Learn more about the unsung alumni "heroes" who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their volunteer efforts for Princeton in a variety of activities. Features about these "Aluminaries" appear in the PAW throughout the year.
Bill Landrigan '76
When Bill (a/k/a Willy) Landrigan considered taking a three-year term on the volunteer Committee to Nominate Alumni Trustees (CTNAT), his first thought was that it sounded like a lot of work. Now chair of the committee and finishing his term, Landrigan smiles and says, "There was a lot to do! But I totally enjoyed it."
Laura Dannen Redman '03
When Laura first came to Princeton for a track meet in high school, she immediately felt that it was the right place for her. She was not disappointed, and looks back on her Princeton years as a time
when everything came together.
Simon Morrison *97
Simon Morrison knew he wanted to focus on Russian music in a PhD program. He chose Princeton because, at the time, there were no leading experts on Russia who might try to sway him, and he chose Harold Powers because Powers did not specialize in Russian music. He found a Music Department superior in promoting professional development and an advisor "who was so welcoming, so open-minded. He encouraged taking the unconventional path."
Susan Conger-Austin *83 S*82
With her undergraduate degree from Stanford, Susan Conger-Austin *83 was looking for something different for graduate school. Although accepted into the Architecture Departments at several other Ivy League institutions, she was most attracted to the personal attention combined with the "incredible reputation" of Princeton's School of Architecture.
Adam Sorensen '01
When Adam Sorensen '01 was growing up in Iowa, he knew that he wanted to go to college in the East, "to see where it could take him." Initially focused on Harvard, he was set on the right track by an adult friend who encouraged him to check out Princeton.
Dan Lopresti *83 *87
Dan Lopresti shakes his head while recalling his decision to come to Princeton for graduate school. “I was deciding between the University of Chicago for an MBA or Princeton for Computer Science. I grew up near Princeton, so my parents were happy that I chose Princeton. But it now seems a bit of a blur."
George L. Bustin ’70 P08
An international exchange student in high school, George Bustin '70 was eager to pursue his international focus in college. He knew no one who had gone to Princeton, but he did know Princeton’s exceptional reputation for studies in international relations. So it was the Woodrow Wilson School for him.
Mara Minerva Melum ’73 S72 P10
Mara Melum '73, President of the Minerva Leadership Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, has lived in the Twin Cities area for 35 years—but she hasn’t let a mere 1200 miles separate her from Princeton. Mara is a long-time interviewer for the local Alumni Schools Committee and has hosted mini-Reunions for alumni in Minnesota.
Jeffrey N. Wieser '74 P06
Jeff Wieser's first foray into serving the Class of 1974 was less than auspicious. He ran for freshman class treasurer and was, in his own words, "thumped." Undaunted by this experience, in his senior year he and his roommate, George Kryder, ran for class vice president and class president, respectively, thinking that holding these two offices would be a good way to stay connected to each other following graduation. This time, victory was theirs. Thus began 36 years and counting of service to the Class of 1974 and the greater Princeton University community.
