University of Denver Autumn 2024

CLASS NOTES

40s 1949 Bill Mercer (BA ’49) was featured in the National Geographic documentary, “JFK: One Day in America,” recounting his on-site reporting of the 1963 President Kennedy assassination in Dallas. He also was portrayed by actor Michael Harney in the 2023 feature film, “The Iron Claw.” 60s 1960 Sandra Dallas (BA ’60) won a 2023 Colorado Book Award for her novel, “Little Souls,” and a 2023 Will Rogers Medallion Award for her middle-grade novel, “Tenmile.” 1969 Susan Claassen (BA ’69) received a special tribute by the Invisible Theatre at the Tucson Pops Orchestra “Music for the Planet” concert in May. Claassen, the former managing artistic director, stepped down this year after 49 years with the theater. 70s 1971 Tom Noonan (BSBA ’71) received the Jefferson Award for volunteering from the state of Wyoming for spending time with people receiving end-of-life care at Central Wyoming Hospice. 1972 Linda Murphy Marshall (BA ’72) has published

1966 Marobeth Ruegg (BFA ’66) had her first solo gallery show at the age of 80.

Laurie Sorensen (BA ’72) and her husband Dave have moved to Westport, Connecticut, to be near their children and grandchildren. Laurie recently retired from teaching kindergarten. They enjoy daily walks on the beach and volunteering in the community. 1973 Debbie Supple Miller (BA ’73) has published a new children's book, “Goodnight Sounds,” a bedtime read-aloud story that

describes the sounds of comfort that help children fall asleep. This is her 16th children’s book. 1977 Ed Dwight (MFA ’77), America’s first Black astronaut candidate, rocketed into space 60 years later aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin capsule on May 19. Ed traveled with five other passengers on the 10-minute flight. At 90, Ed is the new record holder for the oldest person in space.

1974 William Cornell (BA ’74) volunteers as a physician for FrontlineMedics.org in Ukraine. He divides his time between stabilization points and mobile clinics, all within Russian artillery range. William was recently promoted as the organization’s medical director for Ukraine.

her latest book, “Immersion: A Linguist’s Memoir,”

about her career as a professional multi-linguist amid challenging travel assignments.

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2024