What fills my Hours; In 2010 I retired from Millipore Corp, following the acquisition by Merck KGaA. In 2011 I failed retirement – helped co-found Apertus Pharma with a partner, to manufacture generic pharmaceuticals. In 2012, along with 4 other angel investors in St. Louis, I co-founded a venture firm (Cultivation Capital Life Sciences) that specializes in early stage Life Science companies. Most days are occupied with various aspects of either/both – along with serving of some boards of CCLS portfolio companies. Sarah and I had extensive travel planned – it’s on hold until my back is able; had a nasty freak back injury in 2011 that resulted in some complex issues that are still getting worked out. We do many things locally: Sarah is active in The Assistants League; I serve on several non-profit boards as well.
Family/Children; After college, Sarah worked at Carle Clinic in Champaign IL to help put me through grad school. We had our two children, Matt and Amy, a couple years later. Sarah stayed at home to raise them until kindergarten, then began teaching at the elementary school where they attended (by then we were living in St. Louis). She worked there for 13 years, then retired. Matt (son, 40) and wife Blythe and their son Colum (3) live in Philadelphia. He is the Pennsylvania state director for the Working Families Party; he also spends a fair amount of time in NYC at the National HQ. Blythe works remotely for the Hotel Trades Council in NYC although she goes to NYC every other week. Amy (38) and husband George reside in St. Louis – she leads the Womens Fertility Business Unit for Accredo/Express Scripts. George has his own IT business.Recent Awards; In 2017 I received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Olin School of Business, Washington University in St. L. I’ve served on the Central College Board of Trustees since 2002. Other various local non-profit awards. Sarah and I will celebrate anniversary 48 in Sept.
After Central; In June of 1970, I was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds (pitcher)and was also near being drafted by the Army (number too low!). I had already been accepted to grad school at the U. of Illinois. Decision time: entered Army Reserves, did not sign with the Reds/became free agent (a story over some beers) and entered grad school that fall. Sarah and I married the following fall, 1971. Fast forward to 1976, completed my PhD, and my stint with the Army Reserves. After a couple post-doc’s (U WI, U MN), decided to go to industry as the biotech boom was underway. Worked at Dial Inc, Monsanto, Embrex, Purina Mills, LINCO Research, and Millipore over the next 32 years. We lived in IL, WI, MN, AZ but then moved to St. L. in 1982 and have been here ever since. From 78-85 I was managing R&D, but then moved to business/commercial development. I got my MBA in 1994 at Washington University St Louis, and soon after leaving Monsanto (96) was responsible for general management in various biotech related businesses. During my career I’ve had the very good fortune of extensive international travel to over 30 countries. It also afforded return trips with the family, providing many culturally expanding experiences. We look forward to re-engaging the ‘international bucket list’ when I’m able to get on a plane again.
Phi Delta Tau Memories: As a culturally very green student in 1966 from an Iowa town of 595 people, PDT was the ‘fit’ that would turn out to be a memorable bonding experience with an extraordinary group of diverse and wonderful ‘characters’. I suspect the full spectrum of our collective memories will unfold at the reunion (some will even be accurate!). Many come to mind quickly: the Woodsies at Red Rock and ‘The Bowl’, along with the elaborate decoration and festivities; Our Valentine’s Day celebrations at Bobby and Frankie’s; The all-nighters for the magnificent house decorations at Homecoming; the pheasant hunts at my grandparents farm – and the following feasts in Graham Hall; the Flag Pole caper; and of course Mrs ‘S’ – our wonderful house caretaker.