Santa Clara Magazine

Jim Wiechers ’66 is in his fifth year as men’s golf coach at Napa Valley College and will start his fourth year, in the fall, as women’s golf coach. His background includes 13 years on the PGA Tour and for the last 19 years has been the principal golf instructor previously at Chardonnay GC and presently at Eagle Vines GC.

Michael A. Nichols ’66, J.D. ’72 reports that he has been practicing Criminal Defense Law in Sunnyvale since 1976, and prior to that he was a Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County.

James Morrow MBA '66, Ph.D. '73 is chairman, president and CEO of Green Energy 1, Inc., a designer, developer, owner, and operator of waste to energy technology and solar plants for the generation of electricity and production of potable water worldwide.

Stephen D. Home '62, MBA '66 writes, "Still alive and working full time as a Financial Planner with MetLife, and continue to keep in touch with many of my class mates. Two grandchildren to talk about, just ask. I am currently living in Palo Alto."

John "Jack" Hillis '66, a longtime Saratoga resident, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley in December.

The recognition will be presented for his longstanding involvement in the organization. Hillis has served faithfully over the years, currently on the club's golf committee, and was a member of the board of directors for 15 years, including serving as board president. He was chosen for the prestigious award by an internal selection committee, based on his service and dedication to the club.

Over the years, Hillis and his wife Polly have supported the club with their time and treasure including supporting silent auctions, committee work and donations. Hillis has been affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley for 25 years and served as president for three years.

He's also the president and founder of Hillis Financial Services and has more than 40 years experience providing financial planning and asset management advice to individuals, corporate executives and business owners.

James P. Green '66 writes: "Still in active law practice of my 39th year as trial lawyer. 3 adult children, 3 grandchildren--soon to be 4."

Don Gomes ’66 teaches at University of Alaska Anchorage and serves on the Anchorage Arts Advisory Commission. He and wife Ann Holt are staff to their Aussie “Bear.”

W.E. Glennon, Jr. writes, "My dad, Bill Glennon J.D. ’66 will be 95 in January. He has shot his age in golf starting when he was 73 and every year since until two years ago when he was 92--with the exception of one year when he was 82. A bad middle finger on his left hand has kept him from playing for the last two years. Things have improved so that my son, Damian, and I are going to play my brother, Tim, and Dad next month at Spyglass. My dad belongs to Spyglass, Bighorn and Saratoga C.C."

William A. Cooper MBA ’66 was granted Muskingum University's Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in recognition for his personal and professional achievements. The award, the university’s highest alumni honor, was presented at a June 17 ceremony, held as part of the university’s annual Alumni Weekend festivities. Sponsored by the Muskingum University Alumni Council, the DSA recognizes and honors alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional endeavors and exemplary services to society. Any living Muskingum graduate or former student is eligible to receive this award. William Cooper is president of Cooper & Company, a full-service industrial and commercial real-estate brokerage and real-estate development firm in Santa Clara County. Since the late 1960s, he has helped strengthen Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial climate, providing technology start-up companies with access to facilities which support their innovation and business growth. A professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers from 1961-1966, Mr. Cooper’s achievements have brought a positive and powerful spotlight to the educational and athletic ideals embodied by NCAA Division III.  In 2000, he became the first Ohio Athletic Conference player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. As a power fullback for Muskingum, “Cannonball Cooper” gained 3,651 yards rushing during his college career.  He led the Muskies to the 9-0 undefeated 1960 season with 1102 yards rushing that year, and was named to the 1960 Associated Press All-American Football first team.  He is a three-time member of the All-Ohio Athletic Conference first team, and the first and only three-time recipient of the OAC’s Mike Gregory Award. Mr. Cooper earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Muskingum and a MBA from Santa Clara University. He has served as a member of the Muskingum University Board of Trustees for over 25 years. He is married to Muskingum classmate Sandra "Sonie" Green Cooper, and through their leadership and support of their alma mater, they have furthered educational opportunities for generations of students. The Coopers reside in Monte Sereno, Calif.

John Cody ’66 writes that he was named a Top 1000 Financial Advisor by Barron's Magazine this year. John has spent more than 40 years helping clients at Merrill Lynch achieve their financial goals. He is married to Victoria Cody ’66, and works with his sons Brian and Patrick in the Century City branch of Merrill Lynch.

Joe Clark ’66 and his wife, Cathy, are happy to announce the adoption of their grandson Owen Michael Clark on June 1, 2012.

Jim Charkins ’66 has been granted the highest honor of the California Council for the Social Studies, the Hilda Taba award. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated organizational leadership; involvement in policy development for social studies; collection and dissemination of research bringing innovation to the field; and distinction as a teacher, teacher educator, and curriculum developer. Last October in Chicago he was presented with the Bessie Moore Award for outstanding national leadership in economic education. Charkins is professor of economics at California State University, San Bernardino, and executive director of the California Council on Economic Education. Jim and his wife, Linda Jackson Charkins ’66 live in Wrightwood, Calif.

Kevin Barr '66 writes, "Retired in Boise, Idaho, with wife, Mary Pat, where we volunteer at the zoo, taking care of animals and educating kids of all ages. Also am a member of the Friends of Zoo Boise Board of Directors. Recent travels have included Australia (boyhood home) and Eastern Europe."

Kevin P. Barr ’66 writes: “Enjoying retirement, traveling to places like Tanzania, and working at the zoo with animals and children. Also a member of the board of directors.”