Class Notes

Michael Pieper ‘80 recently relocated to New Albany, Indiana to help friends develop and launch a bee keeping business and pursue his passion for photography. He has a gallery and store front at Lulu http://stores.lulu.com/magikrhino His youngest daughter, Heather is 18 and attends MSU majoring in Veteranry Science and his oldest daughter, Melanie is 22 married and the mother of five.

Mary Ellen Shindel Shuffett ‘80 married Paul Shuffett on July 22, 2006. It was the first time marriage for both of them and they are extremely happy.

Yvette Person Merchant '82 is married with 3 children and 1 step daughter and 2 grandchildren. She plans to enter nursing school in the fall as her two sons study in other programs. Her daughter and son-in-law are completing their doctoral degrees at Western Michigan. Yvette completed a medical assistant program at Everest and where she was the valedictorian of her class and a member of the National Honor Society.

Kathleen Kniaz Anderson’s ’83 brother passed away.

Joyce Smythe Mason ’83 passed away July, 2006.

Denise J. Bryson ‘84 credits her experiences at Marygrove in assisting her in attaining her job at Northwest Airlines, while her major in Art has allowed her to pursue many different avenues. Currently she is trying her hand at writing a novel. Best of luck, Denise.

Ann M. Rajnicek Ph.D. ‘84 went immediately to Purdue University where she received her PhD in 1990 in Developmental Biology and then moved to a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. It was meant to be a three year appointment but she has been there for 17 years and has lead her own research group for the past 5 years. It's been tricky balancing a family with the competitive world of research and teaching but very rewarding too. She and her husband, Scott have two children ages 9 and 12. Her position has offered her so many opportunities to see the world, both through her post doctoral appointment at Aberdeen as well as the invitations she receives to speak about her work around the world. This past year she has traveled to Hawaii, Japan, Greece, Spain, and Romania.

Beatrice M. Jackman Cuthbertson ’85 was named Homemaker of the Year at the New Fowlerville Family Fair in Michigan. Contestants submitted entries in various categories such as baking, crafts or canning, to name a few.

NoraWilson Beckley ‘87 paprticipated in the National Senior Olympics in Louisville, Ky. where she placed 5th in the 200 yard Breaststroke and she broke her own record by 14 seconds. She did both only 6 weeks after have major shoulder surgery. She also signs for the deaf. She teaches Elementary School Music in two different districts, and all her students know how to sign.

Kathy became a grandmother on Friday May 2, 2008 to twins Wilson Doyle Fletcher weighed in at 5.5lbs, and Allysia Grace weighed in at 2.5lbs. Both mother and babies are doing well. Abby is 4 going on 40 and loves being a big sister.