Shown after meeting for dinner in Shanghai are Philip Pang EMP-53, Bambi Meyer with daughter Kimberly Meyer EMP-53 and Jack Jia KH-05 with wife Maggie and new baby Anne

EMP-53

Greetings! Hope this finds you all well. Here's the scoop on our classmates. If you are one of those people who keeps meaning to write, get to it!

Rob Nelson is still at the American Board of Medical Specialties as head of business development in Evanston and is also doing consulting through his firm, Axion Business Solutions LLC. Axion is working on a cool grassroots development project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Molokai, Hawaii, as well as doing executive career/marketing services.

More importantly, Rob reports that he's had to give Reed Melton a beat down now and then — no reasons given, but do we need to ask? Rob suggests that if you see Reed, ask him if he has bought any new shoes lately. Rob also reports that Julie Einstein "stood me up in D.C. for some boy out in San Francisco." We hear the San Francisco thing is serious ... stay tuned.

Melissa Macek and Gary Raju EMP-54 got serious and married — twice! In November they had an absolutely glorious wedding in Chicago and then an incredible traditional Indian ceremony and party in Detroit a week later. Too many EMPers from both 53 and 54 in attendance to mention, but on behalf of them all, huge congratulations to Mel and Gary — they owe it all to a Kellogg coffee break.

In December Philip Pang was back for a short visit and we had a little EMP gathering to toast his return. At that time Jeff Stahl wrote: "Thanks for the invite, but we won't be able to make it. We have our hands full. Nancy, Brendan and I just welcomed Ella Rose into our family. She was born Nov. 16." Congratulations to Jeff.

Dirk and Ilse Wouters-Daems, both EMP-54, with their children

Patrick Linnihan suggested that I stop begging for news, but wrote anyway.

Patrick and Michael Samaritano dragged their families out for some good Wisconsin fun, sledding in the North Woods at 2 degrees. They claim they're going to make an annual event of the sledding trip. Those interested in next year's trip should send an email.

G. Scott Kirkpatrick accepted a huge new position. Best of all, he is still based in Chicago. Scott is now senior vice president, sports marketing, for Hill & Knowlton. I believe in his first two weeks he was in L.A., N.Y. and London. Congratulations, Scottie!

Pam Alexa also accepted a huge new position within J&J. It is a global strategic marketing position that has her traveling the globe launching a new product for J&J. Her new title is global communications leader. By the time you read this, she will have begun her job and writes that she is looking forward to the opportunity to use her Kellogg education. Within the new role her first trip is to Turkey, then Uruguay, then Malaysia. Pam hopes you'll look for her in the friendly skies.

Michele Wickwire is leaving Chicago for a new role as well. She'll be moving to Denver this summer for a new role as regional manager for the Pfizer neuroscience division, with responsibility for Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Utah. She plans to continue waterskiing and, of course, have a much greater opportunity to snow ski as well.

Santosh Padki already left us for greener pastures in the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. He accepted a new role as VP and general manager of Omega Source, which is some cool food protein thing (write him at his Kellogg address to find out more). Before he left, some EMPers had a farewell dinner for him and Kalea. His going-away presents included — you guessed it — a few cans of Wyler's instant fruit punch. Santosh, we all eagerly await free samples of the food protein thing.

I made a quick trip to Shanghai in November and met up with Philip Pang and Jack Jia KH-05, who gave me a great tour and took me to an absolutely fabulous restaurant. They both look forward to seeing Kelloggians. Look them up if you are headed that way!

I've also recently accepted a new position as VP, corporate development, for WTMI, a meetings/conventions/incentives company based in Chicago. I'll be working on business strategy, and hopefully, acquisitions. So if you know any good meeting planning or event companies out there ...

Hope everyone is well. This summer Mike Sarlitto (of the now world-famous SummitPoint Management) is indeed planning a reunion pig roast. Hope to see everyone this summer if not before. Cheers.