Willemina (Willi) Langendoen Kardong

My husband, Ken, and I left Seattle in the summer of 1968 and spent 4 years at the University of Illinois for his PhD program. We then returned to the west coast when Ken was offered a teaching position at WSU in Zoology, where he remained until his recent retirement in May. After several different positions at WSU, for the last 16 years I was the Director of Presidential Events and retired from WSU on July 1. Ken and I still live just outside of Moscow, Idaho, on the hill known locally as "Moscow Mountain" which provides wonderful views of the Palouse and great opportunities for cross country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. We are only 5 driving hours away from family and friends in the Seattle area so make that trip as often as possible.

I have wonderful memories of teaching at Shorecrest and especially of the field trips that Lynn Waller allowed my classes to experience along Puget Sound as well as several overnight camping trips in the Potholes area near Othello. These trips were great (other than one rather scary experience along the Tacoma Narrows). I well remember having to discourage four enthusiastic students from attempting to dislodge a rather large octopus from the crevace to which it had tenaciously attached itself. I truly hope that some of these experiences encouraged some budding biologists to chose science as a career, or at least help develop a love for outdoor experiences and an appreciation for the beauty of the Northwest's environment.

Shortly after joining the faculty at Shorecrest, Ray Witham - who was a great mentor and friend - encouraged me to become a co-advisor for the hiking club which he had organized. Ray opened up the Cascades trails to my husband and me and I hope that some of you have equally fond memories of these challenging but fun hikes!

Years later I reconnected, by chance, with Dana Talley (1968), who at that time had a singing contract with the Metropolitan Opera, and then was invited by him and his wife to visit them in New York to attend a number of opera productions, several of which Dana performed in. I've attended many opera productions since, but the ones in that magnificent house truly hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you, Dana!

Thank you also, Ted Burris, for 'finding' me and encouraging me to reconnect with the class of 1969!