EMP-25

It's that time again, and I've been fortunate to hear from several of our classmates over the last few weeks. As always, it is a very busy time for everyone and it is really good that you can take the time to e-mail me with some of your exciting news.

John C.T. Dodgen and his wife have a family reunion every day with their seven children. He writes: "Our seventh and youngest child turned 2 recently, while our oldest is in his final year of law school at Duke. It makes for fun-filled family get-togethers! I oversee all of our North American operations as vice president of operations of VT Industries, which includes six manufacturing plants scattered across the country. I am always keeping an eye open for fellow classmates as I fly around the country. I ran into Mike Schrock in Minneapolis. He is president of Pentair. He told me to pass the word to other classmates that he is alive and well. See you at our 15-year Reunion in May!"

Not too long ago I received a nice note from Brian Rucks: "Hello everyone! I have been having a blast at RSM McGladrey as a regional director of wealth management. Mostly I've been traveling in the Midwest and enjoying some of the finest small jets the airlines can offer. The only new news is on the PGA scene. Our home was rented to Sergio Garcia in August when the PGA came to Medinah CC. After he was here for a week, my golf scores started sliding down. To my surprise, he bought one of my putters before he headed back to Spain. We intend to see him again at the British Open when we visit Carnoustie in July. As for the rest of the study group, they continue to try to play golf and party. What's new, huh? Anyway, I hope you are all doing well and I'd welcome anyone else who wants to rent our house for a few weeks. Just let me know."

It had been a while since I'd heard from Ann Adams. She writes: "Wow, another year and just think, it will be 15 years since we departed the classroom at Kellogg! Thank you for trying to keep us in touch. Other than occasional e-mails from you, I'm only in touch with Wendy Tweeten. She still lives in Naples, Fla., and is enjoying the southern lifestyle. As for me, I'm still retired, splitting my time between Richmond, Ill., and Naples, Fla. We still run an antique/gift shop six to seven months a year, but are looking to sell our property in Illinois and do a lot more traveling. I had never wanted to go to Europe, but this past year we spent time in the western Mediterranean islands and just loved the beauty and history. In June, we'll be exploring northern Italy, starting with Florence. If you have not discovered "retirement," there is a lot to be said for it. I want to wish you and all of our classmates a very safe year — good health and happiness to all — and maybe some of you will get to our reunion in May!"

Erik Olson is still at Greenfield Consulting Group in Westport, Conn. He says hello to everyone. He is working hard and enjoying every minute of it, but misses study group. Stop in and visit him next time you are in the area.

Jim North shares the following: "I'm one of those who has not done a stellar job of keeping my info updated, so I'll do my best to update the class. I resigned my last position, vice president of business operations for Aspect Communications, in July 2002. However, saying that I'm retired or semi-retired is probably the most accurate description of my status. Since 2002, I have been working in a number of social/volunteer activities. I have helped establish a non-profit organization that helps people re-enter the community after coming out of prison (set up the corporate entity, secured 501(c)(3) status, applied for and received federal grant, etc). I also did some post-tsunami relief work in Sri Lanka on behalf of a faith-based humanitarian organization. Just to stay busy, I have a franchise business in operation (Subway) with a couple of other ventures in the works. Other than that, life is good and we are blessed. Did you know that we have a reunion this year? Hope all can come."

Scott Sarran is now the chief medical officer for Fidelis SeniorCare, a multi-state, venture-backed Medicare special needs plan focusing on institutionalized Medicare beneficiaries.

It was good to hear from Nicki Schuh, who has been busy with her venture, Heartfelt Charity Cards. She is president, COO, CEO and head of all things that need to be done. After a busy holiday season, business is still good. Since she never takes a vacation, she only visits with friends when she goes to trade shows and conventions. I was fortunate to see her when she was in Dallas last summer. Yes, it was at a convention.

Vince Inendino writes: "My son Vinnie is in his second year at Northwestern, and Jonathan is a freshman in high school. I've had an expanded finance role at work since April 2006. I'm vice president of finance specialist services for Schneider Electric North America, where I am responsible for M&A financial support, treasury operations, risk management and tax. It sure keeps me hopping. Right now we're very acquisitive. We've grown tremendously in the last four years. I still keep in touch with Greg Orlando and Mike Bauer. We golf a lot together (even thought they both stink at the game), and we've remained good friends throughout the years after Kellogg."

Several of you have asked me how the auto financing business is going, so I'll share some of our recent activity. We have continued to grow and have launched several new online financing sites to complement our primary product offering of auto finance at myautoloan.com. We have expanded our services and offer the marketplace and a number of national companies the ability to establish a co-branded auto finance center on their sites. Our marketing efforts increased last year, as we sponsored several NASCAR races and will be an associate sponsor in several race markets again this year. It's been challenging, but this year looks to be our best ever. My daughter Christina moved from Anchorage, Alaska, to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is teaching second grade at a local elementary school. My son Troy was transferred from Manheim Auto Auctions in Chicago to his new position as assistant general manager of the auto auction, here in Fort Worth, Texas. It's great to have family nearby. My lovely wife, Jennifer, watches our granddaughter Mekenna and continues to tolerate my workaholic tendencies.

I've heard from several of our classmates who just wanted to say hello to the class. They include Mary Paskell, J. Fred Brunk (vice president with Siemens Building Technologies Inc.), William R. Knab (a consultant with Matrix Technology Management in Naples, Fla.), Ulrich Kammholz and Thomas Prescott (president and CEO of Align Technology in Santa Clara, Calif.). Deborah Fiori is the director of development events and relations at Princeton University. Peter Krol and "sissy dog" are still doing well and enjoying retirement. He has remained in Chicago, so be sure to look him up. Donald Misner is off to new ventures and lives in Sandy, Utah. Steven Hamilton is currently vice president of business development for IOMED in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you have time, give them a shout.

One thing that each of you can do to help me find you these days is to go to alumni.northwestern.edu/directory and update your information. You can also send me an e-mail if you want to get the latest copy of the class directory. Please stay in touch and let me know what you have been up to. The class would love to hear from you.