Desi O’Grady, Ingrid Lehnert, Steve Sullins, Anthony Marino, Senator-elect Randy Hopper, Derrick Marris, Bill Wynne (stocking cap), Coleman McDonough, Dr. David Messick, Heather Robinson and Bruce Smith, all EMP-51, enjoy the moment at Homecoming 2002.

EMP-51

Greetings alumni — There's a lot to catch up on in this inaugural edition. Let's get to it:

First, we need to go back to April prior to graduation. Steve Sullins informed us, "EMP-50 used to claim they could 'socialize' better than EMP-51, but in head-to-head competition on the GIM trip, they conceded the title (it wasn't much of a contest). In their latest challenge, they think they can contribute a larger class gift than EMP-51!" As we subsequently demonstrated by posting the largest class pledge on record, EMP-50 came up short by an amount approximating their likely average salary. We do, however, enjoy the sisterhood EMP-50 provides us and look forward to their next "nonsensical" challenge!

Hats off to Steve Schutt for getting involved with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Fund in the Milwaukee area. This battle is fought one day at a time and $1 at a time. Keep up the good work, Steve!

Anthony Marino has been named president and CEO of Nationwide Credit Inc., an accounts receivable management company based in Kennesaw, Ga. Marino, who joined NCI from Sears, Roebuck and Co., will continue to work in Chicago.

Graduation, as expected, proved a time to remember. Gene McMahon delivered a stirring oration as we all sat mesmerized and stunned by the fact that our regular "every other weekend" interactions at the Allen Center were over. Thanks to Shaun Kondamuri and Group X for organizing a family-style Chicago River architectural cruise as part of the big weekend. Also, graduation was "bookended" by a fabulous gathering led by Randy Hopper at Harvest and of course, the obligatory Sunday physical challenges associated with Saturday night exuberance.

Kannan Srikanth set yet another EMP-51 standard for others to follow with the amazing CD, capturing the entire two years of the experience in a well-designed and executed format that makes pointing, clicking and reminiscing a true pleasure. Be sure to check out Jim Gibbs' official executive photo on the CD. Honeywell places that very picture in the frequent press releases outlining Jim's operational prowess at FMT!

EMP-51'ers gathered for a Homecoming football game get-together (see photo). Julie Cisek Jones and her family were kind enough to provide us with some real estate at their tailgate and some awesome hospitality to boot! Special thanks to Chris Keil for organizing the hotel arrangements, Kevin Counihan and Shaun Kondamuri for organizing "Theater Night," and kudos to Kevin for the commemorative Second City coffee table book. Steve Sullins (a.k.a. "Love Boy") worked in wonderful harmony with Coleman McDonough to procure EMP-51 energy drinks for the tailgate, while Jeff Hederick risked life and limb scalping tickets for the group. Desi O'Grady's offer to sing the National Anthem was summarily rejected, thereby limiting attendance and media interest. Special thanks to Bernie, Erica and all the EMP Staff for helping us make this event happen!

Marc Zimmermann reports he is now leading the charge for Jefferson Wells in Los Angeles. He insists he is "helping" Andrew Young by introducing him to various friends and acquaintances in L.A. Be careful Andrew, are you sure it was Carmen Diaz?!

Bridget Ann Carson reports, "Larry and I are now the proud grandparents of little Connor Michael. He was born July 29 at 11:16 a.m. He was 8 lbs., 7 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He has black wavy hair, blue eyes and is gorgeous. We are very excited in our new role and Matt and Gloria are doing great as new parents." Way to go, Bridget!

Coleman McDonough holds the honor of most consecutive trips to Puerto Rico without activating an increase in worldwide security alerts. He also holds other honors in Puerto Rico, which shall remain unmentioned for now. Be sure to attend the special Year One Reunion seminar Coleman is planning titled, "How to Travel Light," which will be followed up by his popular "Hangover cures: Fact or Fiction?"

Jim Gibbs added another manual laborer to his family. Austin James was born Aug. 30 and tipped in at 6 lbs., 12 ounces. We can only hope he and Amy can teach Austin to mow the lawn soon! Congrats!

George Kostopoulos has moved to Germany for a two-year stint with Bosch, working with its board of directors. I can't wait for the next cell phone call from Sullins with George in an Oktoberfest beer tent! Good luck, George.

Derrick Marris reports he is on to a new job as the strategic business unit leader-commercial locks for Ingersoll-Rand security and safety division, headquartered in Carmel, Ind. In other good news, Andrew is doing great and has a clean bill of health! Deb, Brian and Emily are all well, too. Indeed, you are a LUCKY GUY!

Helen Chionis took on the Race for the Cure in Orange County, Calif., and drew the support of fellow EMP-51 classmates along the way! Thanks for reaching out Helen and keep on truckin'.

David He just couldn't get enough of China on the GIM trip, so he transferred there on a new assignment! No one really knows what he's doing there, but I'm glad he's on our side. Gene McMahon hosted a Cheesehead going away party for David, complete with a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for the suitcase, some brats, and of course, some cheese. Good luck, David. The question is this, according to Gene, "(Is this) — the opportunity for David to 'korner the Krispy Kreme market' in Shanghai? We can only hope that David uses GE as a mere stepping stone to a doughnut dynasty spanning the Orient. Sweet and Sour?" For my part, David, if you need the number for American Cab, just give me a call!

Ryan Roberts kept us all laughing with his wishful thinking for the Irish during the 2002 season. He gallivanted near and far to continue his leprechaun ways with Rosary in hand, rooting on the Golden Domers. He and the "old men" of Group P, John Cherf and Roger Mason, also legged it out in the Chicago Marathon. All of them finished respectably and have recovered nicely! Special thanks to Elizabeth Crane for cheering them on during those tough miles! Finally, Ryan reports an addition to the family: "Molly Catherine was born Jan. 9, 2002, arriving three weeks early, making sure her father was 100 percent clear on where his priorities should be. (Luckily, I made it back to Milwaukee from Texas in plenty of time for the delivery) Molly was 5 lbs., 14 oz. and 18 1/2 inches at birth. She and Jody are doing extremely well. I'm enjoying the sleep that I get ... but also enjoying the sleep I am not getting. She is growing up too fast already! As if a new baby were not enough change for us, I am: 1. leaving GE 2. changing industries, and 3. moving to Boston. Sasan Goodarzi has successfully recruited me to Invensys PLC, where I will lead the global services business for the production management division. We expect the move to be completed the first weeks of April. All are welcome, of course, once we find a place to live. Bring your elbow grease and help us move in."

Scott Brewer reports he has a new position with Globe Union Group, Inc.'s global supply group as its senior vice president in Chicago. All the best to you, Scott, and keep us posted!

Rob Moll reports he is further postponing his aspirations as a Formula One driver after being promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing at MTD Products Inc. Congratulations Rob! If I were you, I'd get a skunk-works team together on a high performance lawn tractor prototype to keep those racing juices flowing!

Yours Truly is taking a new assignment back in the U.S. of A. I'll be the national contest and incentive manager for Ford Division. Susan and I are disappointed to have to close "Casa de Wynne" in its San Juan location, but look forward to reopening in the Ann Arbor area. The true test will be whether or not we ever see Coleman again!?

Finally, Bruce Smith writes, "My doctor called me on Dec. 31 and advised me that I had an unusual result in one of my blood tests and that I needed to undergo another bone marrow biopsy to verify the blood test. The biopsy was performed on Jan. 3 and he called me with the results on the following Wednesday.

"The cancer has returned. I won't bury you with details, but suffice it to say, it is untreatable. Due to my condition and the type of cancer, there is nothing the doctors can do to stop the cancer or to slow its progression. I was told that I probably have two or three months left.

"For me, I view it as a win-win situation. I am confident and at peace with my relationship with God, such that if I am overtaken by cancer, I know where I will be spending eternity. I also have many people praying for me for a miracle to happen. Either I get the opportunity to experience a miracle and have something to talk about in my old age or I will be going to a place that is much better than here (especially with its cold artic temperatures).

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work and to spend time together with each one of you. I hope that everyone realizes the goals and achievements that they have set before them and obtains everything that they want out of life.

"You will always be in my memories. Take care and God Bless.

Bruce, proud member of EMP-51"

Bruce's study group and others gathered with him during the weekend of Feb. 7 for a celebration of friendship and all the things that really matter.

We are all praying for the miracle, Bruce. Thank you for your friendship, courage and fine example of positive attitude in dealing with this adversity. Please put EMP-51 on what I'm sure is a long list of people who stand ready to help you and your family with whatever is needed! Continue to trust your beliefs and allow the beauty and intensity of this connection to smooth your path. We are with you all the way!

Until next time, keep those cards and letters coming.