EMP-43

It was a relatively quiet winter for EMP-43. We did not see many updates submitted by classmates.

There was a seminal event, though — we organized our first mini-get-together in Chicago, in an attempt to drive the winter blues away. We missed all our classmates who were not in Chicago and who would have like to have been there. Colleen Mather arranged for us to get together at the Clubhouse at Oakbrook Center on Dec. 2. Colleen Mather, Bernard Hines, Suresh Dixit, Pat Jasper, Kevin Shanklin and Michael Yuan showed up. While we were standing around having drinks, Jim King happened by with his wife. His response to our hello was a quizzical, "Do I know you?" We all had a good laugh at that. We had dinner sans Jim "Do I Know You" King.

Several classmates have expressed an interest in having a more formal larger affair in Chicago in the summer so that folks can fly in and spend a couple of days together. Colleen has offered to help pull that together. Anyone else interested in supporting and planning the event should get in touch with Colleen.

David Dilday and his study group sent in this update:

The Ryder Cup Team decided to get together for an annual trip Š to Las Vegas. The team spent four days in the sunny confines of the Mirage casino. Not a lot of sun, but a wonderful time was had by all. Roughly half were winners and the other half were, well, not so fortunate. The trip was memorable for reasons including: pricey golfing, Zumanity, tattoos, dueling piano bar, headaches, Tylenol from 1996, Houston (Joe), coffee lines and the aroma of alcohol. The next trip was going to include New Orleans, but we may reconsider and try our shopping elsewhere. Other than that, all is going well.  Has anyone seen Michael Wright? We are still missing 1/6 of our group. See you at the reunion.

Front, from left: Pat Jasper, Colleen Mather, Michael Yuan; Back, from left: Kevin Shanklin, Bernard Hines, Suresh Dixit, all EMP-43

Michael Yuan continues to work in the software industry but he has also indulged in his entrepreneurial passion by opening a restaurant in Naperville: Tango, home of the world's longest steak.

As for me (Suresh Dixit), I have left SBC (AT&T now) to work with American Express in New York City. I look forward to working with the Kellogg Alumni club of New York City.