Sudy Taylor Graham
33760 County Road 43A
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487-9783
sudy_graham@yahoo.com
970-846-4789
www.facebook.com/groups/UMaineClass1970/
Well, here we are again! I sometimes wish we were doing these columns four times a year! Seems that by the time we read the news much has already changed! Some of our classmates I have been able to stay on top of—so I’ll add my two cents worth. It has been wonderful to actually be receiving emails, texts, and phone calls from some I knew—and, others that I hadn’t had the pleasure of personally meeting. PLEASE let this continue to be the norm! You have no idea how much that means—not only to me, but also to those who delight in hearing where life has taken you. And, to those of you who have contacted me in the past, please don’t stay a stranger and give us an update.
I have mentioned that my family (well, that now only includes my husband, youngest daughter, and myself) is wanting to make a move. Michaela and I had been leaning toward “home” (always Maine to me), but my husband (who is set in his ways – LOL) has stated “not east, not west, not south! Which leaves what? NORTH! Good thing I was raised in a cold, snowy climate (just thrilled he isn’t considering the Artic!). So, presently we are looking at Montana and Idaho. Things could change so I’ll keep you up posted (I melt in warm weather, so even for me south is out. I enjoy what snow offers—and I just outfitted myself with all new Alpine Touring Gear!
Guess I should get on to the good stuff!
First, news from John L. Collins. And, since we have remained in contact, I am taking the liberty of adding some updates. After graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in biology, John went on to work as a research assistant at the Harvard School of Public Health. In 1972, he found himself in Colorado working construction as he saved up to attend the University of Colorado, receiving a secondary education teaching degree. John then went on to teach junior high science in Boulder, CO, coached football and soccer, developed an outdoor education club, and learned to rock climb. This was about the time he met and married Sally Duke, an avid athlete who could keep up with him! They moved to Laramie, WY, for a year where John got an MS in secondary education—returned to teach in Boulder—got restless—quit teaching—worked construction again for a while—and then decided to pursue oceanography at Oregon State University in 1983. After completing this degree John taught, coached soccer, softball, and Nordic skiing at a community college and private school in Bend, OR. In 2000, they moved to D.C. when John got a “real” job (his words!) working as an oceanographer for the National Marine Fisheries Service. He finished up his career the year of the famous Deep Water Horizon oil spill. After retiring in 2010, they returned to Colorado; however, they recently moved back to Bend, OR, where John and Sally will soon be greeting their first grandchild! He says, “I still cycle, ski, and climb but a lot more slowly these days.” Think we can all say “Amen” to that! I also know that they love to travel and recently (not so recently by the time you read this!) spent two weeks in Bali.
Ralph Mansell ’71G wants us all to know that he’s “still kicking!” He spent his first 38 years after graduation as an athletic trainer for the University of Connecticut – and, his last 13 as head athletic trainer. The job involved working with both future pro and world-class athletes, which gave Ralph the opportunity to visit most of our states as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Scandinavia. He and his wife, Debbie, are both retired and have three grown children and eight grandchildren. Today they enjoy camping, visiting family, many hobbies—and, of course, reading our column about ‘old’ classmates. (Ralph – we need to change your mindset! LOL!) In conclusion, he says, “Life is good.”
Lionel J. Dubay recently retired from an extensive career at the University of Florida, where he was assistant vice president for the Business Services Division (“I have had a blessed career which I owe in great part to the University of Maine”). He arrived at the University of Florida in 1985, holding down several positions and aiding in many significant changes: increasing the number of national food brands, building new and refreshing food service units, improving the student meal program, going Styrofoam free, expanding the number of Starbucks—and alongside Follett Higher Education Group, implemented a Rent-a-Text Program, a Price Match Program, and a Digital All Access Opt in Program to help students financially. Lionel was also one of the founders of the Florida Facility Managers Association, which consisted of arenas, convention centers, and performing arts centers. Going back in time—right after graduation, Lionel was hired as the recreational director for Augusta. He became very involved in the Augusta Civic Center (becoming the director until he left in 1985). He was instrumental in bringing many big names and bands to both the Augusta Civic Center and to Florida. I wish there was more space, Lionel, to go on and list all your accomplishments – there certainly are a lot. Enjoy your retirement, golfing, and time with your grandkids!
Now for the newspaper articles –
Among those selected for enshrinement in the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame in September is Gary Thorne, who has been broadcasting for 40 years. I’m sure many of us have been following Gary’s career and are very familiar with his voice! It all began in 1977-1986 when he was the play-by-play voice of Maine’s hockey team—then on to calling games for the majors: New York Mets, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Chicago White Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles. For 20 years he called college football games for ESPN and ABC. And, yes, Gary is still the lead TV play-by-play voice for the Orioles.
Thanks to a $30,000 donation from the Stephen and Tabitha King ’70 Foundation, the Bangor Fire Department will be able to purchase a modern set of thermal imaging cameras. These cameras will allow the firefighters to see objects through heavy smoke and to read temperatures inside a burning building.
Well, that’s the news for the Class of ’70 this time! We’d really, really like to hear from all of you (just not all at once, please!). Take care!
The Class of 1970 had a great time celebrating their 45th Reunion at Homecoming 2015!
