1985

Greetings,classmates! Hope everyone had a great summer, though I want to know why no one ever says that about winter, spring or fall. Themes are getting tough to come by for the column, but let's try this: With apologies to Kevin Bacon, todays theme is degrees of separation, AXA style. Let me show you hows it's played. I'm writing this column and I was in AXA—not hard to figure out.

Little tougher for Scott McDonald, isn't it. Scott recently started a new job as the CFO of Body-Solid Inc. and Fitness Factory Outlet— a manufacturer and retailer of fitness equipment (treadmills, home gyms, etc.) in the Chicago area. When not working (or would it be working out), Scott is busy with his three sons, Liam, Duncan and lan. Scott is the cousin of Kathy Mitchell '83, who is married to Russ Mitchell, AXA '85. Get it?

Speaking of Russ, we ran into him on Block Island this summer, which was fortunate since we were staying at his house for the weekend. (How great a party trick would that have been if he wasn't there?) Also visiting were Barry and Pam Bass, Jim Newman and Jack and Eileen Sylvia. The visit was noteworthy in that it represented the first time in 20 years that no conversation took place over a pong table. If you get a chance, pick up the book Hug YourCustomers, a great book about Russ' family's clothing store, Mitchell/Richards. No word whether a sequel titled Hug Your Class Secretary is forthcoming.

How about Phil Ankeny? Hmm! Bet you hadn't been thinking about Phil this morning. Phil was recently named to the board of directors of Innovex of Maple Plain, Minnesota. Phil is the VP of business development and CFO of SurModics, a leading provider of surface modification and drug delivery solutions to the medical device industry. Earlier in his career Phil spent several years at IBM in sales, marketing and business development roles. Aha, IBM! It also employed the aforementioned Russ Mitchell of AXA.

What about Steven Mermelstein, who recently joined Asante Partners LLC, a New York investment banking boutique focused primarily on the health care sector, as managing director. Steve will lead Asante Partners' financing efforts and also focus on strategic advisory assignments. Previously Steve was a Co-founder of KnightBridge Capital Partners and spent more than 10 years at Chase Manhattan. Stumped about the AXA link? Steve was the freshman roommate of none other than AXA's own Youngster, Mike Young. I received a note from Andrew Daniels announcing

the birth of his second son, Lincoln Peter Daniels, born May 23, joining older brother, Cheyne. Andrew hopes to get both boys up to Hanover to check out the hallowed halls of Heorot. (Oh, that's what they call the stuff on the walls.) Andrew recruits for an investment firm, Commonwealth Financial Network, and routinely runs into Bo Beatty, a planner at the firm. I'm guessing Andrew must have stopped by AXA at least once in four years—tenuous connection, but it'll have to do.

How about Leigh Gutsch? Tough one, right? Can't find her in the Freshman Book? Give up? If you were in Napa Valley on Fathers Day, you might know. It was there where Leigh and Mikey Lehman exchanged wedding vows. The union was performed by Chris Mulligan (Bless me, Mulls, for I have sinned just doesn't sound right) and attended by numerous AXA members and devotees. Despite this, the gala was a real success and really reflected the personalities of both Leigh and Mikey. Congrats to the newlyweds and Leigh's first- ever mention in the column. Could this pass for a wedding gift?

Well, that's the game this month. Suggestions for the next round are welcome. By the way, be honest, who was thinking of both Phil Ankeny and Steve Mermelstein this morning? Have a great fall (there, I said it).

118 Ringwood Road, Rosemont,PA 19010; (610) 525-4541, slampong@aol.com;46 Quail Road, Greenwich, T06831; (203) 552-0070; ldahl@lonepinecapital.com