May 14, 2025

Hello Everyone,  

As a result of the generosity of so many of you in conjunction with our 50^th reunion, last night at the Glenbard West Scholarship Awards night, Sam Taves and I, along with Josie DeRiggi and Mark Peterson, had the great pleasure of awarding two very deserving seniors each with a $2,000 scholarship on behalf of the Class of 1974. One scholarship was given to a university-bound student and one scholarship to a student pursuing technical training. 

Sam, Julie Schmidt Mategrano and I interviewed candidates who were chosen based on our criteria as those “who exemplify the values of Glenbard West and who recognize the unique educational opportunities Glenbard West has afforded them.”  The selection process itself was an absolute delight.  As Julie so aptly stated, “What a pleasure to hear the hope, ambition and exuberance these seven kids expressed in their responses to our questions.” All the students were confident, poised, articulate and focused on their goals, and each expressed their appreciation for the opportunities they received at Glenbard.    

 We’re proud to introduce you to two remarkable, passionate young women who are the recipients of your generosity.

1. Olivia Denman – our four-year degree candidate.  Olivia plans to study Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Olivia has had a passion for our oceans and marine life since she was a child.  Her goal is to obtain her Bachelor's and Masters degrees in marine biology and research oceanic organisms and ecosystems. Olivia hopes to make a positive impact on the environment, the communities affecting oceanic ecosystems, and create a more hospitable environment for the oceans and its inhabitants.
    
2. Vanesa Munoz – our technical/trade training candidate.  Vanesa will enroll in the 5-year program at the College of DuPage with the goal to become a Radiation Therapist. This plan includes a two-year Associates Degree, two years of X-ray technician training and a final year of specialized radiation training.  In addition to this being her career choice, Vanesa experienced first-hand the importance of a competent and caring radiation therapist when a family member underwent radiation therapy for a cancer diagnosis.  This personal experience reinforced Vanesa’s career choice with the determination that she provide support, encouragement and compassionate care for her patients as they navigate the challenges of radiation treatment.  
   
   
    Sam Taves, Vanesa Munoz,  Olivia Denman,  Pat Ritter Taves

We now have a link at the top of the home page: 50th Reunion Photos.

 Feel free to share!

Oct. 24, 2024

We have good news to share with everyone.  

First, this class website will remain active for another 5 years.  The subscription renewal fees are inexpensive  and our class account has sufficient funds to keep the site up and running.  
For all of you, this means you can continue to update your contact information, contact one another via the Message Center and share general news/comments on the Message Forum. (And how about a few more reunion photos too?)

Second,  We have surpassed our goal of $3,000 in scholarship donations and are nearing the $4,000 mark.  THANK YOU ALL  for your generosity.
 Next spring after the selection process is complete, we'll share some information on the recipients of the Class of 1974 scholarship winners. 

"If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I'd like to do...."

Stay in touch with my GW classmates and recapture the memories of my youth!