EMP-11

Jan Leestma retired from hospital practice in Chicago, but is essentially full time at his second career — forensic consulting. Jan and his wife have traveled quite a bit, including Argentina, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Easter Island and Hawaii. Jan has a new book out that he co-edited, Sudden Death in Epilepsy: Forensic and Clinical Issues (Taylor & Francis, 2010). So the work goes on. Naurex Inc., the drug development company that Jan co-founded years ago may be headed to major venture funding soon with Phase II human clinical trials to immediately follow for a drug that he hopes will offer a new treatment pathway for depression. 2011 should be interesting. Jan wishes best regards to all.

Denise Guardino still leads an active life. Her plans for the summer include a trip to Rome in June with high school friends and a trip to Hawaii with Tim to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in August. They will take their daughter Lauren to Hawaii as well. Denise loves her work and maybe plans to retire when she's 65 (which must be 20 years from now — right, Denise?).

I (Russ) talked to John Leasia in the middle of February and he says life is just plugging along. I guess that's good to hear, since I still remember 15 years ago or so when he commented, "meals at home consisted of Beans & Weenies." John says he fondly remembers some aspects of our days at Kellogg.

I also talked to Mike Ryan the other day. He's doing OK and we talked about my wish to take a trip on Route 66 this summer in the '50 Olds. He said sign him up! So look for Russ Luedtke and Mike Ryan this summer on the road and we'll tell you all about it in one of the next articles.

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