William B. Wickwire – 50th Reunion Essay

William B. Wickwire

78 Ridgewood Avenue

North Haven, CT 06473

william.jo@sbcglobal.net

203-288-9546

Spouse(s): JoEllen D. Wickwire (1980)

Education: University of Colorado at Boulder Law School, JD 1972

Career: Juvenile Prosecutor, State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, Office of Chief State’s Attorney for 30 years

Avocations: Spending time with family and friends, playing bridge, going to live theater, love movies, anything involving the Rolling Stones, diverse musical interests, collecting Abraham Lincoln memorabilia, skiing, watching sports events, dining out, traveling

College: Pierson

As we approach our 50th reunion, I realize how privileged I am to have attended Yale. My memories reflect on how fortunate I was to be a part of such a prestigious institution and a member of the great Class of 1969. Attending Yale gave me a vision and background to live a truly wonderful life. Yale honed my abilities to study and to look at life through a variety of lenses. I was given opportunities to engage with people and events that shaped who I am and that influenced my life and career throughout the years.

Although academics were important to me while at Yale, social life also played a critical role. I was known as “The Mixer King”…and I still am!

Yale helped to instill in me values that I carry with me every day. Honesty, kindness, compassion, and dedication to my family, friends, and profession are close to my heart. My strength to overcome life’s challenges has broadened since my Yale days. I am a survivor of cancer, a heart attack, three cervical surgeries, and a hip replacement. All of my challenges have been blessings in my life.

Life has been very good to me. I married my best friend, JoEllen, who has been an integral part of my life. We enjoy the life we have together. Special times have included numerous travel adventures including New York City, Italy, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Bermuda, Chicago, Nova Scotia, and Cape Cod. I am a risk taker and have enjoyed a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, skiing, white-water rafting and snorkeling.

It is hard to believe that 50 years have passed since our days at Yale. I am looking forward to reconnecting and reminiscing with friends from the Class of 1969.