Brandeis Magazine

Cristián Orrego Benavente, PhD’71, of San Salvador, El Salvador, on Dec. 12, 2018. A molecular biologist and forensic geneticist, and founding director of the Forensic Project at the UC Berkeley School of Law, he was a tireless leader in the search for children taken during the Salvadoran Civil War and in the use of DNA to reunite families. Survived by wife Patricia del Carmen Vásquez and a son.

Paul D. Nelsen, MFA’71, of Dummerston, Vermont, on Aug. 19. An influential drama teacher at Windham College and Marlboro College as well as a director and actor, he served as an adviser during the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, in London. Survived by wife Lou, two children and three grandchildren.

Mark Michael Abrams ’72, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, on June 19. A software engineer, he contributed to the development of CT scan imaging technology at the Massachusetts General Hospital research laboratories, and was a black belt in aikido, training and instructing for four decades at the New England Aikikai. Survived by a brother.

James Oliver Horton, MA’72, PhD’73, of Reston, Virginia, on Feb. 20, 2017. An emeritus professor of history and American studies at The George Washington University, he championed public history and with his wife, Lois ’77, co-authored several books, including “In Hope of Liberty: Culture, Community and Protest Among Northern Free Blacks, 1700-1860,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1997. Survived by his wife, a son and two grandchildren.

Iris Tobin Selig, MA’72, of Damariscotta, Maine, on Feb. 19. Remembered for her thoughtfulness, creativity and sense of humor mixed with impish joy, she maintained a psychological counseling practice; taught adult education courses in writing and soup making; lived on an Israeli kibbutz for a time with her late husband, Bud; and adored her five terriers. Survived by friend and partner Robert Hains, a stepson, and a stepgrandchild.

Edward Scott Van Winkle, MA’72, of Essex, Connecticut, on Aug. 22. A retired advertising executive known for his quick mind, and readiness with a clever pun and a hearty laugh, he was happiest on a boat, with a cigar and a cocktail. Survived by three children and a stepchild.

Duncan Harris, PhD’73, of Jackson, Wyoming, on May 16. The retired director of the honors program at the University of Wyoming, he is remembered as a Renaissance man, keenly curious and observant, unmatched at guiding grandchildren through a Roman amphitheater or making a quart of huckleberry ice cream. Survived by wife Janice, two sons and four grandchildren.

Alan J. Kristel ’73, of Woodbury, New York, on July 8. As an executive, he helped expand the family business, Commercial Envelope Manufacturing, in Deer Park, among other companies, and in his spare time enjoyed harness racing, fast cars, football, family barbecues and books. Survived by wife Brycie, five children and two grandchildren.

Barbara Bolton Dello Joio, MFA’75, of New York City, on Sept. 24. She began her acting career during the Golden Age of Television, appearing on such programs as “Studio One,” “Playhouse 90” and “The Defenders,” and later returned to her first love, the theater, in Boston when her late husband, Norman, was dean at Boston University’s School of Fine Arts. Survived by two children, five stepchildren, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Robyn J. Gordon-Hamer ’79, of Revere, Massachusetts, on Sept. 10. An administrative assistant in neurology at Mass General Hospital and owner of an online jewelry sales business, she loved working as a volunteer at the New England Aquarium and the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York. Survived by husband Daniel.