EMP-61

I received lots of nice notes, and employing no particular order, I'll dive right in.

	A trip in December to South Africa. From left: Karl Kann, Andrew Hustrulid, Melanie Holmes, Beth Hayden, Troy Jamison and Vanessa Borchers (all EMP-61)
	Brian Gillam EMP-61 and family in front of Pacaya, a very active volcano in Guatemala
	Matt Marshall EMP-61 enjoying his little girl Sara Ann (born Nov. 11)

Matt Marshall and his wife welcomed little Sara Ann on Nov. 11. Matt says everyone is perfect (is he really speaking of himself, too?).

Todd Redding and his lovely wife, Shannon, escaped Iowa to get to the Caribbean in January. Sub-zero temps greeted them when they got back. Todd is thinking of starting a signage company on Grand Cayman.

Rebekah Barsch will assume the role of president and chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company — of which she is currently the vice president — on June 1.

A notorious group from our class went on safari to Africa in December. Adventurers included Karl Kann, Andrew Hustrulid, Melanie Holmes (disguised in elegant khaki with matching everything), Beth Hayden, Troy Jamison, Vanessa Borchers and various companions.

Sandy Wallis has recently started up her own private equity investment firm with three other colleagues. She is a co-founder and managing director at Weathergage Capital. To "have the weathergage" is a nautical term that means, in a battle between two sail ships, one of them has the wind advantage over the other. She writes: "I intend to use all my Kellogg education to have a strategic advantage at Weathergage." Yikes, that's intense. She adds that there is even more fun going on at home with Jason, Katie and Maggie.

Mark Galicia accepted a post as strategy manager for BP's North America gas exploration and production business. He now lives in Houston, Texas (so that means he is a Republican?), and says he is working with some of the most experienced and talented geologists and engineers in the world. His work involves exploring and producing natural gas within the lower-48 and Canada and producing enough supply to fuel an estimated 14 million homes. Mark is central to communicating the strategy throughout the organization while staying abreast of the competitive landscape and changing market dynamics. His family is enjoying the backyard pool, bike trails and Southern hospitality.

I have been talking to several people and having lunches about town (I have always wanted to write something cheesy like that). Suchet Venkatesh Bhandari is doing great, looks great (duh) and has the work life balance well in hand. Mike Boyle has his own shingle and now runs a marketing company. He already has some major corporate clients, including Comcast and Skil Power Tools. I spoke to Amy Davalle, who loves San Jose and her job as GM of a unit of Guidant. She confesses she still has the itch for owning her own company (perhaps in PR, fashion or hospitality).

Hope to see you all sooner rather than later!