Men from the class of 1980

Class of 1980

Welcome, UCCOM Class of 1980! We hope you enjoy exploring this specially-created website to celebrate you, our loyal MedCats.  Reminisce and remember your time at the College, and years beyond, while catching up and connecting with your classmates. 

Enjoy your trip down Memory Lane!  

Get Involved

Class of 1980 Composite

Dive-in for a Class of 1980 experience! Check out photos while visiting your private Facebook page to connect. Read about what your classmates have been doing and see what was popular in 1980 and more.

Four men wearing their graduation gowns pose for a photo

College of Medicine - 1980 commencement

Class of 1980 at a reunion

Class reunion in 2010

Lane Ferguson and friends on a sailboat

Lance Ferguson and friends on a sailboat

Larry Galea poses with a fan in front of his face

Larry Galea

Class Reunion in 2015 - Group photo

Class Reunion in 2015 - Group photo

Class reunion in 2005

Class reunion in 2005

Class of 1980 reunion dinner in 2010

Class of 1980 reunion dinner in 2010

Weber - 80's winners

Weber - 80's winners

reunion in 2005 group photo

Class reunion in 2005 - group photo

Updates from Your Classmates

Are you curious about what the Class of 1980 has been up to since graduation? Check out the class notes section below to get caught up!

John B. Anderson, Jr., MD

John Anderson’s specialty is in Family Medicine. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Duke Primary Care, and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Duke University. According to John, he and Ann cycled during the 2nd week of the Tour de France in The Pyrenne’s, and it was a fabulous trip!

Sheldon Benjamin, MD

Sheldon Benjamin’s specialty is in Neuropsychiatry. He is the Interim Chair of Psychiatry, Director of Neuropsychiatry, Director of Psychiatric Education and Training, Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Psychiatry Director for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. According to Dr. Benjamin, he and Miriam celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in June (they were married after his first year at UCCOM). Their son Rafi was married in 2017. A former circus performer, Rafi runs a business that provides entertainment and team building games for parties, reunions, and life cycle events. But he still juggles. Their daughter, Malka, portrays a 17th century Pilgrim at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts and is responsible for training all historical interpreters at the plantation, the Native American homesites, the Mayflower reconstruction, and Plymouth Gristmill. In January he began an 8-year term as one of the Psychiatry Directors of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently in my 25th year as residency training director and is looking forward to the conclusion of 3 years as Interim Chair of Psychiatry at UMass sometime in 2020 when the permanent chair is appointed. He has remained in touch with classmates Ken Hetzler (who has appointment in our department) and with Ellen Cooper (who lives not far from us) among others and is looking forward to being back in touch with others in the class. Dr. Benjamin has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: The Chancellors Medal for Distinguished Teaching University of Massachusetts, The Jonathan Borus Lectureship Harvard, The T. Cook Amith Memorial Oration in the History of Medicine Innominate Society of Louisville, The Brophy Professorship UC Davis, The Albert M. Biele Lectureship in Psychiatry Jefferson, The Mark Rayport Lectureship in Psychiatry University of Toledo, The Gary J. Tucker Lifetime Achievement Award in Neuropsychiatry American Neuropsychiatry Association, The Paul Barreria Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Teaching UMass, The Alan Tasman Lectureship in Psychiatry University of Louisville, Distinguished Life Fellow American Psychiatric Association, Fellow American Academy of Neurology, President American Neuropsychiatric Association (2013-2015).

Robert E. Benkert, MD

Robert Benkert’s specialty is in Pulmonary. He is currently the Medical Director Respiratory Care Western Colorado VA Health Care System.

John W. Cassidy III, MD

John Cassidy’s specialty is in Neurology and Psychiatry. He has worked at Nexus Health Systems, 3 hospitals, and 1 post-acute traumatic brain injury residential treatment center. According to Dr. Cassidy, he is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer at Nexus Health Systems for 28 years in the Houston Metro area and Orange County, CA. Dr. Cassidy has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Distinguished Traumatic Transnational Physician.

Cynthia S. Cooper, MD

Cindy Cooper’s specialty is in OB/GYN. She is currently the Medical Director at Health Plan of San Mateo. According to Dr. Cooper, she was lucky enough to be allowed to deliver her 2 grandchildren - 1 at Stanford and 1 at NYU - with the "official" OB/GYN on standby! She has now completed 4 medical mission trips to Haiti, and has enjoyed her work with the Haitian OB/GYNs and surgeons.

Ellen R. Cooper, MD

Ellen Cooper’s specialty is in Pediatric Infectious Disease. She serves as a Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, Director Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Programs and Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center. Dr. Cooper has received the following awards/honors/ distinctions: Teaching Excellence Award BU/Harvard, Excellence in Patient Safety Improvement Award BU, American Academy of Pediatrics Teaching Innovation Award, and AIDS Clinical Recognition Award ICAP Ethiopia presented in Addis Ababa.

Mark J. Crnkovich, MD

Mark Crnkovich’s specialty is in Radiation Oncology. He is currently the Medical Director Radiation Oncology at Riverside Methodist Hospital. According to Dr. Crnkovich, he spent his entire career at Riverside Methodist in Columbus.

Robert C. Dewey, MD

Robert Dewey’s specialty is in Clinical and Interventional Cardiology. He is retired from Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. According to Dr. Dewey, he retired in June, and the transition has been seamless. They are finishing hiking all of the 4000ft mountains in NH, and visiting Presidential Libraries (it's good to have a goal). They spend a lot of time on the coast of Maine. Although he enjoyed his career immensely, there is no medicine in his future. On to new adventures, including their first grandchild in May! Dr. Dewey has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: New Hampshire Magazine "Top Doc" last several years, and the American Heart Association Life Time Appreciation Award.

Lee R. Dilworth, MD

Lee Dilworth’s specialty is in Cardiology. He is currently a staff cardiologist at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. According to Dr. Dilworth, he completed his final night call on 12/26/18 for his cardiology practice ending a long-standing duty with good riddance. His practice now is primarily outpatient and much less stressful. When his son started his orthopedic practice on 9/5/19 he became the 3rd generation Dilworth in private practice. Dr. Dilworth has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Co-Chairman Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Chairman Cardiovascular Quality Committee, and Diplomate: American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and American Board of Clinical Lipidology.

Janet A. Doerr, MD

Janet Doerr’s specialty is in Diagnostic Radiology. She is currently retired. According to Dr. Doerr, she is happily retired from radiology. Living in a small, quiet scenic town in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. She is mainly a homebody. Enough interests, pursuits, relationships and cats (two) to keep me contentedly occupied. Hi to fellow members of the Class of 1980!

Lance S. Ferguson, MD

Lance Ferguson’s specialty is in Ophthalmology. He is currently at Commonwealth Eye Surgery- Surgical Director, and Assistant Professor University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. According to Dr. Ferguson, Riley will become a 6th generation physician in his wife's family! Dr. Ferguson has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: American College of Eye Surgeons- Past President, NSAA Safety Award.

David C. Fryefield, MD 

David Fryefield’s specialty is in Radiation Oncology. He is currently retired from his practice and the Medical Director Payer Services- Radiation Oncology for US Oncology.

Mei-Chien H. Fucci, MD

Mei-Chien Huang Fucci’s specialty is in Pathology- Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking. She is currently retired. According to Dr. Fucci, her daughter Christina lives in Portsmouth, RI. Liz recently moved to Edmond, OK a suburb of OK City. Retirement is great, especially since she is now able to play golf twice a week.

John C. Fucci, MD

John Fucci’s specialty is in Gastroenterology. He is currently retired. According to Dr. Fucci, his daughter Christina lives in Portsmouth, RI. Liz recently moved to Edmond, OK a suburb of OK City. Retirement is great, especially since he is now able to play golf twice a week.

Frank P. Giammattei, MD

Frank Giammattei’s specialty is in Orthopaedic Surgery. He is currently the President Medical Staff and Chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Nancy C. Goeden, MD

Nancy Goeden’s specialty is in Pediatrics. According to Dr. Goeden, she is working 3 days a week in private practice currently. Looking forward to enjoying more time to snow ski, waterski, and cycle and visit old friends and growing family! Retirement April 2020!

Paul R. Guenthner, MD

Paul Guenthner’s specialty is in Gastroenterology. He is currently retired from being the Lead Physician at St. Elizabeth Physician Group Division of Gastroenterology, and is practicing addiction medicine at Journey Recovery Center in Crestview, KY. According to Dr. Guenthner, he is enjoying retirement. They enjoy traveling, visiting their kids and grandchildren, golf, and cycling. 

Stephen D. Heis, MD

Stephen Heis’ specialty is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is currently still working full time as the Director of Rehab at Mercy West Hospital. According to Dr. Heis, he just had his 8th grandchild on 3/2/2020. Enjoying life, still married to Lauren for 40 years!

Christine E. Henry, MD

Christine Henry’s specialty is in Internal Medicine. She is currently the Medical Director in the Geriatric Psych Unit at Assurance Health. According to Dr. Henry, they are semi-retired, out of the office and just working the psych unit. Daughter Lauren is an attorney and judicial clerk for Justice DeWine, OH Supreme Court. Son Adam resides in Chicago is an accountant working for a personnel services company.

Gregory W. Hornig, MD

Gregory Horning’s specialty is in Pediatric Neurosurgery. He is a Neurosurgical Attending at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL.

David G. (Trey) Howard, MD

Trey Howard’s specialty is in Ophthalmology.

John H. Kerman, MD

John Kerman’s specialty is in Diagnostic Radiology. He currently affiliates with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Carroll County Hospital, and Highpoint Health.

Thomas R. Kiefhaber, MD

Thomas Kiefhaber’s specialty is in Hand Surgery. He is currently a Hand Surgery Specialist at TriHealth, Mary S. Stern Hand Surgery Fellowship.

Joel D. Knerr, MD

Joel Knerr’s specialty is in Family Medicine. He is currently the Medical Director for Community Health Professionals at Hospice. According to Dr. Knerr, he is now semi-retired no longer in office practice but continuing in his role as Hospice Medical Director. They are now freer to travel more, especially to visit kids/grandkids in CA, VT, IL, and Cincinnati. Dr. Knerr has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: OHSAA Award for 30 years of community service to Ottoville High School.

Catherine B. Kordesch, MD

Catherin Kordesch’s specialty is in Pediatrics. She retired from general pediatrics in December for 2019.

John J. Leisgang, MD

John Leisgang’s specialty is in Internal Medicine. He is currently a Staff Physician at Mercy Hospital in West Chester. According to Dr. Leisgang, grandkids keep coming, lots of fun! He is still practicing - 2 more weddings to go! Still enjoys his practice- wonderful patients!

Alan E. Lichtin, MD

Alan Lichtin’s specialty is in Hematology Oncology. He is currently at the Cleveland Clinic, Chair Cleveland Clinic IRB (22 years), Staff Hematologist Oncologist CCF (32 years), Associate Professor Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. According to Dr. Lichtin, he is first violin section Suburban Symphony Orchestra and he has no desire to retire. Dr. Lichtin has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Master clinician CCF (2019), Member Global Advisory Council Anti-Defamation League, Foundation Committee American Society of Hematology.

Michael E. Longevin, MD

Michael Longevin’s specialty is in Urology. He is currently a part of Adventist Health Physicians Network Department of Urology and Medical Director at Beverly Hills Cosmetic Services. According to Dr. Longevin’s, having started my family later in life, he travelled the world, had a great life and finally settled down marrying at age 51. He had a successful private practice in urology for over 31 years and has 2 beautiful children to keep him young! They moved to California from Illinois, loving every day through God's blessings!

Mark K. Mandell-Brown, MD

Mark Mandell-Brown’s specialty is in Plastic Surgery. He is the Director of The Plastic Surgery Experts at The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Program, and a Volunteer Instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. According to Dr. Mandell-Brown, he is passionate about his medical field and loves going to work every day! His son is married and owns a food truck "Hungry Brothers" in Cincinnati. His daughter is married and lives in Los Angeles. She and her husband have a construction company. He travelled to Vietnam and later to East Africa for a family safari for his 65th birthday. Dr. Mandell-Brown has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: President American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (2020-2021), Board of Trustees AAAHC (2014-2019), Chairman Surgery Training and Education Committee (2017-2019), Webster Award American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery for Education and Teaching (2017), Med Pro Insurance Cosmetic Advisory Panel (2015-2018), and "Best Plastic Surgeon" City Best (2014-2018).

Dale L. Mathias, Jr., MD

Dale Mathias’ specialty was in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. Dale L. Mathias, Jr., MD passed away on June 11, 2019 after fighting Multiple System Atrophy and Parkinson's for over five years.

Michael S. Mokris, MD

Michael Mokris’ specialty is in ENT.

Janet A. Neutze, MD

Janet Neutze’s specialty is in Diagnostic Radiology. She retired from Penn State Health in 2019. According to Dr. Neutze, she has been married to Steve for 40 years. James is working in Chicago; 10 years with Samantha. Mike was married May 2018 to classmate Alexandra. Currently both practicing in Annapolis MD. Dr. Neutze has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Fellow American College Radiology 2019.

Pamela K. Pelley, MD

Pamela Pelley’s specialty is in Internal Medicine. She is currently retired.

Sally Pullman-Mooar, MD

Sally Pullman-Mooar specialty is in Rheumatology. She is now working 3 days a week for Rheumatic Disease Associates. Emeritus at The Thomas Jefferson University and University of Penn. Dr. Pullma-Mooar has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Associate Program Director Fellowship Rheumatology (2016-2019).

John M. Roberts V, MD

John Roberts’ specialty is in Ortho Spine. He is currently the Medical Director for Musculo-Skeletal Service Line at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. According to Dr. Roberts, his family continues to travel together and to explore the world. The grandchildren are a true delight and he and Susan look forward to spending time with them. Practice remains busy but they look to the near future for the work obligations to slow.

Patricia G. Robinson, MD

Patricia Robinson’s specialty is OB/GYN. She is currently retired.

Gregory W. Rouan, MD

Gregory Rouan’s specialty is in Internal Medicine. He is currently the Chair of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Taylor Professor of Medicine. According to Dr. Rouan, his kids both graduated from college and grad school, one lives in San Francisco and the other in NYC; He is hoping to step down as chair in Nov 2020, and gradually reduce practice/academic time over 2-3 years. Dr. Rouan has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Fellow Royal College of Physicians, and Master American College of Physicians.

Mark W. Rudemiller, MD

Mark Rudemiller’s specialty is in Family Medicine. He is currently retired after 33 years of private practice on the West Side of Cincinnati. According to Dr. Rudemiller, he loves being retired after a wonderful career. He is able to spend time with his family as they all live in the Cincinnati area and enjoying his hobbies.

John H. Seguin, MD

John Seguin’s specialty is in Neonatology. According to Dr. Seguin, he is one of the old guys of the group, and is currently working half time cutting back gradually.

Julian T. Simmons, MD

Julian Simmons’ specialty is in Diagnostic Radiology. According to Dr. Simmons, he is looking forward to seeing everyone at reunion, he has not been back since graduation!

Suzannah H. Spencer, MD

Suzannah Spencer’s specialty is in Family Medicine. She is currently retired. According to Dr. Spencer, she is disappointed that she cannot attend the 40th reunion but hopes to be there for the next one. This year she will be on an adventure with three grandkids … what fun! Camping and exploring the NW Pacific coast. Dr. Harding has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Department of Family Medicine Educator and Scholar Award (2016) Univ. of South Dakota Sanford School or Medicine, Emeritus Faculty Center for Family Medicine and Univ. of South Dakota School of Medicine (2016).

Debra A. Spicehandler, MD

Debra Spicehandler’s specialty is Infectious Disease. She is currently the Chief of Infectious Disease at Northern Westchester Hospital, and NYP Lawrence Hospital Chief of Infectious Disease. According to Dr. Spicehandler, she is looking forward to cutting back her practice next year to one hospital practice. She and Dan are enjoying traveling more and spending time with their children. They enjoy biking and more grandparenting time. Dr. Spicehandler has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: YOP Doctor New York-Westchester Castly Connley (2016-2020).

Bruce E. Staley, MD

Bruce Staley’s specialty is in Internal Medicine. He is currently retired.

Barry E. Staley, MD

Barry Staley’s specialty is in Family Medicine. According to Dr. Staley, he recently sold their home and is building their new home in Blue Ash, OH.

Ronna L. Staley, MD

Ronna Staley’s specialty is in Pediatrics. She is currently retired. According to Dr. Staley, she recently sold their home and is building their new home in Blue Ash, OH.

Sidney J. Steinberger, MD

Sidney Steinberger’s specialty is in Otolaryngology/FPS. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Frank H. Stieg, MD

Frank Stieg’s specialty is in Plastic Surgery. He is currently retired. According to Dr. Stieg, he went on a mission trip to Tarapoto, Peru in November and it was his 17th foreign surgical trip.

Ellis F. Unger, MD

Ellis Unger’s specialty is in Cardiovascular Disease. He is currently the Director of Office of Cardiology Hematology Endocrinology and Nephrology Office of New Drugs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) US Food and Drug Administration. According to Dr. Unger, he cannot believe that 1980 was 40 years ago… Time passes so quickly. He is happy to report that he is well, and so is his family. He is looking forward to seeing many of you!

David J. Vaughan, Jr., MD

David Vaughan’s specialty is in Urology. He is currently retired from Advent Health Hospitals Orlando FL Staff Urologist, and serves as EVP of Clinical Development Immusys Biotech Company. According to Dr. Vaughan, both of his children were married over the past year and a half. He retired from his clinical urology last month and is now working with a biotech company doing prostate cancer immunotherapy trials. He gives his best to all the 80's classmates and is looking forward to the 40th reunion! Dr. Vaughan has received the following awards/honors/distinctions: Best Physicians Award- Orlando Magazine.

Theodore J. Waller, MD

Theodore Waller’s specialty is in Cardiac EP.

Stewart Watson, MD

Stewart Watson’s specialty is in Emergency Medicine.

Jeffrey L. Werchowski, MD

Jeffrey Werchowski’s specialty is in Pulmonary. 

Interesting Things in 1980

Women's fashion in 1980
Men's fashion 1980s
  • A gallon of gas cost just $1.19!
  • The average cost of a new car was $7,200 ($24,134.98 in 2020 dollars!)
  • Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington in March of 1980.
  • Post-It Notes were officially introduced to US stores in April of 1980.
  • The popular arcade game “Pac-Man” was released.
  • Voyager-1 probe sent the first high-resolution images of Saturn back to scientists, confirming the existence of Janus, a moon of Saturn.
  • The US President was Ronald Reagan.
  • The Rubik’s Cube debuted in US toy stores in May of 1980.
  • CNN began its first broadcast on June 1st, 1980.
  • The US defeats the Soviet Union in ice hockey in what was labeled “The Miracle On Ice”.
  • Blondie achieved a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 Single with “Call Me”.
  • Other popular artists in 1980:
    • ABBA
    • AC/DC
    • Adam and the Ants
    • Black Sabbath
    • David Bowie
    • The Cars
    • Eric Clapton
    • Alice Cooper
    • Elvis Costello
    • KC and The Sunshine Band
    • Michael Jackson
    • Queen
    • Pink Floyd
    • Diana Ross
    • Paul McCartney
    • Olivia Newton-John
    • Electric Light Orchestra
    • The Police
  • "The Empire Strikes Back” had its theatrical release in the summer of 1980.
  • Other popular movies that came out in 1980:
    • Superman II
    • Nine to Five
    • Raging Bull
    • Coal Miner's Daughter
  • Millions of viewers tuned into the TV soap opera Dallas to learn who shot lead character J. R. Ewing. 
  • Other popular TV shows included:
    • The Dukes of Hazzard
    • 60 Minutes
    • M*A*S*H
    • The Love Boat
    • The Jeffersons
    • Alice
    • House Calls
    • Three’s Company
  • Former Beatle John Lennon was shot outside his apartment building in Manhattan.
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda (January 16th)
  • Zooey Deschanel (January 17th)
  • Chris Pine (August 26th)
  • Ryan Gosling (November 12th)

Top 5 Songs


Roger S. Brett, MD

S. Michael Erba, Jr., MD

Axel H. Heimer, Jr., MD

Gregory L. Isaac, MD

Donald L. Kennedy, MD

David V. Kuhaneck, MD

Dale L. Mathias, Jr., MD

Linda E. May, MD

Stephen I. Pleatman, MD

Sally D. Slowman Middleton, MD

Denyse J. Williamson, MD

Headshot of Mark Osborne

Mark Osborne

Program Director of Alumni & Donor Experience, College of Arts and Sciences