ccalumnipage

CC classics graduates are interested in expanding their horizons and using knowledge from many sources to achieve happy and productive lives. We recently e-mailed a number of graduates to ask about their lives since CC, and present some of the responses below. If you'd like to add your news, write to Trish or Owen.

Diane Rayor, 1980

Diane is a professor of Classics in the Classics Department that she helped start at Grand Valley State University in Allendale MI. She has published translations of ancient Greek poetry, including "Sappho's Lyre (1991) and "The Homeric Hymns" (2004). Her husband, David Hast (CC '79), is an English teacher at Jenison High School. They have a brilliant, mathematically-inclined son, Daniel, who helps with her translation.

Gretchen Bloom Lockwood, 1982

Gretchen is the author of the "Veterinary Hippocratic Oath" and after working as a veterinarian for 16 years, is now enjoying the literary milieu at Borders, working as a bookseller, and volunteering at the local library. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, and hiking.

Margi Duran, 1983

Currently a member of New Life Health Partners in San Diego, Margi has worked as a massage therapist, herbalist, and acupuncturist since 1988. Her expertise and interests lie in traditional Chinese medicine and she is a tai chi and qi gong practitioner.

Joel Barstad, 1983

After earning his PhD at the University of Notre Dame in 1998, Joel now serves as the Theology Cycle Program Director at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.

Avivah Matranga Polmer, 1984

As a self-employed reading specialist and private tutor, Avivah is deeply involved in the Colorado Springs education community, especially as an advocate for children with learning disabilities.

Braxton Copley, 1985

Braxton received his JD at the University of Kansas in 1991 and now serves as an Assistant City Attorney in Topeka.

Mary Able, 1986

After working as a paralegal for 11 years, Mary now practices massage therapy, acupuncture, and Trager bodywork in Lakewood, CO.

James Biron, 1989

Jimi is the Director of Music Programming and Venue Development for McMenamins Inc. and enjoys bicycling, skiing, soccer, and the great outdoors of the Portland area.

Andrea Nixon, 1989

With her MA from George Washington University and her PhD from the University of Minnesota, Andrea is the Director of Curricular and Research Support at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Her hobbies include cooking, exercise, and international travel.

Carolyn Schwartz Carroll, 1990

After working for many years in the marketing/PR arena for symphony orchestras in a number of major cities, Carolyn now works as a Registered Nurse in a Colorado Springs hospital ICU. She lives a very active life as a flamenco dancer, white water rafter, and scuba diver! She also admits to being a closet archaeologist.

Catherine Zimmerman Magruder, 1990

Catherine received her JD from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1994 and is currently working toward her MLS (Master of Library Science) at Texas Woman's University.

Christina Clarkson Craiutu, 1991

Christina received her MA from the University of North Carolina in 1997 and is currently studying at home in the Indiana University Modern Greek Studies Program, while considering doctoral programs in Greek.

James Broderick-King, 1991

Having earned his MA in Classics at the University of Colorado in 1994, Jim is working as a high school Latin teacher in Aurora, CO.

Peter Padilla, 1992

After graduating, Peter worked in the State Legislature for two years, followed by two more years working in higher education non-profit administration. Since then, he has been employed in the telecommunications industry. He is currently working toward a master's degree in Computer Information Technology at Regis University. He also sings in a chamber chorus, "Sine Nomine." In his own words: "I read nearly as much now as I did in my undergraduate education, usually balancing five or six books. I also spend a great deal of time with a close circle of good friends and traveling to visit other friends. I strongly believe that the value of my classics degree is in the ability to read that which is obscure and relate it to the tasks at hand. I think that undergraduate education is about the learning process itself, as much as the subject matter. By choosing to study something which is fascinating to you (for me, the Hellenistics), you are driven to learn, comprehend, and communicate more than you would if the subject were boring or frightening (for me, physics). Choosing something interesting to study in college plants the seed for a lifetime of learning."

Andrew Wiesner, 1994

Andy earned his MA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998 and is currently employed as the Managing Director of the Orient Property Group Ltd.

Jill Sprafke, 1994

Currently working as a ranch manager and riding instructor in Sedalia, CO, Jill is working toward her MA in Early Childhood Special Education at Regis University.

Doug Casson, 1994

Doug received his PhD in Political Science from Duke University in 2004 and is now an Assistant Professor of Political Science at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Scott Craig, 1995

Since graduation, Scott has worked in the computer software industry and is currently employed as the Release Manager for Perceptive Software, Inc. in Shawnee, KS.

Betsey Russell Reed, 1995

Betsey is currently a stay-at-home mom in Plano, TX, completing a Teaching Certification Program and hoping to be employed for the 2008-2009 school year.

Benjamin Day, 1997

Ben works as a Brokers Associate for Shields Real Estate in Colorado Springs.

Daniel Thiem, 1999

Dan received his MBA from the University of Otago in 2006 and is the Special Project Advisor for PlaceMakers Wanaka in New Zealand.

James Killpack, 1999

After receiving his MSA from the University of North Carolina in 2005, Jamie is now the Audit Senior Associate for KPMG in Portland, Oregon.

Catherine Mougalian, 2000

Catt attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where she earned her TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She works now as an ESL instructor at Cuesta Community College and Alan Hancock College in California.

Cassandra Mercer , 2000

Cassi earned her MA in Classics at the University of Colorado in 2004 and is currently working as the GEAR UP Outreach Specialist for Wenatchee Valley College and Orchard Middle School in Wenatchee, WA.

Darcie Hutchison, 2001

After receiving her MA in Classics from Boston University in 2006, Darcie now works as a Latin instructor at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, WI.

Molly Mayfield Barbee, 2001

Molly earned her MDIV from Harvard Divinity School in 2004 and is currently living in Khartoum, Sudan, working as the Assistant Director for Development for Peace X Peace. In her own words: "My love of languages was just budding at CC, and . . . it continues to grow. . . . Spending time in the CC Classics department was how I first learned that languages are an especially good

'way in' to understanding a culture. I now wonder if learning languages might actually be a 'way in' to understanding more than just cultural perspectives, but personal ones as well. I'm planning to do some work in psychology . . . (eventually) and hope to follow this theory/question about languages up in the
practice of counseling."

Christian Donath, 2002

Kip is currently a doctoral student in Political Science at the University of California, San Diego.

Kirk Mortensen, 2003

Kirk is the Individual Giving Manager for TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, California.

Heather Perlberg, 2005

After graduation, Heather worked as an English teacher in Prague and Japan, and is now a reporter for the Dundalk Eagle Newspaper and What's Happening Magazine in Baltimore, MD.

Ben Miele, 2006

Ben is a Latin teacher at Langley High School in McLean, VA.

Kimberly Shephard, 2006

Kim is currently working as a Study Abroad Advisor in the Study Abroad Office here at CC, but will be pursuing her PhD in Medieval History at the University of Southern California in Fall of 2008.

Laura Morgan, 2006

Laura is working as an EMT in Forks, WA, and planning to enter the MD program in Seattle.

Sami Adler, 2007

Sami is currently enrolled in CC's MAT program and student teaching Latin at Liberty High School.

Holly Millard, 2007

After receiving her Police Academy Certification, Holly is serving as a Police Officer for the city of St. Francis, WI.

* The Colorado College Alumni posted here are not necessarily majors in Classics. This group includes CHP majors, Classics minors, or majors from other fields with a substantial interest in Classics.

Diane Rayor, 1980 Diane is a professor of Classics in the Classics Department that she helped start at Grand Valley State University in Allendale MI. She has published translations of ancient Greek poetry, including "Sappho's Lyre (1991) and "The Homeric Hymns" (2004). Her husband, David Hast (CC '79), is an English teacher at Jenison High School. They have a brilliant, mathematically-inclined son, Daniel, who helps with her translation.	Gretchen Bloom Lockwood, 1982 Gretchen is the author of the "Veterinary Hippocratic Oath" and after working as a veterinarian for 16 years, is now enjoying the literary milieu at Borders, working as a bookseller, and volunteering at the local library. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, and hiking.
Margi Duran, 1983 Currently a member of New Life Health Partners in San Diego, Margi has worked as a massage therapist, herbalist, and acupuncturist since 1988. Her expertise and interests lie in traditional Chinese medicine and she is a tai chi and qi gong practitioner.	Joel Barstad, 1983 After earning his PhD at the University of Notre Dame in 1998, Joel now serves as the Theology Cycle Program Director at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.
Avivah Matranga Polmer, 1984 As a self-employed reading specialist and private tutor, Avivah is deeply involved in the Colorado Springs education community, especially as an advocate for children with learning disabilities.	Braxton Copley, 1985 Braxton received his JD at the University of Kansas in 1991 and now serves as an Assistant City Attorney in Topeka.
Mary Able, 1986 After working as a paralegal for 11 years, Mary now practices massage therapy, acupuncture, and Trager bodywork in Lakewood, CO.	James Biron, 1989 Jimi is the Director of Music Programming and Venue Development for McMenamins Inc. and enjoys bicycling, skiing, soccer, and the great outdoors of the Portland area.
Andrea Nixon, 1989 With her MA from George Washington University and her PhD from the University of Minnesota, Andrea is the Director of Curricular and Research Support at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Her hobbies include cooking, exercise, and international travel.	Carolyn Schwartz Carroll, 1990 After working for many years in the marketing/PR arena for symphony orchestras in a number of major cities, Carolyn now works as a Registered Nurse in a Colorado Springs hospital ICU. She lives a very active life as a flamenco dancer, white water rafter, and scuba diver! She also admits to being a closet archaeologist.
Catherine Zimmerman Magruder, 1990 Catherine received her JD from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1994 and is currently working toward her MLS (Master of Library Science) at Texas Woman's University.	Christina Clarkson Craiutu, 1991 Christina received her MA from the University of North Carolina in 1997 and is currently studying at home in the Indiana University Modern Greek Studies Program, while considering doctoral programs in Greek.
James Broderick-King, 1991 Having earned his MA in Classics at the University of Colorado in 1994, Jim is working as a high school Latin teacher in Aurora, CO.	Peter Padilla, 1992 After graduating, Peter worked in the State Legislature for two years, followed by two more years working in higher education non-profit administration. Since then, he has been employed in the telecommunications industry. He is currently working toward a master's degree in Computer Information Technology at Regis University. He also sings in a chamber chorus, "Sine Nomine." In his own words: "I read nearly as much now as I did in my undergraduate education, usually balancing five or six books. I also spend a great deal of time with a close circle of good friends and traveling to visit other friends. I strongly believe that the value of my classics degree is in the ability to read that which is obscure and relate it to the tasks at hand. I think that undergraduate education is about the learning process itself, as much as the subject matter. By choosing to study something which is fascinating to you (for me, the Hellenistics), you are driven to learn, comprehend, and communicate more than you would if the subject were boring or frightening (for me, physics). Choosing something interesting to study in college plants the seed for a lifetime of learning."
Andrew Wiesner, 1994 Andy earned his MA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998 and is currently employed as the Managing Director of the Orient Property Group Ltd.	Jill Sprafke, 1994 Currently working as a ranch manager and riding instructor in Sedalia, CO, Jill is working toward her MA in Early Childhood Special Education at Regis University.
Doug Casson, 1994 Doug received his PhD in Political Science from Duke University in 2004 and is now an Assistant Professor of Political Science at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.	Scott Craig, 1995 Since graduation, Scott has worked in the computer software industry and is currently employed as the Release Manager for Perceptive Software, Inc. in Shawnee, KS.
Betsey Russell Reed, 1995 Betsey is currently a stay-at-home mom in Plano, TX, completing a Teaching Certification Program and hoping to be employed for the 2008-2009 school year.	Benjamin Day, 1997 Ben works as a Brokers Associate for Shields Real Estate in Colorado Springs.
Daniel Thiem, 1999 Dan received his MBA from the University of Otago in 2006 and is the Special Project Advisor for PlaceMakers Wanaka in New Zealand.	James Killpack, 1999 After receiving his MSA from the University of North Carolina in 2005, Jamie is now the Audit Senior Associate for KPMG in Portland, Oregon.
Catherine Mougalian, 2000 Catt attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where she earned her TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She works now as an ESL instructor at Cuesta Community College and Alan Hancock College in California.	Cassandra Mercer , 2000 Cassi earned her MA in Classics at the University of Colorado in 2004 and is currently working as the GEAR UP Outreach Specialist for Wenatchee Valley College and Orchard Middle School in Wenatchee, WA.
Darcie Hutchison, 2001 After receiving her MA in Classics from Boston University in 2006, Darcie now works as a Latin instructor at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, WI.	Molly Mayfield Barbee, 2001 Molly earned her MDIV from Harvard Divinity School in 2004 and is currently living in Khartoum, Sudan, working as the Assistant Director for Development for Peace X Peace. In her own words: "My love of languages was just budding at CC, and . . . it continues to grow. . . . Spending time in the CC Classics department was how I first learned that languages are an especially good 'way in' to understanding a culture. I now wonder if learning languages might actually be a 'way in' to understanding more than just cultural perspectives, but personal ones as well. I'm planning to do some work in psychology . . . (eventually) and hope to follow this theory/question about languages up in the practice of counseling."
Christian Donath, 2002 Kip is currently a doctoral student in Political Science at the University of California, San Diego.	Kirk Mortensen, 2003 Kirk is the Individual Giving Manager for TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, California.
Heather Perlberg, 2005 After graduation, Heather worked as an English teacher in Prague and Japan, and is now a reporter for the Dundalk Eagle Newspaper and What's Happening Magazine in Baltimore, MD.	Ben Miele, 2006 Ben is a Latin teacher at Langley High School in McLean, VA.
Kimberly Shephard, 2006 Kim is currently working as a Study Abroad Advisor in the Study Abroad Office here at CC, but will be pursuing her PhD in Medieval History at the University of Southern California in Fall of 2008.	Laura Morgan, 2006 Laura is working as an EMT in Forks, WA, and planning to enter the MD program in Seattle.
Sami Adler, 2007 Sami is currently enrolled in CC's MAT program and student teaching Latin at Liberty High School.	Holly Millard, 2007 After receiving her Police Academy Certification, Holly is serving as a Police Officer for the city of St. Francis, WI.