Classmate Profiles
To upload your "Classmate Profile," please click on the "Register" button below.
Note: "Registering" on this site does not commit you to attending the reunion.
Once registered, your profile will be appear in the classmates list on the website. We will upload a "Then" photo of you from the yearbook (if it exists).
Classmates can message you through your profile on the site, and your general location will be shown on the "Where Are They Now" map.
We'll also be able to send you updates to keep you updated on all reunion happenings.
Maggie Laird
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | I went to Grinnell College in Iowa, thinking I'd be an art major, but was immediately seduced by the theatre, which I'd dabbled in at West. I worked two summers in North Carolina at an outdoor theatre, lived briefly in Chicago, working in a restaurant to support my theatre activities there. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | I met my drummer husband Todd working in a Seattle band project. We ended up doing a job playing music on a cruise ship in the Bahamas. There we fell in love, and while we were told "shipboard romances never work," we're still cooking along happily today. We were married in '89, and soon after moved to Vashon Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle and Tacoma. We raised our daughter Chloe there. Now 28, she's a dancer and works as creative director for the Theatre at ODC, a dance outfit in San Francisco. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | I moved to Seattle in 1979, having visited my sister there, plus the ocean and the mountains were appealing as well as a lively theatre scene. I worked in a company or two, and enjoyed a few good roles. At the theatre I met a guy who wanted to start a band. So for the next several years my life revolved around learning to write songs and performing in a New Wave group. We made some recordings that were recently picked up by Fervor Records, which specializes in "vintage" music. (Eek.) I continue to work primarily in music, performing solo and in various groups, music-directing for theatre, piano accompaniment for dance, conducting choirs, etc. My husband and I are are avid tennis players, plus I love swimming, walking, and cooking. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | Plans for future: keep moving. |
Tom LA Landgraf
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | UW-Whitewater Accounting (1976), CPA, worked in public accounting for 12 years (Arther Andersen), then left and became president of a client (US largest stairlift and wheelchair lift mfg), then 20 years as the Director of Admin and Operations for one of the largest law firms in the US (Foley & Lardner). Enjoyed representing the accessibility mfg in Washington working with the President’s top disability advisor when ADA was setup and serving on various disability boards and helping folks on many interesting financial, estate, tax, tax issues as a trustee and friend. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Laurie (42 years, met in Iowa on blind date), 4 children (HI video photographer son and 3 gkids, Waukesha doctor son (former Badger football player) and 4 gkids, special needs Goodwill daughter who lives with us 24/7, SD social worker daughter and 2 gkids). Lived in Milwaukee (New Berlin) since college. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | New Berlin, WI (Milwaukee suburb), retired 3 years ago, enjoy spending time with immediate family (wonderful spouse, 4 cool kids and 3 spouses, 9 charming gkids) and many relatives, plus time at our log cabin lake cottage and 180 acres of woods and trails in Wild Rose, WI, and enjoying downhill skiing out West, golfing, hiking biking, traveling and cruising the world and attending and supporting WI sports teams. Plus helping out folks with what I have learned and experienced from West days onward. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | Just enjoying each and everyday with family and friends and being able to continue enjoying the many things we have been blessed with over the years. |
David Lathrop
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | President of Pioneer Financial Services, Inc (PFS) which was a publicly traded holding company with 31 subsidiaries, including six insurance companies and a reinsurance company. Led the listing of PFS on the NYSE. Left the corporate world in 1990 to mostly pursue interests in aviation and agriculture. I hold ATP (Airline Transport Pilot), CFII, MEI, Land & Sea. For several years, during the warmer months, extensively flew Alaska and Canada, including the Arctic Regions, with my wife who is also a pilot. In the cooler months, a lot of skiing and travel. Also flew/instructed in Australia, New Zealand, and Greece. For 25 years ,when not flying or farming, I independently advised private equity portfolio companies and certain cooperatives on issues of Board Governance and Corporate Finance. Both domestic and internationally. Our farm has been focused on organic food production, pasture based, at times including grass beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and "heirloom" turkeys. The farm includes our solar array of 94 panels. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | My wife, Jacquline Gennrich (Lafollette '72) and I have been married for 46 years. She is an extraordinary musician (mezzo), an excellent pilot, and very talented in so many ways. We both are lifelong residents of Dane County. We live near McFarland on our 183 acre farm, part of which borders the South Shore of Lake Waubesa. We have also had additional residences in Chicago, Talkeetna Alaska, and Aspen Colorado. From the home we built, we have wonderful views of our prairie, the pastures, Lake Waubesa and the Waubesa Wetlands, and even to the top of the Capitol. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Pretty much retired, though there are countless things to do (or should be done) on the farm. Years ago I built a 4000sf workshop where all farm equipment is maintained and repaired. The building also has a wood shop. I probably spend spend too much time "tinkering"in the shop. We both are very active in shooting sports including long range and also sporting clays/5 stand. Traveled the globe extensively, particularly when we were younger, and thankfully before our World became so crazy. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | So much more to learn...so many more things to try... |
Suzanne Laurion (Smith)
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | I worked at the Wisconsin State Journal, WHA-Radio, and WISM-Radio while finishing my B.A. in Journalism and Mass Comm at UW. Went to Oshkosh to run a newsroom, anchor morning drive and a talk show, and announce Friday night football. Then back to Madison to Magic 98 for five years. Stepped away from broadcasting to be a more attentive mom and start grad school. Followed spouse (West High classmate Jim Laurion) to Tampa where I taught at USF, wrote news for the ABC TV affiliate, and commuted to Madison to finish my Ph.D. Followed Jim to Boulder where I taught at CU, but stepped away to do media relations for the D.A. in the JonBenet Ramsey case. Sent the kids off to college, and worked winters at private colleges on Florida's space coast while Jim worked in Dallas and flew to Florida on weekends to walk the beach and golf. Followed Jim to Montana where we own commercial cherry orchards on Flathead Lake. I do not do orchard chores, but I find some aspects of agriculture interesting (e.g., water rights, treatment of migrant workers, and bees). |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Our sons are in their late 30s. Vic (M.D., Dartmouth) is in Tucson. Henry (Ph.D., Berkeley) is in Boulder. Both are married and Jim and I have three beloved grandchildren, and I hope for more. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Jim and I spend summers in Bigfork, MT, just south of Glacier Park. I'll post a photo from a hike there this smoky summer. We spend winters in Tampa. I am a gym rat and practice yoga, but I also rollerblade, bike, swim, ski Colorado, and play tennis and golf. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | I want to stay fit so I'm ready for my yet-to-be-considered bucket list. |
Laurie Levin
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | After Northwestern University I worked in Chicago for two years as a physical therapist. Then returned to Madison to the UW for law school and have been lawyering since then in Washington, DC, Boston, and now Orlando - In-house for the past 13.5 years at AdventHealth ( a very big hospital system). |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Married Fred Wittenstein in 1984. Our daughters were born in Boston in 1989 and 1993 -- One lives in Boston, the other in Chicago. No spouses or grandkids, yet, but we remain patient. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Working in a great place with a great team and so much going on I am not ready to retire just yet. Taking advantage of every chance to visit our girls and other family, and travel the world. Also enjoy cooking and baking, and wine with at least an annual trip to Napa to celebrate "Fredtober" (my husband's birthday month combined with a harvest party at our favorite winery). Also serve on the board of our local Holocaust museum. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | Travel to new places and some old favorites, re-learning piano, and becoming fluent in Spanish - ideally with an immersion course in a fun location. |
Sherry Levin (Liess)
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | Switching from UW to University of Minnesota, I majored in Advertising. My first job was with a small advertising agency in Milwaukee. At various times I was a copywriter, media buyer, account executive, public relations manager, director of communications - in a variety of different industries and nonprofits. The best years were my self-employed years. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Married and divorced. With my current significant other for nearly 20 years. Two sons, one grandson. Lived in Milwaukee/Mequon until 2010. Now enjoying Florida. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Still doing some freelance copywriting and part-time real estate. Tutoring fourth graders, dragon boating, golfing and the usual Florida activities. |
Danny Lindau
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | Graduated from UW in 1976 like many of you. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Married to Susie McCartan (34 years) two kids - Kelly 32 and Courtney 30. Both kids getting married in 2023. Have lived in Colorado since 1981. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Working in commercial real estate will never retire. My passion is still skiing but also enjoy the outdoor activities of hiking, backpacking, paddle boarding and tennis. Colorado is a great place to live. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | Stay healthy and live large. |
Ann Lindholm
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | Went to the UW Madison and graduated with a BA in Spanish. What do you do with a degree in Spanish and no marketable skills? Move to Texas! Spent 40+ years there mostly working for the state in social services - the last thing I ever thought I would do. Loved my work in Adult Protective Services and Domestic Violence but after retiring was able to move on to my true passion, animal rescue. Got in on the ground floor with a group that was committed to making Austin a No Kill city which we accomplished in 3 years. Will always be grateful for this opportunity and the amazing people I met along the way. That group, Austin Pets Alive! recently rescued their 100,000th animal! |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Divorced, no kids but sharing my life with a 3 legged Miniature Pinscher. He's a rescue of course and my first little dog - quite the learning curve for both of us. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | After 10 years of volunteering and then employment in animal rescue I retired again and moved back to Wisconsin. I had purchased a condo in Algoma on the shores of Lake Michigan and after moving back I also purchased a condo in Madison (Fitchburg). I spend most of my time "up north" as it's just so beautiful. I love to cook, read and gaze at the lake which has worked out well during a pandemic. |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | My homecoming plans to explore the state and visit relatives and friends were sadly curtailed by the pandemic and a dog that developed separation anxiety as a result of the move. Hoping we can get through this and I can make that a reality. |
Bob Lucas
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | After high school: BA - Communications Arts (Radio/TV/Film) - UW-Madison. BS - Mechanical Engineering - UW-Madison. Dabbled in the show business industry for a few years (not as a performer) and then pivoted to working for a solar energy firm in the San Francisco Bay area. Returned to Madison for my engineering degree and have been working in IT (Information Technology) management since the mid-1980s. Retired in November of 2019. |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Married twice. Three daughters from my first marriage. Two stepsons from my 2nd (current) marriage. We have no grandchildren at this time (and probably never will). I met my current wife (Deb) in college. We split after a few years together and after going our separate ways for nearly 30 years, we reconnected. Life is good! |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | Deb and I live in rural western Dane County. There is always plenty of maintenance, landscaping & gardening work to do on our property, so I don't have much time to play golf anymore, but I really enjoy outdoor activities (at least for 3 seasons). We do volunteer work at Festge County Park and the Swamplovers Foundation--just outside Cross Plains. Currently assisting the West High 50th Reunion Committee, and in the process, connecting with old classmates has been a big thrill (ESPECIALLY Bear Phillips). Having been inspired by the television series "Moonshiners," I've decided that I'm going to start distilling my own bourbon! |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | Like most everyone else, the pandemic curtailed our travel plans in 2020, but things are looking up. We would like to visit friends and family all around the US, as well as visiting the British Isles before the earth's magnetic fields rotate. Also, visiting Nepal (the Himalayan mountains/Mt. Everest) would be 'high' on my bucket list. Lastly, I've got to 'get back' to playing guitar, as Deb bought me a Gibson Les Paul model for retirement. Very cool! |
Ann Lucht (Melius)
| Work life? (e.g., education, first job, occupation): | First year of college was at UW-Madison. Transferred to UW-Stout where I received my BS in Clothing, Textiles, & Design with a Business Minor and Vocational Technical Adult Education Certificate. MS in Computer Science Education. Started career managing the State Street Copper Rivet (a division of the Rupert Cornelius Co.). A new store was opened in Waukesha, WI and I transferred to manage that location. While in Waukesha I taught at the Milwaukee Patricia Stevens Career College. Spent 3 years at Gimbels - Midwest as an Assistant Buyer for Daywear and Sleepwear. For the last 32 years of my career I taught Retail Management, Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, and Computer Software at all four campuses of Milwaukee Area Technical College. I retired in December 2013! |
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| Family life? (e.g., spouse, kids/grandkids, friends, places lived): | Met my husband, Dan, at a UW-Stout dance. The Stout yearbook (yes they still had college yearbooks then) even has a picture of us dancing together! We married at Queen of Peace Church in Madison Labor Day weekend 1978. Dan was an Iowa Mutual Insurance Marketing Mgr. for the Chicago area. He retired in June 2017. Our daughter, Christine, was born in 1984. She has followed in my footsteps and teaches K5 at Parkway Elementary in the Milwaukee suburb of Glendale. My husband and Christine both attended Parkway! Our son, Paul, was born in 1987. He is a Sherwin Williams Sales Rep for 5 territories in the Denver area. He enjoys downhill skiing and all the outdoor activities CO has to offer. Christine and her husband, Benjamin, blessed us with our first grandchild, Charlotte, last April during the pandemic. She is an adorable, spunky 15 month old. I am still in touch with Deb Annen and Suzy (Edwards) Yager. |
| Doing today? (e.g., where do you live, working or retired, hobbies, travels): | We moved from our Glendale home in 1991 and built our current house in Mequon, WI. Over the years we've done some traveling - nothing exotic. Now it's mostly Door County and Colorado to visit our son and do some hiking. After retiring I spent the first year doing all the house things I never had time for - painting, minor redecorating, minor landscaping, etc. Then I got bored. I volunteered at the Milwaukee Public Museum for several months doing digital photography of their bee collection. I was fortunate to find a flexible, fun, & totally unexpected volunteer opportunity that I love at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside, WI. I am a Raptor Volunteer! I clean mews, mats, perches, and the raptor building interior. I feed raptors as well as handle and interpret birds for educational programs held on site, at WI State Fair (visit me at the WE Energies Park area of the Fair), area schools, and other area organizations. I sew instructional props and visual aids for use in educational programs. I enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. Each year the Raptor Program sponsors a silent auction so I try to make a few items to donate to the auction. Try to keep active with walking and gardening. And we do some hiking each year when we visit Colorado. Enjoy supporting our home teams and attend Admirals, Bucks, Brewers, and of course Packer games. Since I am retired I also get to babysit 3 days a week for granddaughter Charlotte. It's so much fun being a grandma! |
| Bucket list? (e.g., plans for the future, travel): | No official buck list. Want to stay healthy and keep doing what we are doing - enjoying family, friends, and life. |