Class Notes

John A. Heldt, BS ’85, published "Let Time Fly," his twenty-sixth novel, in December 2025.

The Honorable Blaine G. Gibson, JD ’77, was recently named Trial Judge of the Year by the Washington State Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Judge Gibson served for 20 years as a Superior Court Judge for the County of Yakima, Washington, and is now retired. ABOTA is an association of trial attorneys and judges who are dedicated to promoting civility and professionalism within the legal profession, improving civics education within schools and the community, and preserving and protecting Americans’ Seventh Amendment right to a civil trial by jury, which includes supporting judicial independence and ensuring safe courthouse ingress and egress for jurists, jurors, and the public.

Laura Edmonston, BA ’98 (English), received her Juris Doctor degree from the Seattle University School of Law on December 13, 2025. Laura also holds a Master's in Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University and a Certificate of Paralegal Studies from Duke University. Laura is the Deputy State Law Librarian for the Washington State Supreme Court.

 

I published my autobiography, “Called to Serve: My Path to President Reagan’s Cabinet and Beyond,” (Peak Press, Jan. 2026). I'm the son of Canadian immigrants, and served in two Cabinet roles with President Reagan, Energy (1982-1985) and Interior (1985-1989), after running the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1970s, and chairing the Oregon Republican Party. Graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law.

Guy Maynard, BS ’84 (journalism), long-time editor of Oregon Quarterly (1995—2012), announces the release of Ash Valley: The Promise of the Land, the third autobiographical novel of his Risk of Being Ridiculous Trilogy. Ash Valley is set in the mountains of southern Oregon in the early ’70s and lovingly and honestly tells the complex story of a group of exiles from big cities trying to build a new way of life. The earlier books of the trilogy are The Risk of Being Ridiculous and Trial: A Long Year from Here to There.

https://www.gladeyepress.com/online-store/Ash-Valley-The-Promise-of-the-Land-p722521551

Michael Hall (BA ’10, University of Oregon) is excited to announce that his feature documentary, Generation Freedom, will premiere on PBS this May. The film explores the rise of independent entrepreneurship, sharing real-world success stories of people who have left traditional jobs to build fulfilling, self-sustaining businesses. The documentary examines the evolving landscape of work, from the lasting effects of the pandemic to corporate return-to-office mandates, highlighting the growing movement of professionals seeking financial and time freedom through entrepreneurship. Generation Freedom features insights from industry leaders and well-known entrepreneurs, including Pat Flynn (Smart Passive Income), Lisa Congdon (artist & author), John Lee Dumas (Entrepreneurs on Fire), and Aaron Draplin (Draplin Design Co.). Michael, a Portland-based filmmaker, has dedicated his career to storytelling that educates and inspires. He is thrilled to bring this important conversation to a national audience through PBS. For more details, visit genfreedom.com

James Hein (Honors College 2002) has started a solo law practice in Portland, after practicing for nearly 20 years at Tonkon Torp. He will provide the same business-law services as before: contract drafting, business formation & structure, mergers & acquisitions, and business separations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hein-business-law/

JADI CAMPBELL, BA '80 (Clark Honors College, English) book Broken In: A Novel in Stories was named a semifinalist for the international 2020 Hawk Mountain Short Story Collection Award from Hidden River Arts.

The Honorable Blaine G. Gibson, JD ’77, has retired after serving for 20 years as a Superior Court Judge for Yakima County, Washington. During his judicial tenure he was active in the leadership of the Washington State Superior Court Judges’ Association as a member of the Board of Trustees and as President. He was in the private practice of law for 27 years prior to being elected Judge. During that time, he was a member of several Washington State Bar Association committees, including the Ethics Committee, which he chaired. He now hopes to spend his time travelling with his wife Sandi, when he can pull her away from her garden.

As a senior interior designer at HGA, I was recently promoted to Associate Vice President and also featured in the Beyond the Built Environment.

https://hga.com/people/lotos-chen-young/

After almost 40 years, the majority with Delawie (San Diego, Calif.), Paul Schroeder retired following an accomplished design career. He dedicated his talents to educational, institutional and civic architecture, including completed projects on several San Diego campuses (Mesa College, San Diego State University and University of San Diego).

https://www.delawie.com/principal-paul-schroeder-retires/

It has been a humbling few weeks for this Alaskan Duck. On September 24, 2024, I was given the Beacon Award by the Alaska Hospital and Health Care Association during their annual conference at Alyeska Resort, Alaska. I have attached the write up and press release on that award, which is not given every year. It was also announced that I will be receiving the William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan of the Year Award at the Alaska Chamber of Commerce annual convention on October 9, 2024, in Fairbanks, Alaska. I have also attached the press release from the Alaska Chamber of Commerce announcing that award. These are both appreciated and unexpected honors that I wanted to share.

https://www.alaskahha.org/post/2024-beacon-award-jeff-cook
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-cook-b2a1b76/

Kirkus Reviews has given Michael N. McGregor's first novel, The Last Grand Tour, a starred review and chosen it to be a Book of the Month for January 2025. The Last Grand Tour tells the passionate story of an American tour guide in Europe who deals with surly, secretive passengers and finds what he hopes is love on one last ten-day tour from Munich to Venice. Korza Books will release McGregor's novel on January 28, 2025. Kirkus calls it "a captivating exploration of the promise and burden of passionate love." McGregor received a Journalism degree from the UO and was a reporter and critic for many years before earning an MFA in Creative Writing at Columbia University. He went on to teach creative writing at Southern Illinois University and Portland State University. Now, he runs the website WritingtheNorthwest.com and interviews Northwest authors on stage for the Cascadia Writers-in-Conversation series.

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michael-n-mcgregor/the-last-grand-tour/

My debut novel, Leafskin, is forthcoming from Stillhouse Press in March 2025. A story of queer love and family-making, rooted in folklore and poetry, Leafskin explores the uncanny magics of creation in a time of environmental destruction. It was partially inspired by my time at UO.

https://www.stillhousepress.org/stillhouse-store/leafskin

JADI CAMPBELL, BA '80 (Clark Honors College, English) second novel Tsunami Cowboys was longlisted for the 2019 Screen Craft Cinematic Book Competition.

Katty Kaunang ’16: From Tech Marketing to Inspiring Children's Author Katty Kaunang ’16, a Marketing Manager in the tech world, recently channeled her personal experience into a heartwarming children's book, "The Good Red Crayon." Inspired by her late brother's courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), the story follows Red, a vibrant crayon who faces illness with unwavering spirit, mirroring the resilience Katty witnessed in her brother. "The Good Red Crayon" is a beautiful tale of acceptance, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity. As Red learns to adapt and find new ways to contribute, young readers are empowered to embrace their own challenges with courage and hope. Katty aspires to continue writing children's books that uplift and inspire, potentially exploring STEM themes in future works. Her debut book stands as a touching tribute to her brother and a testament to the power of the human spirit. Proceeds from "The Good Red Crayon" support the Tasian research laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Find "The Good Red Crayon" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and bacapibo.com (available in Indonesian and English).

Vacationing at Cape Sounion on the southern tip of Greece.

Six of many Boynton Hall residents of 1964-1967 were invited to attend several get togethers over Labor Day weekend, with six making appearances.... Randy Gore, Greg Mowe, Ken Walter, Mike Lightbourn, Paul Polsky (former Oregon Daily Emerald sports editor for a few years), and Michael Dale Glover. The last Boynton gathering was in 2018. A few fellows have passed on in that time including Mike Knight and Marty Boyesen....all the more reason for Boyntonians to rally to next year's "reunion." It was a relief to see Boynton Hall won't be replaced by a women's volleyball practice court, but Hamilton Complex's future is still in dire straits.

Sharleen Nelson, BS ’06 (journalism: magazine, news editorial), an editor and writer at the UO, has published her first novel, The Time Tourists.

Sacramento Magazine named Nicole Granquist, JD '98, a 2019 Top Lawyer in environmental practice.