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I was one of the graduates who couldn't wait to leave Manitowoc, convinced there was so much more out there. After graduating from Carleton College, I spent a few years teaching in Indiana and then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I still remember one of my first nights on the town, so happy that I finally lived in a city with "skyscrapers"! I taught middle school English and history in Tulsa for four years, and then I went on to Yale University for graduate school. My goal: a PhD. But, in the end, I settled with a Masters in Divinity, focusing liberation theology. Somewhere along the way, towards the end of my second year, I realized the only academia I really loved was taught in the middle school classroom.
I left New Haven for San Francisco. Sure, I loved San Francisco for a few years -- it's a beautiful city. And I really loved my job. I taught seventh and eighth grade English at an all boys school. I cannot imagine a better job. I laughed all of the time; middle school boys are a lot more fun in the classroom than they are at home.
But, in the end, I realized that I was meant to be in the midwest. I moved to Chicago eight years ago. I am now the Chair of the English Department at the Latin School of Chicago. It's a great school. Takes itself a bit too seriously at times -- hell, its name is pretty pretentious -- but, my students still make me laugh, and I appreciate the responsibilities that come with my position. Being a teacher at a school like Latin is like being a student; I'm always studying, always learning, always excited by the new things coming my way.
Over the past twenty five years, I've had a few long term relationships, but the only two that seem to have mattered are my two long term friendships. Bret Brunner and I have stayed best friends -- sure we drifted apart at times -- but these days we see each other as much as possible; he lives in Milwaukee. We are going to London and Amsterdam this summer and will happily entertain you with the tales of our travel. There are always quite a few tales when Jeff and Bret hit Amsterdam!
I am composing this profile in Culver, Indiana -- one of my very favorite places in the world. (When I die, I want my ashes scattered over Lake Maxinkuckee.) I first came to Culver in 1988. I was hired as the theater intern. Though I only lived here for a year, some of my closest friends still live here. Along with Bret, Scott Joyner has been my dearest friend. (He and Bret are also very dear friends.) Culver is about two hours from Chicago, and it seems when I am not spending time with Bret, I am able to spend time with Scott. The two of them provide all of the love, support, and happiness that any romantic relationship could provide. Besides, I'm growing old with both of them and don't have to apologize for any late blooming curmudgeonly behavior.
My parents are happy and healthy. My sister, Kim Emme, lives in the same neighborhood as my parents. Over the years, we have all grown closer. Cocktails with Mom and Dad are always a great time.
I was really amazed at the great time I had at the reunion five years ago. Tracy Van Haren and I talked music as if we were still sitting next to each other in Business Law. Elizabeth Benfield -- my oldest friend since we've known each other since we were four -- was as wonderful to see as she has always been. Sarah W., Kim Young, Kelly LeClair, Bret and I drank shot after shot.
I'm hoping this year I am able to reunite with a few more of my old friends when I return to Manitowoc in August: Kim Delsman? Kevin Vogt? Rick Kautzer? Tove Aleckson? Fay Boehkman? Gail Martin? Randy Harpt? Shiela Mir? I know I've changed a lot; I know I'm a lot happier than I was twenty five years ago. But I know that there's a lot that hasn't changed. I look forward to the possibilities of reconnecting!
