1971 - 35th reunion

How different the conversation was when 23 members of the Class of ’71 gathered at the Quinnipiack Club for their class dinner than it had been 30 years ago, when they met for their fifth reunion. At that time the talk was of residencies and fellowships being completed and careers and families being started. At this reunion the talk was of careers winding down, children’s accomplishments, grandchildren and plans for retirement, as well as of three members who died over the past five years. Irv Raphael, who served as master of ceremonies, remembered Robert Mackey, Jerry Haber and Richard Helgerson with a moment of shared silence before moving into a round of self-deprecatory humor and remarks. David Lippman did a wonderful job arranging the dinner and bringing Yale Med ’71 treats.

Privately, Irv mentioned how proud he was that his son is following him into orthopaedics. Expected, not attending and missed was retired Barbara Kinder, whose daughter Caitlin was part of the 2006 United States women’s Olympic ice hockey team. Steve Moffic, who has been honored by the American Psychiatric Association for his work in ethics, has a son close to ordination as a rabbi. While John Foster Jr. was the first of the attendees to retire, he’d been preceded by Barbara and Doug Schmidt. Al Weihl spoke eagerly of splitting his time between Hawaii and Colorado once he retires. Richard Moggio has left cardiac surgery and now does corporate health care work. He also takes off for Ireland to golf when he can.

Others continue to balance work, family and avocation. Stuart Kleeman practices pediatrics, enjoys Zachery, his new grandson, and builds miniatures. Fred Cohn practices ob/gyn and enjoys his family, with kids ranging in age from 9 to 27.Sherry Loo and Wally Matthews Jr. traveled from Hawaii for the reunion and a family Harvard graduation. William Krinsky, our class entomologist, attended with his new wife, Suzanne. Sten Lofgren came with his partner, Sally Lopez. Lenny Eisenfeld described the painful years after the loss of his son and noted that now, following the birth of two grandsons, “our family numbers are again going in the right direction.” Barry Perlman, coerced into writing this report, has recently completed 25 years as director of psychiatry at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers. He has served as president of the New York State Psychiatric Association and as chair of the New York State Mental Health Services Council. He delights in having his children living nearby on the Upper West Side of NYC.

Barry B. Perlman