Christine Fry Burns
Class of 1966
Ophthalmologist, Professor, Entrepreneur
After Marietta, Chris went on to receive her MD from Albany Medical College in 1970. She then completed her residency in ophthalmology there and fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology at Emory University. She went on to serve in various branches of the military from 1976-1997. During this time she served as assistant chief of ophthalmology at Brooke Army Medical Center. In 1986, she entered reserve status and retired from the military in 1997. Christine was a clinical instructor in ophthalmology at Albany Medical College, Harvard Medical School and Emory University School of Medicine. She was also a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Texas Health Science Center and at the University of South Florida. After her tour of duty with the Army ended, in 1986, Christine established a pediatric ophthalmology practice in Florida. She had practices in two locations in Florida.
After her tour of duty with the Army ended, in 1986, Christine established a pediatric ophthalmology practice in Florida. She had practices in two locations in Florida.
She has served on the staff of numerous hospitals all over the world, including the Philippines, Germany, TX , NY, MA and GA. In addition, Christine is the author of numerous articles for professional publications and has been a presenter at national and international ophthalmology and strabismus conferences. She has also served on various committees of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and as a chair of its Education Committee, receiving their Honor Award.
Lastly, Dr. Burns has quite the Marietta family history - father, Gene Fry, 1943 graduate (M.D. Case Western Reserve), Emeritus Trustee; brother Robert, 1976; and husband George, 1966 (M.D. Albany). Chris served on the Board of Trustees at Marietta from 1999-2011.
John Strotbeck
Class of 1979
Crew Olympian, President & Founder of Boathouse Sports
While earning a Management degree at Marietta College John was a three year letterman in crew. A Dad Vail winner with the Freshman Eight in 1976 and a Finalist the following three seasons, John’s Varsity Eight won The Mid-American Regatta three consecutive years. He then went on to win 17 gold medals in the National Championships and five years later, competed in the 1984 Olympics, earning a sixth place finish. He then rowed in the 1985 and 1986 world championships and competed again, as team captain, in the 1988 Olympics.
John is the president and founder (1989) of Boathouse Sports (formerly known as Boathouse Row Sports). Boathouse Sports is the leading direct manufacturer of custom team athletic apparel for high schools, colleges, clubs, and professional teams in the world. Early Boathouse customers included the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams. Boathouse now outfits over 7,000 teams across all sports in the U.S., Germany, Japan, Australia, and Great Britain.
He has previously been awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award and has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.