The 1940s

George Jordan, AA’47, LLB ’50, of Norcross, Ga., was elected to serve as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., in September. Jordan, a licensed mediator, previously served as captain of his precinct in Gwinnett County.

The 1960s

William E. Olewiler, BA ’66, and Nancy Olewiler married on April 26, 2008. The couple lives in Fleming Island, Fla.

William Lohnes, MEA ’69, joined the board of PrismTech Solutions Americas as an outside director. Lohnes lives in Carroll County, Maryland. A 1982 graduate of the National War College, he has been an independent consultant to the defense and intelligence communities since 1996.

Valley Forge Composite Technologies Inc. appointed Richard S. Relac, BA ’69, to its board of directors. Relac lives with his wife and children in southern Pennsylvania, where he is an elected member of his borough council and vice chairman of the regional water and sewer authority.

The 1970s

The International Committee on Space Research awarded James L. Burch, MS ’73, its 2008 Jeoujang Jaw Award, bestowed jointly by COSPAR and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Burch is vice president of the Space Science and Engineering Division of Southwest Research Institute. The award recognizes scientists who have made distinguished pioneering contributions to promoting space research. Burch is the first recipient of the award, which was given in recognition of his leadership on the NASA Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration mission.

The Wisconsin Law Journal selected Nathan A. Fishbach, BA ’74, as a 2008 recipient of the “Leaders in the Law” award for his work at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek law firm. Fishbach is one of 20 legal professionals who will receive the award. In another accomplishment, Fishbach was reelected to his firm’s board of directors for a three-year term. He lives in Milwaukee. Fishbach focuses his practice on complex civil and white collar litigation.

Brian McCagh, MBA ’75, was honored with the St. Ignatius Loyola Distinguished Alumni Award on May 31 at the President’s Dinner at Wheeling Jesuit University. A Silver Spring, Md., resident, McCagh is executive director of oncology services at Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

Jonathan G. Vinson, BA ’76, has been elected partner in Jackson Walker law firm’s Dallas office. He is a member of the firm’s real estate and land use practice group, focusing on all areas of land use.

The board of directors of ALL Student Loan named Quentin Wilson, BA ’76, president and CEO. Wilson is responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of the California nonprofit lender, which aims to serve the needs of students, families, and schools by increasing affordable access to higher education.

The American Statistical Association, the nation’s preeminent professional statistical society, named 53 new fellows for 2008, including Chet Bowie, MS ’76, from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, and Henry D. Kahn, DSc ’77, from the National Center for Environmental Assessment at the Environmental Protection Agency.

James David Tschechtelin, EdD ’77, received the Teaching Recognition Award from the University of Maryland University College, where he is an adjunct professor of business and management.

John E. Horton, MA ’78, was recognized as the fifth distinguished alumni of the advanced training program in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University Health Center. Horton established a role for cell-mediated reaction in the pathophysiology of periodontal disease and provided clinical and histological studies on the use of ultrasonic instrumentation in bone surgery. He is an emeritus professor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and lives in Columbus, Ohio.

The Asheville, N.C., law office of McGuire, Wood and Bissette elected Harris Livingstain, BA ’79, as partner. Livingstain joined the firm as an associate in the estate planning and probate practice group in 2005. He focuses his practice on estate planning, probate and trust law, and taxation.

The Small Business Foundation of Michigan recognized Jayson Pankin, BBA ’79, MBA ’80, as an Entrepreneur Extraordinaire. The accolade celebrates and honors institutions, individuals, and/or events that apply the principles of entrepreneurship that help to foster a robust entrepreneurial culture and economy in Michigan. Over the past 28 years, Pankin has participated in new ventures in a variety of industries, including biotechnology, insurance, and software. He is a new venture creation specialist for Delphi Technologies in Troy, Mich.

A profile of Steve Weinstein, BBA ’79, was published in the January 2008 edition of the Journal of Accountancy. Weinstein is mayor of Fair Lawn, N.J., and managing partner of Weinstein & Weinstein, CPAs.

The 1980s

Cozen O’Connor attorney Catherine Slavin, BA ’81, served as a panel moderator for the 2008 Aviation Trial Demonstrations and Cutting Edge Issues CLE Seminar, presented by the American Bar Association Section of Litigation Aviation Committee and the New York City Bar. Slavin’s panel, “Persuasion After Evidence,” demonstrated closing argument techniques and strategies for winning the jury. Slavin is a member in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

Victor Vallo Jr., MM ’81, is the chair of the music department at Immaculata University near Philadelphia. He is also the music director of the Immaculata Wind Symphony and a guest conductor with the Immaculata Symphony Orchestra. He and his wife, Eileen Bellino, have two children, Lisa and Vincent. They live in Coatesville, Pa.

Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin welcomed Steven T. Miano, BS ’82, as a shareholder in the firm’s environmental law practice. Miano has practiced environmental law for more than 20 years. His practice includes all facets of environmental law and litigation, including federal and state cases involving the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Hazardous Waste laws. He is an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Law School and lives in Philadelphia.

President George W. Bush appointed John J. Szczur, MBA ’83, of Rockville, Md., to serve on the advisory committee of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Szczur is director of investments for the Central Pension Fund of the international Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers in Washington. He will serve on the committee until 2011.

Reston Limousine, owned by Leesburg, Va., resident Kristina Bouweiri, BA ’85, was ranked first by the Washington Business Journal in a list of the top 25 executive transportation service companies in the Washington metropolitan area. Published in the March 7 issue, the survey ranked the transportation companies by 2007 metro-area revenue.

David S. Kaplan, PhD ’85, received the Patrick G. Laing award from the ASTM International Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices. ASTM International is one of the largest standards development and delivery systems in the world. Kaplan is a cell biologist at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Silver Spring, Md.

Bristol Hospital in Bristol, Conn., appointed Marc D. Edelman, MHSA ’86, vice president of operations. Edelman brings 20 years of health care operations, risk management, and quality assurance experience in the health care industry to his new position. Edelman and his wife, Heidi, live in Bristol with their two children.

Tina Jones, a 1986 graduate of the legal assistant certificate program, had her article “Slave Patriot” published in the July 2008 issue of American Legion magazine. The article is about Oscar Marion, an African-American unsung hero of the American Revolutionary War who served with the infamous “Swamp Fox.” Jones lives in Rockville, Md.

The Hudson Valley Bank appointed Michael H. Sonnabend, BBA ’86, to its business development board. Sonnabend is the principal for AFC Realty Capital Inc., a real estate investment banking company in Manhattan.

Abraham David Benavides, BA ’87, was promoted to associate professor at the University of North Texas in the department of public administration. He specializes in local government, human resources, and immigration issues.

Deborah Gary, MA ’87, retired after 28 years of federal service, including 14 years in the U.S. Air Force and 14 years with the Department of Defense. She has relocated to Philadelphia.

Edward O’Neil, MD ’87, was appointed chair of the Taskforce for the Healthcare Worker Shortage in sub-Saharan Africa by the Brookings Institution. O’Neil’s pilot program runs for one year and involves American volunteers traveling abroad to work collaboratively with personnel in sub-Saharan Africa to improve the health of the poor through health care service.

The 1990s

Maureen Peckman, BS ’91, was named chief operating officer of the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute’s Keep Memory Alive organization, a medical treatment and scientific research entity dedicated to researching treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Peckman lives in Las Vegas.

Aristotle International, a pioneer in political technology, promoted Howard Zimering, BA ’93, to vice president of information technology and data operations. Zimering lives in Arlington, Va.

Denver Business Journal listed Stefka Czarnecki Fanchi, BA ’94, in its “Forty Under 40” ranking for 2008. Fanchi, who lives in Lakewood, Colo., was chosen for her innovations in nonprofit leadership and contributions to affordable housing in Colorado, as well as her volunteer roles with the U.S. Public Service Academy, Notre Dame Catholic School, and the city of Lakewood.

Jennifer Isenberg, MS ’95, was named vice president of health communications at Rockville, Md., IQ Solutions Inc., where she will provide senior managerial support for the company’s health communications and social marketing initiatives. She will lead IQ Solutions’ new $15.2 million contract to support the call center, resource development, information technology, and Web communications services for the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 2007, Guy Jordan, BA ’95, was hired as a tenure-track assistant professor of art history at Western Kentucky University, where he specializes in 18th-century and 19th-century American art. In October 2007 he and his wife, Carol, welcomed their first child, Benjamin Albert Jordan.

Jared Skok, BA ’95, MPA ’97, and his wife, Marni, welcomed their first child, Gavin Robert Skok, on Feb. 4, 2008. They live in Jacksonville, Fla.

Department of State employee Jim Core, MA ’96, was selected for the 2008-2009 Council for Excellence in Government fellows program. Core will work with a cohort of professionals from across the federal government in a year-long leadership development program. He is a member of the board of directors of the GW Alumni Association and lives in Kensington, Md., with his wife, Wendy Kabele Core, MA ’94.

Charles Maust, MA ’96, EdD ’03, was named executive director of the Ridge Schools of Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties and the Eastern Shore. The Ridge Schools provide general and special education to behaviorally-challenged children who might not perform well in mainstream classrooms due to emotional and learning disabilities.

Korn/Ferry International, a global provider of talent management solutions, promoted Dennis Basara, MA ’97, to senior client partner in the firm’s Chicago office. Basara is a member of the firm’s global life sciences market specializing in health care services.

Wendy Foster, MBA ’97, was named chief operating officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.

Sophya N. Qureshi, BA ’97, is one of 10 people comprising the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership graduation class of 2008. She is the sixth attorney of the firm to complete the exclusive program. Participants are selected based on both their leadership potential and demonstrated community involvement, and the class focuses on expanding professional and social networks, refining leadership skills, and examining and resolving issues that affect the city of Clayton.

Sonia Klein, MBA ’98, won her primary election in London and is the Labor Party parliamentary candidate for Ilford North. She is putting together a campaign team and welcomes any GW alumnus to intern in London or work virtually on the campaign. Her e-mail is soniaklein@aol.com.

Brent Miller and Jen Robinson, BA ’98, of Tallahassee, Fla., married on May 24, 2008, in Las Vegas with a medieval-themed ceremony. Fellow Colonial Sarah Ganiere-Zakaria, BA ’99, attended the celebration. Miller and Robinson got engaged Christmas Eve 2007 under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the bride’s favorite city. Robinson is an associate professor of art history at Tallahassee Community College.

President George W. Bush named Tobi Merritt Edwards, BA ’99, associate counsel to the president. Edwards previously served as deputy associate counsel in the White House Counsel’s Office.

Jill M. Hasegawa, BA ’99, serves as president of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division and has been selected as a district representative to the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division for 2008-10.

Attorney Kelly S. Kuglitsch, MA ’99, has been elected to serve as president of the board of directors of the Wisconsin Retirement Plan Professionals for a one-year term. Kuglitsch, who lives in Milwaukee, has been a member of the group’s board of directors since August 2007. She is a member of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek’s employee benefits team.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute recognized Robert Lindeman, DSc ’99, assistant professor of computer science, with the Romeo L. Moruzzi Young Faculty Award. The accolade recognizes innovation in undergraduate education.

Aaron Moffett, BA ’99, attended the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games as a coach/leader for the U.S. Paralympics Beijing Academy.

The 2000s

Courtney Carrier Pace, BA ’00, received her master’s degree in social work from Bridgewater State College with honors in May. She lives in Norfolk, Va.

The National Jewish Democratic Council in Washington, D.C., named Alexis Rice, BA ’00, as its new deputy executive director/communications director. Rice is an expert in communication technology, online fundraising, and voter outreach in political campaigns and has appeared on CNN and NPR.

Caner Dagli, MA ’01, was hired as a faculty member in a tenure-track position for the 2008-09 academic year at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

Alia Elizabeth Eyres, BA ’01, and John Michael Eyres married on June 28, 2008, in Montrose, Colo., at the summer home of Alia’s parents. The couple lives in London, and they plan to move to Hong Kong soon.

Starting this fall, Heather Hurwitz, BA ’01, is attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, as a PhD candidate in sociology. She will study global studies, gender, and culture.

GW men’s basketball alumnus Antxon Iturbe, BA ’01, and his wife, former Colonials gymnast Becca Gruber, BBA ’01, welcomed their first child, Axel, who was born in Spain on Feb. 11.

Pepper Hamilton attorney Jason Karasik, BA ’01, JD ’05, received the Clifford Scott Green Bill of Rights Award from the Philadelphia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for his dedication in representing Guantanamo Bay detainees. Karasik is an associate at the firm’s Philadelphia office and focuses his practice on commercial litigation matters.

Sara Schultenover Kubicki, MFS ’01, was recently inducted into the Battle Ground Academy’s Hall of Fame with five other alumni from the preparatory school in Franklin, Tenn. From 2001 to 2005, Kubicki was a Naval Criminal Investigative Unit agent. In 2002, she served as an interrogator at Guantanamo Bay. Currently she is working with a Washington, D.C., think tank hired by the Pentagon to develop terrorist detainee regulations and policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

The Chartered Institute of Building, an international association of construction professionals based in the United Kingdom, honored Richard Lee Rye, MS ’01, with an international construction project management award in the 2007-08 international innovations and research competition.

Sarah E. Watermulder, BA ’01, of San Mateo, Calif., received the Master of Divinity and the Charles J. Reller Abiding Memorial Fund Award from Princeton Theological Seminary at the school’s 196th commencement on May 17.

John Creedon Jr., BA ’02, joined Fletcher, Tilton and Whipple law firm’s Worcester, Mass., office. He concentrates his practice on all aspects of civil litigation and corporate law.

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellows Foundation selected Lauren Fleming, BA ’02, BS ’02, as a Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellow for 2008 for her work in philosophy at Georgetown University. The fellowship provides $23,000 for 12 months of work on a dissertation in the humanities or social sciences.

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease attorney Gayle I. Horwitz, BA ’02, an associate in the Cleveland, Ohio, office, was recognized as a member of Crain’s Cleveland Business “Twenty in Their 20s Class of 2008.” The class is made up of the most dynamic young professionals in Northeast Ohio.

Adam Donovan, BBA ’04, joined Fish & Richardson as its patent practice group marketing manager. Prior to joining the firm, he was the marketing and business development manager for the global intellectual property practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius law firm.

Melissa (Raiken) Siskind, BA ’04, JD ’07, and Ariel Siskind, BA ’04, married on April 6, 2008. They live in Washington, D.C.

Derek Walter, MA ’06, was appointed as an adjunct faculty member at National University. He is teaching a course for student teachers and interns in the university’s education school. Walter also serves as the county chair for John McCain’s presidential campaign and writes on policy, education, and current events at his Web site and blog: derekwalter.com.

Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle named Todd Johnson, MBA ’07, vice president of facilities. He will oversee the planning, design, construction, and operation of patient care and support facilities.

Matt Wade, BS ’08, was elected to the Brunswick Central School District school board in New York. Wade, a graduate of GW’s civil engineering program, is studying for a master’s degree in structural engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.