Wendy Werner Leiti '78	Julie Tarasevich Dever '85

Separated by seven class years and a few U.S. states, two WT alums connected by their fathers' time together in the military finally met at a WT gathering in Florida. At the WT on the Road reception hosted by Susan Criep Santa-Cruz ’60, Julie Tarasevich Dever ’85 recognized the name Werner on the nametag of Wendy Werner Leiti ’78. Julie had often heard about how Mr. Walter "Ozzie" Werner served in the army with her dad, and he advised her father that the only place to send his daughter to school was Winchester Thurston. Julie was excited to discover that she was indeed meeting Mr. Warner's daughter Wendy more than three decades later, a WT alumna who was the sole reason she attended WT.

Julie knew Mr. Werner was extremely respected. His opinion mattered and luckily swayed her father. “My dad told me he knew the right person to contact about my education. I am so glad he did. It was not only the school for me but now for my daughters too.”

Wendy shared how grateful she felt to learn of her father’s impact.“When I met Julie and she told me that story, I was really touched and thankful to hear it. My dad was my everything and he was always so kind. He was always helping people.”

We love these stories, and want to hear more. Please share yours!

See photos from WT on the Road: Florida 

It's not too late to attend WT on the Road: New York on Thursday! Please reply today to join us for cocktails, canapes, and conversation at 30 Rockefeller Center on Thursday, April 3, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Spouses are welcome. RSVP to Linsey McDaniel A’96 at mcdaniell@winchesterthurston.org or 412-578-7511. Visit www.winchesterthurston.org/alum or facebook for details.