ALUMNI MAKING NEWS
George Zebrowski '69 is co-editor of the anthology
Sentinels in Honor of Arthur C. Clarke (Hadley Rille Books, 2010),
which honors the legendary science fiction writer. Zebrowski has
written more than 40 books, including novels, short fiction
collections, anthologies and a book of essays.
Barbara B. Wavell, MA '79, wrote Arts and Crafts of Micronesia: Trading with Tradition (Bess Press, 2010). For the last 20 years, she has been collecting and researching the handicrafts of Micronesia and was able to publish the book with the help of a grant from the Federated States of Micronesia. Wavell's book explores changes in the techniques and production of handicrafts through the 20th century, providing a window into the culture of the remote islands.
Eric J. Horvitz '80, a distinguished scientist, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, alongside some of the world's most accomplished leaders in academia, business, public affairs, the humanities and the arts. Horvitz joins one of the nation's most prestigious honorary societies and a leading center for independent policy research. He will be inducted at a ceremony in October at the Academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Mass.
Michael H. Seid '80 wrote Chuckin' Chuck (AuthorHouse, 2011), a satirical novel that follows Charles Manson’s rise to fame in big-league baseball. Seid begins the novel inside a California prison, where a tense game of baseball unfolds between two prison teams. The pitcher on the mound is none other than Manson. Seid, who was a standup comedian for 15 years, was involved in a three-day background shoot for the movie Mr. Saturday Night that inspired him to write screenplays. His works include screenplay adaptations of Chuckin’ Chuck and Of Yuppie Scum.
Gary Blum '81 is the co-author of Stop Hurting Me! I Don't Buy It!,
a book that unlocks the secrets to getting what you want out of life.
Blum says the book will teach you how to inspire yourself and others,
while nurturing healthier relationships. The book also discusses how
societal connections often get you to buy things you don't need. A
percentage of sales go to Autism Speaks and charities that help
prevent teen suicides.
Michael C. LaSala '81 is the author of Coming Out, Coming Home (Columbia University Press, 2011). The discovery that a child is lesbian or gay can send shock waves
through a family, as parents will question how they raised their
children, and worry they will face discrimination. Through a
qualitative, multicultural study of 65 gay and lesbian children and
their parents, LaSala,
an expert on this issue, outlines effective,
practice-tested interventions for families in transition. His research
reveals surprising outcomes, such as learning that a child is
homosexual can improve familial relationships.
Kevin C. McNamara '95 was promoted to battalion chief in the New York City fire department during a ceremony that took place last month at Randall's Island. At 37, he is one of the youngest battalion chiefs in the city's fire department.
