Classmate Bios
Scroll waaayy down, past comments, to see Classmate Bios.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Oct 5, 2018: Pat Biesiot is in Ohio now and does not have access to her home computer. She will not be able to upload Senior Class photos as the "Then" photo until Oct 12, 2018.
But, please post a Classmate Bio anyway. We'll sorta remember what you looked like then!
_________________________________________________________________________
But, please post a Classmate Bio anyway. We'll sorta remember what you looked like then!
_________________________________________________________________________
Sep 17, 2018: Pat Biesiot edited all posted "Classmate Bios" to NOT permit private email messages to be sent to classmates through the reunion website. And she edited the Classmate Bios Profile settings to NOT permit private email messages for anyone posting a Bio in future.
This was done to prevent "phishing" email messages that could be sent by outside persons through our reunion website.
If you want to contact a classmate via email, please reach out to Pat (pbiesiot@gmail.com) or Ron June (RLJune@comcast.net) for help.
This was done to prevent "phishing" email messages that could be sent by outside persons through our reunion website.
If you want to contact a classmate via email, please reach out to Pat (pbiesiot@gmail.com) or Ron June (RLJune@comcast.net) for help.
Sep 16, 2018: Several classmates added information to "Classmate Bios" page this month. Scroll through to find them!
UPDATES to this page are in red font.
(Revised 3-13-2018; 5-15-2018)
Let us know what you've been up to for the past 50 years! Well, not every single thing...in detail...in order. But some highlights would be nice.
An online form will appear after you click the gray Add Your Profile button below (so you can submit your bio). Only the boxes with * are required. All others are optional.
But, it might be nice if you mentioned your maiden name (if appropriate), your spouse/partner/significant other, and your current home town. Whatever. Up to you. We just want to hear something from you.
Your email address will NOT be published online; it's just so you and other registered classmates can send private email messsages to each through the website, but only if you select that option.
You can also Edit Your Profile as needed, if you want to correct or add something.
Click on the Where Are They Now? button to see a cumulative map of the cities where our classmates are living now. (You can opt out of this feature if you like, by not including your town in your profile.)
Then, click on a pin head on the map to see who lives there. You may have to "zoom out" to see entire US map (or world map), by using the - (minus) icon on the lower right of map.
(Disclaimer: the GPS map coordinates are seriously crude--some of the pin heads are pointing to cities quite far away from their actual geographic position!)
Click on a photo (below) to enlarge it.
Have a question? Need some help?
Contact Patricia Biesiot if you have questions or want help uploading text and/or photos: pbiesiot@gmail.com or 601-466-8102.
Pat will upload your Senior Class picture (assuming you had one) or a photo from a previous yearbook for the "Then" photo, unless you want to upload another one instead. Images must be in .jpg, .gif, or .png format.
If you don't have access to a scanner, let Pat know and we'll figure out a way for you to mail the photos for her to scan and upload for you.
UPDATES to this page are in red font.
(Revised 3-13-2018; 5-15-2018)
Let us know what you've been up to for the past 50 years! Well, not every single thing...in detail...in order. But some highlights would be nice.
An online form will appear after you click the gray Add Your Profile button below (so you can submit your bio). Only the boxes with * are required. All others are optional.
But, it might be nice if you mentioned your maiden name (if appropriate), your spouse/partner/significant other, and your current home town. Whatever. Up to you. We just want to hear something from you.
Your email address will NOT be published online; it's just so you and other registered classmates can send private email messsages to each through the website, but only if you select that option.
You can also Edit Your Profile as needed, if you want to correct or add something.
Click on the Where Are They Now? button to see a cumulative map of the cities where our classmates are living now. (You can opt out of this feature if you like, by not including your town in your profile.)
Then, click on a pin head on the map to see who lives there. You may have to "zoom out" to see entire US map (or world map), by using the - (minus) icon on the lower right of map.
(Disclaimer: the GPS map coordinates are seriously crude--some of the pin heads are pointing to cities quite far away from their actual geographic position!)
Click on a photo (below) to enlarge it.
Have a question? Need some help?
Contact Patricia Biesiot if you have questions or want help uploading text and/or photos: pbiesiot@gmail.com or 601-466-8102.
Pat will upload your Senior Class picture (assuming you had one) or a photo from a previous yearbook for the "Then" photo, unless you want to upload another one instead. Images must be in .jpg, .gif, or .png format.
If you don't have access to a scanner, let Pat know and we'll figure out a way for you to mail the photos for her to scan and upload for you.
John Leland
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | professor emeritus of history |
|
Comment:
I graduated from Bowling Green High School and from Bowling Green State University magna cum laude and earned my masters (1974) and doctorate (1979) degrees in medieval studies at Yale University. I held temporary teaching positions at Pikeville College, Kentucky, Bowling Green State University, Millersville University of Pennsylvania and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I served for two years (1987-1988) as a Volunteer in Mission for the Presbyterian Church, USA teaching English at Keimyung University in Taegu (Daegu) in the Republic of Korea. While in Korea I met my future wife Carol (then serving in the US Navy), whom I married in 1995. I came to Salem University in Salem, West Virginia (then Salem-Teikyo University, later Salem International University) in 1990 and taught there full-time until I retired in December, 2016, except for the school years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, when I taught at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. After my retirement, I have continued to teach adjunct classes for Salem as needed, and am a strong supporter of Salem University athletics. I was a founding member of the Society of the White Hart for Richard II Studies, and am member of the American Historical Association, the Medieval Academy of America, the Societas Magica (of which I was a past treasurer), and other scholarly organizations. I am now a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church and also attend Prince of Peace Episcopal Church. I was a member and past master of Salem Lodge 84 A.F. and A.M. and after its merger with Friendship Lodge 56 West Union, I also served as master there. I am presently chaplain in that lodge. I am also a member of Clarksburg Commandery 13 Knights Templar, currently serving as commander, and of the Royal Arch, in which I am currently Principal Sojourner, and am also a less active member in Scottish Rite and Shrine. I am a long-time member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. and hold the ranks of count, knight, master of the Laurel and master of the Pelican in that organization. My wife and I currently have five cats, though the numbers fluctuate with losses due to old age and new adoptions. My hobbies are reading popular fiction, chiefly mysteries, science fiction and fantasy, of which I have an extensive collection, playing role-playing games, writing light verse and until recently, walking. My health was generally good until 2016, when I had my left hip replaced. I had a small cancerous lump removed from my kidney in 2017. I am now cancer free and my health seems to have stabilized, though at a less active level than before. |
|
| Spouse/Partner/Companion name: | Carol |
Rev. David C. Lippert
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Children: | 5 |
| Occupation: | Retired Minister |
| Comment: Janet and I were married April 11, 1970. I was attending Toledo University and Janet attended BGSU and OU Zanesville branch. We were blessed with 2 girls Wendy and Jill, and adopted Roger, Michael, and Tyler. I attended Winebrenner Seminary after being called by The Lord to serve Him, and graduated with a BA in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Seminary and College. I was called to Green Camp Ohio to serve my first church in 1994. Ordained by the Conservitive Congregational Christian Conference in 1995. I began to serve a second church in Green Camp at the same time and later obtained a second ordination with The American Baptist Churches USA. I also began a nursing home/Assisted living chaplaincy in Marion employing two other chaplains. I also served as a hospice chaplain for a year. I semi-retired in 2013 and fill pulpits and continue with my nursing home duties. Janet and I have been blessed with 6 grandchildren and 1 Great granddaughter. In 2016 I had open heart surgery to remove a large clot in my artery with one bypass. Looking forward to see all our classmates in 2018. Blessings, Dave | |
| Spouse/Partner/Companion name: | Janet Sechler Lippert |
George Rahdert
Then
| Marital status: | Committed Relationship |
|---|---|
| Children: | 3 |
| Occupation: | Attorney |
|
Comment:
I graduated from Duke University in 1972, and Yale Law School in 1975 where Iwas once again a classmate (and intramural teammate) of Art Claflin. It was great to go through Law school with an old friend. Art was brilliant and talented; his untimely passing is a tragic loss in many ways. Following gtraduation my then wife Sara (Warren) Rahdert and I moved to St Petersburg, Fl. I clerked for a federal court of appeals judge, and then opened a law practice. Sara enrolled at Stetson University College of Law, going on to a career as magistrate judge until her recent retirement. I focused on First Amendment and Civil Rights litigation, highlighted by two successful cases in the United States Supreme Court. While Sara's and my marriage did not endure, our friendship certainly has. We collaborate daily, first in raising our three sons, Jacob, Luke and Karl, and now five grandchildren. All live in close proximity. I have expanded my work to include real estate law and investment, working with son Jake in real estate development, and with Karl in the operation of a large family cattle ranch. I continue to work long hours heading up a small law firm, while serving as Synod Counsel for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Florida,. |
|
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Reese (Gergat)
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | RN / teacher |
|
Comment:
First of all, hello to all of you dear people! I would have enjoyed attending but will be in Philly for the week. Now I live just across the bridge from where I typed up my info for the 10th reunion. Since then much has kept me busy. I graduated from B.G.S.U. in 1974 with a B.S. in elementary education and art, then in the fall I moved to Grand Junction, CO to attend Mesa College to obtain a nurse degree. Worked at St. Mary's Hospital as an LPN while attending school. Taught medical terminology class there also. Worked also as a waitress for special events at the Ramada Inn. One time, Willy Mays handed me his autograph on a napkin. Lots of fun with the single, disco life there. Crossed paths with Ted Bundy in Aspen, another story. Met my husband there too. He is a retired electrical engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation at Grand Coulee Dam. He moved to the dam to work so I followed after state boards. We went on to have 4 great kids, two girls then two boys. They are all professionals and the girls have made me a grandmother 6 times now. Retired from my RN career having worked in many facilities in this area. Tom and I love traveling. We went to the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1994, traveling and staying with the Jedburgh branch of the O.S.S. of which my dad belonged. Started working with the Red Cross in 2004 for disaster relief of Hurricane Ivan and flooding. We have been married for over 40 years and things just get better. Good luck to all of you! |
|
| Spouse/Partner/Companion name: | Thomas Fisher Reese (Tom) |
Jerry Ryland
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | Retired |
|
Comment:
I headed off to the U.S. Navy for four years after graduation. After that, I began a career with GTE. I married my first (and current!) wife, Terri (Chambers), in 1974. After 33 years of service and several corporate transfers with GTE/Verizon I retired in 2006 in Fort Wayne, IN. I worked a few more years contracting with them and called it quits for good in 2011. Terri and have been married 42 years and have four wonderful kids - two sons, two daughters and ten grandchildren . We have a son and four grandchildren in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, a daughter and four grandchildren in the Houston area, a son and two grandchildren here in Fort Wayne, and a daughter (recently married) also in Fort Wayne. They are all terrific fathers, mothers and spouses (a huge testament to Terri!) and I count my blessings every day for each of them. We’re fortunate to visit them periodically throughout the year. Fort Wayne is home for us spring, summer and fall and we winter in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. That’s about it - we’re healthy and life is good! |
|
| Spouse/Partner/Companion name: | Terri Ryland (Chambers) |
Richard Small
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | retired |
|
Comment:
After graduating from BGHS, I attended BGSU for a couple of years. During that period, I had the pleasure of playing in a band with Bob Manley, Ken Johnson and Wayne Smith. The band moved to Boston in 1971 and we all went our separate ways in 1972. In October of '72, Steve Kilborn and I drove out to New Mexico to visit some people in Santa Fe. We were only going to stay a couple of weeks but neither of us ever left. In the mid to late 70's, I built a cabin in the mountains east of Santa Fe, along the front range and have lived in the area ever since. In the 1980's, I started working for a title insurance agency in Las Vegas, NM. I was licensed by the State as a title examiner shortly thereafter, charged with evaluating documents pertaining to real estate, determining their effect on the titles and issuing policies of title insurance to buyers and lenders. Sumner and I met during the 80's and both of our sons were born then. Both of the boys are married and we were blessed with the birth of a grandson in 2015. In 2005, I left the title insurance industry and joined a local attorney as a legal assistant, continuing to focus on land title issues. In 2013, I retired from the law firm and set up an LLC, contracting with attorneys, lenders and the general public for the analysis of titles to area property. Over the years, I've enjoyed a lot of backpacking in the mountains where we live and all over the west. We like taking road trips and looking for and learning about mushrooms that grow in our area. In 2013-2014, we built a house on 80 acres in the woods along Tecolote Creek where we intend to live for as long as we hold up, physically and mentally. Looking forward to seeing everybody, Richard |
|
| Spouse/Partner/Companion name: | Sumner Price |
Robert Yeager
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
|---|---|
| Children: | 3 |
| Occupation: | Retired |
| Comment: Greetings fellow classmates. I am a 2 time cancer survivor. I married Kathy Horner (class of 73) and we have 3 children. I have had numerous vocations over the years. Most noteably, I have been a professional musician having played in "Fred" with Mile Loomis, Ken Johnson, Stan Irvin and Dan Dunn. I was in "Rail" with Bob Manley, Ken Johnson, Dick Small and Wayne Smith until they moved to Boston. The last rock band I was with was "Transition" until I became a Born Again Christian in 1981. I have been playing Praise & Worship music since then. I was co-owner/operator of the Marathon station at the corner of Wooster and Enterprise for 17 years with my father-in-law. The last job I held was with the State of Ohio for 15 years. I was a Business Enterprise Specialist with the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation where I worked with blind Ohioans in the establishment and operation of food sevice and vending businesses. I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the reunion! | |