EMP-39

Hello all, sorry I missed the last update, but lots of good scoop in this issue. Here is a mix of old news and new updates from your fellow EMP-39'ers.

Andy Kuchan wrote last fall: "We are in the process of moving to Singapore ó yeah, the one half way around the world (a 25-hour plane ride to be exact). We'll be heading there in mid-August, although the movers will be at our house later in July. Everyone is pretty excited, although as it gets closer, emotions do tend to well up here and there (especially among the kids). Everyone is pretty excited, with our daughter Jordan already making vacation plans for Australia, the Great Wall and assorted other places. We'll probably be there for around three years, living the apartment life and getting incredible exposure to multiple cultures ó great stuff especially for the kids. I'll be leading the finance organization for Monsanto in Asia, a region running from India to Japan and from Australia to China. Great professional opportunity, something we have been working on for some time."

He updated us in early February with the following ó vintage Kuchan: "Life in Singapore ó it ain't bad. We've been in Singapore for six months now and really couldn't be better. Everyone has adapted with no problems. Kim even says she's not moving back (and she's only partially joking). The only negative, besides being away from family, is the whole security thing. Although Singapore is about as safe as anywhere in the world, it is definitely a target. For what it is worth, the JI is intent on creating a pan-Southeast Asian fundamentalist Muslim country, which would include (in their minds) Singapore. Singapore counters with substantial intelligence efforts and undercover security. After all, the country is substantially based on the notion of consistency and security. In large part that is what makes it attractive to multinationals. Okay, enough lecturing.

"As a family, we have adjusted our travel schedule somewhat ó downgrading visits to Bali and Malaysia in favor of Thailand, Australia and New Zealand (coming up at spring break). China will follow this fall sometime. There are, obviously, plenty of places to visit that are perfectly safe. On the job front, it is going really well. I thought it would take some time to get into the job after loving what I had been doing so much. But, it has been a lot of fun from Day One. I'm learning a lot ó I guess all of you would say, 'It's about time.' There are definitely challenges ó cultural, people, the business ó but that's life and it is part of the fun.

"Kids are in the Singapore American School and enjoying it. Large school (3,000 kids from prekindergarten through 12th grade) with incredible infrastructure. I don't know how many pools (four or five), football field, multiple ball fields, gyms, theaters. You get the picture. As with any international school, there are multiple nationalities represented, although most students are U.S. citizens, as Americans get first dibs. Jordan is in third grade, while Zach is in kindergarten. Both are doing really well academically in spite of their genes.

That's it from me. We're having an interesting and fun time, a great experience. If anyone is ever in Singapore, please look us up. Where to find us: 82 Grange Road #04-01, The Colonnade, Singapore 249587, tel: 011.65.6734.9791."

Another major, albeit somewhat dated, event was the results of Chris Storm entering the Ernest Hemingway look-a-like contest in Key West and making the finals! A sampling of the reports from those in attendance. From Chris himself: "Take a quick look at www.cnn.com. Go to the 'U.S.' section, to the article 'You Look Ernest.' There's an article about the Hemingway look-a-like contest in which I'm quoted. It was truly a great party. I'll compete again next year July 16 to 20. If you decide to come, get plenty of rest beforehand. You'll need it. I made the finals this year, which is almost unheard of for a first-time competitor."

Chris offered this current update: "All is well with the Storms. I'm still president/CEO of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. We've got two grandsons who live in France (8 and 1). I sure haven't lost 50 pounds like John, and I'm going back to Key West for another run at the Hemingway look-a-like contest. I discovered one of the prizes for the winner is a $100 bar tab at Sloppy Joe's. They do know how to get my attention.

"Our other five kids are doing great. Grite's second son lives and works in Santa Fe. Her daughter will graduate from Lewis and Clark College in Portland in May. My oldest is pursuing a PhD in math at Dartmouth (that gene skipped a generation!) My second is a junior at Dartmouth and has spent the winter quarter as a river guide on the Tugela river in South Africa with a friend of mine. My youngest is a math/economics major at Vanderbilt."

Chris was not the only EMP-39'er at the Hemingway contest. Cheryl Duda-Harte and Mike Weiss attended with their spouses. Cheryl reported: "The Key West trip for Chris' debut in the Ernest Hemingway look-a-like contest was big, big, big fun. You guys really missed a good time. Eric and I, Mike and Deanna Weiss, and about 20 other of Chris' friends were there to witness it. Check out the highlights at a site that Chris' wife Grite designed: http://amarillodesign.freeservers.com/kw.htm. It has great pictures and you can view the video I captured of Chris' speech. Lucky for you guys that one of the keys to winning this contest is how many years you enter ó so we'll be there again next year and expect to see you there ó July 16-20 in Key West."

"P.S. If you thought that 'Chris and the belly dancer' in class was a good time, that was nothing compared to this ... "

Cheryl provided a recent update: "Just moved our main residence from Dallas to Houston. My husband Eric is still with EDS, but was transferred to Houston last June to run EDS' business with Continental Airlines, as well as a few other travel-related clients. We just recently moved there and are moving into our house there this weekend ó in the Woodlands, which is a huge community north of Houston.

"If you don't remember, I started a consulting business just more than three years ago. It's called Geode Partners (www.geodepartners.com). We're a management consulting firm for emerging technology companies. It's just two of us primarily as partners and then we use about five-10 subcontractors for research and other work. My partner is a woman I worked with at InterWorld in New York (where I commuted to during Kellogg). We both have experience as execs in multiple tech startups and have complementary skills ó mine's on the marketing side and her's is in finance/legal. It took us a little while to get some traction, but we doing great now and get all of our business from referrals from prior clients or venture capitalists. We have clients primarily in Dallas and Austin, but it also varies ó we've had clients in New York, L.A. and Seattle, as well. We're not really well suited for the Houston market, so I'm back to the commuting lifestyle, but having a good time.

	Marti Correa EMP-39 with her daughter Taylor Nicole.

Marti Correa delivered a very inspirational update: "This is my first update to my fellow EMP alums since graduation in 1998! Most of you know that post-graduation I gave birth to Taylor Nicole ó a beautiful and healthy girl ó much to the doctor's surprise, as she was supposed to be a Down Syndrome baby.

"1999 was a strong year in the private equity world, so I kept pretty busy going after the last good deals. I also was crazy enough to take Part I of the CFA exam (passed) while on maternity leave, but have not had the energy to study or sit for Part II. On the personal front, Scott and I kept busy as we expanded our home ó basically doubled the size of our house. After going through two different contractors, five carpenters, and countless laborers, we finished the addition 16 months later.... well, actually Scott had to jump as GC, as the contractor walked out before it was complete. After all the mess, dust, floods, and frustrations, we love our new home!

"2000 was a year of change for me at GE Capital. I joined the leadership team of a newly formed group to develop, launch and run an online private equity venture. I was promoted to vice president and earned the privilege to join the 'execute band' ranks. I acted as CFO, and also headed the business development group. This was a great opportunity to enhance my operational and management experience and move away from the 'deal side.' I returned to the deal side 15 months later and joined another business unit within GE Capital. As the private equity markets declined and the economy headed for a downturn, opportunities opened up in the distressed world. I am now focused on investing in companies that are 'distressed' ó in Chapter 11 or soon to be restructured. I moved up a bit in the capital structure, but at the end of the day this is still 'equity' given the distressed situation of these companies. It's been a tough job, especially since I had to endure a three-hour commute on a daily basis into NYC. I was in NYC on Sept. 11, but not close to the towers. All I remember is jumping on the only available train headed into Connecticut. I just wanted to hold my kids!

"2002 has been a year of great surprises and sadness at the same time. On the fun side of things, I decided that Chris Storm should not be the only person in our group with a sexy car, so I decided to take the plunge and purchased a 2002 Porsche (OK Chris, so I did not 'build' my own car)! However, since my recreational driving is running errands to the grocery store and driving the kids around, I never have the opportunity to drive the car! Zack started high school this year at a tender age of 13 ... way too many girls calling the house. Taylor is 3 1/2 and is totally in love with her big brother. Scott has been unemployed since May and is looking to expand/run his own financial, accounting and tax practice. Hmm ... very strategically done ó the summer off with a Porsche!

On the sad side, our family has gone through a tough time adjusting to the loss of my mother. Unfortunately, my mom passed away in September of pancreatic cancer and has left a tremendous void in our lives."

John Erickson has faced some interesting challenges since his last update: "The family and I have successfully relocated to Charlotte, N.C. We've been here since March. My employer has been having problems and we have recently decided that I will be leaving. I'm receiving a decent set of parting gifts ó better than I got from Regis on 'Millionaire.' I have a significant consulting job that I hope to finalize over the next few weeks and work on for most of the first quarter. It will involve travel to Chicago and Atlanta, and I hope to hook up with some of my fellow 39'ers in the process. My goal for 2003 is to test this consulting idea out. I think there is sufficient demand for my skills; I just need to figure out if I can successfully network and market what I do. Updated contact info: tribefan26@carolina.rr.com, 15431 Brem Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, 704. Tel. 752.s1258.

John recently filled me in on another big change: "We are enjoying the relatively mild winter, as well as being much closer to family. I miss Colorado to some extent (mostly the skiing). I will be heading back solo for a few days of skiing in a few weeks. In other news, I started a serious diet and exercise program last summer. I'm now swimming or running almost every day. I will be doing a half-marathon in April, a few triathlons over the summer and hope to complete a marathon early next year. I have taken off over more than 50 lbs., and could now hide in the back row! My consulting career will be taking me to Baltimore and Chicago frequently. I will be looking up some of you when I get there. I hope to end up in Chicago about the time of our Reunion."

Stephanie Pincus provided the following: "The last 18 months have been exciting and fun, but very busy. In December 2001, my youngest son had his Bar Mitzvah. Of course, we picked the weekend with 84 inches of snow, which did tend to discourage some of our out-of-town guests. We moved to the hotel to join our guests and had a wonderful time, which literally will go in the record books. This past October, my daughter Tamara was married here in D.C. In the midst of the sniper paranoia, we had a lovely outdoor ceremony at a suburban hotel overlooking the Virginia countryside. My oldest will receive his PhD in classics (Latin prose is his specialty), and hopefully will find a teaching job next fall. We are still living the commuter life, with my husband and son at home in Buffalo, and my weeks split between D.C. and Buffalo. Fortunately, we have a wonderful housekeeper whokeeps all of us sane and frees us from the routine chores like grocery store runs, laundry and being home for packages and repairs.

"Other personal news includes a return to skiing after a 30-year hiatus. We spent Christmas in Steamboat Springs, and managed to enjoy ourselves without breaking any bones ó a real consideration as we approach those mythical golden years. I continue to enjoy my position as chief academic affiliations officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. My major activity is managing the relationships between Virginia and the academic affiliates i.e. the universities. I have the challenge of balancing the current demands on Virginia health care with the needs of the teaching institutions in this time of decreased resources. I have wonderful staff and an opportunity to 'make a difference.' I teach dermatology residents once a month, but otherwise have retired from clinical practice. I am serving on the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, which unfortunately conflicts with our five-year Reunion. I will be in Miami thinking of all of you in Chicago."

Joyce Milner is one alum with lots of surprises to tell: "I am still with Shell Chemicals, having moved recently to doing more strategy work. It's fun, and for now I am traveling a lot less so am thankful for that. My husband has continued his consulting practice and really enjoys that flexibility. (Let me know if you need any pumps, actuators or valves designed). My daughter is a sophomore at Texas A&M studying biology, but apparently has a second major in sorority life, which sometimes takes precedence. My older son is a freshman in high school, and is actively involved in honors classes, football, basketball, and theater while taking an extra academic class 'just because he wants to.' We often wonder where he got his drive and discipline, but we're grateful! My younger son, a fifth grader, is impatiently finishing up elementary school as he wistfully eyes the perks of junior high.

"John, your note reminded me that I have also made a few changes since Northwestern and am back to my 'fighting weight' (size 4). It happened a while ago, so I don't think of it often, but am happy with the change just the same. Sounds like you have done a great job! Cheryl Duda-Harte has just moved to Houston, and we're making plans to get together soon. Chris, I asked her about your earlier Hemingway contest and she promised to bring pictures ñ can't wait to see them. Good luck with your next round! By sheer coincidence, I have a meeting in Chicago the Monday following Reunion, so I plan to fly up early to attend some of the events. I would really like to get together with anyone else who plans to go."