Note from Fred Laughlin after 2004 MS&E Reunion

Dear MS&E Colleague:

Last weekend succeeded across so many dimensions that it is difficult to simply recite the events and do justice to the enjoyment of our collective time together. There was both an excitement and ease to the gatherings. Tim and his committee planned a reunion, but I believe that they got much more. There was, of course, a reuniting of the people, but there was also a rekindling of the spirit that characterized our practice during our brief time as a unit. It was an extraordinary weekend -- a vivid reminder that MS&E housed the finest group of people with whom I've had the privilege to work.

For those who missed the dinner on Saturday, we were treated with remarks from Tim Schrank, Mary Garvin, Bill Takis, Celeste Garcia, and David Huang. They jogged our memories with stories, revealed a few secrets, and gave us multiple perspectives of this SPU we called MS&E. It was the highlight of the evening -- at least the evening that Maralee and I saw. Apparently, the party migrated to Lulu's (formerly Deja Vu)where it kept going well into Sunday morning. If there were highlights of Lulu's, I'm not sure that I want to hear about them or include them in an email. But to Tim Scrhanck, Mary Garvin, Bill Takis, Celeste Garcia, and David Huang -- thank you for your thoughtful comments, personal insights, and good humor.

To Tim and his committee -- Coleen Baptiste, Bethann Beck Brault, Kristin Stettler Boyle, Mary Garvin, Brian Murrow, Melissa Starr, David Treworgy, Jim Thompson, and Susan Wilhelm -- we reserve our deepest gratitude for the weekend. The planning was thorough, the execution was flawless, and the results were superb. And from the protagonist of “An MS&E Christmas Carol,” a reluctant, but reverent nod to its anonymous author. Most of the people I spoke with on the committee deflected my compliments to Tim, but we know that even Tim needs encouragement and support. Never mind that his infectious personality and work ethic are constant sources of energy to us all. It was a group effort, dominated by a never domineering leader. Thank you, Tim, and thank you, committee members.

A final note of appreciation to those outside the DC area, who showed a special measure of commitment to be with us. We were motivated by your extra effort to be with us and we were blessed by your presence throughout the weekend. To all who interrupted busy schedules and completing time demands, whether you came from Seattle or Bethesda, thank you for joining us. I believe Tim will updating the www.msande.com website to facilitate our staying in touch with one another in the future. You probably don't need more websites or emails in your life, but I for one will certainly appreciate the occasional update to keep abreast of your exciting careers. Fanning the embers of warm thoughts is a pleasant pastime during my third half of life.

Thank you to all on this database for the memories of MS&E and to all who attended the weekend events for adding brightness and contrast to those memories.

With greatest respect and gratitude,

Fred Laughlin