Class Notes Category: Career

Katya Karlova ’08 has written a book, “Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power,” and companion journal detailing her decades-long struggle with chronic pain and the difficulty she had to even get a correct diagnosis. “I definitely never planned on writing a book but if it helps any other women and their loved ones while going through what…

“Born to Play Béisbol: The Magical Career of Fernando Valenzuela” by Kathleen Contreras ’76, Ph.D. ’00, won the Gold Star award at the recent Latino Book Awards for Most Inspirational Children’s Book and Best Sports Book. “It is the first children’s book on the L.A. Dodger legend,” Contreras said, “and is popular not only with…

Hon. Angel M. Bermudez ’88 (Ret.) has joined the panel of JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide. Bermudez joins with more than 18 years of service on the Riverside County Superior Court, where he spent the majority of his tenure presiding over civil matters. During his nine years on…

Kameelah L. Martin, M.A. ’03, Ph.D., is the editor of new book on Julie Dash, M.F.A. ’85. The latest installment in the “Conversations with Filmmakers Series,” the book is an in-depth exploration of the life, career and creative processes of one of the most groundbreaking filmmakers in American cinema. From the press release: This collection…

Seth Serxner, M.P.H. ’81, Ph.D., has recently published a book, “The Wellbeing Effect: Bite-Sized Practices for Busy People to Lead Happier, Healthier Lives.” From the book’s press release: Do you feel bombarded by social media, family, friends or healthcare providers telling you to get healthy and change your lifestyle so you can live your best…

“A Tiny White Light” by Linda Bass ’71, a candid memoir about the author’s own psychotic episode and its origins in guilt, lost purpose, conflict between mothering and career and the ambiguity in her relationship with her therapist, is to be published in January 2026. From the press release: Just after nineteen-year-old Linda’s family moves…

“Marzia: A Judge’s Fight for Afghan Women’s Rights,” co-written by Western New York native Pamela Say, Cert. ’24, will be released on March 1, 2026. Co-authored by Marzia Babakarkhail, the book, according to the press release, Takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the stark realities of life under Taliban rule—navigating checkpoints, relying on secret…

The latest book by Dale Atkins, Ph.D. ’82, former “Today Show” expert and psychologist best known for sharing guidance on how to navigate life’s complicated questions and uncomfortable feelings, is set for release by Mascot books in January. It unveils a new mission: to help generations connect and experience the joy of being present. “The…

Austin, Texas-based public charity “Shelter with Spirit,” co-founded by Gary Citron ’74, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of providing “green building” grants to non-profit community developers of affordable housing in Central Texas. “We had intended to provide pro bono architectural services from faculty at the University of Texas,” Citron said, “but local developers were more…

Leslie Johansen Nack ’92 is the author of two award-winning books: her debut memoir, “Fourteen,” and her historical novel, “The Blue Butterfly.” Her forthcoming sequel, “Nineteen: A Daughter’s Memoir of Reckoning and Recovery,” coming this October, concludes her raw and deeply personal story that chronicles her path to sobriety and a renewed sense of hope.…