Alumni, we want to hear what you've been doing. Mail career, wedding, child, and death news to Class Notes, Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Holtzman Alumni Center, 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061; email the information to classnotes@vt.edu; or submit online at vtmag.vt.edu/submit-classnote.php, where photos may also be uploaded for consideration. For assistance, call 540-231-6285.

1959

  • Richard L. Leary, Springfield, Ill., published a novel, “Mary Magdalene: A Woman with a Mission,” a fictional biography of Mary Magdalene, describing her life from childhood to her missionary activity.
  • Donald D. Sowder, Roanoke, Va., published an autobiographical book, “If You Think You Can, You Can.” 

1968

  • James A. Casada, Rock Hill, S.C., has published several books including: “A Smoky Mountain Boyhood: Musings, Memories, and More” in 2020, “Fishing for Chickens: A Smokies Food Memoir” in 2022, “Lords of the Veldt and Vlei: Africa’s Pioneer Hunters” in 2023, “Venison Cookbook: From Field to Table” in 2023, and with co-author Tipper Pressley, “Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food: Recipes & Stories from Mountain Kitchens” in 2023.

1969

  • Mary Anne Marshall Richey M.Ed.’70, Hobe Sound, Fla., published a second edition of “Raising Girls with ADHD—Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Daughters.”

1987

  • Susan Compton Pilato, Norfolk, Va., is the founder of two businesses, PC&A Business Environments and Mantra Inspired Furniture. Mantra Inspired Furniture, which focuses on sustainability using American hardwoods and manufacturing, recently won multiple Best of NeoCon Awards, including a Business Impact Award for its Unity Table Collection.

1992

  • Kevin R. Mitchell, Clackamas, Ore., has made a PDF book of poetry and artwork, which is available at no cost.

1999

  • Joseph C. Dalton, Caldwell, Idaho, professor and Extension dairy specialist at the University of Idaho, received the 2024 DeLaval Dairy Extension Award, which is presented by the American Dairy Science Association for outstanding achievement in dairy extension. Dalton’s work focuses on factors important to increasing dairy cattle fertility.

2003

  • Children: Arun M. Dotson, Herndon, Va., a daughter, 6/4/24.

2005

  • Paul J. Sweetman, Dublin, Ireland, was appointed CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
  • Shomir J. Wilson, State College, Pa., received tenure and promotion to associate professor at the Pennsylvania State University.
  • Children: Shomir J.Wilson and Elizabeth J. Traut ’08, State College, Pa., a son, 12/23.

2008

  • Elizabeth J. Traut, State College, Pa., is the technology manager for electric vehicle charging analysis at the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

2013

  • Wedding: Allison W. Jones-Thompson, Street, Md., and Grant Thompson, 1/6/24.

2015

  • Children: Lindsay A. Stewart Deely, Fairfax, Va., and Colin Deely a daughter, 01/24.

2018

  • Rachel F. Anderson, Newnan, Ga., former television reporter, joined Priority Marketing as a public relations specialist.

2019

  • Wedding: Leah Schwartz, M.A.Ed. ’20, and Stephen Russell ’20, Richmond, Va. 5/4/24.

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