Dean Hazeltine,

Some of my fondest memories from Brown include taking your EN 9 and 90 classes in 1994-1995. In fact, reading the HBS case studies in your class is what initially got me interested in business / private equity. Of course, I will never forget how you used to stop class on Monday afternoons to ask me if the rugby team had won or lost over the weekend.

By senior year I had become a TA for EN 90 and was also doing an independent study under your guidance. I'll never forget going to "present/defend" my independent study. I had worked so hard and was very nervous before going in. You put me at ease right away and the presentation became more of a discussion. Afterwards, we walked back to Barnes Street together—I lived at 68 Barnes; I think three or four doors down from you—and you asked me to help fix your fence in the backyard, which I was only very happy to do—what else was I going to say? I hadn't received my grade yet. :)

Years later I was driving down Barnes Street with my wife, Laura Whipple, ('96)—who was also an EN 9 TA)—and I was showing her how we used to live very close to you. Sure enough you were outside when we drove by. When we stopped and rolled down our window, you immediately said, "Hi Kris, how's your family in Toronto doing? Are you still at Vestar?" I couldn't believe that you had remembered those details about me, after my five years away from school. Then again, knowing you I probably shouldn't have been surprised. Thanks for making a difference!

Wishing you all the best on your 75th birthday!

Kris Whalen
Class of 1995
Vice President
Vestar Capital Partners
New York, NY