EMP-29

Greetings! I hope this issue of Kellogg World finds everyone in good health and that you and your families enjoyed the holidays. Some news from our classmates:

From Maria Foster:  "I am now working for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a Johnson & Johnson company, as the worldwide director of ValuMetrix. I have had the opportunity to work in China, Australia, Malaysia, Korea, New Zealand and, of course, Europe. Sounds glamorous, doesn't it? NOT! I got to go on a European trip that was five countries in five days and I have been in the air more than on the ground in Asia. Yet I am having a lot of personal and professional growth with the job and I love it.

"Still in New Jersey on my 55-acre farm and waiting for all of my dear friends who keep saying they will visit. Think of my farm, White Bridge Farms, as an organic exercise spa — we have lots of you know what to shovel and we know my friends are good at that!

"Hope everyone has a great 2006!"

Gary Yarkony writes: El: $1.50. Tickets: $2000. Catching (actually diving to the ground for) Jermaine Dye's foul ball in the third inning of game two of the World Series: priceless. For everything else, I have my Kellogg degree. This will probably be my last submission, as nothing more important can occur. The ball is in a secure location."

Larry Birch writes:  "I am now the CFO of Aksys Ltd., a manufacturer of home hemo-dialysis devices. We bought a vacation home in Beaver Island, Mich., so everyone is invited — we should do a reunion up there!

"Wishing you well."

I'm thinking many of us have shoveled enough "you know what" to last a lifetime.  I say skip Maria's holistic farming experience and head to Larry's instead!

The ever-reliable Phil Zazove writes: "Hope all's OK. Nothing major since last notice a year ago, except now both my kids are in Chicago! Speaking of which, let me know if you are aware of any decent jobs to which I could point my eldest daughter (a cum-laude graduate of the University of Michigan, she spent the last six months as an assistant manager of an upscale boutique in Greenwich Village in New York City).

"I hope you get some submissions this time — I enjoy hearing about classmates."

That last line of Phil's was a direct dig at all of you lazy bums who sit back and read this magazine but don't contribute to it. 

Phil was kind enough to pass this on about Bob Hand: Bob "is now in charge of real estate for John Deere — you can reach him at:  handrobertg@johndeere.com." 

Bob would be one of those lazy bums referred to above.

Finally, I received word from Birgitta Kuehn today that she is interviewing for a position in Chicago. We'll have more on that in the summer issue of Kellogg World. In the meantime, best of luck to you, Birgitta!