Laura Magistro Wells ('93):
Last night (April '00), Talley and I had tickets to hear Aretha Franklin sing at the House of Blues. We got there and found out that sadly she had canceled at the last minute to fly back to Detroit, but her band was playing for free. (She'll be back on June 9th to use our tickets). We decided to hang out and hear the band and they were amazing. They had a 17 person band with various brass instruments, several vocalists, guitarists and keyboards. They rocked the house. THEN, they started taking requests and people were asking for various Aretha songs. They didn't have a female soloist, so they let several people from the audience come up and sing. This woman sang two songs and she rocked the house. I was dying to get up there and sing, and my sweet hubby put the request on a napkin, but then they said "Last song". Fortunately for me and unfortunately for the rest of the audience, the last song was a guy from the audience who MUTILATED respect. He was basically talking, not singing. So, I inched up to the stage and was motioning to the keyboard player to please allow one more song. To make a long story longer, I sang "Baby, I Love You" with Aretha's rocking band!! I was thanking Out of the Blue and Liz Ford up and down because I would have been way too nervous to do it if I hadn't had the practice of singing it to Talley at our wedding reception. I wasn't even as nervous as I was at the wedding--I just had so much fun and couldn't believe that I was actually up there. I wish we could've gotten a picture, but they don't allow cameras in there. So, I just have an incredible memory of it!!

Debbie Wellner Heinrich ('91):
On June 6, 2000, Quincy Edward Heinrich was born. After a little under 5 hours of labor, he was born at our home (in the livingroom) at 5:45am. He weighs 8 pounds 9 ounces and is 21 inches long. He has lots of black fuzzy hair and looks much like Olivia did when she was a newborn. He is a very healthy, round little guy and seems to have Russell's laid back personality (interpret as...sleeps a lot). Mommy, Papa, and Olivia are doing great. Olivia slept through the whole labor and delivery.

Laura Barkman Smith ('90):
Laura, Todd, and Evan are thrilled to announce the addition of a new baby brother to our family: Benjamin Robert. He was born on May 30 at 3:29 AM, weighing 7 lbs 13 oz and measuring 20.5 inches. We came home today and everyone is doing great!

Leslie Masten ('92):
Most of you should know by now that I am headed back into academia (and debt) this fall.  I am moving to UVa to go to business school next week.  Official move-in date is 8/1, so my Nashville phone # will work until early Monday morning 7/31, then you'll have to try and catch me in Virginia. 
I've been slacking off for the last week since I finished up at work, and don't have any real commitments in C'Ville until the 17th, so if anyone wants to help me kill some time (between reading all the stuff they want me to do before classes start and trying to get settled in without spending any money), give me a call.  I must say I'm looking forward to being a wahoo, considering all of the fond memories of Uva from undergrad (sigh).  I'm also looking forward to being closer to the beach and only 1/2 hour from Wintergreen.  Unfortunately, I'll be walking uphill in the snow to class.  I suppose it'll be good for me.  My dog, Duke, gets to come along, and I think he's looking forward to having me around more than when I'm working ...

Meghan O'Connell Mahoney ('90):
As you may know, I have recently left my job at Harvard Business School to join the Human Resources department at Wellington Management Company, an investment management firm here in Boston.  In many ways, this move takes me back to my financial services roots (hello to my JP Morgan & NYU colleagues!).  But, in others, it is quite a new adventure.  My role is as a HR Relationship Manager (aka "generalist"), working with a number of business units within Wellington on their HR needs - everything from staffing, compensation, benefits, employee relations issues.  I am being exposed to areas beyond my recruiting experience and have learned a great deal in my 3 week tenure.  I do miss a number of things about HBS - my friends and colleagues, the casual dress (I can't believe I'm back to suits and wearing hose in the summer - no business casual here!), and the comfort I had in knowing what I was doing.  I'm definitely on a steep learning curve, but I'm excited by the opportunity to expand and grow my knowledge in the HR field. 
All else is well in the Mahoney household.  Life centers around Eamon who is now just about 15 months old.  He's walking and talking and learning new things every day.  He eats with a spoon and drinks from a straw, loves to use our keys to open doors, tries frequently to put his (and our) shoes on his feet, "ooohs and aaahs" over every airplane, motorcycle, and bus that he hears/sees, and is just beginning to learn how much fun it is to say "no". The little things are such great accomplishments.  He's truly our greatest gift!
Marty continues to work hard as a Labor and Employment Attorney with a great firm that he is enjoying more than his first.  Marty just finished his summer season with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, a selective chorus that performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  Their performances are out in western Massachusetts at a beautiful location and we've enjoyed our visits there to see him perform.

Carol Cracciolo Laub ('85), written by Rick Laub:
Carol is a PhD child/clinical psychologist in a group practice seeing kids in the context of the family. We have two children, Emily 5 and Thomas 2.5. Our cat Sheena that we had in Durham is still with us and is none the worse for wear. Carol has been singing in the church choir and is on hiatus from a the Lange Choral Ensemble - a mixed group of about 22 that feature some of the community's best vocalists. She misses OOTB and the close harmony - but does not necessarily miss the Pitchpiping. We saw Julie Kimball when we were down for the 'Forks 20th and even sang together a number of selections from our little group that we formed called Musica Viva. We happened to have six of us back at the same time. Julie has a girl named Ann who is almost 2. She works for CIIT - a chemical industry consortium research organization where she is a PhD scientist working on modeling the airflow through a rat's nose.

Lori Wagner Daigle ('91):
Just a quick update from DALLAS!  Today is my last day of school - tomorrow is officially summer!  I think teachers are more excited about this than the kids ever are!
Anyway - I'll be off line until August (we start back August 3rd - can you believe that?!)
I just wanted to say happy summer - and I can't wait for the reunion - do we have dates yet? - and that I think House Blend is GREAT! 
Also - my husband JP has decided on a career change - he has resigned his teaching job and will start a job as a cook at the end of May.  We will stay in Dallas for another year, and then we will probably move so that he can go to culinary school.  EXCITING!  The best schools are not in Dallas, so we are checking out the CIA in New York, and schools in Vermont, Rhode Island, South Carolina and of course California! 
Have a great summer - and I hope to see everyone in the fall at our 20th!

Angela Howell Winter ('92):
Recently, I made my escape from Atlanta and moved back to the Triangle area. I'm now living in Carrboro, a.k.a. "The Paris of the Piedmont." :-) I'm planning to start massage therapy school at the Body Therapy Institute in April 2001; I can't wait to get started! During my training, I'll need warm bodies who would like a free massage -- 3 per week. So if you live in or visit the Triangle, please give me a call...I'll be happy to work you in.

Janice Huggins Hepburn ('92):
Hello! -- We have a new arrival -- little Michael Sidney Hepburn was born on August 21. He was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long. We are all doing well, and we're all realizing that it takes more than 1 full time adult to figure out the little 8 pounder! He has really long toes and fingers, so we're already counting on a basketball scholarship for college -- Matt'll teach him all his best moves : ).

Liz Ford ('91):
Hi everyone! I'm heading to the heat of Miami, Florida, and I'm very excited about the opportunities for me there. To make a long story sort of short, I'm transferring to the University of Miami School of Music to finish my certification in Music Ed and my Masters (eventually) and am interviewing with the school system there (which conveniently is in need of music teachers). It's also a much better place to teach scuba than Ohio (go figure) and I can dive for myself more often. I'm going to miss everyone here, especially my running friends, but all in all, it will be a good move for me.
All of you are welcome to come visit if you want to play at the beach!

Betsy Sabatini Coyne ('87):
On Jan. 26th at 10:53 am, Mike and I welcomed our newest addition to our family, Sean Lawrence. He is a beautiful boy, very Irish-looking (fair skin, reddish-blonde hair). Sean weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz. at birth and measured 22 1/4 inches!!! His older brother Liam Patrick, is handling the invasion of his kingdom fairly well. There are days that Sean gets poked by big brother for falling asleep and then there are the moments when Sean gets a lullabye sung to him by big brother!
I am working part-time as a self-employed technology consultant. I have built up a client base in the past 4 years and that has been from all word-of-mouth! I am teaching people how to use Windows-based applications and setting up new computers in homes and schools. It enables me to make my own schedule and be home with the kids when necessary.
The only singing that I do is in the car, at church and to my children when they are trying to fall asleep. I miss the harmony of an a cappella group!
Can't wait until homecoming or reunion.

Tara Woolfolk ('87):
As I write this I am working on my Ph.D. in Family Studies at the University of Delaware, having finished my M.S. in the same department last fall (1998). Finishing my coursework and preparing for qualifying exams in fall 1999 doesn't leave much room for anything else, so i guess my dream of starting an acapella group will have to wait a little while longer... along with a whole lot of other things I miss having time to do! (ha) It's good to know that Out of the Blue is still going strong. I've never forgotten the music or the friendships we made together, nor have I found any musical niche quite so right for me.... but I'm not ready to give up looking just yet!

Carolyn King ('97):
Three addresses in one year!  I just moved in with my so (er...tougher than I thought!), got a new job - studying HIV at the Gladstone Institute and finally (FOR REAL THIS TIME :) ) plan to apply to public health programs in infectious disease this fall.  Hope everyone's doing great.

Cathy Brawner ('84):
I joined the group in its first year by auditioning for Elisa Buono, Harriet Cann and I think M. E. Sherk.  It was a great time singing for my four years at Duke.  I am now an independent consultant in educational evaluation after spending 7 years working for AT&T in various sales and marketing positions.  I got a PhD in educational research and policy analysis from NC State in 1996 (I always root for Duke in head to head competitions) and have been back in the Triangle area for more than 8 years.  I keep up with my singing side as a member and former president of Raleigh Oratorio Society, a 150 voice chorus that sings great classical works in greater Raleigh and with the North Carolina Symphony's Raleigh Classical Series.

Katie Leiva Shriver ('89):
Life in paradise is still wonderful - even with a full time job. I am an Academic Counselor at the University of Phoenix - Hawaii campus.  Jack and I recently put our diving certification to good use in a trip to Kauai. We saw turtles, monk seals, and tons of amazing fish, corals and lava formations! I have continued to be in community theater shows (just finished 42nd Street) and I will audition for a band soon. Just can't stop singing!

Keira McGovern ('97):
Just got engaged to Christopher Scott Smith, Duke '95. Will get married May '99. Am living in Arlington, VA, working for Andersen Consulting in Washington, DC. I am very happy!

Emily Miller ('94):
The news is that I'm moving back to Atlanta for the 3rd time in 5 years. Yes, hard to believe but true. I'm a sucker for a U'Haul. I'm going to law school at Emory as one of their Woodruff Scholars (Coke is it - they actually call it the "nectar" over there). So I'm excited to begin an endeavor that will no doubt be challenging and rewarding.

Lora Fassett Mason ('84):
I've been meaning to check out this web site for several months since I first received my first OOTB Alumnae newsletter. Thanks to all of you who banded together to do this. I am writing at this point to correct the spelling of my name in the "official" records: it's Lora Fassett Mason. I graduated in 1985, but I think I left OOTB the year before. Now I'm a mom of 2-1/2 year old daughter Darby, spouse of Parker Mason (Duke '83 and '87), and part-time health care consultant. We live in Seattle. I wanted to send hellos to Elisa and Lauren Buono, Brooke Caldwell Sundstrom, and Lisa Bard (I'm not remembering married names in some cases).
Lastly, I'm hoping to get the words to "Snap, Crackle, Pop..." Can anyone help me??!! Thanks.

Ann Pickett Perko ('87):
I graduated from UNC Law School in 1990 and moved to Tallahassee where my husband and I both practice law. I work at Florida Legal Services, concentrating on family law. I do legislative and policy advocacy for the poor and domestic violence victims. I work part time so I can spend more time with my great kids. I am currently taking voice with Carla Connors, a terrific opera singer, doing mostly classical stuff. I enjoy learning the languages. Thanks for providing this opportunity to catch up with other OOTB alums. I saw Betsy Sabatini Coyne at our 10th year Duke Reunion in September. It was great. I have also been fortunate enough to get to know Karen Peterson, an '82 alum who I didn't know at Duke, but worked with my husband at his firm.

Laura Hinely Crossman ('90):
Dave and I moved to Indiana (really) this summer after he finished his MBA at Vanderbilt. We had every intention of moving to California, but unfortunately the job opportunity he fell in love with was here! Actually we're enjoying it very much so far. Columbus is fairly small, but it is not too far from Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati if we need some excitement. We bought a house (one of the bonuses of Indiana vs. California), which has been really nice. In September we added to the family - a Golden Retriever puppy named Baxter. He's very spoiled, but actually pretty well behaved for a puppy. Dave loves his new job, and I am thoroughly enjoying an extended vacation after supporting him for two years!

Elizabeth Hudson Willingham ('84):
I am living in lovely Charlottesville, VA, where I am co-owner of a small publishing company. I have worked in publishing ever since graduating (in the Twin Cities and Boston) and am thrilled to have my own business in such a pleasant place to live. I recently started singing with a small chorus, which has brought back fond memories of OOTB. I have a 7-year-old daughter named Rebecca, who shares my love of music.

Madeleine Vala ('95):
I'm a Ph.D. student in English at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I've met an astonishing number of Dukies here! It's hard to get back to studying after one and 1/2 years abroad. Grad school is humbling, but I like the challenge.

Carri West Berenson:
Received Masters at Georgetown University. Now working at the Center for Democracy in DC. European Program Director - travel to Europe and Russia. Married 5/10/97 to Doug Berenson.

Jenna Giffels ('96):
I am currently director of HR for 3 subsidiaries of Delmarva Power. I live at the beach with my best friend and enjoy running on the boardwalk every night.

Amy Dickinson:
I am working for family banking business (Dickinson Financial Corporation) in Kansas City, after leaving private practice with the Bryan Care law firm for 3 years. (engaged to Paul Holewinski)

Harriet Cann Connolly ('83):
I am living in Savannah, GA and am currently embarking on a new career - studying to become a licensed Real Estate Agent. I am also currently busy playing tennis (year-round) on various teams and working part-time at the Telfair Museum of Art here in town. I am helping the financial officer with bookkeeping, etc.)

Joanne Marlin ('96):
Currently, I work in our Equity Sales office of Cantor Fitzgerald. I "buy & sell" stocks for big institutions. I have big aspirations of going back to school for elem. education, though. I am finding that the business world is way too harsh for me. (PS: I date a VG – pretty funny, eh?)

Kristin Droege ('86):
I completed my Ph.D. in Education at UCLA in '94. I am now an Instructor in Child Development in Victor Valley College.

Debbie Gardner Leibold ('91):
My husband and son, Nicholas, are doing great.  Greg works really long hours at a law firm and isn't home much, so when he is I try to be here too (weekends especially).  Nick is 16 months old and is starting to talk a little bit.  He loves music and starts dancing whenever he hears it.  Maybe a future Pitchfork?  Virginia Gentleman?  Who knows.  I have started a home-based business selling Discovery Toys which are educational toys, books, games, and software for infants through middle schoolers.  It keeps me very busy, and allows me to stay home with Nick.  The products are outstanding--Nick loves having all of my samples to play with.  If you ever need any baby gifts, holiday gifts, etc. let me know and I'll send you a catalog! 

Jean Worthington Cross ('89):
I am currently home full time with my 6mo. old son and am really enjoying it. By the time Tommy is 3, I would like to return to my career as a Montessori school teacher. However, by then we will probably want child #2, so who knows when I'll get back to teaching! I miss it.

Elisa Buono Glazer ('83):
I'm a happily working mom with 2 kids (4 & 8mo.), married to an attorney (Kenneth) who travels the globe and shares my love of music. My work is fundraising, PR, writing, and some strategic planning for cultural institutions and corporations that fund art and education programs. Big clients now: Ovation (a new cable network devoted to the fine arts) and The High Museum of Art.