SHS 1958 Graduate John Rufer

This is the typical back to school essay – what I did last summer – only in this case it is what I did for the last 50 years.
After graduation from Shawnee, I attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. I received a Bachelors in Business Administration in 1962 with an emphasis in accounting. I moved to New York to pursue a career in accounting. I passed the exam for and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1966. Along the way, I worked for a medium sized national firm, a publically held corporation and a small local firm, before starting my own practice in 1976. In 1980, I earned my Masters in Taxation from Pace University.

While on an audit at a client, I met my wife of 29 years. Elly is a native New Yorker, having lived in the Bronx before moving to Manhattan. We have two children who make us very proud. Daniel is a math teacher at a prestigious prep school and starts his doctorate program in the fall at New York University. Kate is doing well in a special needs job readiness program.
I have two diversions which keep me out of trouble. First is my passion for the New York Jets. I have attended most home games since I bought season tickets in 1967. Too bad they haven’t done better, but I do enjoy a Sunday at the stadium with friends and family. (A special note – Elly came to the marriage with her own Jets tickets.). Recently I have traveled to away games in Philadelphia, Green Bay and Cincinnati.
The other pastime I enjoy is traveling. I have visited all but two of the 50 states and have visited several countries. My favorites have been Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, San Francisco and Montreal. I particularly enjoy acting as a tourist in New York City. You should try tourist activities in your home town. They can be fun and informative.
I return to Louisville at least once a year to visit the family.