Q&A With Jim Kuhn ’76
6/21/2004
Q) Why did you join?
A) In 1972 – 1976 most of the swim team was in Chi Delt chapter. Also, good friends from freshman year (including Dick Parke – my cousin) wanted to join.
Q) Tell us about your favorite memory of the fraternity
A) “Hook Slide” aka “Beer Slide” as part of initiation in Middle Leonard lounge.
Times at the Lodge are still pleasant memories as are times we spent on the “Sky Patio” in M. Leonard, and in the observatory on top of Philomathasian Hall.
Q) What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
A) Connection with Delts all over the world. Fond memories of friends.
Q) With whom do you still stay in contact? Who would you most like to find?
A) Dick Parke and I live in Cleveland area. Dick is my cousin.
Ted Parran (1978)is my brother in law. He used to bring his sister, Edie, to Kenyon for dances and parties but I did not meet her until 1978 when I ran into Ted in Cleveland.
Q) Tell us about your family: Have you married? Do you have children?
A) Married to Edie Parran Kuhn (1977 Allegheny College, sister of Ted Parran ’78 and Mike Parran – Kenyon ’83
Daughters – Sarah 20, class of 2006 Allegheny, Beth – 17 at Hudson High, and Lissy – 13 at Hudson Middle School.
Father – Bill is doing well at age 80 even though he was a Kenyon Deke – class of 1949
Q) What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
A) Swim Team
Q) What is your nickname?
A) Kuhnie
Q) Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates? Tell us about a memorable time with them.
A) Lived in Lewis Hall freshman year, then Middle Leonard
Q) What do you do for a living?
A) VP, HR for Cole Vision Corp. (dba Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, BJ’s Optical, Cole Managed Vision, etc.)
Was Dir., Intl. HR at Alcon Labs in Ft. Worth – 9 years
Dir., HR at Pharmacia – 5 years
HR Mgr. at Hallmark Cards – 5 years
Q) What affiliations do you currently have and/or public service do you participate in?
A) Homeowners Assoc. Pres., Exec. Dir. Prevent Blindness Ohio
Q) What hobbies do you enjoy?
A) Triathlons, sailing
Q) What are your goals for the next few years?
A) Transition Cole Vision to new owner – Luxottica (dba LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, RayBan, etc.)
Win triathlons in 50+ age group!