Memory Book – Jack Wagner Class of 1962
It is hard to believe that 50 years has passed since graduating from Kenyon. I have tried to highlight my memories in terms of the five decades that followed:
1960’s – As a member of the ROTC program at Kenyon, I started my career as a Lieutenant in the USAF with my 1st duty assignment in Sacramento, CA, and was trained in the new field of Data Processing:
- Met and married my lovely wife Suzanne, a 4th generation Californian (47 yrs in September).
- Received orders for Viet Nam – Cancelled – Moved to Wiesbaden, Germany for 4 years.
- Travelled extensively throughout Europe in our new 1968 911 Porsche Targa.
- Received my MBA from University of Utah – 4.0 GPA. (A lot higher than my Kenyon GPA).
1970’s – Wanted to return to the East Coast, so naturally the USAF sent me to Colorado Springs, CO. With my Wife teaching on the Air Force Academy, I decided to leave the Air Force and further my career in the private sector of Information Processing:
- Became a Business/Technology Consultant with Touche Ross, predecessor or Deloitte-Touche.
- Had many wonderful get-togethers with Doug & Sarah Armbrust, becoming God-Parents to two of their beautiful Daughters.
- My Wife and I took up Ice-Skating and Ice Dancing at the Broadmoor World Arena.
1980’s – Continued to advance my career in Consulting which led me to a VP/Information Systems position in the Farm Credit System. Following the implementation of an International Banking System, I had the opportunity to move to New Jersey to assume responsibility for the Company responsible for its development and support:
- Following relocation, I became President & General Manager of Financial Services International.
- Travelling internationally, my wife and I had the opportunity to see additional parts of the world.
- After the Company was sold, I became the National Banking Manager for Coopers & Lybrand, the predecessor of PWC, headquartered in NY City.
1990’s – As a result of a consulting project, I had the opportunity to become the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the $27B Dime Savings Bank in New York City, where I remained throughout the 90’s:
- My Wife and I both began Golf and left the ice to take up Ballroom Dancing.
- I got involved in our local Theatre Group, culminating with my role as Felix in the Odd Couple.
- I also became a member of a local Rock Band “In-Denial” as their drummer and back-up singer.
2000 – 2012 – After Washington Mutual bought the Dime, I went back into Consulting working initially for EDS, and then becoming an Independent Contractor. Realizing that 70 is the new 50, I have continued in this capacity, with a recent focus on Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Planning.
- Joined the local Italian American Club and travelled extensively throughout Italy.
- Bought a Time-Share in Mexico, allowing many trips there with Doug & Sarah Armbrust.
- Continued with my interest in Golf, Tennis, Music, and Travel.
Someday I may actually think about retiring, or not.