May 12, 2004
by Dick Prentke
 I became addicted to TiVo-ing the HBO pseudo-documentary K-Street. In a memorable episode, Howard Dean and a familiar companion cross the street and chance upon James Carville. “I know that guy,” I shouted to Susan. “That’s Steve Grossman!” Steve shakes hands with Carville, colloquy follows, and the program moves on. Serendipity or set-up? The above photo of Steve from alert classmate John Reading mandated an answer. A telephone call to Steve revealed that his stardom was serendipity.
Steve spent 18 months beginning in the summer of ’02 as national chairman of Howard Dean’s presidential campaign. Walking with Dean after a presentation, Steve saw Carville and cameras but didn’t realize he was being taped until receiving a deluge of email later from admiring fans.
Steve believed in the political courage of Dean for many years and concluded that “this is a guy who’s willing to put his office on the line for principle.” The campaign was an extraordinary journey for Steve, who observes that Dean in many ways defined the Democratic side for most of the race. While deeply disappointed that Dean didn’t make it all the way, Steve is now strongly supporting John Kerry.
Steve is president of Massachusetts Envelope Co. and works alongside his business partner, son David ’98, who is married to Mary Jo Sisk ’98, a real-estate consultant in Boston. Middle son Ben ’02 works for IBM Strategy and Change in NYC, and 15-year-old Josh is at home.
Reunions alert: Laura and Ted Todd will host a post-P-rade reception for ’67 reuners at their home at 20 Boudinot St., Princeton.
© 2004 Dick Prentke and The Princeton Alumni Weekly. Used by permission.
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