image

Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - May 2009
http://www.wilsonalumni.com

Don't miss your upcoming reunion - make sure to check the reunion section below.

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

GRAD TAKES OVER LOCAL RESTAURANT/LOUNGE
Toby Harris '89 graduated from Wilson and has come back home as the new owner of the Cider Mill Restaurant and Lounge and Fryer Tuck Chicken just down the street from Wilson on Capitol Highway. One friend, Gary Martin '63, recently helped Toby celebrate the Grand Re-opening of the Cider Mill and was pleased at "what a successful evening it was!" Read more at: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/harris.html.

GRAD OPENS VETERINARY CLINIC
Dr. Libbi Hawkins '77 is the owner of the Gabriel Park Veterinary Clinic in SW Portland. After months of renovation, Libbi is ready to open the doors for her clinic's new expansion. Click here to find out more: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/hawkins.html.

COLLEGE PROFESSOR REMEMBERS WILSON
After graduating from Wilson I attended Seattle Pacific College (now University), worked awhile after graduation, then spent a year in Kenya teaching high school. After a bit more work I went to grad school, married, and my wife and I returned to Kenya, where we lived from 1982-1999. In the 90's I completed my doctorate and now teach Intercultural Studies at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. I enjoyed and learned from many of my teachers at Wilson (were we fortunate, or did all high schools have that many good teachers back then?), but Merle Lotz was the most memorable for me. I was in choir all 4 years and Senior Ensemble the last year. Garry Morgan, Class of 1969

2006 GRAD MAJORS IN MATERIALS ENGINEERING DEGREE IN GERMANY
Dennis Risser, Class of 2006 first visited Germany with Wilson German teacher, Mr. Maack’s GAPP (German American Partnership Program) 2006 summer tour. Dennis will be returning to Germany in the near future as he was the first student to be accepted into Oregon State University's new US-EU Atlantis Program. This is a dual-degree Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Dennis, two other OSU students and four German students are currently attending spring term at Lulea Institute of Technology in Lulea, Sweden. Their 2009-2010 school year will be spent at Saarlands University in Saarbrucken, Germany. Upon graduation, program participants will receive a Mechanical Engineering degree from OSU and a Materials Engineering degree from Saarlands University. To that, Dennis will also add another degree as he has chosen to major in German. While at Wilson, Dennis set weight lifting records in 2004 that remain unbroken! He was also Varsity football co-captain senior year. Congratulations to his parents, Eileen and Chuck Risser '67.

EXPLORING THE HUMAN SIDE OF ORGANIZATIONS
After graduating from Wilson, Alex Rubenstein '04 headed off to college. He is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Alex will graduate in June, 2009 with a double degree: a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. In the fall 2009, Alex will be starting a doctoral program in Management--Organizational Behavior at the University of Florida. "This field explores the human side of organizations, using Psychological and Sociological theory to examine how individuals can influence organizations, and vice versa," states Alex. "I hope to develop interventions and prescriptions which can be implemented in organizations to help improve issues of individual/team motivation, leadership development, voluntary turnover, and overall workplace effectiveness. After this program is over, I plan to continue studying these topics as well as teach, as a tenured faculty member at a research-oriented university." When asked about his time at Wilson, Alex said he is grateful for the guidance he received. "To discuss how Wilson has molded me into the person I am today, the opportunities presented to me, from advanced classes to student government, really taught me to never settle and always challenge myself if I thought I could handle it," adds Alex. "I would like to thank Mr. Marchese, Mr. Meiner and Mr. Murphy, coaches and teachers, for motivating me to work hard and achieve my potential. I don't know if I would be pursuing a Ph.D. right now if it weren't for their guidance to develop my character and establish my work ethic." Alex' brother, Jason Rubenstein '01 also graduated from Wilson. His parents are Jaime and Gary Rubenstein, who currently live in Austin, Texas.

HIDING OUT ON THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN
Katey Schultz, Class of '97, writes from her home near the summit of Roan Mountain in North Carolina. She has published nonfiction in newspapers, magazines, literary, and international journals. Katey is currently nonfiction editor of Silk Road and fiction anthology editor for Main Street Rag Publishing Company. To read more about Katey, click here: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/schultz.html.

PASSION FOR MUSTARD
Wilson graduates Diane VanLaningham '72 and Dennis VanLaningham '75 are the co-owners of Rose City Delicacies, LLC. Their brand, City of Roses, has five flavors at this time, four of which are All Natural and use distilled spirits from local distilleries. Click here to find out more: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/vanlaningham.html.

 

ALUMNI RECALL WILSON'S PAST

DR. LUCILLE HILL, DRAMA TEACHER
We are looking for information about Dr. Lucille Hill, Wilson drama teacher from 1957 through 1963. She directed Ramshackle Inn, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Die Fledermaus, Pinocchio, just to name a few. Classmates lost touch with her years ago. If you know anything about Dr. Hill, please contact Linda Doyle.

MY FAIR LADY
One of my best friends was Debbie Rubstein, with her wonderful voice in My Fair Lady and other productions. She's gone on to the Lord now.  Toni Piland Anderson, Class of 1969

LOWELL SLICK
Mr. Slick was the volunteer "drowning person" for our Lifeguard test in the Red Cross class. He was a GREAT ACTOR! He successfully drowned me! Toni Piland Anderson, Class of 1969

CORRECTION
Dallas Lommen '57 wanted to let us know that it's nice to hear about the accomplishments of Wilson graduates "even the whipper-snappers -- those who graduated after 1960."  But we need to set the record straight ... the first principal at Wilson was Robert E. Keuscher, not "Mr. Kreuger" as previously reported in the last newsletter.

STARTED WITH THE HATS
Jim Eisenhauer, Class of 1984 appreciates hearing about the school colors and had a few thoughts on the addition of the color orange. "It was either 1983 or 1984 and Clopton was the coach of the baseball team," states Jim. "The uniforms are used year after year but every year they buy new hats. As I understand it, Clopton just liked the color and put orange in the hats. Perhaps in '87 they bought new baseball uniforms and put orange in them also... I was long gone by then so wouldn't know. I am sure the rest is history and orange got added everywhere." Jim thinks we need the real story from Clopton :-)

RAMSHACKLE INN, 1958
Clyde Gideon, '60 found the original program for the Wilson High School production of "Ramshackle Inn" from 1958, directed by Dr. Lucille Hill. He remembers designing the program cover a part of his assignment in Art Class.  It was silk screened onto one-half of an 8x11 sheet of art stock. The program was then printed (mimeographed) onto the 4 sides of a folded 8x11 sheet of white paper and placed or stapled inside the cover. Click here to take a look at the program.

MARCHING BAND 1958
My favorite high school memory is band rehearsals. I played the bassoon in marching band. We rehearsed in the band room, of course, and played for certain school events in the auditorium.  The climax of the year came with our band marching in the Rose Festival Parade in June.  We carefully rehearsed our marching movements, turns, etc. while playing not always easy, especially with an instrument like the bassoon. Our uniforms had to be clean, pressed - white buck shoes had to be really white and not that "were once-white" look.  One rehearsal in Multnomah Stadium has stayed with me all this time; all the high school bands had gathered in the stadium to practice marching; substitute band director, Sylvester Tamiesie showed up, sporting his mop of bland/white hair.  Some said he resembled Leopold Stokowski.  Richard Ditewig, Class of 1958

 

MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES

GRAD LOOKING FOR 1972 YEARBOOK
During my many moves my yearbook has vanished! 1972 was my graduating year, so if you can part with yours, I would be happy to compensate you for it. Thanks! Scott Fenton, Class of 1972 [Scott_fenton@hotmail.com]

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE COYOTE KIND
Jesse Brown '87
was recently interviewed by KATU news and the Oregonian for capturing a wild coyote on video not far from Wilson High School: http://www.katu.com/outdoors/featured/43013872.html and http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2009/04/coping_with_neighborhood_coyot.html.

GRADUATED WITH HONORS
Broke the sex barrier in 1965 as the first girl football sportscaster over KBPS Radio, then Voice of the Portland Public Schools.  Susan Shepherd, Class of 1967

PETER PAN
Loved my years at Wilson. When I was at Capital Hill in the 8th grade, I saw Cam Kleeb '59 in the role of Peter Pan (at Wilson) & swore I would someday play the same. Would love to catch up with other classmates. Why do I still remember our school song? Thea Bernstein, Class of 1962

CLASS OF 1986
On a synchronistic journey, see ya in the funny papers.  Gordon Spath, Class of 1986

LIVING IN CALIFORNIA, PASSION FOR TRAVEL
I have lived in Los Angeles California since 1975. I recently took an early retirement from American Airlines working in various departments. I have been a Realtor for the past 6 years for Coldwell Banker in Beverly Hills. Travel is my passion and I have visited 61 countries and hope to see another 61!  Candee Sorensen, Class of 1970

NEW ALUMNI WEBSITE
What a cool idea! Thank you Linda and Jack! Any other alums in the Lake Tahoe, CA or Reno, NV area? Nancy Nordland Washburn, Class of 1973 [775-846-7888]

LETTERED IN SPORTS, STILL LIKES TO PLAY GOLF
I have lived in several different parts of the US including Vermont, Ohio, Colorado, and New Jersey after graduating from Wilson.  I have a PhD from Washington State University and taught Communications at the college level for 7 years. Then spent 37 years in the business world before retiring last October, 2008. My favorite hobby is playing golf, especially at the Oregon coast. Roy Gronquist, Class of 1963

TIME AT WILSON
My time at Wilson was wonderful. I wish everyone the best.  Brooks Houser, Class of 1980

GREAT MEMORIES
Those 4 years were the best of my young life...I have been to every reunion and will continue... Webb Goetze, Class of 1964

1980 GRAD REACHES OUT
Please feel free to contact me! Chaundra Langenegger (Miller), Class of 1980

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST LIVING IN CALIFORNIA
It's rather astonishing how quickly the years passed. Living with gratitude and refusing regret have been pivotal. Reading (especially in American Revolutionary period) and singing continue to be high priorities and, for at least the last 10 years, worship. Doug Matthews, Class of 1961

CREATIVITY CONTINUES
Currently a third year student at Montana State University in the department of film and photography. Martin Melnick, Class of 2006

COLLEGE DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
I look forward to our 30th anniversary this year. Rebecca J Kenney, PhD, Class of 1979

RETIRED BUT STILL BUSY ... PHOTO OP TOURS TO CHINA
I'd like to do Wilson again, only better. Dave McFarland, Class of 1959

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT REUNION
I would love to attend a reunion. I have missed out on the others. Kim Martin (Ann), Class of 1984

LIVING IN CALIFORNIA
I am looking forward to our 50th reunion this year.  Jerrilynn Alvara (Kimpton), Class of 1959

REDISCOVERING PORTLAND
I have spent all the years since 1962 in either California, Louisiana, or the east coast (New York and the Washington, D.C. area). I visited Portland only a few times during the period from 1962 - 2005 because my parents had moved to Seattle in 1971. But in 2005 my sisters and I decided to move Dad to Portland, to be near my sister Grace, who lives in Canby. So since 2005 I have been coming to Portland several times a year to visit Dad and Grace. I also try to get together with a few classmates during each visit and this has been fun. Please email me at gemco2@aol.com if you want to reconnect! Meg Copernoll, Class of 1962

MOTHER OF FOUR
I have been happily married for 15 years. I have 4 kids and most of my life revolves around them, of course. Love to watch football, play black jack, and spend time with my family. Sharman Steckler (Lucas), Class of 1985

ALL STATE HIGH SCHOOL GYMNAST LIVING IN HOOD RIVER
Just having fun, hope you all are too. Larry Scroggins II, Class of 1975

NEW ALUMNI WEBSITE
Great idea, look forward to communicating with old classmates. Kathleen Sutherland, Class of 1975

1962 GRAD
Moving from Lincoln City Oregon to California. Going to the sunshine. Will miss seeing lots of old friends but the great golf is worth it! Ann Elsasser (Gideon), Class of 1962

1974 GRAD
I'd enjoy hearing from friends I used to know in high school. Anna Federighi-Mockler, Class of 1974

 

IN MEMORY OF

TONY SCUITO, HILLSDALE SHOE REPAIR
According to Rick Seifert, Hillsdale News, Tony Suito opened the Hillsdale Shoe Repair in November 1954. Known as "Mister Hillsdale", Tony died April 25, 2009 at the age of 87. He was born January 15, 1922 and was raised in Portland. He entered the Army in 1943, received two Bronze Stars for heroism and two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained. He was very proud of his military service and felt the U.S. made a difference in the world for peace. On November 16, 1947, Tony married Patricia and had three children. At the Hillsdale Shoe Repair, he did repairs and modifications for stores and physicians over his 29 years. This small shop serviced hundreds of customers, custom shoes for orthopedics, riding boots, and large chain shoe stores over its 29 years under his ownership. His product was to the highest quality which was appreciated by his customers, and even children who received a complementary lollipop as they entered the shop. He was involved with Wilson High School and even provided rubber heels for a pony that was in a theater production. Tony was instrumental in starting the annual Hillsdale Customer Appreciation Breakfast which is enjoyed by hundreds. He leaves his wife, Patricia Scuito, two sons, Steve (Traci) Scuito, Ken (Diane) Scuito, a daughter Diane (Ron) Kleve; 8 Grandchildren, Troy Scuito, Andrea (Andy) Plitkins, Angela (Mike Tinker) Scuito, Ryan Kleve, David Scuito, Nick Scuito, Jacob Scuito, and Stephanie Kleve; and three great-grandchildren, Haley, Elissa, and Brandon Plitkins. There was a celebration of life for Tony on May 2, 2009, in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

DAVID TEPPOLA '59
David R. Teppola graduated from Wilson High School in 1959. He died of colon cancer on January 6, 2006 at the age of 64. David, co-founder of Laurel Ridge Winery is survived by his wife Susan, and two daughters, Kira and Maija Teppola. Susan tells us that David remembered his classmates very fondly and enjoyed "all the pranks he and others pulled and the fact that they pulled them quietly enough that he still got to be a Rose Festival Princess escort!" adds Susan.

JAMES LYNCH ... LYNCH'S MARKET
James Lynch Jr., passed away on March 24, 2009 at the age of 89. James and his family owned Lynch's Market in Hillsdale. He is survived by his wife, Bernadine; and daughters, Linda Easthope and Janet Vehring '66, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral was held on March 30, 2009, in Adams Chapel at River View Cemetery.

 

REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1959 ... 50TH REUNION ... SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2009
Plans have been finalized for our 50th reunion! Dates: September 11 and September 12, 2009. Location: Double tree-Lloyd Center, Portland. Click here to read all the details.  Any questions or input regarding the reunion can be forwarded to the committee at wilsongrad59@comcast.net. You can also contact Class Reunions at www.classicreunions.com, 503.636.3669 or toll free at 1.800.474.3669.

CLASS OF 1969 ... 40TH REUNION ... SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
The 40-year reunion of the Wilson H.S. Class of 1969 is Friday, September 11, 2009. Friday night activities will be held at the Stockpot Broiler at the Red Tail Golf Course in Beaverton starting at 7:00 pm. We would love to have teachers at the reunion. For general information about the reunion, all emails should be addressed to: wilson1969@classicreunions.com or call 503-626-3669. All details for the reunion are posted online at www.classicreunions.com.  We are also interested in inviting any who attended Wilson for only their freshmen year, then transferred to Jackson High School, graduating in '69. Jackson alumni should also use the above contact information to find out how they can attend.  Classmates can also contact Toni (Piland) Anderson '69 at tntanderson@reachone.com.

CLASS OF 1979
Friday, August 21, 2009 from 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM at the Embassy Suites - Downtown, 319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR 97204. To register, phone: (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669; Email: wilson1979@classicreunions.com; or go to Classic Reunions.

CLASS OF 1984 ... 25-YEAR REUNION
The Class of 1984 is holding their 25-year reunion on July 18 & 19, 2009. The first event will take place Saturday night (July 18), alumni only @ MacTarnahan's Taproom, 2730 NW 31st, Portland @ 6:00pm, and then on Sunday afternoon (July 19), there will be a picnic for the whole family at Gabriel Park @ noon. Cost: None, nada, absolutely nothing... There is no cost to participate other than any food and beverages you want to buy/bring!!! Questions? RSVP's are not necessary but appreciated. E-mail Julie Wallace at jwallace@wallacebooks.net.

CLASS OF 1989
Mark your calendars for our 20- year reunion! It will take place July 24, 2009 at the Governor Hotel, in Portland, from 7:00pm - Midnight. Contact: Classic Reunions www.classicreunions.com. Phone: (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669. Email: wilson1989@classicreunions.com.

CLASS OF 1999
Classmates are starting to come together for your 10-year reunion. Date: Friday, July 31, 2009 at Kell's Pub in Downtown Portland. Questions, please email Grahm Metz-Porozni or contact Classic Reunions at www.classicreunions.com or call (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669 or email at: wilson1999@classicreunions.com.

 

WAYS TO SUPPORT CURRENT STUDENT BODY
There are so many ways to reach out and support the current Wilson High School students.  You can contribute to individual programs, you can attend athletic and performing arts events, or you can volunteer to help clean up the campus in August, 2009, just to name a few.  If you would like to help our young students, please contact Erica Meyers, WHS Business Manager, at emeyers@pps.k12.or.us.

 

STAY IN TOUCH

WWHS ALUMNI - WEBSITE
Check out the WWHS Alumni website and don't forget to complete the simple online form to join the WWHS Alumni database. To help us reach as many graduates as possible, please consider adding the link to our website (http://www.wilsonalumni.com/) from your website. Pass the word along to your Wilson High School classmates about the Wilson High School Alumni website and the opportunity to register. Tell your friends.

ALUMNI COMMUNITY NETWORK - ONLINE
We've set up a new online Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni "Ning" online community network. The purpose of the WWHS Alumni Ning is for you to add stories about your time at Wilson, share what you've been doing since graduating from Wilson, and announce upcoming class reunions. Click here to learn more.

TELL US YOUR WWHS STORY
We are interested in gathering as many stories as possible from Wilson alumni. Do you have a story you would like to share from your time at Wilson? A memory of band class, football games, assemblies, typing class, wrestling matches, autoshop or home economics class, or about your time in Hillsdale. Please send the details to Linda Doyle. We will post the stories in future WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletters and on the WWHS website.

SPAM
If you are receiving the WWHS Alumni Update, please make sure to add the following email address to your address book (lsdoyle@earthlink.net). This way your internet/email provider will not view the e-newsletter as spam. Thanks! If you would like to be removed from the list, just send an email to Linda Doyle.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO REPORT?
Send the details to Linda Doyle, including your name, class year and quote about your time spent at WWHS. Do you have a story about a classmate's achievements. Send us the story and we will post it in our next WWHS Alumni e-newsletter. All you have to do is to give us the full name and graduating class of the individual along with their story. Then let us know your name and graduating class.

50TH ANNIVERSARY APPAREL
Interested in purchasing 50th Anniversary t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps? To place an order, contact Jack Bertell '58.