1969 Alumnus in the Sunshine State

Steve Witten, Hamden Hall Class of 1969, sends regards to his 50th Reunion class from his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Steve and wife, Debbie, lived on the Connecticut shoreline in Stony Creek for more than 20 years. Five years ago, Steve began commuting back and forth to South Florida to oversee his institutional multifamily business. Four years ago, he and Debbie bought a house in Fort Lauderdale where Steve reports that they thoroughly enjoy the weather, lifestyle, and boating in the “Venice of America.”

“After being an investment real estate broker for over 40 years, I left the firm about two years ago but retirement wasn’t in my vocabulary. I was asked to be the senior advisor to the CEO and chairman of a Multifamily REIT about a year ago and I’m having a terrific time working and playing in paradise.” That “playing” includes spending time with his three children and five grandchildren.

Reflecting back on his Hamden Hall experience, Steve said, “I have warm memories of a very nurturing environment. I wasn’t exactly a stellar student and struggled with the confines of structure. Our Headmaster Mr. Shepard tolerated me but I realize in hindsight that he also understood me and my need for independence.”

Steve says that he “did everything” with his best friend and 1969 classmate, the late Ben “Buddy” Morris. Steve jokes, “Fortunately the senior cabin is long gone as no doubt we hid some skeletons there.”

On a more poignant note, when Steve and Buddy did not make it to their 40th Hamden Hall class reunion 10 years ago, they promised to see each other in 2019 at their Golden Anniversary in October. Buddy, however, died in February 2012. “Life is so fragile,” said Steve.

On a lighter note, Steve recalled that one of his greatest accomplishments at Hamden Hall was winning the office of student body president. “I’m pretty sure I stole the election from Etta Lapin because my campaign manager, Rona Mogil, got up during assembly the morning of the election and announced that there would be free brownies and cider immediately following, compliments of the Steve Witten for President campaign.”

As for teachers, Steve noted, “Cecile Beaupre stands out as does Charles Shepard, and some of my fondest memories were the times spent studying at our physics teacher Ed Maydock’s house in Southbury.”