The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/65892
classnotes Don Montgomery '83 reports "I am a partner and co-owner of an online marketing agency, WinGreen Marketing Systems, which provides content marketing and email marketing ser- vices for technology companies WinGreen was a finalist and runner-up in the WPI Venture Forum's Five-Minute Pitch Contest in 2010. We launched the company on 09/09/09 at 9:09 a.m., at an event in Boston. Later that same day, Denise and I got married on the center field warning track at Fenway Park prior to a victory by the Red Sox over the Orioles. We now live in Downingtown, Pennsylvania." Jennifer (Toomey) Reily '83 writes, "Still living in beautiful Colorado and enjoying an IT job with Agilent Technologies. Always something new to learn!" 10 Bill Abbott '84 says, "Funny that the request for Class Notes mentions solar panels—in 2011 our company, Bio-Detek, in Pawtucket, R.I., completed installation of a179kW PV solar electric system. For a few months in spring 2011 it was the largest PV system in the state! This system supplies half the electricity used in our factory. Together with other energy- savings projects, we've reduced our demand on the grid by two-thirds in the last four years. (I'm second from left in this photo-op with the governor; he's third from left.)" Rob Henderson '84 and Alison Carroll Henderson '87 have lived in Portland Ore. since 1992. "Our four children, Kane (21), Shannon (19), Jessica (17) and Graeme (15) are all honor students, studying hard and playing hard," says Rob. "I think that was our motto at WPI! I've enjoyed being a sales executive at Saint-Gobain (Norton Company of Worcester) for 26+ years, where I was a six-time Winner's Circle Award recipient for top sales. I enjoy hunting, fishing, scuba diving— everything the Great Northwest is famous for!" Alison started out at Clairol, then launched her first business as an accident reconstructionist. She later worked in sales in the electronics market, then moved on to a variety of consulting opportuni- ties. She says she "kept incredibly busy with the kids and their activities—coaching lacrosse, soccer, basketball and leading other activities (scouts, theatre) they were involved in. It's been a busy road and I am now looking forward to the next business consulting opportunity." Jack Holzman '84 writes, "Married to Michelle, with two stepkids. Working in the Navy's nuclear propulsion program as deputy director, audiological controls at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire." Jason Marcari '84 is president and chief executive officer of Summer Infant Inc. Joan Marler Morra '84 writes, "After finishing my BS, I stayed on at WPI to complete my MS in materials engineering, then stayed on for an additional two years as a visiting instructor in mechanical engineering. I met my husband, Martin Morra '82 (MS BE), at WPI, and we were married in Higgins House. (Pro- fessors Ron Biederman and Rick Sisson were among the distin- guished guests.) I went to work as a research engineer at Wyman-Gordon Co., maintaining a professional connection to WPI through company-sponsored research. We purchased a house within walking distance of WPI, and became official Worcesterites. With the birth of our first child, I took an extended leave from engineering. Shortly after our second child was born, we reluctantly left Worcester and relocated to upstate New York for new employment. I now live 30 minutes away from ANOTHER Polytechnic (located in Troy), but it's NOT the same! After a brief foray back into teaching, I have recently been consulting in an unrelated engineering field. I stop by WPI whenever we pass through Worcester, and I hope to become the parent of an incoming freshman one day soon!" Scott Rudge '84 is spending his time in Kobe, Japan, helping a young biotech company (RMC Pharmaceutical Solutions) meet global standards for manufacturing. Stephen Schoonmaker '84 is principal engineer at Mani- towoc Crane Group in Shady Grove, Pa. Marie Sparks '84 joined Highland Financial Group in 2010 as a financial professional. She advises individuals and busi- nesses on managing their risk, protecting and building their assets and planning for future life events. 10 Doug Valentine '84 is the new senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Wallingford, Conn. John Voccio '84 writes, "After 22 years at American Super- conductor, I am now a research scientist for MIT's magnet laboratory, working on MRI and MNR projects. I am married and have three boys." Jim Ball '85 reports "Retired from the Army after 24 years of active duty in 2009 and am currently working as a program manager for the Department of Defense, finishing the BRAC 133 Marks Center construction project. This spring, I assumed the position of division chief, Alterations Work Group at the Pentagon." Steve and Mari-Agnes (Flynn) Jackson '85 have a son, Matt, in the Class of 2015 at WPI. Steve also started a new job, as business development manager of Thermal Products for Sapa, the largest aluminum extruder in North America. Cheryl (Buitenhuys) and David McCarthy '85 have a son, Daniel, in the Class of 2012. Their younger son, Sean, has applied to the class of 2016. Angela Padavano '85 has spent the last 26 years as a civil engineer for the MassDOT. "In addition to my engineering po- 74 Spring 2012