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News from classes 1980-1989

Denise Wright Griffin (June 2008) - I attended Baldwin from 1975-1979. My name at the time was Denise Wright. I just checked others who have registered and I remember Coralin Diaz, Fernando Alonso and Malcolm Torres. Amazing to see pictures of you after almost 30 years! Education/Experience: AB Brown Univeristy, MA University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Hi Trudy,
What a treat and a delight it was to meet you. I could not have imagined a more gracious welcome to Baldwin. My four years there were such an important part of my life and I am so grateful to have the memories that I do of such a special place. Attached please find the pictures that we took.

Thank you again Trudy for the warm welcome "home".

Warm Regards,
Denise

Edward Pagan ‘84 (June 2008) Hello everyone! It's been a long time! I am a born-again Christian who lives for the Lord. I love hiking, biking, beach, traveling, parks, mountains, board games, spending time with the family, martial arts having a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and much more... I have two wonderful daughters, Kristin (22) and Nicole (20) who live in NJ. They are both in college and we have a wonderful relationship. I have been in touch with just a few people from our class, but I'd love to hear from the rest of you. I know we've all changed so much.

After Baldwin , I attended the University of South Florida in Tampa for about a year and a half. Then I got married and moved to NJ. I transferred to Rutgers where I did two more years of college. I didn't finish my degree. I was in the pre-medical sciences at both universities. I worked as a lab tech doing biomedical research for about 6 years. Then I worked at a hospital in the pathology department doing autopsies and histology work. I became board certified in histotechnology and worked in the field for about 8 years. Then, I was so interested in computers that I decided to go back to school. I graduated from the Chubb Institute in NJ with a diploma in Network Engineering. I've been self employed since 1999 as a computer consultant.

I became a prison minister and go to prisons to do bible study with the inmates. I also served as a mentor at a juvenile detention facility. I attend worship service and bible study every week and have always served my church. At my church I started the youth group, men's fellowship group, and took care of the sound system and recordings. I go to retreats every year for my spiritual development.

Allison Kiser ‘86 (June 2008) Married with 2 children. Justin age 13 and Mary age 10.
Education/Experience
BA in Special Education from Goucher College , Balt. , MD. Masters in Education, Mental Retardation, College of Charleston , Charleston , SC . Plus 30 credits beyond the MA

Merci del Toro (June 2008) I attended Baldwin as a freshman and sophomore (1979-80), but left in the middle of sophomore year when my dad was transferred to a new job in Washington , DC .
Education/Experience
George Mason University, 1987 (BA in History)
Legislative Program Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington , DC

Nelson Rivera ’85 (January 2008) Graduated from Optometry in 1996. Practicing in Texas since early 2002. Single, working, doing volunteer work in Latin America for some time. Doing a lot of international travel in the past 10 years or so, mostly volunteer related, bust also for leisure. Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) www.vosh.org. Director/Latin American Liason since 2004 (but have belonged to group much longer, since Optometry School days) In undergraduate I also volunteered with the Flying Samaritans.

Ana Cordova Lasher ’81 (January 2008) I live in Florida (since 1996). Have a son (Marcus-born in 1998) and work for Chubb Insurance Company-Latin American Zone. I am fortunate to travel to South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico on business and learn and enjoy the different cultures. I have a BA in Psychology from the Interamerican University and a MBA in International Bus Administration from Nova University in Davie, Florida. PTA President, Treasurer at Sawgrass Elementary, Sunrise, Florida; Members of City of Sunrise Educational Advisory Board; Coach for Basketball, Soccer and Baseball for youth at City of Sunrise.

Kelly Ritterson ’87 (October 2007) Wow, I hope my fellow alumni are well! I recently added to my family, with the birth of Paul Daniel on June 16 th. He weighed in at 9 pounds, once ounce, and he was 21”long. He joins Zach, age 19, Jesse, age 14, and Jacob, age 8. I also have a semi-stepson, Ryan, age 11. Life is busy and hectic, but wonderful!!!

Marcus Alvarez ’87 (October 2007) After years of living throughout the US and abroad, Mags and I settled in the Bay Area, CA. I have a 5 year old daughter named Aisling (Ash-ling). Mags had I have been married for nearly 11 years. I was in the Marine Corps from 1993-1997 ( India, England, Japan) and lived overseas for over 6 years. I’m still a huge mets fan :) I would love to hear from former classmates.

Thomas Kosmoll ’88 (September 2007) 1992 graduated U.S.F. majored in English/creative writing. Worked in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands. Returned to Puerto Rico and co-owns two companies selling construction materials. Continue surfing big waves around the world ( Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, etc.) Have a “finca” with fruit trees and built house overlooking Tres Palmas big wave break. Have a fishing boat and when not working travel the Caribbean with my long time girlfriend from Rincon. Still am close friends with Norman Contreras (now in Dominican Republic/PR), Michael Williams ( St. Thomas) and Jean Arenas (Dominican Republic/PR)

Rev. Michael Colon ’83 (September 2007) I have been living in the Greater Washington DC area since 1983. Attended American University and Regent University and have been in the Ministry since 1988. Work with Youth/College students and Young Married couples.

Brenda Baker Speed ’88 (August 2007) I stay home with my two children, our daughter Avery who turned 2 on July 15 and our son Hayden who was born December 30, 2006. We live in Plano, Texas and I love staying home! Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Purdue University focusing on Sociology.

Jeannette Hernandez Harris ’83 (August 2007) Married to Philip M Harris since 1993. Have one beautiful 10 year old daughter, Iliana Odette. Live in Philadelphia. Business owner of Financial Integrity Resources Management, LLC. Graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus. Treasurer of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Philadelphia Chapter.

Roberto Mayoral ’83 (August 2007) Currently living in New Hampshire across from the Massachusetts border and working at General Electric Aircraft Engines Lynn Mass as Engine Systems Design and Integration Manager. I’m married with 2 daughters, Cecilia 12 and Grabriela 9. I race motocross, as always been, currently I’m transitioning to the pro-class on my racing district. (Getting better with age) Also I have a dog called Peanut which is a yellow lab but these days it looks more like coconut. I salute all my classmates and hope life has been good to all.

Allison Manry Kiser ’86 (July 2007) Married with 2 children; Justin age 11 and Mary age 9. BA in Special Education from Goucher College, Baltimore and Masters in Education, Mental Retardation from College of Charleston, South Carolina.

Wanda Timothee ’85 (July 2007) I have been living in Washington, PA since 1997. I teach Spanish at Trinity Middle School. I have two beautiful children. Michael is going to be nine in October and Grace is 6. I have a BA in International Business from Chatham College, a BS in Spanish Education from Ohio State University and a MS in Elementary Education from Dayton University.

Roberto Clemente ’84 (June 2007) I am currently working on a major development to fulfill my father’s long time dream, Ciudad Deportiva Roberto Clemente. I also run the family’s business 21 In Right, Inc. and have a major role in continuing my father’s legacy. For those who remember the good old days when I had a Rock Band “Passage”, I continue to do musical arrangements and productions. I also travel doing speaking engagements and motivational speeches. Got my own consulting company and do event planning. Organized national drive to supply aid for Tsunami victims in conjunction with the Red Cross, sent 75 pallets on a chartered FedEx plane to Indonesia, and support many other charities…I’ll leave it at that for now but involved in many other projects as well.

Adrian Febles ’80 (June 2007) I moved to Bonita Springs in the Southwest coast of Florida in October 2006 to work with Gannett Newspapers, the publishers of USA Today. I am the editor of Bonita Springs Bureau. I have a weekly newspaper, The South Fort Myers Life, under my charge, as well as directing the online operations of our bureau. This is the third newspaper organization for which I have worked. I worked for the San Juan Star for eight years and two for the Washington Post organization as production editor of their south Maryland regional newspapers, The Gazette. I married late in life (at 40) and have a 4-year-old son, who is named after my father, Francisco, who died the year before my son was born. He was born in Maryland.

Contrary to what many of my teachers had predicted about me, or would have expected of me, I was an English teacher for 15years, before turning to journalism. I have a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a double major in English Literature. I graduated from InterAmerican University 9 years after graduating from Baldwin. It took a little longer as I did 4 years of pre-med, took a couple off and then returned to become a teacher. I volunteer at the YMCA as a T-ball (softball) coach. And I am about to start volunteering for Café for Life, a non-profit organization that feeds the homeless.

Eduardo Perez ’81 (June 2007) Moved to Florida in 2003 with the same job from Puerto Rico in management. Have a BA in Business Administration from Interamerican University.

Henry García '83 (Aug. 2007) - Married to my high school sweetheart, Vianka (yes, from Baldwin Class of '82) now for 21 years. We have two wonderful daughters now 19 and 18 years old. Served 10 years in the Army including Operation Desert Storm. I now work as a manager for Northrop Grumman (Defense Contractor) in the Washington DC area. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Univ. of Central Florida in1988.

Carlos Leute (would've been '85) - (Aug 2007): Just got back from my Adventure of the Seas cruise out of SJU. Next up is the Caribbean Princess out of Ft Lauderdale on 9/16 and then the Crown Princess (inviting my parents) on 12/15 out of San Juan.
Education/Experience:
Colegio Humboldt, Caracas, Venzuela - K-5th
Baldwin 6th-10th
Escola Maria Imaculada "Chapel High School", Sao Paulo, Brazil 11th-12th
Babson College, Wellesley, MA - BS in Management '89

Social/Volunteer Organizations
Coaches Fantasy Football Challenge, Commish: 4 Leagues / 40 teams...
Classic Fantasy Basketball League: two-time Champion; plan on riding the Lebron train to a threepeat next season!
Wanda Schwarzwaelder Timothee '85 (Aug. 2007) - I have been living in Washington, Pa since 1997. I teach Spanish at Trinity Middle School. I have two beautiful children. Michael is going to be nine in October and Grace is 6.

Education/Experience:
M.S. Elementary Education, Dayton University, 1997
B.S. Spanish Education, Ohio State University, 1993
B.A. International Business, Chatham College, 1989

Debbie Ritterson '85 (Aug. 2007) - Some of my favorite things include: Family, cooking, mountain biking, skiing, travels to locales w/white sand & blue h20, PHL Eagles, annoying my sister :) On 6/16/07...................An Aunt......again........Paul Daniel Wethem born 6.16.07 9 lbs. 1 oz!!!!!!

Education/Experience:
Holy Rosary l, Wilmington, DE
Unionville HS, Unionville, PA
Baldwin School of Puerto Rico, San Juan PR
West Chester University, West Chester, PA

Laura Miranda '80 (March 2007) Laura joined us for the alumni gathering in New York on March 24, 2007 and when asked to tell us about herself, her response was, "check me out online! =) I did and I think you should all do the same. Congratulations Laura. Visit www.lawmiranda.com

Peter Candelario ’83 (Feb. 2007) – Currently serving 18 plus years in the USAF. My current job is the Director of the Joint Personnel Recovery Center for South Korea. I should be retiring around October 2008 from the USAF. I am married to Beth and have 5 boys ranging from 7 to 15 years (two years apart). This year Beth and I will celebrate our 19th anniversary of marriage and 24 years being together.

Adrian Febles ’80 ( August 2006) – “I have worked at The San Juan Star for 10 years, after being an English teacher for 15 years. If only Mrs. Bilder could have seen me!”

Melissa Cole-Flores ‘81 (September 2006) – I have three sons, Matthew 17, Adam 15, Nathaniel 13 and stay very busy with many Boy Scout related activities. Since they are growing up I have decided to go into teaching. This is my first year teaching in public school and I am enjoying my children and their families very much. I hope to hear from some of our other classmates.

Michael Colon ’83 – (June 2006) “I miss the beach and old friends from school.”

Heidi Engfer ’83 ( September 2006) – Worked in hotel and tourism in Atlanta, Georgia and Puerto Rico. Living for the last twelve years in Hamburg, Germany; been married almost 10 years. Have two boys, one is 6, the other is 8; active in church and school activities. I teach 4-8 year-olds English as a Second Language privately employing the Helen Doron Learning Method. Play volleyball with a mixed team as well as tennis and golf.

Carol Maldonado (July 2006) (last year attended 1982, would have been ’84) - “I am currently living in Boca Raton, FL with my two daughters Naiomi and Alana. I have had a very successful career involving different fields of the hospitality industry. I am currently working with “The Leading Hotels of the World”, a very well established hotel representation company; we represent 440 of the best hotels in the world. My career has allowed me to travel to many beautiful and interesting places and to meet some extraordinary people. My oldest daughter Naiomi just graduated from high school and will be starting university this fall. My youngest daughter Alana loves music and shows a lot of talent for musical instruments. We are all very happy here in Boca Raton, even though we miss our family and friends in Puerto Rico very much. My best regards to all my extended family from Baldwin.”

Lina Bermudez ’85 (June 2006) – “I’ve been married for 13 years and have a beautiful 8 year old daughter. I teach ESOL to K-5 students. In 1994 we moved from Cleveland to Atlanta

Michele Colotti ’85 (September 2006) – Attended and graduated from Lesley University with a BS degree in 1989; attended Mass College of Pharmacy to complete my PharmD. While in the process got married and have 4 children. I currently still work for CVS Pharmacy and my husband is a firefighter with USAF. Live in Hampton, New Hampshire and would love to hear from classmates.

Brett Penrod (August 2006) (last year attended 1983, would have been ‘87) – “I’ve had contact with a few Baldwin alums through the years and would love to hear from more. We left Puerto Rico in 1983 and I’ve been “stuck” in New Jersey ever since. I have been with Merrill Lynch for almost 7 years now after a 3.5 year stay at Dow Jones. I have a wonderful wife (Helen) and she is a phenomenal step mom to my son Connor (7.5 years old). My brother Andrew ’83 and sister Susan (would have been ’84) are in North Carolina and Indiana respectively.”

Coral Diaz ’87 (August 2006) – originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Coral is currently an Assistant Professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene, at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry. She graduated from Marquette University in 1992 with a BS in Dental Hygiene. She earned her Master in Public Health in 1995 from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education in 1997 from Old Dominion University.

In 1997, Coral became the Educational Consultant for Latin America for Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., developing, coordinating, and implementing all Latin American sales training activities, including programs and training materials. Additionally she was responsible for developing professional education courses (in Spanish) on the use, care and maintenance of dental instruments and related products, as well as implementing such courses to the Latin American oral health care professional, dental schools, and dental distributors.

Coral joined VCU School of Dentistry in 2000 as a member of the full-time faculty where her primary responsibilities include Course Directorship of Community Oral Health, Community Oral Health Practice, and Preventive Oral Health Education, as well as student instruction and supervision in the clinic. She also practices 1 day a week in the Dental Faculty Practice. Since joining CCU, Coral has acted as a consultant for Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Procter & Gamble, and Henrico County Public Schools.

Brian Esparza ’88 (August 2006)– “I have been a Kindergarten teacher for the last three years. The school has a grade “A” which is given by the state of Florida.”

Leute Family Visit to Baldwin

As a part of their vacation, Mr. and Mrs. Leute visited the school with their son, Carlos. Although Carlos left the school in 1983 (would have graduated with the class of 1985), he has remained a faithful Baldwin advocate throughout the years.
The Alumni Office expressed much gratitude for this donation. For more ways to contribute to Baldwin, click here!	Trudy Pennock and the Leute Family	Carlos Leute, Trudy Pennock, and Kelly Rice (Baldwin's Web Manager)

 

"The Great Cause" by Mike Soto Class of ‘87

I received a very pleasant surprise as I read through El Nuevo Día newspaper recently, and stumbled upon a familiar face. It was Mike Soto Class from the class of 1987. Mike is not just another alum to us, but a familiar friend and true Baldwin advocate. As of last year, Mike has been a member on the Board of Directors, and is currently heading the Sponsorship Committee at the school. Last year, he was the guest speaker at the Class of 2006 Commencement ceremony, so I guess you could say he came full circle when it comes to Baldwin.
Mike currently heads the Center of New Economy in which he constantly strives and dedicates himself to repairing and thinking of ways in which Puerto Rico’s economy can prosper. His Nuevo Día article is an inspiring one. He talks about facing challenges and enduring the hardships in order to solve them. He talks about Puerto Rico’s diversity of culture and how all its causes are linked to one another through economy. “We must face the reality of our situation. We must save Puerto Rico to save our crafts and our culture,” he says. He continues by praising Puerto Rico’s attributes and contributions to the world by mentioning how we have some of the best trained engineers, that we can have the ability to find the cure for cancer and muscular dystrophy, we can develop techniques the provide provisions to the less fortunate. All these things are possible, but we need to come together and continue to strive for them. His goal is to rebuild “a new economy that is fruitful and robust, prosperous and dynamic, an economy that is just and fair, and incorporates the whole population as investors and full participants. I have started a movement, and I invite you to join me,” is how he concludes his article. It is wonderful to know that Mike is doing great things in our society and the community, but also humbling to know that he has never forgotten his roots. We cheer you on Mike! If you’d like to read Mike’s complete article in El Nuevo Día, click here