EMP-55

Amy Kovalan is "in the news" and on the TV with her expanded role at the CTA. We all have fun seeing her on the nightly news and reading about her in the paper. Congrats to Amy!

Flavio Cardoso and wife Maria welcomed twins on Oct. 2. He reports that it has changed their lives forever. Double congrats to Maria and Flavio!

Chander Chawla and his wife Uma spent a couple of days at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (four hours from New Delhi). According to Uma, they saw 125 species of birds. They also made a quick visit to the Taj Mahal. Chander reports it's still a beautiful site, and invites us all to come visit.

Eleanor Chou has a new position as director of operations for Quicksilver Truck Products, based in Bolingbrook, Ill. She reports that she's really enjoying the business.

Sharon Folliard (me) is still leading the architectural sales effort, the design department, and sustainability efforts in addition to being part of the executive committee. Like some of you, working at a small company means wearing many hats. I'm on the Tarkett global sustainability committee and am taking over design for five Tarkett companies in North America. My career so far has been focused on the commercial building products segment, but now I'm diving into the residential/consumer products segment, too.

Cristina Gomez left her position at OSI and plans to travel around the world for 13 months. She hosted the women of EMP-55 at her condo for a small party and picture-taking session for the Executive MBA viewbook. Look for our smiling faces in the viewbook, talking about the experience of women in the world of Kellogg. Thanks to Bernie Birt for the food and wine, and thanks to Cristina for the chance to catch up before she leaves. We'll miss you Cristina, and wish you safe travels on your big adventure!

Susan Forsell took a trip with her son to Italy. Her other son just left for his first semester of college in Hawaii. I think life sounds pretty good if you're one of Susan and Jeff's sons!

Paul Laskowske reports his family is doing great. He and his wife Lori spend weekends watching their kids' sporting events. They travel to college towns to watch their daughter run, or to local high schools to watch their sons participate in wrestling, track and baseball. The construction business has slowed down but his company is holding its own. Paul has been back for a few seminars at Kellogg, and is currently studying for the LEED exam in a quest to do what he can to "green" his business and help the environment.

Shari Litow was in town for business so she met Eleanor Chou and Sharon Folliard for dinner out near O'Hare Airport. The ladies had a fun evening catching up.

Paul Pappageorge is in financial advisory consulting services for the banking industry.

Eleanor Chou, Paul Pappageorge, Bob Shanahan, Mike Cassady and others met for a mini-reunion at a Kellogg info session and networking event.

Tracey Quinn is working with classmate Lynn Bromstedt at Abbott Pet products. Tracey and her husband Jeff Calabrese also welcomed a new son. Connell came into the world a bit earlier than expected, but he's doing great. Congrats to Tracey, Jeff and big brother Kian.

Mike Smedley and his wife Kristin hosted classmates Martin Arron and his wife Lori Hotz; Shari Litow and her husband David Aschheim; and me (Sharon Folliard) with my husband Lance Driskill. We all brought our kids and spent the weekend at the Smedley mansion. It was lots of fun and lots of carbs with Mike treating all to Philly cheese steak sandwiches and soft pretzels. We never go hungry when we visit the Smedleys. It was a blast and thanks to Mike and Kristin.

Michael Spencer and his wife Lindsey are proud to announce their new daughter, Marie Claire.

Mark Straszynski and his wife Robin Haldeman welcomed twins Kayla and Jack. The kids arrived just as Mark and Robin were moving into their new home (literally) so now they have lots of room for their expanded family, and hopefully for all of us to visit them in Scottsdale too.

Maria Sullivan and her husband Brian just moved with their kids into the amazing new home they built in Highland Park. They hosted the women of EMP for a lovely dinner. Congrats to Maria and her family.