Robert Putnam

Started college right after graduating, but apparently wasn't ready. Worked entry jobs, went to school only part time, and spent 2 years in the service -- finally graduating from U.of MD, school of journalism, 1972.

Briefly worked as reporter for The Catholic Review in Baltimore, then spent 30 years as a Federal gov't communicator -- public affairs officer, and the last dozen years as speechwriter for head of the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs.

Retired from Fed job, opened small PR consulting firm. In 2012, my 1st book was published ("The Manager's Communication Toolbox") by the American Society for Training and Development (also avail on Amazon).

Married to a wonderful lady (healthcare lobbyist in DC) who shares my passion for racing sailboats. Enjoying life in a waterfront condo in Annapolis, with my sailboat (J-105) and fishing boat (Back Cove 26) docked a few paces away. Also have modest condo in Ft. Lauderdale, and hope to be increasingly spending winters there.

For a few years, I stayed in touch with 63'ers Mike Swift and Dan Driscoll, but have gradually lost touch. I look back with a smile on my years at Carroll -- which seem a COUPLE lifetimes ago ... and I look forward to seeing some old friends at the reunion.

Don't recall the name of my guidance counselor, but will never forget his advice circa junior year. Taking a look at the grades reflecting my chronic underachievement, he said: "You should forget about college, and try to learn a trade; maybe something in construction, or fixing appliances."

In later years, when serving as a speechwriter for the head of the VA (having reached the highest available GS grade), I had occasion to sit in briefings at the White House, and to attend other high level gigs. I occasionally would think, "wish that guidance counselor jerk could see me now."

In fact, I suppose he did me a favor; his suggestion that I lacked the ability to succeed in a white collar job probably motivated me. On the other hand, maybe he was right: I might've made more as a good plumber!