Jean Ann McQuilkin

Provided by Jean Ann for reunion of 2007:

I am now living in Los Angeles as I have been since leaving Ohio in 1963. I am Clinical Director (and Founder) of the Thelma McMillan Center for Chemical Dependency in Torrance.

I have a number of avocational pursuits: I have been in the same church choir for 42 years and am a member of the Madrigal Singers. I have been an elder of my Presbyterian church since 1976. I am a trained conciliator for the Conciliation Service of L.A. County. I am an active member of the L. A. chapters of Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Alpha Theta. I love going to zoos, museums, symphony concerts, working out at the gym, swimming, and most of all spending time with the grandchildren!

In the past, I have been National Director of Mortar Board and Sectional Director of the California/Hawaii chapters. I have had poetry published and continue writing for special times or celebrations or haiku for small, precious moments.

Of my Grandview days, I remember especially the night we won the CBL and we all went to Prescutti's. I remember talent shows, "spreads", Dorcas Truckmiller, playing field hockey, and stretching out on the warm cement with my friends after a swim at the Grandview pool. I remember walking all over Grandview. I remember times at "the woods", like Brownie picnics with our leader, Mardelle's mother. I remember Easter egg hunts and Bonfire Rallies.

Regarding our class, I remember that we were the first to graduate in the "new" gym and I remember the day we finally got to stand up and sing "Seniors so mighty". I also remember the senior picnic where some couples wore matching outfits - we thought we were so cool.

Everytime I come "home" (and I still call it home), I love to walk around Grandview. My sons always ask me why we left. I don't really have an answer. Grandview gave me roots, a midwestern practicality, a sense of belonging that I always carry with me. Yes, even in L.A.

After high school. I went on to OSU where I got my BS in Education and BA in Psychology. I later got an MA in Counseling Psychology form Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, and a post-graduate certificate in Addiction Studies from UCLA.

Before I left Ohio I taught school in Columbus. Then later, in California, I taught in Los Angeles and Long Beach; my last years teaching drama in Middle School.

Moving on from teaching, I was an Addictions Therapist at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital form 1983 to 1988, in private practice form '88 to '91, then started my current business in '92. Our center has very successful and is the most endowed of it kind except for the Betty Ford in Palm Desert.

Besides my business, I am especially pleased at having raised two young men to become accomplished in their careers and good husbands and fathers.

I recently ran across this photo of Kay Hudson and me. You guess the year.

Written by Jean Ann to Alumni Newsletter in Sring, 2006

Still working & passionate about it! Am partner in professional group specializing in substance abuse at Torrence Memorial Hospital; continue to live in same home since '71 in W. LA; visit Columbus every other year to see family & friends; 2 years ago took 5 hour walk around Grandview on lovely October afternoon--nostalgic remembering all the good times; see Grandview classmates here; learned to be tour guide through LA; have 2 sons, 3 grandsons; son Mike Presbyterian pastor in Austin, TX; Ryan, writer in Venice, CA. Life is full & good; looking forward to our 50th!! Love newsletter.

Written by Jean Ann to classmates in 1997