Alumni Class Notes
1970s
Kim Robertson ’77 has been busy organizing a Voyageurs Reunion with the help of Laurie Stusser McNeil ’78 and faculty emeritus Jean Orvis. Jean reports that she has found a VHS tape of all but two of the years the program was run (1972 – 1985), and converted it to digital so it can be played at the reunion. Jean and a group of alumni also reconstructed a complete list of alums who went on the trips. A late March event was rescheduled due to COVID-19, but we expect to have a new date in the fall. Stay tuned!
Paul Hunter
Beloved faculty emeritus Paul Hunter’s new book “Sit a Tall Horse” was published in February, and according to Paul is available from the publisher, Davila Art & Books, and also Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Abebooks. Paul says he is hoping “to have readings when the world returns from quarantine, but you can read it now.”
1980s
Alex Smith '81
Making a Life Day 2020 volunteer presenters included Alex Smith ’81, who talked about the challenges and rewards of running a small family business, and how to navigate in a shifting and dynamic economy.
The Class of 1988 is planning a belated reunion. Erik Philp has been updating everyone’s contact information, and a date will be set for sometime later this year.
1990s
Joshua Moreman ’94 reports that he and his wife are living in a remote part of Alaska. He is a paramedic and has a graphic art business as well.
Keith Wells ’98 recently appeared as part of an alumni panel for the Overlake PFSA (Parent Faculty Staff Association). He shared some humorous stories about his early days at Overlake, and how faculty and staff helped him to channel his abundant energy and become a better scholar and athlete. He currently has a law practice and multiple real estate ventures in addition to his family, which includes five children.
The Class of 1999 had an enjoyable reunion organized by Beth Randall, Anna Pepper, and Katlin Lee. The ‘99s celebrated with a campus tour and brunch (and brought 14 children) during the day, and then held a grownups only event at Art Marble 21 in South Lake Union in the evening.
2000s
Congratulations to Nick Bay ’01 and his company Your Private Africa, which was recently placed on Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialists List.
Sahar Fathi ’01 reports that she has begun her “new role as Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Policy Director. I am truly honored and humbled to be serving in this capacity, and grateful to The King County Council for all of their support as I transition jobs. Wish me luck!”
Akshay Krishnamurty '04
Akshay Krishnamurty ’04 traveled from the Bay Area where he is a Senior Research Scientist for the biotechnology firm Genentech, to participate in Making a Life Day 2020. He discussed ongoing research for curing Cancer.
Brooke Marriott '04 and Jon Nordin '00
Jon Nordin ’00 recently joined Brooke Marriott ’04 to make a joint presentation on their work in National Security for Making a Life Day 2020. Both of their sessions were packed with students eager to hear their unique perspective based on their backgrounds in counter-intelligence and military service.
The Class of 2009 had a 10th reunion in December at Bellevue Brewing Company organized by Alice Madden, Chloe Wilson Somers, and Pratik Keni. Marian Sugano, Danielle Troy, Janet Rothfels, Bill and Anna Armstrong, and Frank Grijalva were among the faculty who attended.
2010s
Kevin Birrell ’11 became the first player outside of Japan to become a Tetris Grandmaster. He was interviewed in an article in Tetris magazine.
Pat Rector '13
Pat Rector ’13 and his band RAINNE recently won a contest and played the Hollywood Bowl! Good luck with your music, Pat.
Evan Coulson ’19 recently visited campus and shared how much he is enjoying being at Harvey Mudd, where he is studying Computer Science.
Hakan Gem '10 and Christian Fulghum '77
Hakan Gem ’10 wants to extend a big thank you to the (OAC) Overlake Athletic Club, Athletic Director John Wiley ’83, and all of the members of the Overlake community who attended Coaches vs. Cancer in January, where they contributed over $3,000 to LiveSmyle, the cancer education and patient advocacy non-profit he founded to honor his late mother Tulay. Alums Becky Gold ‘11 and Eric Juhos ‘10 are also on board helping out.
Jaquelin Nordhoff ’19 is enjoying Williams College, where she has been playing as a midfielder for the Women’s Soccer Team.
We had a wonderful turnout for Grads Return 2020, with alums from 2013 – 2019 returning to campus to share their college experience with Upper School students. Participating alums included Kiyaan Jiwani ’13, Will Spencer ’14, Ian McPherson ’15, Sana Moazzam ’16, Diana Avram ’16, Teya Hisel ’18, Devika Chipalkatti ’18, Jessica Northey ’18, Maria Russinovich ’18, Luke Brezak ’18, Tara Mehra ’19, Sam Hirsch ’19, Jenny Stolarczuk ’19, John Bush ’19, Evan Coulson ’19, and Renee Austin ’19, among others.
Transitions
Bob Bristol, beloved coach and faculty member for over 30 years has announced that he is retiring at the end of this school year! If you have a favorite memory from a team Bob coached, a class Bob taught, were one of his advisees, or would just like to say thank you, please write to: alumni@overlake.org