After graduating, I joined the Army expecting to make the military my career, hoping to be appointed to West Point. Upon the Army learning that I was Sen. Proxmire’s first alternate in 1958, the Army assigned me to the US Military Academy Preparatory School in Ft. Belvoir, Va. After a couple of months at this school filled with army brats, I realized the Army and I were not made for each other. I left the school and was assigned to a combat engineer unit where I finished my enlistment serving as the company clerk for Co. C, 91^st Engr. Bn.. Upon finishing my enlistment, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where I earned a BS in international relations and an MA in political science.

I then attended Michigan State University where I completed all but the dissertation for a doctorate in political science. Instead of completing the degree, I launched my career as a consumer advocate by becoming the first Executive Secretary for the newly created Michigan Consumers Council, a state agency charged with representing consumer interests in the government. I headed the Council’s legislative and research efforts, advocating consumer legislation and promoting consumer education programs for four years. When I left the Council, the Michigan legislature adopted a joint resolution of tribute to acknowledged my achievements.

After leaving the Council, I became a consumer advocate for the United Auto Workers. I married Trudy Lieberman, who was then the consumer reported for the Detroit Free Press. In 1976, we moved to New York City where we have lived in Manhattan ever since. After moving here, I first served as a contributing editor for Facts on File, Inc. writing profiles of key political figures for the Nixon/Ford Years. I subsequently authored The Consumer Protection Manual, published by Facts On File, Inc., in 1984, which described consumer protection laws and negotiating strategies consumers could use to enforce their rights under state and federal consumer protection laws.

I then worked as a mediator in the NYC Better Business Bureau under its automotive mediation/arbitration program that General Motors had agreed to with the FTC to settle charges they had deceived consumers about three defective components in their cars. In 1987, I became a staff analyst for the NYC Consumer Affairs Department, where I have worked ever since and am now the Director of Legislative Affairs responsible for developing, implementing, and advocating the Department’s City, state and federal legislative programs and preparing and adopting its regulatory agenda.

Trudy and I have one daughter, Kirsten Nicole, born in 1985. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Barnard College in 2007, and is currently working for the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission as an Urban Fellow. She was accepted for a master’s program in Housing, Regeneration and Social Policy at the London School of Economics for next year.

Trudy and I have traveled a lot, partake in what NYC has to offer, and enjoy our country house in Pennsylvania where I am building a model railroad. In addition to continuing to oppose the criminal wars of aggression waged by the US around the world since Vietnam and now in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am also writing a manuscript on the OJ Simpson case entitled Proved Innocent: Exposing the Frame Up of OJ Simpson.

All in all, it’s been an interesting and rewarding 50 years, and I am looking forward to the reunion.

Married for 38 years to Robert Fitzsimmons.  I have 1 daughter who is 34 years old and 2 grandchildren, 16 and 8.  I have lived in LaCrosse, WI since 1964.  Worked in retail most of my years.  Owned a Wig Store in the late 60’s to early 70’s, then stayed home to raise my daughter.  I enjoy friends, family, flowers, and dogs. My brother Dewey still lives in Waukesha.  Sorry no pictures to share.  I can’t attend but would like a class roster.

I’m still at Kohls Department Store 36 years.  Have 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  My husband passed away and I’m living in Brown Deer over 16 years in a condo.

I’m really sad and sorry I can’t attend because of obligations at work.  Was hoping to see fellow classmates and hear what they are doing.  If you need any info before the event let me know.