ASIJ, I moved to the states for one year, and then to Geneva for my senior year of high school. Then I went to GWU in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a marketing degree. Next I went to Costa Rica to work in the rainforest and spent six months living in an unspoiled tropical paradise before moving back to the states in San Francisco where Crystal English, her sister Tiffany (’91), and Andy Slipka (’91) took me into their home. I lived with them for about a year and a half working for an environmental non-profit and bartending.” Now there’s two jobs I never expected to see next to each other on a resume. Cara continues, “I went to Ecuador where I lived and worked on a hydroponic farm, helped with a horseback riding tourism company, and did lots of rock climbing. I’m now back in SF doing more non-profit work and settling into life in the United States.” Wow! You’ve definitely been keeping busy Cara! In addition to Crystal, Cara keeps in touch with Missy Brinkmann, Shandy Ota, Ken Yamazaki (’94), Julie Rosenbach, and Don Lavu (’92) who got married in D.C. last summer. Thanks for all the news Cara and please try and write more than once a decade.

Nunley (Quinn), Katie As far as I can tell, Katie definitely has been traveling more than anyone else...if you think you’ve been more places than her just let me know. She writes, “My husband and I have visited Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Eugene, Chicago, Italy, Germany, London, and Switzerland...I’m still working for United Airlines as a flight attendant and we’re definitely taking advantage of the benefits.” Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never been to Eugene (Oregon, I’m assuming) but does that destination look a little out of place in Katie’s list to anyone else? I was worried that I might be missing something, so I checked out the city’s homepage (http://www.ci.eugene.or.us) and found out that they are in the process of building a new library...enough said. After 9/11, Katie may be looking for a new line of work, but enjoys cooking and throwing dinner parties in her spare time now. This is probably way too obvious, but what about a catering service? Be sure to let us all know what you end up doing Katie!

Ostermann (Matsunaga), Naoko Naoko is still living and working in the San Francisco Bay area. She writes, “In October, I left TeleAdapt where I had been working for almost three years. I now work for Special Olympics...I recruit athletes and volunteers to start new teams and manage existing teams.” What a rewarding job! Naoko and Mark even volunteer many of their weekends to this wonderful organization. They are planning a trip to Kauai in the spring and are really looking forward to it! Personally, I think Kauai is the best of the main Hawaiian islands and I hope you all have a fantastic trip. Be sure to share some pictures with us!

Ota, Shandy Shandy is still in Maui working at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. He writes, “I am now the Sales Manager...I do group sales and try to bring Corporate/Association meetings or incentive programs here. My region is the midwest (13 states) so I will be traveling to the mainland about 5-6 times a year and hope to run into old friends.” Shandy says anyone responsible for deciding locations or working for a destination management company should give him a call, so you guys can “work some serious deals.” Shandy also wanted everyone to know that Ritz-Carlton will be opening 20 additional hotels by the end of 2003. Thanks for the news Shandy and for using our class newsletter as a forum of free advertising for Ritz-Carlton. Now go eat some shaved ice for me…

Park, Walter Walter left ASIJ after freshman year, but just wanted to let everyone know he’s alive and doing quite well in Baltimore. He writes, “I am now a medical student at Johns Hopkins. I’m taking this year off from school to do clinical research in tuberculosis. I wish there was more to say, but my life at this point is pretty simple.” Simple, huh? Yeah, I guess you could call his life simple if you consider being a student at one of the nation’s top medical schools and conducting research on a disease I can’t even spell to be simple things. Thanks for the news Walter...Go O’s!

Pocock, Eloise Eloise sent me a short e-mail from Tokyo where she’s now living. She writes, “I’ve been here for a few months learning Japanese at Sophia University and am really enjoying myself. I’d had enough of investment banking and really needed a change!” Eloise recently returned to ASIJ for the first time in 13 years while her brother, Ben (’90), was visiting and enjoyed having a look around. She hopes anyone who remembers her from our middle school years will get in touch. Thanks for the update Eloise!

Pritchard (Reilly), Pattie Pattie is living in Seattle and attending the University of Washington for her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Multicultural Practice and Women’s Studies. That’s quite a mouthful! She writes, “I love the program, so far it’s been an incredible experience and I recommend it to anyone searching for a great MSW program. I have a great internship running a couple of groups for middle school age girls. I also work at a teen center and the local humane society animal shelter...so I’m keeping myself plenty busy!” No doubt about that Pattie...we adopted a dog last summer from our local humane society and I’m sure that you enjoy the work you do there. Pattie keeps in touch with Tippi Etzel, Alex Boudewijn, Jenn Craven, Brendan Farrell (’92), and Amy Johnson (’92). She says her ASIJ friendships are still more important to her than ones from college...I think that says a lot about the relationships we all made whether at ASIJ for 12 years, 12 months, or 12 days. Good luck with everything you’re doing Pattie!

Reid, Homer (Tom) Tom returned from Japan to New Jersey last year and is now working as an integrated circuit designer at Agere Systems. He writes, “I’ve decided to go back to graduate school in Physics (not Statistics as previously reported) and will be starting a PhD program in Fall 2002. I’m not sure where I’ll be going to school, but it will most likely be in Boston or New York.” Tom had Thanksgiving with Iyasu Nagata, his wife Nana, and Gerald Goldberg (’94)...he writes, “We had turkey and then watched all twelve hours of “Long Vacation” which has to be the best Japanese drama I’ve ever seen.” And to think I was watching football that day! Why didn’t someone tell me that the best Japanese drama ever was on?!?! Be sure to let us all know where you end up for school Tom!

Relnick, Amy Amy sent me a postcard with a truly awesome picture of Olympic National Park on the front...the beauty is probably commonplace for those of you in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s pretty awe-inspiring for us East Coast dwellers. She writes, “I thought I’d write this year since last year somehow I ended up in the ambassador via someone else writing about me.” Oops...if that “someone” was me, I apologize, but I have to fill this newsletter with something. She continues, “I recently moved back to Seattle after living in a small town in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. I’ve been leading trips up in Alaska and in the southwest...backpacking and seakayaking for high school kids.” Amy was planning to take a seakayaking trip in Mexico for the holidays and is thinking about going back to graduate school. She hopes everyone is doing well and has a great 2002! Thanks for getting back in touch Amy and please send us some pictures from all your cool trips!

Riedy, Mike Mike checked in from the Centennial State where he still lives and works. He writes, “Not much has changed over the past year, but I can’t complain...I still have a job and remain healthy. Colorado is a wonderful place to live and I’m enjoying the early snowboarding season.” Personally, I’m a fan of any sport where you can get Melonchollie Air, do a McTwist, and still compete in the Winter Olympics. Thanks for the update Mike!

Rodrig, Maya Congratulations to Maya and Yoav who were married on July 5, 2001 in Israel. She writes, “The wedding was great with family and friends from all over the world celebrating with us. We went to southern Spain for our honeymoon...visited Gibraltar, Sevilla, Granada, and a bunch of small beautiful villages on the Costa del Sol - it was amazing!” Sounds like an absolutely fabulous trip to me Maya, but where are the pictures for the class webpage? Maya had a “huge” bachelorette party in San Francisco with a bunch of ASIJ friends in attendance: Briney, Melissa Shimizu, Yuko Oda, Christine Lee, Rachel Ito, Emily Best, and Nagisa. She writes, “I spent the rest of the summer back in Seattle doing research in my department at UW. I’ve completed the first quarter of my second year in the Computer Science graduate program...the PhD is still a long way off.” Maya’s husband is completing his dissertation and teaching American foreign policy at UW. She recently reconnected with Hiroshi Lockheimer and Sarah Harrigan (’92), two old ASIJ friends in the Bay area. Thanks for all the news Maya and don’t forget to send us those wedding/honeymoon pictures for the class webpage!

Rothwell, John David David is still working for Accenture (formerly Anderson Consulting) and living in Atlanta. He writes, “I just got done working on a six month project in sunny San Diego. Wish I could have got in touch with Jenn Woodard...heard she is the Surfing Queen of Southern Cal, and I needed a lesson. I am currently helping to start a new company that is building electric cars for the U.S. market. Look for our first launch in Atlanta and California in January 2003.” Who would have guessed that we’d find a more useful purpose for electrical power than the electric toothbrush? David keeps in touch with Mike Curnutt who also works for Accenture, but in the Washington, D.C. office. David and his girlfriend, Amanda, will be sailing in the British Virgin Islands in April and hope to see other ASIJers in the area. Have fun and be sure to send us some pictures from the trip for the class webpage!

Sakuma, Katie I received a very cool “Aloha Shirt” Christmas/Happy New Year postcard from Katie during her holiday trip to Hawaii to visit her parents. She writes, “I plan on seeing Cathy Cruz, Mayumi Nakayama, Lisa Witt, and Marisa Yamada while I’m here. This is a nice break from my job.” You can see some pictures of the Hawaiian mini-reunion on the class webpage. Katie started a new job this year with Camstar Solutions Group where she’s a web developer/consultant. She also bought a house in Charlotte, North Carolina and is looking forward to saving some money and doing some work on it. Katie has volunteered to head up the planning committee for our 10 year reunion in 2003. Please let her know if you’re interested in helping out with the planning...I’ve been receiving lots of “advice” on locations, so I hope some of you will help Katie (and me) out with planning this monster reunion bash. Thanks again for the postcard Katie and all of your help with the class webpage and reunion planning. I’ll be in touch about the reunion…

Schlumberger, Willy Willy checked in from Boston where he’s attending MIT. He writes, “I’m finishing up business school in June and will be heading off to London to start work in August.” I also noted from his e-mail that Willy is President of the MIT Venture Capital & Principal Investment Association, which is much more impressive than being Captain of the Intramural Ultimate Frisbee Team. Willy is hoping to hear from other ASIJ alumni in the London area...congrats on your imminent graduation and best of luck with the new job!

Siman (Bryner), Leila Leila reports that the last year brought lots of exciting changes for her. She writes, “Along with moving, I changed jobs about nine months ago and am now the Strategic Marketing Manager of Thomas Publishing Company in New York City. The job keeps me busy, but it’s a lot of fun!” Leila always has the most impressive job titles...last year it was “Internet Strategy Analyst for Peppers & Rogers Group.” I’d be happy if people in my office just stopped calling me “that guy” while pointing in my general direction. Although she was safe from harm, September 11th had a significant personal impact on Leila as she lost a good friend from her high school in NY, a former boss, and several family friends in the terrorist attacks. I hope you and all the families of your friends have found peace in the months since that horrible day. Leila encourages everyone to come visit NYC and support the local economy. She still keeps in touch with Jenn Phillips (Yates) and Marisa Yamano...both are doing very well and send their best to the rest of the class. Finally, I’ll let Leila tell you about her BIG news, she writes, “I got engaged this weekend [mid-January] to my boyfriend of two years! No definite date has been set yet, but we think it will be Winter 2002-2003.” Congratulations to Leila!!!

Smith, Kawika Kawika will be graduating this spring from Montana State University with a degree in Health Promotion. He writes, “I will be a personal trainer after I finish, which is a good thing because I can get out of this cold-ass, snow infested, God forsaken place.” I guess the Montana Office of Tourism will not be offering Kawika a job anytime soon. He writes, “I will move somewhere this summer after I go back home to Hawaii for a little while. I am suppose to go surf with Shandi Ota and Ronn Naito (’92).” Thanks for the update Kawika and be sure to let us all know where you finally end up!

Speri, Bill Bill finally decided to let us all know what he’s been doing...he said he was hesitant to write because he didn’t actually graduate with the class. I completely understand and was hesitant to reconnect with the class myself at first, but then I decided to stage a non-violent overthrow of Chantal and seize control of the powerful Class Agent role. The rest is history. I think my point is anyone who even spent a day at ASIJ was probably changed forever by the experience, and while the twists and turns we all encounter in life led some of us to other destinations...I hope everyone considers themselves a member of the ASIJ Class of 1993, even if (like myself) you’re not a graduate. Back to Bill...he writes, “I live in North Carolina and have been in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area for twelve years now. I went to UNC-Chapel Hill and met my wife, Niki, during my senior year. We’ve been married for a year and a half and had a baby girl in August...she is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, next to her mother of course.” Ahhh - just like South Park is the greatest thing that ever came into my life, except for my wife of course. Bill works for Worldcom as a Network Engineer and keeps in touch with Eddie Lam, Andy Crawford, and Shinta Kano. Thanks for reaching out and touching us Bill...hope to keep hearing from you in the future.

Stolz, Brian Brian wrote me a quick update from Tokyo where he’s currently working for Deutsche Securities. He writes, “I have decided to go to business school next year and am deciding between The Wharton School and Harvard Business School. I am leaning towards Harvard and will visit both schools in March to make my final decision.” Wow! I think the biggest determination I’ll be making next month is whether I want paper or plastic. Good luck with your decision Brian and be sure to let us all know where you end up.

Wechselberger, Amy Amy is still teaching second grade in Santa Monica and loving it! She writes, “Exciting news! I got to run the Olympic Torch here in LA! It was a great and memorable experience...I got to keep the torch!” Big time congratulations to you Amy and just in case you get tired of watching it gather dust on the mantel, the official Salt Lake torches are selling for around $2,000 on-line right now. I swear you can find anything on eBay...in the last three minutes I found: a Kermit the Frog PEZ dispenser in original packaging (currently $4.25); a 1989 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet (currently $42,100); and Issue #2 of the A-Team comic book - Mr. T Battles The Sumo Wrestler (currently $1.00)

Witt, Lisa Lisa is in her second year of teaching high school English in Ohio. She writes, “I have given up coaching and have started a ski club (believe it or not...there are hills in Ohio) and am also the advisor for the school newspaper.” Lisa has been taking full advantage of having her summers off and went backpacking in Colorado and then to Poland on a volunteer trip teaching English to Eastern European teenagers last year. She writes, “I was in Hawaii over Christmas and met up with Katie Sakuma, Cathy Cruz, Mayumi Nakayama, and Marisa Yamada. We had a great time catching up.” You can see some pictures from their mini-reunion on the class webpage. Thanks for the news Lisa!

Yelyashov, Boris No news...just an updated e-mail address…

Zatorski, Sharon No news...just an updated e-mail address…

Zimmer, Heather Heather transferred to Boston last May with PricewaterhouseCoopers (possibly the longest single word corporate name in the world) and was promoted to manager in December. She writes, “I was in San Francisco in June for work and met up with Crystal English...it was the first time we had seen each other since I moved at the end of sixth grade. Crystal and I had a great time going out for drinks and sushi. Funny because I love sushi now and never even tried it when I lived in Tokyo.” Oh yeah, it’s good, especially with a nice tall glass of Calpis. Heather also recently heard from Dan Fish who met up with her brother, Chris (’91), at their 10 year reunion in NYC last summer...she hopes anyone in or coming to Boston will look her up. Thanks for keeping in touch Heather!

Submitting updates for the ambassador: We only get one class newsletter a year (I know how much that saddens all of you), but anyone can, and everyone should, send updates for the Alumni News throughout the year! Send those directly to Judy Yano (alumni@asij.ac.jp), the excellent ASIJ alumni secretary, or to me via the class webpage! You can also send articles, photos, etc. for publication in the magazine. In addition, ASIJ has a great webpage (http://www.asij.ac.jp) where you can update your contact information with the click of a button! So, there’s no excuse for not keeping your mailing address current! Thanks everybody!!!

© ASIJ1993 For best results view with Microsoft Internet Explorer