Class Notes
60s
Richard Herman ’60, a retired Air Force officer, has published his 18th novel titled “Discovery Road.” Set on Route 66, it’s a tale of suspense, redemption, and unexpected family along America’s most iconic highway. During his career, he served two tours in Southeast Asia, logging more than 240 combat missions.
Diane Dreher ’68, professor emeritus and associate director of the Institute of Applied Spirituality at Santa Clara University, has authored “Pathway to Inner Peace.” The winner of a 2026 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, it offers strategies rooted in spiritual tradition to overcome chronic stress.
70s
James Bird ’70 has retired after a 30-year career at the University of Maine as a science librarian and director of the Orono Bog Boardwalk. He continues to volunteer at the boardwalk and is a co-editor of the book “The Bog Walker’s Companion.”
Michael Price ’74, a retired area superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District, has co-authored “Taking the Mystery out of California School Finance,” a guide for understanding the complex system used to generate revenue for California’s public schools.
James Houts ’76, a chemist, investor, and writer whose novels include “Spirit of Error,” “Carnival of Cannibals,” and “Quality of Quantity,” is working on his next novel, “Seasons of Secrets,” a global adventure that takes place during the last days of World War II.
Martin Pasqualetti, Ph.D. ’77, a professor of geography at Arizona State University, has been named a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his leadership in energy geography, land use, and renewable energy research.
Stephen Smith ’78, a retired guide and lecturer at the Kennedy Space Visitor Complex, has authored a book titled “Return to Launch.” The book illustrates how Florida state and local government impacted the U.S. space program.
80s
Suzan Myatt ’80, a retired first grade teacher, has published four children’s books introducing scientific concepts through the adventures of two cats named Crinkle and Squeak.
Nan Tynberg ’84, a retired assistant English professor at California State University, San Bernardino, has authored a historical novel titled “The Jewels of Dadu.” The story centers on a mother navigating life at home in Italy as she imagines her husband’s journey along the Silk Road.
Janell Strube ’85, a tax executive for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has published “Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution,” a historical novel based on the life of 18th-century French painter Adélaïde Labille-Guiard.
90s
Mauricio Arellano ’90, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, was the recipient of the 2025 Superintendent of the Year Award from the Association of California School Administrators.
Brian Sottile ’91 has been appointed as a judge to the Ventura County Superior Court by Gov. Gavin Newsom. A former Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office prosecutor, Sottile served as a commissioner for the Ventura County Superior Court from May 2025 until his judicial appointment in March.
Amin Khakiani ’92, an investment advisor, has launched a podcast called “Market Flashpoints” aimed at improving financial literacy by making complex financial news more accessible. Khakiani’s practice, Focal Point Management, is also celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Debra Patriquin ’94, managing director and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, has been named among the 2026 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list. Since 2021, Patriquin has been included in multiple Forbes’ rankings for her work.
00s
Richard Moon ’01, founder and producer at MoonHill Productions, has published the historical horror-fantasy novel “To Conquer Death.” Set in an apocalyptic ancient Egypt, the story follows four characters as they confront grief and death while battling the undead.
Jill Nunes Jensen, Ph.D. ’05, a professor of dance at Loyola Marymount University, has been appointed executive director for the Dance Studies Association, an organization focused on increasing the visibility and reach of dance studies.
Rosie Trump, MFA ’07, a choreographer, filmmaker, and educator, has been promoted to professor of dance at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her article “The Third Coast Dance Film Festival and COVID-19 Adaptive Programing in 2021” was also published in the International Journal of Screendance.
10s
Tamra Simpson ’11 has co-authored a book titled “Black Women, Leadership, and Change in K-12 Education.” The book shares the experiences of Black women in educational leadership and offers frameworks to overcome professional challenges and improve equity.
20s
Deidre Reyes ’21, MPP ’23, deputy public guardian for San Bernardino County, has published a memoir titled “Unbreakable.” The book shares her educational and personal journey as a first-generation community college student and student parent.
Josiah Alpher ’25 and Jada Evelyn Ramsey ’25 concluded a run of “Dreamscape” at the Omnibus Theatre in London, receiving a five-star review from the Guardian newspaper. Written by Rickerby Hinds ’94, “Dreamscape” is a hip-hop spoken word and dance performance based on the story of young Black woman Tyisha Miller.