aWinter 2016 / UpBeatWinter 2016

UpBeatThe official publication of the Up with People International Alumni Association

DOES IT REALLY MATTER? The diversity initiative launched at Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 continues to grow

REUNION 2016We want you here!July 27-31, 2016

REFLECTIONS ON BRUSSELS Alumni respond to the heart-wrenching attacks in Europe with love and songs of peace

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENESAn in-depth look at working in the entertainment industry through the eyes of five alumni

b UpBeat / Winter 2016

The UWPIAA is currently taking applications for the following volunteer committee chair position:

▷ Web Technologies Chair – Requires content management system experience. Joomla and WordPress knowledge preferred in addition to cloud-based web infrastructures.

All board positions require you to travel and participate in a minimum of two out of three Board of Governors meetings each year, including summer reunions. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Duryee-Hinton at recruitment@uwpiaa.org.

Get involved!

Greetings to alumni from around the world and a very Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe how time marches on as I approach my one-year anniversary as President.

Seems like we just left Orlando after Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 and are now deep into planning Reunion 2016! Our reunion chair, Gwenn McGill (‘79D), is preparing for another great gathering at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson July 27-31. Even if it is not a reunion year for you, why not plan to join us with a few castmates? Don’t wait! Grab a castmate and form a mini-reunion or just come to celebrate with your Up with People family. There are no strangers and all are welcome!

Since Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015, several board members have completed their terms and I want to thank them for their many years of collective experience, including Edwin Aponte (‘68B), Nina Haninhen (‘96C), Marie Tobler (‘93D), Rosy Salazar Gallegos

(‘92B), T McCreary (‘68B), Vickie Law (‘66B), Christina Noel (‘90A), Bill Holmes (‘75C), Walter Golding (‘68B), Willie Knowles (‘70B), and Torrin Tyler ('09A). It is with a proud, and heavy, heart that we bid adieu to all of these outstanding, dedicated volunteers.

New to the Board of Governors (BOG), please join me in welcoming Stuart Shepherd (‘78E), Development; Carole Karlein (‘68B), 1965-1970 Era Rep; Cortland Bolles (‘00E), 1996-2000 Era Rep; Jerko Bozikovic (‘87A), Europe/Middle East/Africa Rep; Skip Searcy (‘72B), 1970-1975 Era Rep; and Giselle Kuri Carrasco (‘13A), Latin America Rep. Thanks to these great alumni for their willingness to serve!

Looking ahead, there are many exciting events for UWPIAA and UWP in 2016. A few UWPIAA events include: the European Alumni Meeting (EAM) in Rome, April 22-24, and Reunion 2016 July 27-31 in Tucson. For UWP, Cast A2016 is currently staging for their first show on February 13th, the 2016 Gala on March 18th (both in Denver) and, finally wrapping up the 50th Anniversary with two international events: Mexico 50th Party in Mexico City April 15-16 and Celebrate Europe in Brussels June 3-4. Please be sure to visit our websites for news on all of the latest happenings. Our missions are aligned, our vision is clear, and there is great excitement about these events and more.

Dale Penny and I continue to work together to grow UWP, improve the student and alumni experiences, and are enthusiatic about our future. My personal vision for UWPIAA remains on target and I am very proud of the hard work, great leadership and talent on our board. Please visit our website and login to update your profile and contact information so we can continue to keep you informed and answer any questions.

I look forward to serving you in the year ahead!Peace,Cynthia

Notes from the UWPIAA Presidentby Cynthia Hoffman Cochran (‘79D), USA, President, Up with People International Alumni Association

The deadline for the next UpBeat is May 15, 2016. I invite you to join the conversation! Send story ideas to communications@uwpiaa.org. I also want to thank the Communications Committee members for their efforts in keeping us all connected: Barry Marlow ('83C), USA; Michael Scott Curnes ('80B), Canada; Cori Jones (‘76C), USA; Kimberley McClean ('82B), USA; Christina Noël (‘90A), USA; and Zan Diener (‘91E), USA. - Stephanie

Editor's notes

In this edition of UpBeat2 REFLECTIONS ON BRUSSELSBrussels was in the heart of many alumni

when concerns over terror threats caused the

cancellation of the 50th gala.

4 SONG OF PEACE GOES VIRAL Birger Husted's idea for alumni to sing a song

of peace together becomes a worldwide

virtual chorus of alumni voices.

5 COLOSSEAM 2016 IN ROMEYou are invited to join the alumni party in

Rome at the 2016 EAM and PreEAM.

6 NEW FACEBOOK GROUPS LAUNCHEDUWPIAA Europe/Middle East/Africa Rep,

Jerko Bozikovic announces two new

Facebook groups designed to connect with

alumni in the Middle East and Africa.

8 EVERYDAY HERO CONTINUES TO GIVE Fred Melton, an alumnus of Cast A1973,

recieved the Everyday Hero award last

summer in Orlando. His castmate joined him

on a return to Nepal and shares the story of

this life-changing trip.

10 ALUMNI REFLECTIONSteve Schipman ('85B) discovers a new

outlook after attending Celebrate 50! Reunion

2015 and returns to his roots by participating

in UWP's guest program, Viva Roma!

12 A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENESFive alumni tell their personal stories in this

in-depth look at careers in the entertainment

industry.

21 DOES IT REALLY MATTER? INITIATIVE TAKES ROOTNews of some of the outcomes of the Does it

Really Matter? initiative launched at Celebrate

50! Reunion 2015 in Orlando.

22 ALUMNI ACTIVITIES IN EUROPECheck out the schedule of alumni activities

happening across Europe.

28 REGIONAL AND ERA REPORTS We introduce you to some of the new

members on the IAA board and tell you

what's happening in each era.

30 NEWS FROM UP WITH PEOPLEThere are many things happening with UWP

and beyond. Read about a few of them here.

OfficersPresident: Cynthia Hoffman Cochran (‘79D), USAVice President: Beth Clay (‘08A), USAPast President: Keith Frohreich (‘66C), USAsecretary: Barry Marlow (‘83C), USAtreasurer: Christian Walton (‘69C), Belgium

Committee Chairpersonsalumni-in-action: Jay Gerring (‘87D), USAalumni Products: John VanZanten (‘78D), USAcommunications: Stephanie McCollister Cox (‘81B), USAdeVeloPment: Stuart Shephard (‘75C), USAWeb technologies: Openrecruitment: Suzanne Duryee-Hinton (‘80E), USAreunions: Gwenn McGill (‘79D), USAuWP rePresentatiVe: Tim Lane (‘75C), USA

Regional Repsasia: Shinichi Miyawaki (‘86A), JapaneuroPe/middle east/africa: Jerko Bozikovic (‘87A), Belgiumlatin america: Giselle Kuri Carrasco (‘13A), Mexiconorth america: Stephanie Collins ('87D), USA

Era Reps1965-1970: Carole Karlein (‘68B), USA1971-1975: Skip Searcy (‘72B), USA1976-1980: Ruthie Shimabukuro (‘77B), USA1981-1985: Brenda Noyes (‘83D), USA1986-1990: An Van Den Eede (‘90A), Belgium1991-1995: Zan Diener (‘91E), USA1996-2000: Cortland Bolles (‘00E), USA2001-2015: Ericka Adams (‘08A), USA

UWPIAA Board of Governors

Winter 2016

1Winter 2016 / UpBeat

HOTEL DETAILS

Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen because we're heading back to the desert! 

The Up with People International Alumni Association will be hosting Reunion 2016 in sunny Tucson, Arizona at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa from July 27 - 31.  We are celebrating those alumni who traveled in a year ending in a 1 or a 6, but all alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The room rate at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is $119 per room per night for single or double occupancy,  $129 per room per night for triple occupancy, and $139 per room per night for quad occupancy.  (Does not include applicable state and local taxes.)

Many people arrive early to the reunion to extend the celebration and spend additional time with their cast. The hotel has extended our discounted reunion rate to cover three days before and three days after Reunion 2016. 

Special meeting rooms can be arranged for cast activities before, during, and after scheduled Reunion 2016 activities. Contact reunion2016@uwpiaa.org for additional information.

We're going to have a great time in Tucson this summer and we hope that you will join us!

REGISTRATION FEESAdult registration: $395

Register today and you will automatically receive 25% off the full adult registration rate!  This offer expires February 29, 2016 and is only applicable to adult registrations.

Walk-up registration: $395

Teen (ages 12-17): $185 - Includes optional Cast T enrollment

Kids (ages 6-11): $135 - Includes optional Cast K enrollment

Children (ages 0-5): Free

 

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Founder's Luncheon: $75 (limited availability)

Reunion T-Shirt: $25 (S,M,L,XL), $30 (XXL)

Reunion Highlights DVD (unedited): $30

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

REUNION 2016We want you here!

2 UpBeat / Winter 2016

AOn November 13, when the terrorist attacks in Paris shattered the lives of thousands and struck fear and uncertainty into hearts worldwide, Up with People Cast B2015 and hundreds of UWPIAA members and friends from around the world were poised to visit Brussels, Belgium to take part in the many events and festivities planned for the European 50th Celebration just two weeks later.

In the immediate wake of the Paris attacks, authorities determined that some of the key suspects had close ties to the city of Brussels. The area’s security threat level was raised and then raised again, reaching the highest possible level, while a growing police and military presence filled the beautiful city that was to host the carefully-planned European celebration of UWP’s history and message.

A choice had to be made: would Up with People hold its course and bring the cast and alumni into Brussels? If not, was it possible to move the events to another Belgian city at the last minute? Or should the celebration be postponed altogether?

“It was a huge decision, but the safety of our cast members and the safety of our alumni and guests was paramount,” recalled UWP President Dale Penny, who worked closely with UWP and UWPIAA leadership in the U.S. and Europe to monitor the situation from the night of the attacks to nearly the hour the cast had been scheduled to move from Lichtenstein to Brussels and hundreds of ticket-holding alumni and guests were expected to arrive for the 50th festivities.

“On November 24th, we made the call [to cancel],” said Penny, noting that throughout the process, “there had been a wide variety of opinions coming in by email and social media about what should be done. Everything from ‘We can’t cancel because we can’t let the attackers win,’ to ‘Is having the event really the right thing to do?’

“But once we sent out the final message, the response from the whole Up with People community – the alumni, the cast parents, the host families, the staff, everyone – was that this was the right thing to do,” said Penny. “I am just

very appreciative and proud of the whole Up with People community.” Penny added that many of the estimated 1,500 planning to attend the 50th events took their support a step further, donating the cost of their unused tickets to the UWP scholarship fund.

Still, hundreds of alumni from Western Europe and beyond made the choice to come to Brussels and hold their own informal gatherings. European Alumni Rep Jerko Bozikovic (‘87A, Belgium) was closely involved in the process. Understanding fully UWP’s decision to cancel, he did want to gather those who came to Brussels, and put together a last-minute improvised reunion on Saturday at the Halles de Saint Géry with about 150 attending.

“We had people from the states, Australia, Mexico, and so many Europeans,” recalled Bozikovic. “We said, yes, there are tanks in the streets but we do not have to sit behind closed doors. We can connect, we can do something. It felt like coming home.”

Inspired by the heartfelt wish of alumnus Birger Husted ('87A, Denmark) for alumni across the world to sing a song of peace together, members of this group, with hope in their hearts, ventured into the heavily-guarded Grand Place, the central square where some of the 50th celebrations had been scheduled. The video of the joyful singers was one of many that were posted to social media. Suddenly a movement was born. (See the related story, "Can we sing a song of peace? Yes, we can and we did!" on page 4.)

Bozikovic says the impromptu peace movement was more than just uplifting; it brought together in spirit countless alumni who would not have been able to participate in the European 50th for a common, positive cause.

“Suddenly, this whole downside of the cancelation turned into a much bigger celebration of peace,” he noted. “Now the whole world is singing a song of peace.”

That movement lives on. Ken Ashby and Paul Colwell’s “Can We Sing a Song of Peace?,” written in response to global

A savvy traveler greets the changing world around them with an open mind and spirit. When they meet detours on the road, they adjust their course, and – as often happens in this crazy life – they find that this altered path leads them to personal growth and an improved connection with the strangers-turned-friends they meet along the way.

3Winter 2016 / UpBeat

Up with People has made the decision to return to Brussels in early June for the European 50th Celebration that we were forced to cancel back

in November due to security concerns.Alumni response from around the world has been overwhelmingly

in favor of rescheduling the event, and we have now set the dates for the weekend of June 3-5, 2016. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

More information about the weekend’s events will be coming soon, including links for reserving hotels and purchasing tickets. In brief, you can count on a similar program to what was scheduled in November, including an Alumni Welcome event, Saturday afternoon forums with guest speakers addressing global issues, a pre-show reception followed by Cast A’s performance of "The Journey," and, of course, a post-show party with music and dancing.

Cast A2016 will be spending the entire week leading up to the celebration in Brussels, fulfilling our commitment to area schools and youth, which we were also forced to cancel in November.

Please accept our thank you for your enthusiasm in wanting to make this European 50th Celebration happen this spring. We hope to see you in Brussels on the weekend of June 3-5, 2016!

by Brad Bungum ('82E), USA, Vice President, Managing Director, UWP Europe

Brussels Gala rescheduledCelebrate with Cast A2016 in Brussels, June 3-5, 2016

events in the early 1980s, is again part of the Up with People show and is introduced by a powerful poem written by Eric Lentz. It joins two new songs, “Crossroads” and “Through Your Eyes,” to encourage audiences to take an honest look at how we view our neighbors and our world.

“Yes, Up with People is intended to bring a positive, joyful approach to life, to celebrate our society and our world,” observed Penny. “But we must do that with a clear eye toward the realities that we live in. We believe our job is to build up our society, even as others work to tear it down.

“The young people who travel in our casts today have grown up in this post-9/11 world and they know the realities we face,” added Penny. “This is not bubblegum and lollipops; this is the whole Up with People community working together to move our message and our society forward.”

Be sure to read "Can we sing a song of peace? Yes, we can and we did!" on page 4.

4 UpBeat / Winter 2016

This was my original

Facebook posting on the 26th of November 2015 when I learned that the Up with People celebrations in Brussels were cancelled due to terror threats following the terrible terrorist attack in Paris.

26 November 2015"We are so many around the world that is sad that we cannot be in Brussels to sing a song of peace on Saturday. Though the event is postponed to the spring we should still sing a song of peace wherever we are on Saturday. If you are alone or together with Up with People friends on Saturday then sing the song and film it and then let us share it on our Facebook pages, and make our little protest to the situation in the world we live in. It would be wonderful to see hundreds of short videos from all corners of the world sing the same song and share it with our thousands of friends.”

For many months, my dear colleagues of the Up with People Survival Band had rehearsed in our homes to prepare for our concert at the celebrations. Plus, I was so looking forward to hundreds of hugs from Up with People I knew, or that I was about to meet. And now it was all cancelled, exactly at a time when Up with People and our spirit was the most needed.

Saddened, I posted the Facebook message and immediately got a response from Alexander Flohr ('91C), the bandleader of the Up with People Survival Band. He said that he would try to put a video of all recorded videos together. Before long, videos started

rolling in from around every corner of the alumni community. I was extremely touched by how the idea spread around

the world and alumni across the globe joined in. Most importantly they reached out to other alumni in their area who might not have known about the project and together, they sang a song of peace. Due to this project, hundreds of alumni got new alumni friends. Thousands of alumni have seen the hundreds of alumni singing and have connected across borders and cast years. Thousands have seen their fellow alumni performing their intimate version of "Can We Sing a Song of Peace?," and they have had smiles on their faces, tears in their eyes and goosebumps as they have heard the voices.

We still sing a song of peace with the conviction and deep belief that we can make a difference. We can reach out, we can make this world a better place, one step at a time, person to person.

Can we sing a song of peace? Yes, we can and we did!by Birger Husted ('87A), Denmark

Click on the image to watch all of the original videos on the UWPClassics YouTube channel. If you submitted a video and it isn't in this collection and you would like it to be included, please contact communications@uwpiaa.org.

The Up with People Survival Band performs a virtual rendition of “Can We Sing a Song of Peace?" Click the image to watch the video.

Click the image to watch Up with People's compilation video.

5Winter 2016 / UpBeat

For the past 25 years (since 1991), European alumni have gathered every year in a different city and country for a

long weekend. They shared stories from when they travelled, helped set up a European network of alumni, and did some sightseeing. Of course fun and shared experiences on the road were the glue that held those weekends together. At this moment, alumni from over 15 different countries and three continents have registered for Rome to share the unique vibe and energy for which UWP alumni are known.

But wait, there will be more! This year the EAM takes place in Rome from April 22

to April 24. We have set up a great program with interesting topics, lots of visits including some exclusive locations, and, of course, the wonderful Italian food and wine. Many exciting things are happening in Europe and beyond for alumni clubs and associations with UWP and UWPIAA, This is a perfect moment to share some of those great developments.

The EAM starts on Friday April 22 with registration, a welcome drink and free dinner. Saturday will be a mix of workshops, some meetings and lots of sightseeing. That evening we will gather together for dinner. Sunday will include breakfast and workshops. Along with this official program, there is enough time to connect and reconnect with other alumni.

We are excited to present a newly-developed initiative between UWP Europe and UWPIAA Europe. European alumni who want to bring UWP to schools in their communities can now book a UWP workshop. The workshops follow the same

format as the ones the casts present on the road, and are a tool for alumni to bring a glimpse of UWP to their communities, creating opportunities for openness, change, and impact with the local young people. In addition, each workshop increases the reach of UWP, allowing them to recruit students from communities that may not experience a cast visit. All workshops will be facilitated by UWP trained facilitators and are based on UWP’s experience in education. Pilot workshops were run in several schools in Finland and were well received by students and teachers. They applauded the impact it had on their students and as a result, multiple students expressed interest and interviewed for future casts. What a wonderful win-win for the community and for admissions.

If you want more? We have more!The famous PreEAM is offering you even more goodies.

Get together with fellow alumni to visit magical sights like Appia Antica, Catacombe di Priscilla, Colosseum, Forum Romanum, churches, fountains, squares, Papal Wednesday Audience, Papal Swiss Guards and Giardini Quirinale.

PreEAM takes place Tuesday, April 19 through Thursday, April 21. You can sign up for one day or all days, it's your choice!

All of the meeting information can be found on our website www.uwpeam.com

Our team - Alex, Anna, Annalisa, Danilo, Frauke, Jerko, Jette, Jonas, Leonardo, Manuela, Maria, Marie, Raffaele and Stephanie - says ciao and see you soon!

Join us for the exciting European Alumni Meeting (EAM) in magical Rome

register online at www.uwpeam.com

Important note: Payment of the registration fee is due immediately after receiving registration confirmation email.

Add a little bit of body text

www.uwpeam.com

PreEAM ­ April 19­21, 2016 EAM ­ April 22­24, 2016

Rome, Italy

ACT NOW!

6 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Africa“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.” Who does not know this amazing UWP song sung by so many casts over the years? This popular African saying is so true, and still to this day, this sense of community is a reality in many African communities. And yet, for me, this is what the alumni community is about, too. Continuing to impact the world around us, from a village level to a global level.

Africa is probably the continent UWP has traveled to the least. To my knowledge, casts have only traveled to Zaire (now Congo) and Morocco. It is surprising then, that almost 60 students from 20 African countries have traveled with a cast in the past 50 years. Countries like Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda,

and Zambia have been represented. In the current cast, we have a student from Cape Verde and one from Liberia!

In addition to our African alumni still living in Africa, many other alumni moved to Africa for personal and professional reasons. They continue to impact local communities in different ways, bringing the UWP mission into practice on a daily level and inspiring people around them.

Knowing all this, I thought it might be interesting to create an African alumni Facebook group. This group is primarily for all alumni living in Africa, but also for those who moved away and

want to stay connected with alumni in their motherland and on their mother continent. In addition, the Facebook group will be a place for alumni who intend to visit the African continent to meet fellow alumni. This will be helpful for organizing a tourist trip, planning a study arrangement, or doing volunteer work.

My intention is to have a few stories from the African continent in every UpBeat so we can share with the bigger alumni family. If you have stories to share, please feel free to contact me. Also, I will actively promote communication in the Facebook group so we can get to know each other.

Who knows? Maybe one day the alumni base in Africa will be so strong that we will find sponsors to bring a cast back to the continent. It is my belief that Africa could really benefit from the UWP mission, values and energy.

Introducing the new UWPIAA Africa and Middle East Facebook groupsby Jerko Bozikovic ('87A), Belgium, Regional Representative, Europe/Middle East/Africa

The further we reach out, the closer we become

"If African alumni connect on the African continent it would give me a chance to meet people, either from my cast or another, who are living nearby. It would make it so much easier to share our experiences after UWP rather than waiting to go all the way to Europe or the USA. Also it would give us a chance to discuss how to help more young people from Africa participate in the program and even how to bring UWP to African countries. UWP's mission and energy would be beneficial for our local community. If UWP could have a representative for Africa from Africa and work more closely with the community and alumni, it would give us a chance to host the program for casts on the continent."

Martha Zewdie Robele ('08A), Ethiopia

“I feel the UWP vision and message is more relevant to Africa today than ever given the tribal, political, religious and racial tensions, plus ethnic scuttle wars. The benefit is that UWP preaches reconciliation, unity of positive energy, service to others and holistic actions for development to build world leaders in many sectors. It's a positive life orientation, which can be taught and experienced by an African child. I have been travelling since I came back to South Africa. This makes me a true citizen and I discover all corners of the country.

Toto Msaseni ('96E), South Africa

African alumni were asked two questions. 1: For you, what would be the benefit of local alumni getting connected on the African continent? 2: In which way would UWP's mission and energy be beneficial for your local community? Two alumni responded.

7Winter 2016 / UpBeat

One day we might sing all together again the liberation anthem of Africa, "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika." This song was part of my show when we toured the world, bringing a little piece of Africa to all those communities.

Facebook: Up with People alumni Africa – so sign up and let’s connect.

Middle East, Israel, Turkey & Northern AfricaUnfortunately the Middle East is too often in the news in negative ways. War, terror, refugees, etc. What we forget is that actually the region is a magnificent one with amazing people living there. It is a melting pot of many cultures, different religions and a lot of history.

Like Africa, UWP has not been to this region very often. I believe we have only traveled to Jordan, Morocco and most recently to Israel. These tours were very impactful for the students and the locals. UWP’s mission and vision are needed in regions where so many people are challenged on a daily basis.

Even though UWP has not traveled extensively to the region, we do have several alumni coming from places like Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. And probably I forgot some more countries, too.

Besides that, even more alumni from other places moved to the region for personal and professional reasons. I know of four alumni from four different countries who are living in Doha, Qatar alone! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all these alumni would be able to connect with each other?

I thought it might be interesting to create a Middle Eastern alumni Facebook group. I considered for this group the following regions: Middle East, Israel, Turkey & Northern Africa. Just like the African alumni Facebook group, the purpose is primarily to connect alumni living in that region to those from the region who have moved away.

Maybe one day the alumni base in the Middle East will be so strong that we might find sponsors to bring a cast to the region. Recently I heard from several alumni that different companies were interested in getting UWP to the region.Who knows?

Let’s show the world that there is always much more beauty, unity and love than what we see on television.

“I believe that having a local connection in this area will help to open up new opportunities for alumni and their connections which could be very beneficial in many aspects like education, business, or even to spread the peace through UWP mission. I think by having more cast members from these areas and more scholarships to help recruit candidates from there will expose people in USA, Mexico and Europe to the reality of the people in the Middle East and that will enhance cultural communication which I think is very important nowadays.”

Fady Sarkees ('12A), Iraq

Middle Eastern alumni were asked two questions. 1: For you, what would be the benefit of local alumni getting connected on the African continent? 2: In which way would UWP's mission and energy be beneficial for your local community?

EUROPEAN ALUMNIASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS

FACEBOOK GROUPSEAM

EAM-Up with People Internatinal Alumni Association

AFRICAUp with People alumni Africa

MIDDLE EASTUp with People alumni Middle East

BELGIUM be.UWPaa–Belgian UWP Alumni Association www.beuwpaa.world

CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIAUp With People Alumni CZ+SK, Czech Republic and Slovakiahusted@husted.cz

DENMARKUp with people, Alumni, Denmark

ESTONIAChamber of Goodwillwww.will.ee

FINLANDFUWPAA–Finnish UWP Alumni Associationwww.fuwpaa.2ya.com

GERMANYAlumni Vereinigung Up with People Deutschland e.V.www.avuwpd.de

ITALYUwP Italian Alumnimanuela.paoletti@3pgroup.it

NORWAYUp with People Alumni Norge

SWEDENSUWPAA–Swedish UWP Alumni Associationwww.suwpaa.se

SWITZERLANDUWPSAA–UWP Swiss Alumni Associationwww.uwpsaa.ch

THE NETHERLANDSAlumNet Netherlandswww.alumnet.nl

8 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Fred Melton, one of our ‘73A cast mates, has done humanitarian

missions using his dentistry skills in Egypt, Vietnam and Afghanistan, and was on another such trip to Nepal in April 2015 when the earthquake hit. After doing whatever he could to help at the time, he vowed to return to further aid those in need.

At Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015, our cast surprised Fred with not only the Everyday Hero award, but almost $7000 in donations to help with his dream of taking tents back to Nepal. To our delight, fellow cast member Coy Theobalt suddenly joined Fred on his return trip to Nepal this January!

After 40 hours of traveling, they arrived in Dhulikhel, Nepal, about 20 miles from Katmandu. (The day after they arrived there was another

6.7 earthquake in Northern India!) They brought with them several 9 x 12 specially-constructed tents to help in the rebuilding of small Nepalese communities.

Here are a few excerpts from their emails home to our cast:

“Fred and I made it back from taking two tents to one of the most remote places on the planet. Our journey in a Jeep with nine riders was only 80 kilometers but it took almost six hours; the last 15 miles took us almost three hours. It was the roughest road I have ever driven on in my life — and quite possibly one of the most beautiful. We were given hot tea as a welcome, then went to work erecting two tents we brought from the USA.

After dinner someone brought out a drum and everyone sang traditional

Nepalese folk songs. Fred and I just kept looking at each other and laughing out loud at our good fortune to be there.

The next morning we visited a nearby village that has built a new school after the earthquake. It was quite impressive what you can do with corrugated tin and a few bricks and a little wood.

Our tents will serve as temporary school classrooms until a new school can be built when funds and resources become available.” ~

“Too exhausted to write much now. Fred and I are safely back at base camp after 48 hours of no sleep. The road was as terrible as any I’ve been on and we were twelve adults crammed into an Isuzu-like car, along with

three boxes of medicines, a microscope and an ultrasound machine. The car’s tires were slicker than polished steel so we had to get out numerous times, throw rocks under the tires and push the car through mud hole after mud hole, finally giving up at two in the afternoon (we left at 5:30 am), only to walk another FIVE hours to get to the village. This was the easy part.” ~

“In less than 12 hours we built a permanent medical center where the medical staff treat 450 people with only one physician, and then boarded an all-metal tractor trailer at 7:30 p.m. We rode, walked and suffered for 12 hours, again getting out several times so the driver could throw rocks under the tractor’s tires to get traction. It felt like I’d been put into a metal room and beaten with a wooden baseball bat for ten hours. I have never hurt so much in my life." ~

“[We were] threatened by local officials because we would not bribe them and had to leave under cover of darkness and coldness. All who have

by Marty Elcan ('73A), USA

Fred Melton receives the Everyday Hero award in Orlando during Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015.

Everyday Hero continues to give - with the help of his friends

Coy Theobalt (left) and Fred Melton (right) join Nepalese children in front of one of the recently constructed tents that will be used as a temporary school classroom.

9Winter 2016 / UpBeat

supported this endeavor financially can rest assured that your money is being put to good use. Every penny. No bribes given or taken. We have seen it with our own eyes. 

When we return we will start preparing to return next year to build an operating room and outfit it with good equipment.” ~

“When you are here and can see first-hand the needs of those displaced by the earthquake it feels like one grain of sand on the beach. Having said that, it IS one grain of sand that we can say without hesitation was placed there to become part of the beach, for without our grain, the beach is that much smaller. So we are attempting to keep the beach from continuing to erode and possibly making the beach extend a

little further. Thanks again for your appreciation. I am so proud to represent Cast A1973 in helping the roads come together up the way.”

After the gala reunion, inspired by Fred’s work, Cast A1973 created our own challenge which we’ve called the “I Will — Cast '73A DOES!” project, where cast members are encouraged each month to share just one action they’ve taken in the preceding month to make a difference in their communities, nation or the world. Though most of us can’t match the work Fred and Coy did in Nepal, we are striving to make a difference, one person at a time.

Coy sent this poem, inspired by this trip:

How to change the world

The world is not changed by kingdoms making declarationsNor is it moved by governments showing off their power.

The world is not changed by factions at war with one anotherAny more than a leopard can change its spots.

The world is not changed by rebel fighterseven though their cause be noble.

The world is changed by one offering another a cup of clean water.It is changed by one taking tea to one who is cold.

It is changed by one making sacrifices so that another may live a better life.It is changed by looking into the eyes of a stranger and loving them

No matter what their creed or cause.No matter what their religion or their tribal rituals.

No, the world is not even changed by groups of people doing good,Although there is nothing wrong with these things.

The world is changed by you and me.By you and me deciding to make a difference,

One person at a time.

10 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Return to my roots by expanding

my horizonsby Steve Schipman ('85B), USA

Thirty years ago I said goodbye to people with whom I had spent almost an entire year. And that was it.

I’ve never been good at letter writing, or even sending Christmas cards, and for years after our tour ended, there weren’t such things as social media or cell phones. There was finishing college, getting married, raising children, being laid off, changing careers, a divorce. For 25 years I had almost no contact with the 120 members of Cast B1985.

Then along came the Internet, email, Google, and social media. Soon I had a few MySpace friends from the cast, then an '85B Yahoo group. Not long after came Facebook. I joined Facebook to keep up with my children but I soon found the UWP '85B group, and before long I had renewed communications with many castmates.

Of course the questions came: “Where have you been?” “Why weren’t you at the reunion?” “Are you still in Florida?” There were reasonable answers to all the questions, adult answers, answers about being busy, tied up with work, family, kids. Of course others had managed to overcome similar obstacles, but not me.

Then came our 30th reunion, which also coincided with Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 and it was in my home state of Florida. Orlando is a seven-hour drive from Pensacola so there was no good reason I couldn’t go. One of my cast members encouraged me to attend, and I learned that another alumnus from Pensacola was going as well, so I signed up.

Those who were in Orlando know it was an EVENT. I think the earliest I went to bed was after 1 a.m. It's amazing that these people from all over the world could gather and simply talk every night for hours. We caught up on our separate lives,

ALUMNI REFLECTION

Members of Cast B1985 gathered to celebrate their 30th reunion at Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 in August of 2015 in Orlando, Florida.

Steve at the Colosseum in Rome during the

Viva Roma! tour with Up with People.

11Winter 2016 / UpBeat

relived our year on the road and discussed many of the things we had spent the year on the road discussing. Just as in 1985-86, no topic was off limits. We laughed until our sides hurt and our eyes teared. We remembered those who could only be with us in spirit, and all the joy we shared. Then we cried some more.

While we talked together, those who had experienced Up with People's Viva Cuba! remarked how the wonder of Up with People lived on in the lives of alumni. This soon turned to talk of the next trip, Viva Roma! After getting home from Orlando, my head was buzzing. I felt I had lived an entire year in less than a few days. I was experiencing the same feeling I had in 1986, that there are genuinely good people in the world and people who can and do make a difference every day. These were the people I wanted in my life. So, I signed up for Viva Roma!

You would think at some point it would stop being amazing, but it doesn’t. Through my experience in Viva Roma! I found new friends from new casts and new lands. I found we had common goals and interests and realized that by living my life without including people like these and losing sight of the ideals of my youth in the daily hustle, I had lost my grounding. Thirty years ago, at age 22, I would have thought these ideals would be forever ingrained in my very being. Somewhere along my journey, the belief that people from all over the world could get along and even become friends had faded, packed away in a closet with Grandmother’s curios and toys from my childhood.

By making the trip to Rome with alumni friends, old and new, I returned to my roots by expanding my horizons. Just as it was for me thirty years ago, it was once again through UWP that this was possible. I realize I need to keep these people, this group, in my life into the future.

Official cast poster for Cast B1985 taken at the completion of staging in Tucson, Arizona.

After being singled out by Pope Francis during his papal address, Up with People Cast B2015 performed for the crowds in St. Peter's Square in Rome, Italy.

Pope Francis greets the crowd during the Wednesday Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square.

12 UpBeat / Winter 2016

What year(s) did you travel in UWP?1986C, 1987E/D, 1990A/B, 1991A, 1992A, 1993A

Where are you from and where do you live now?I was born and raised in New Jersey except for the two years I lived in Delaware. I currently live in New Jersey, 15 miles outside of NYC.

What do you do in entertainment and what are your responsibilities?I am a production manager currently working on a television series entitled "Feed The Beast" on AMC which is based on a Danish TV series, "Bankerot." I work mostly with maintaining the budget, hiring the crew, daily logistics,

working with directors and producers on maintaining the overall budget and look of the show.What projects have you worked on?I started scouting locations on the television series “Law & Order” then went to location managing many different films including the original “Spiderman” films. My films and television shows are listed under the IMDB website www.imdb.com/name/nm0270259/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1.

What inspired your decision to get into this career?I’ve always had a passion for the theater and film.  When I decided to leave UWP, I connected with friends from UWP who were either in

the business or had family working in the business.  They connected me with someone who ended up hiring me immediately. It’s about connections!

What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?Working with many different personalities can be a challenge, as well as the unknown of working as a freelancer.  You never know when you’re going to get the next job.  The highlight is working in an industry I have always loved.  For as long as I can remember, I would sit and watch the end credits. I used to tell my friends my name would be listed in the credits one day. It was incredible to see that come true. A highlight was working with James Gandolfini on the film, “Killing Them Softly.” He and I went to high school together, but never had a chance to work on any projects.

Production days tend to last 12-14 hours. What keeps you motivated?

I have to say UWP taught me to maintain a level of motivation.  Keep going!  You can sleep next year!  The problem is that next year becomes the next, which becomes the next, and so on.

What has been your favorite project or what is your dream project?They have all been a favorite of mine since they’re each different. Each one had its challenges. It’s also great to work with actors and producers I admire greatly.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?Push yourself! Stay connected!

Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?I do once in awhile. My favorite was when the director Nora Ephron told the group at our dinner table to “get friendly with each other like you’re in Up with People.” I laughed and began telling her about my experiences.  She loved hearing about my

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES

In every issue of UpBeat, we invite alumni to submit articles for publication. In this issue, we are grateful to John Fedynich ('86C) for reaching out to a wide range of alumni who make their living in the entertainment industry. They answered a few questions, giving us a glimpse into their world. We would like to continue to share these types of personal alumni stories. The next UpBeat will be published in June and we invite alumni who have made a career in human services or with a non-profit to share insights and experiences. For more details, see pages 18 and 19 of this edition of UpBeat.

A slow day with my responsibilities allowed me to play a doctor in

the film, “The Big Wedding.” I’m standing on the right, next to

producer Clay Pecorin.

John FedynichProduction Manager

Exploring the lives of alumni in the entertainment industry

13Winter 2016 / UpBeat

connection.  Glenn Close once stopped by the stage while I was filming a Muppets Christmas show.  I was tempted to mention UWP but didn’t want to upset her. I find it amazing how many people know about UWP while many have no idea the program still exists.  They seem to remember the days of the Super Bowl halftime shows!

What were a few highlights of your UWP year?Living with host families and doing community service were highlights I didn’t expect to experience.  Of course, the many friends I still maintain today are part of the legacy of my UWP years. I love getting together with them randomly or at reunions. Having traveled for six years allowed me to multiply and deepen my experience. I have my 30th reunion this summer for my 1986 cast and look forward to seeing friends.

Anything else you would like to add?The great impact of UWP on my life is something I think about quite often.  Whether it’s the friends from then to now or it’s the daily experiences I have today, I always recall Mr. Belk’s words of advice: “Make places people. Become a

What year(s) did you travel in UWP?I traveled with the original cast in 1965. I had been helping to make films at the Mackinac Island Conference during the summer of 1964 and came back in 1965 after graduating from high school in Redding, California. I stayed with the show when we went to Los Angeles and then to Japan and Korea. The summer of 1967, I spent time at Ft. Slocum and the following summer I went to the Congo. Later, when Mackinac College was shutting down, I went to Europe in the spring of 1969 and traveled the continent, shuttling between casts making a documentary film with Diarmid Campbell. I went to London in June of 1969 to take some courses that would help finish out my credit demands for Mackinac College. I wrote a senior thesis on director David Lean and managed to go to Dingle, Ireland for a week where he was shooting the movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.”

Where are you from and where do you live now?I am from Northern California, first Marin County and then high school in Redding, California. Now I live in New York City (Harlem) with my wife Janet Forman (filmmaker and journalist) whom I met at NYU grad school and married in 1977.

What do you do in entertainment and what are your responsibilities?I am presently Director of Photography (DP) on the fourth season of the CBS show, “Elementary.” My responsibility is to create the "look" of the film and orchestrate the shooting crew in the midst of chaos. I work closely with the director and we collaborate to do the job and stay on schedule. Prior to that I was working on “American Horror Story: Coven.” I worked my way up the ladder, always knowing I wanted to work as a DP. (Check tomhoughton.com for more history.)

What projects have you worked on?Earlier projects included “Rescue Me,” “Fire Down Below,” “Finding Amanda,” “They Came Together,” and “American Horror Story: Coven.”

What inspired your decision to get into this career?I always had an interest in photography and had the good fortune to have good mentors in school. In Redding, California there was a local radio and TV station where I started working when I was 14. I was fortunate to know what I enjoyed doing and I kept exploring that interest.

What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?Since I have always been considered freelance, my success and employability has been tied to good work and networking with others. No career path can be predicted. You can’t feel that you have to duplicate somebody else’s

Tom Houghton on the set of "American Horror Story: Coven," FX television in New Orleans, lighting and executing a shot in 35mm, using

a camera crane and other cameras for a particular stunt. (Episode 313)

Tom HoughtonDirector of Photography

14 UpBeat / Winter 2016

career. When I was out of grad school (NYU), I entered the business with no connections. I worked my way from the bottom and made a name for myself. You have to be accustomed to exploitation and rejection until you have some kind of a reputation.

Production days tend to last 12-14 hours. What keeps you motivated? The hours in TV episodic production are long. As the DP, I don’t have days as long as some people on the production side, but once I start working it is constant. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. is tough sometimes. I do enjoy the work, the people, and the end result. That helps motivate me. I also enjoy the task of solving problems and designing the lighting for a scene we are about to shoot.

What has been your favorite project or what

is your dream project?I enjoyed shooting commercials and traveling. A very satisfying project was “American Horror Story: Coven” because of the way it was designed, looked and the great cast. We also shot on 35mm film which is rare these days. “Rescue Me” was a six-year project with 90 episodes and I got to work with basically the same people who were all great. Currently, on “Elementary,” I am working with very talented people and clever scripts. There are various photographic challenges from time to time, but it’s my job to make it work.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?Today, with the Internet, you can do a lot of research to find out who you want to emulate in your career. You can also find out about productions in

your area. If there aren’t any, you may have to move to where production work is being done. Keep your basic expenses down so you have the mobility to get into a good working situation. Attend film festivals and go to panels where films and craft areas are discussed. Make contact with the people in the industry that you admire and keep in touch with them.

Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?I don’t really bring it up. For me, it was a long time ago. Occasionally it is mentioned and I have a chance to tell my story. When I have the opportunity to attend an UWP event, I find friends who I discover or know are also in the business.

What were a few highlights of your UWP year?

My highlights span a lifetime. Traveling as an 18-year-old to Japan and then to Europe was a thrill. I met lifelong friends and also learned more about my chosen craft. Going to the Congo in the summer of 1968 was eye opening, particularly considering the tumultuous history there.

Anything else you would like to add?I was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers in 2008 (www.theasc.com). The membership of less than 400 cinematographers is made up of friends and heroes in the film business. I am also active as an executive board member of IATSE Local 600 International Cinematographers guild. It is important to welcome new people into the industry and train them well. This wasn’t particularly the case when I was beginning. Being active is important to me.

What year(s) did you travel in UWP?I was a student in 1994 and staff from 1995 to 1999.

Where are you from and where do you live now?From Vancouver BC, and I currently live in Los Angeles, California.

What do you do in entertainment and what are your responsibilities?I work as a producer/director and first assistant director (1st AD). My current job is as an AD. In general, the 1st AD’s main duties are assisting the director, coordinating all production activity, and

Anya on the setof the ABC sitcom "Black-ish"

Anya AdamsFirst Assistant Director

15Winter 2016 / UpBeat

supervising the cast and crew. We are also in charge of a department with other assistant directors and runners. Overall, we provide the key link between the director, cast and crew, while also liaising with the production office, and providing regular progress reports about the shoot. Before the shoot, the 1st AD’s main task is to create the filming schedule, working in careful consultation with the director in order to fulfill his or her creative ambitions. When drawing up the shooting schedule, a 1st AD must also be aware of budgetary constraints, cast availability and script coverage. In addition, 1st ADs oversee the hiring of production assistants and the securing of locations, props and equipment.  During filming, a 1st AD’s primary responsibility is to keep the shooting company informed. Firsts frequently make announcements and give directions to coordinate the cast and crew. We also control discipline on the set, supervise the other assistant directors, and oversee the preparation of the daily call sheet (a document detailing daily shooting logistics, which is distributed to all cast and crew.) Firsts are also responsible for health and safety on set or location

and must take action to eliminate or minimize hazards at all times.

What projects have you worked on?When I started I was a Directors Guild of America (DGA) Trainee and I worked on a number of shows ending with CSI. As a working 1st AD I have worked on “CSI: Miami,” “Body of Proof,” “Desperate Housewives,” “The Mindy Project” and most recently, “Black-ish.”

What inspired your decision to get into this career?After traveling and working in Up with People as a production staff member and a cast member, I wanted to find a job in the film and television industry that matched my skill set. That job was the assistant director position. I have been every “tier” of the AD department from second assistant director to first assistant director. My favorite is first assistant director.

What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?Challenges: Putting together the best schedule for the project, being firm in your plan but also open to change because EVERYTHING changes in production. Checking your ego at the

door. The 1st AD position is a service position. You are there to make things run smoothly. You are like the oil in the engine. You must find a way to get everyone on the set to respect and listen to you.Highlights: Watching your plan go off without a hitch, being a part of a creative process, working in different places daily, not being tied to a desk, and leading people through challenging situations.

Production days tend to last 12-14 hours. What keeps you motivated?I am motivated by the fact that I set the schedule and I communicated it to the team. If we don’t accomplish a schedule I have created there is a bit of a feeling of failure (this rarely happens now). I enjoy the challenge of finishing everything to the director’s satisfaction.

What has been your favorite project or what is your dream project?Although it was probably my hardest project ever, “The Comeback” with Lisa Kudrow. The director is an incredibly talented man who is hard to figure out and has extremely high expectations for his staff. He really pushed me, and the episodes I worked on are some of the best television I have ever

done. My dream project is one that will inspire those who see it and also one that has an incredible crew of people who all click.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?Definitely explore the DGA Trainee program www.trainingplan.org/. I had no prior experience and it is how I broke into the industry. I will say that my UWP people experience really helped inspire me to pursue a career in entertainment.

Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?Yes. Most people still don’t know about UWP unless it came to their small town or they saw a Super Bowl back in the day. Or they think it was a religious cult. I am always explaining the UWP program and what it meant to me. When I describe it to people, they are always intrigued and excited about it.

What were a few highlights of your UWP year?Traveling to Australia and Hong Kong. I had never traveled to Europe so for me, my first European country of Denmark was totally a highlight.

16 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Tooske Ragas

Tooske waiting on set in Peru.

Television Host and Star

What year(s) did you travel in UWP?I travelled in Cast A1992.

Where are you from and where do you live now?I was born in the Netherlands, and still live in that beautiful country.

What do you do in entertainment and what are your responsibilities?I am a TV host. I host all kinds of shows; big live awards shows, English programs, taped studio shows.

What projects have you worked on?I’ve been doing this for about 20 years now, so that’s quite a lot of titles. To name a few, I hosted “Idols,” the Dutch version of "American Idol," and two seasons of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar,” the same show concept but in Germany this time, indeed, in German. “The Sing Off,” “The New Uri Gellar,” “Class of '89,” and most recently, “In de ban van de Condor,” a game show in which Dutch celebrities

teamed up with a birder to do bird-related challenges and quizzes. We started in the Netherlands, flew to Georgia (the one under Russia, not the one in the USA) and ended up finding a condor in the highlands of Peru.

What inspired your decision to get into this career?Once I got my university degree in English literature, I really had no clue what I wanted to do as a career. I had always been interested in the entertainment industry, so I decided to give myself a year to see if I could find work in that area. My parents were supportive enough to give me their financial assistance for that amount of time, might I need it. Luckily, I didn’t. I did a bunch of castings and things started rolling. Two days after I received my master’s degree, I started working for TMF, the Dutch equivalent of MTV. Things have kept going strong ever since.

What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?

The highlights are being able to work on fun and exciting projects with a motivated group of people for a number of weeks or months and then moving on to the next project. This keeps my job fun, exciting and varied. Besides that, I get to travel the world, see extraordinary places and meet interesting people. I also love the thrill of live TV. Feeling that everything we rehearsed needs to come together at that exact moment makes me feel alive and sharp. What is tough in this business is how temporary everything is. One minute you’re it, next day you’re old news. To be able to deal with that, you have to have a strong sense of who you are and what makes you truly happy in life like who loves you and who you love. Fame, or whatever you want to call it, is a crazy thing. In this industry, your job is so much connected to who you are instead of what your skills are. It’s personal, however, you have to make sure you don’t allow it to become too personal. In the end, it is still just a job, even though the public may see things differently. That’s a thin line.

Production days tend to last 12-14 hours. What keeps you motivated?I guess I don’t know any better! I cannot imagine sitting behind a desk every day for eight hours. I’d much rather be on the road somewhere, or in a studio.

Also, a LOT of what I do during the day is waiting. Waiting for the sound to be right, waiting for lighting, production, etc. During that time, I hang out with the rest of the crew. We usually laugh a lot, since we all know that’s the best way to handle those lost hours. 

What has been your favorite project or what is your dream project?Hmmm, difficult question. I loved interviewing people like Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Lenny Kravitz, Tommy Lee, Mariah Carey or Jennifer Lopez. But I also love coming down show steps in a beautiful dress, all made up, to be the guide in an evening-long live event. Last year, my husband and I did a show together in which we tried to help couples on the verge of getting a divorce. With the help of therapists, we tried to help them talk to each other again and find their connection. That was extremely rewarding for me. I loved being able to make a difference. Right now I am developing a format in which I want to visit moms all over the world to witness how they raise their kids. I am a mother of four myself, and I know that I care about what kids eat, how much time they spend playing outside, if they go to bed on time. But what, I wonder, are their hopes and dreams for their kids? What do they want them to learn in life?

17Winter 2016 / UpBeat

What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?Get a degree in something first. It will make your vulnerable position less vulnerable. It gives strength and faith to be able to truly feel that if what you are being offered isn’t good enough, you can always go and do something else. In this business, so many people want what you want, and producers know that. They will tell you

that if you don’t agree to their terms, they will find someone else for the job. Knowing that you have other options will allow you to put your foot down and say no if you have to. And you know what? Eventually, people will respect you for that. Sell yourself, but never sell out.

Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?I am actually married to an Uppie! And my neighbor

across the street is an Uppie, too. How much of a coincidence is that? So yes, we sometimes sing the UWP song for our kids, with stage claps and everything. I only hope I can give my kids the experience of seeing their world from a different perspective. We try to travel with them as much as we can already for that reason, and hopefully when they reach 18, they will go out and explore on their own.

What were a few highlights of your UWP year?You know what? I was so young, I had just turned 18, so most of my year was spent on getting to know myself. I was able to develop my skills on stage as a singer, I made friends, and I fell in love head over heels. I guess, basically, I grew up. It was a challenging, fun, secure and positive environment. I had a great time!

Koen SuidgeestDocumentary Filmmaker and Photographer

Koen shooting in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

What year(s) did you travel in UWP?I travelled as a student in ‘88E, a January cast, and then returned on staff in the summer of 1989. From there on, I stuck around for an additional three years. My last position on the road was as the marketing manager for ‘91F. After that, I managed two special projects for UWP in Europe: the cast that performed at the theme park Floriade in The Netherlands for six weeks, and finally the Brussels reunion, both in 1992.

Where are you from and

where do you live now?I was born near Amsterdam in The Netherlands. My student year in UWP was the beginning of a 25-year period in which I lived outside of my country (most recently 17 years in Madrid, Spain), but three years ago I returned and am now living in beautiful Leiden, near The Hague.

What do you do in entertainment and what are your responsibilities?I am a documentary filmmaker and photographer.

In my role as a director, I initiate projects on issues which I believe need attention (generally in the realm of human rights) and father them along until well after their premiere. Often these projects are born out of a personal interest and they become like a child you are raising over the course of several years, until they are finished and can stand on their own feet. I research, write and design the project. Meanwhile, my producers are working alongside to secure funding. Once everything is

in place, we shoot the film. Sometimes just the filming takes more than a year. During post-production I work with an editor to shape the final story. One big difference with fiction is that, in a documentary, the film is "written" in the editing room once all the material has been shot. So we do work with a preconceived plan, but not with a detailed script and certainly not with dialogues.Generally my films are seen on international television, film festivals, and sometimes in the cinema. Some of them are also used as educational tools.

What projects have you worked on?I work with social issues and human rights. A common issue in my films and photographs are women and children. I often focus on women in their role as mothers and my stories

18 UpBeat / Winter 2016

generally take place in the developing world. This means I travel a lot, often to places you wouldn’t normally go. I am currently working on "Girl Connected," a documentary about five inspiring teenage girls in five countries who – each in her own way – are beating gender discrimination by empowering other women. This is for PBS and international broadcasters. At the same time, for a Dutch human rights organization I’m finishing a project about parents of LGBT individuals in countries where being gay is illegal or where serious stigmas exist. In photography, I have had for some years now quite a successful travelling exhibition on the resilience of breast cancer patients, and am starting a new project in April on young street mothers in Nicaragua. You can check out

www.koensuidgeest.com for a more complete picture of my work.

What inspired your decision to get into this career?I guess my decision to work in documentary film and photography was inspired by the same reasons that encouraged me to join Up with People. By nature, I have always been quite an idealistic person with a strong sense of justice. I have an insatiable interest in the world around me, and in the issues that affect people’s ability to lead a quality life. And I just love to travel.

What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?The biggest challenge is often I deal with issues which the countries I work in would rather not expose. I also work

in difficult areas, where we have to take special care for our own safety or health. I have never been in an extremely tricky situation, but I’d like to think that this is because I take a lot of care assessing risks and managing them. These challenges sometimes affect the work. I cannot always shoot everywhere I want to, or people I really need to be on camera are not able or willing to do so for their own safety. The highlights however are multiple. Every day is a new learning experience. I often film people who just blow me away with inspiration. I feel very privileged to be able to work in certain countries and get to know them from the inside – from the struggle of their people against poverty or injustice. This is a truly unique part of my life and humbles and inspires me so much.

Production days tend to last 12-14 hours. What keeps you motivated?I would be motivated even if production days take that long, but they generally don’t. However, my shoots take place over a very long time – sometimes productions are scattered over a year or even longer. What keeps me motivated during these times are the urgency of the issues I am working on, and even more so, the people I am portraying. I feel that the protagonists of documentaries are always so generous, letting me into their lives with no direct benefit for them, that I owe it to them to keep telling their story in the most respectful and impactful manner.

What has been your favorite project or what is your dream project?

Special thanks to John, Tom, Anya, Tooske, and Koen for sharing the inspiring stories of their career path and reflection on how the time in Up with People impacted their choices.

We would like to continue to share these types of personal alumni stories. The next UpBeat will be published in June and we invite alumni who have made a career in human services or with a non-profit to share insights and experiences. If you would like to share your story, please answer these questions and send them to communications@uwpiaa.org no later than April 15, 2016. Responses should not exceed 1,000 words.

19Winter 2016 / UpBeat

My favorite project has been "Karla’s Arrival," a documentary film about a teenage mother who raises a baby under a tree in a park Managua, Nicaragua. I knew we could make a real difference with the film, and it has been extremely successful in documentary terms, which means some international awards, participation in over 45 film festivals, broadcasts in 15 countries, a short cinema run and ongoing educational use. It’s the kind of story I could work on for the rest of my life, following the characters in their development and their struggle to crawl out of poverty. You can see the trailer at www.karlasarrival.com. My favorite photography project has been "Costuras a flor de piel," an international travelling exhibition about the inner strength of breast cancer patients. It has been received

very well and keeps on being booked. With the exhibition, we raise awareness about the taboos that still surround breast cancer in many countries, and we support patient organizations in their work (see www.costuras.org/en).

What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?There is no fame or fortune in making documentaries so your ideals have to be strong enough for you to keep motivating you throughout the entire ride. Follow your heart and just go out and make the movie you are passionate about. No need to wait for approval from anyone. Then show it to people, send it to festivals, or tour community centers, schools and churches. You’ll see how fulfilling this is

and how your career will start shaping up in no time.

Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?I do reference Up with People, particularly because I am building on some of the experiences I had there. But it wasn’t that single unique year that it seems to have been for many others. Maybe at heart I never left. I am still on that high and building on it. I still travel a lot (and generally to more complex countries than UWP would take us), I try to make a difference, and the incredible variety of people I meet all over the world is still a gift to me every day.

What were a few highlights of your UWP year?We were the first cast to visit Australia and New Zealand. That was unique, particularly

since those are places I then never thought I’d go to. And the lack of European destinations for my cast was made up for when my family came to visit during the U.S. part of our tour. We were not very wealthy, but my parents won a small lottery prize that enabled the entire family to come and travel with us for a week. Coincidences don’t exist!

Anything else you would like to add?I was happy to continue as a staff member in UWP. It made all the difference. My growth during my student year was of such magnitude that it was almost impossible to make sense of it. I was naïve and quite young, and it was an incredibly emotional ride for me. Being on staff helped me put a lot of that in perspective. It’s like they say: you’ve never really learn it until you teach it.

• What year(s) did you travel in UWP?

• Where are you from and where do you live now?

• What is your current job and what are your responsibilities?

• What are some of the challenges or highlights of your job?

• What other positions have you held in your field?

• What inspired your decision to get into this career?

• What keeps you motivated?

• What advice would you give someone who is interested in your line of work?

• Do you ever bring up UWP? If so, what is the reaction?

• What were a few highlights of your UWP year?

• Anything else you would like to add?

20 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Join an alumni group in your areaThe CarolinasOur group is inclusive of both North Carolina and South Carolina.Tracy SmithTracykay.smith@yahoo.com386-837-7135

Mineapolis, MinnesotaPlease contact Cynthia Hoffman Cochran ('79D)ccuwpiaa@gmail.com

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThere is a private Facebook group for the Philly area, Up with People Alumni of the Philadelphia, PA Area Melissa Guillotinmsguillotin@gmail.com919-612-3177

Colorado Springs, ColoradoI am interested in finding/starting an alumni group in Colorado Springs, CO.Katie Bradeen ('95C)crazyinco@centurylink.net

Austin, TexasI have been thinking about starting an alumni chapter in the Austin, Texas area. I met a few alumni a few years ago when we were trying to bring a cast to Austin and have lost their contact info since meeting. A chapter would be a great way to keep in touch.Joey Garza ('98C)joeygarza@hotmail.com512-577-2919

Native AmericansHello, my name is Alden Chato ('92C). I'd like to start a group for Native American alumni of UWP.as_chato@yahoo.com

Seattle/Puget Sound

After the 50th UWP reunion, UWP alumni from Washington state restarted an alumni group. This group's focus is building the UWP alumni community

while raising money to support a future cast member, ideally a minority, low-income man (since this category seems to be underrepresented).

The kickoff event was a house concert by Steve and Paul Colwell, who live in the Seattle area. They presented, in song and stories, their funniest, most challenging, and most meaningful experiences.

The second event was toffee packaging & sales. Between the two events, Western Washington alumni raised $5800! Any UWP alumni in Western Washington who want to get involved should contact Carrie@WernickNewman.com.

Western Washington alumni gather to brainstorm ways they can help support Up with People.

Steve and Paul Colwell join with other alumni to sing and tell stories.

21Winter 2016 / UpBeat

It is hard to believe but as of this writing it's already been six months since the Does It Really Matter?

diversity and inclusion forum was held at Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 in Orlando. Early evidence suggests that many have been motivated and inspired to take action.

• In November of last year, Carrie Wernick Newman ('90E) organized a fundraising event in the Seattle area. This event raised close to $6000. (For more details, see the story on page 20 of this edition of UpBeat.)

• In mid-December, Mario Romero and I met with UWP admissions counselor Nicole Magloire to discuss the next steps for minority inclusion, starting right here in Denver. Nicole has been assigned the task of developing a strategy to reach out to the Denver community.

• Terry Adams, UWP's VP for Advancement, arranged to have an alumni cast featured at Denver's annual Martin Luther King luncheon. Tim Clark (primary author of the song "Does It Really Matter?") volunteered his time and talent to come in from Omaha, Nebraska and perform the song with the cast. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and a wealth of local business and community leaders attended. The event went a long way to help increase the visibility of Up with People in Denver.

• Staging and orientation for Cast A2016 was held in Denver at The Sherman Center, a historic venue in the heart of downtown. The show will have its premiere performance

at Manual High School on February 13, 2016. The enrollment at this school is 97% students of color, providing UWP with an outstanding recruitment opportunity!

• We are beginning to see the first donations to the Does It Really Matter? scholarship fund. This money will help fund participation in the program of underrepresented students.

• I have just returned from Honey Creek, Iowa (a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska) where my first mini-concert was hosted by Craig and Brenda Moran. Several past presidents and board members of the UWPIAA, as well as several other alumni attended the event. This event was an item in the silent auction held at last year's Up with People Gala. Proceeds will benefit incoming students needing assistance.

So what does all of this mean? It means that the initiative that started six months ago is beginning to gain momentum. It's a start, but there is still a long way to go. The real power to change the face of UWP is truly in our hands. My hope is that these recent strategies and events will inspire similar activities as we move forward in building not only financial resources and expanding the pool of recruitment candidates, but in raising awareness of the extreme importance of this initiative for the future of Up with People.

by Pat Murphy ('72A), USA

Momentum building in the Does it Really Matter? initative

Alumni gather at the home of Craig and Brenda Moran for a mini-concert with Pat Murphy.

22 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Belgium (be.UWPaa)• Focus is to relaunch the Belgian alumni movement with

several activities this spring.• March 13, 2016 will be the first gathering of the newly

formed Belgian Alumni Association, (be.UWPaa) with a brunch in Brussels. Follow us on Facebook for latest details, timing and location. All are welcome!

• With the support of be.UWPaa, big alumni events are being planned during the Up with People rescheduled Celebrate 50 Gala in Brussels, June 3-5, 2016.

There are 14 Belgian students travelling in Cast A2016.

Denmark (UWP Alumni Denmark)• UWP will be preforming in Tivoli Concert Hall (inside

Tivoli Gardens) in Copenhagen on May 14, 2016. (How many of us alumni did not perform in Tivoli Gardens?) The Tivoli show could be an amazing opportunity for all Danish alumni to get back together and create a wonderful alumni event after some time of less activity. Who will take the lead?

Two Danish students are currently travelling in Cast A2016 after several casts with no Danish students.

Italy (UWP Italian Alumni)• Italian alumni enjoyed a successful tour by Cast B2015

which ended in Rome with the UWP guest program and an audience with the Pope.

• The Roman team is putting all energy back together with some extra alumni from across Italy to make a successful EAM in Rome from April 22-24, 2016. For more information on ColossEAM 2016, visit www.uwpeam.com.

Two Italian students are also traveling in the current cast.

Finland (FUWPAA)• General assembly was held January 23, 2016 with some

new board members.• Focus is to help set up the UWP cast tour next fall with as

many alumni as possible.• Additional focus on recruiting new students for future

casts at different events: World Village Festival in Helsinki on May 28-29, 2016 and Faces Etnofestival in Fiskars on August 6-7, 2016. We will provide a recruiting booth at both events.

• FUWPAA will have a visit to the Raseborg Summer Theater in beginning of July to see "Sound of Music." An exact date will be announced later.

Germany (Alumni Vereinigung UWP Deutschland)• The General Assembly will be held in Wolfsburg from

September 30 - October 3, 2016.• Registrations from Germany for the EAM in Rome

is leading all other countries for number of alumni registered.

We are happy to hear that there are three German students traveling in the current cast.

Switzerland (UWPSAA)• The very popular Alumni Ski Weekend 2016 will be in

Hasliberg, Switzerland from March 4-6, 2016.• General Assembly will be held October 21-23, 2016.

Location to be announced later.• Swiss attendance at the EAM in Rome is in second place,

just behind Germany, for number of attendees already registered.

No Swiss students in this cast, but there is a Swiss staff member.

Alumni activities around Europe

23Winter 2016 / UpBeat

Sweden (SUWPAA)• General Assembly was held January 24, 2016 with two

new board members.• Focus is to reconnect Swedish alumni, have 500 Swedish

alums connected back on Facebook. and have more Swedish alumni be active part of SUWPAA.

• We enjoy several gatherings coordinated by SUWPAA but organized by local alums (0ne or two per month.)

• UWP cast will tour Sweden (Falköping and Helsingborg) in May with alumni activities. Many Swedes plan to go to Copenhagen for the cast’s show there.

Two Swedish students are part of Cast A2016.

Estonia (Chamber of Goodwill)• Cast B2016 will have their last city and show of their tour

in Tallinn November 28-December 6, 2016. The Estonian alumni are working hard to create a wonderful end of semester for the students. At the same time, there will be the TAD (Triangle Alumni Date) where all alumni are welcome to have a wonderful December city trip, enjoying Christmas market, visiting Tallinn, seeing the last show of Cast B2016, and connecting with your fellow (European) alumni. (Look for more info in the next UpBeat.)

• Chamber of Goodwill, an initiative of the Estonian alumni and affilate organization of the UWPIAA, keeps creating unique activities to support fundraising for potential students. In their newest fundraising project, Forest Goodwill, they are planting a forest near the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn. For more information or to donate, visit www.will.ee.

Two Estonian students have been accepted and are doing fundraising to join future casts.

The Netherlands (AlumNet)AlumNet is organizing several exciting get-together events for Dutch alumni.• AlumNet Volunteer Day (more info through our

Facebook) March 12, 2016• AlumNet Meet-Up in Amsterdam: May 20, 2016• AlumNet Beach Day in Scheveningen: August 27, 2016Two Dutch students are currently travelling in the cast.

Other countriesOther European students represented in Cast A2016: one French and two Norwegians.

Shaded areas indicate countries in Europe that Up with People has visited.

24 UpBeat / Winter 2016

by Keith Frohreich ('66C), USA, UWPIAA Past President

by Jay Gerring ('87D), USA, UWPIAA Alumni Awards Chairman

Legacy Scholarship fund provides program tuition support to students from alumni families

Each semester, the UWPIAA Scholarship Committee awards

scholarships to Up with People alumni family members, whether son, daughter, niece or nephew, and now even granddaughters and grandsons. The primary funding for these scholarships is sourced by the first $5,000 from the Silent Auction held at each annual reunion. So when you attend a reunion, please participate. The UWPIAA Board of Governors, from time to time, may vote to augment this annual amount if additional funds are available.

This semester's scholarship recipients are Kati Busch, Oregon, USA, daughter of Tami Montee-Busch ('84C); Max Cygnaeus, Stockholm, Sweden, son of Therese Cygnaeus ('79A); Ellen Fierens, Antwerp, Belgium, daughter of Geert Fierens ('77A); and Kiana Gouveia, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Kerri Hoffman ('90A). Max is also a Camp Up with People alum.

To apply for a scholarship for future casts, go to www.uwpiaa.org and select the Alumni Community banner. In the drop down menu click on the UWPIAA Legacy Scholarship link. After reviewing the short article, at its bottom, open the application link. Not all applicants may receive a scholarship. The committee strives to help students with an amount that might make the difference in them making it to staging.

Congratulations to Kati, Max, Ellen, and Kiana. Have the time of your life, make lifelong friends, and return home, or wherever, a better citizen of the world, and, of course, a new member of the Up with People International Alumni Association.

The J. Blanton Belk Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna AwardJ. Blanton Belk’s vision and ideals have impacted more than 20,000 alumni and millions of people around the globe. Alumni are considered for this award if he/she has made an exceptional contribution to humankind by carrying forward the ideals of Up with People.

The James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero AwardIn previous years the nominating committee selected alumni who have served others steadily, with countless small yet effective acts of kindness and time commitment; founded, been involved in, or led community service projects; and/or responded to emergencies or human misery whether domestic or foreign. More than one Everyday Hero award can be awarded at each reunion.

Outstanding Cast Representative2010 was the first year for this award. The UWPIAA Board of Governors recognizes that alumni serving as cast representatives provide an extraordinary service to both their casts and the alumni body as a whole.

Nominations open for the 2016 annual UWPIAA alumni awards

Each year at reunion, the UWPIAA recognizes alumni who continue

to embrace the mission of Up with People in their everyday lives in a special way. Nominees can include anyone who participated in any capacity of the UWP program since its inception in the summer of 1965. Award nominations are due by May 15, 2016. The nomination form and supporting documents must be submitted to the awards committee at the time of the nomination. If you have any questions about the awards or the form, e-mail awards@uwpiaa.org.

Please include as many specifics as possible to support your nomination such as articles, letters, writings, videos, photos or anything else you feel would help us know this individual. Nominees may be endorsed by multiple alumni. While it is okay for non-alumni to participate in the nomination process (particularly the J. Blanton Belk and Everyday Hero awards), the actual nomination must come from alumni.

J. Blanton Belk Outstanding Alumnus nominees may also be considered for the James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award, but it must be a reunion year for the nominee if you would like us to consider this option.

An award-nominating committee comprised of alumni from different eras and regions will review all nominations and make a recommendation to the UWPIAA Board of Governors. You will be contacted if additional documentation is needed.

If you need more information or would like to volunteer for this committee, please contact awards@uwpiaa.org. Click here to access the awards nomination form.

25Winter 2016 / UpBeat

❞

❝I am overwhelmed, relieved, grateful. I don’t have the words to express myself

and this feeling I have today. Thank you all so much for this assistance. It means more

to me and my daughter than you could ever imagine.

What means most to me is I actually had a place to go to for help. I’ve been able to support myself since I was 16 and this was the first time I found myself unable to pull a rabbit out of my hat. Up with People has done so much for me in my life that it will

always run through my blood.

I look forward to the day in the near future when I can pay this forward and assist

Reach Out in helping other alumni. I know that day is right around the corner and I

am excited to be a part of it.–Anonymous alum

THIS IS THE

STORAGE UNITWHERE ONE OF OUR ALUMNI

had everything they and their family owned.They were at risk of losing the unit and all their

possessions if donors just like you had notcome to their rescue.

Can you help alumni in need?

4Alumni Assistance NetworkREACH OUT

Help us help UWP alumni in need.

www.roaan.org • info@roaan.org

Our alumni need your help.There are many ways you can

help us help our alumni.

Scan this code for information on how to donate to help UWP alumni in need:

*Stock photography used because we protect privacy.

Start helping alumni today, join our Facebook Group!http://www.facebook.com/groups/ReachOutROAAN/

4Alumni Assistance NetworkREACH OUT

Help us help UWP alumni in need.

www.roaan.org • info@roaan.org

Thank you to everyone who donated to our holiday fundraiser Empty

Stocking Fund, and those that helped share our posts and spread the word! You did it, you did it! Not only were we able to reach our goal of raising $3000, but you surpassed it by helping us raise $4400 to help alumni in need. Thank you again. Wishing you all the best for a great 2016!

The idea for Reach Out started at the “40 Years And Counting” (40YAC) 2005 Reunion in Tucson when many of the '65-'70 era alumni were very dismayed to discover several former staff members and alumni had fallen on hard times. In 2006, Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network was created as a fundraising organization to provide a emergency assistance to all the 22,000+ alumni who have participated in a cast of Up with People or one of its

associated groups including Sing Out ('65-'66), MRA ('65-'68), PACE and WorldSmart.

Reach Out was designed to provide emergency financial and non-financial assistance to alumni in need due to extreme special circumstances. We helped our first alumni in 2009. Since then, we have assisted more than 20 alumni in their greatest time of need.

Reach Out is there for you in your time of need. Are you an alumni who is homeless, jobless, or in need of urgent medical assistance? Alumni nationally and internationally have turned to us when they had nowhere else to go.

Click here for more information on how to apply for anonymous assistance.

Click here to donate and help us help alumni.

by Zan Diener ('91E), USA, President of Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network (Reach Out/ROAAN)

Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network Empty Stocking fundraiser surpasses goal

26 UpBeat / Winter 2016

LATIN AMERICA REPORT

Shinichi Miyawaki ('86A), Japan, Regional Representative: Asia

Giselle Kuri Carrasco ('13A), Mexico, Regional Representative: Latin America

We would like to thank Edwin Aponte for his commitment to the Board of Governors and ask that you please join

us in welcoming Giselle Kuri Carrasco ('13A), Mexico, as his replacement. In addition to her student semester, she was an UWP staff member for Casts B2013, A/B2014 and staging for Cast B2015. We asked her to introduce herself to the alumni.

"I am now studying communications in Mexico City and working as a trainee at FedEx Mexico in the Internal Communications and Public Relations area.

It’s about the people you meet and the impact you have. I believe in Up with People because I have seen how it inspires the students who join

the program and the communities that welcome it. During the almost two years and a half that I was active in the organization, I had the opportunity to fill myself with stories; of course, some about my own adventures and travels, but some of the greatest ones about the people I met: stories of compassion, love, generosity and acceptance. I feel lucky to have had the chance to be inspired by so many people in different places and now to work for some of those same ones. I am excited to take on this new role for the UWPIAA and give back as much of myself as I can so that people can continue to build connections and understanding.

If I felt proud to represent Mexico in my cast, it’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve as a representative for Latin America on the Up with People International Alumni Associations Board of Governors."

Japan Alumni Club’s Christmas Party

was held on Sunday, December 20, 2015 in Tokyo. It was our third regular gathering since I became the Asia Rep. 24 alumni attended and some alumni came from as far as Nagano and Nagoya.

Momo did a presentation about her experience of Cast A2015 and Yukachin talked about her ambitions for the new tour. We all sang “Can You Sing a Song of Peace?” at the end and posted to Facebook.

ASIA REPORT

27Winter 2016 / UpBeat

1965-1970Carole Karlein (‘68B), USA

1965-1970@uwpiaa.org

1971-1975 Skip Searcy ('72B), USA1971-1975@uwpiaa.org

1976-1980Ruthie Shimabukuro ('77B), USA

1976-1980@uwpiaa.org

1981-1985Brenda Noyes ('83D), USA1981-1985@uwpiaa.org

1986-1990An Van Den Eede ('90A), Belgium

1986-1990@uwpiaa.org

1991-1995Zan Diener ('91E), USA1991-1995@uwpiaa.org

1996-2000Cortland Bolles, ('00E), USA

1996-2000@uwpiaa.org

2001-2016 Ericka Adams ('08A), USA 2001-2016@uwpiaa.org

1965-1970Carole Karlein (‘68B), USAJoin us as we welcome Carole Karlein to the Board of Governors. She replaced Walter Golding as era rep for the alumni in '65-'70. Carole is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania and traveled in UWP Casts A1968, A1969, and C1970 and has been an active alumni performing in Branson and Tapestry casts. She served in Joplin, Missouri in the tornado clean-up efforts as well. In addition, Carole is the secretary for the IAA affiliate program, ROANN (Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network) and is a regular at UWP events and reunions. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has three grown girls and five grandchildren.

1971-1975Skip Searcy ('72B), USAAlso joining the board is Skip Searcy. Skip is replacing Willie Knowles as the era rep for the '71-'75 alumni. Skip traveled as a cast member in Cast B1972 and as a staff member for Cast B1974. He has been a host dad and now proud parent of an alumni who traveled in Cast B2008. Skip also helped develop a tour sponsorship that resulted in bringing Cast B2007 to the western suburbs of Chicago. He is recently retired from 24 years of working on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade and is excited to put his spare time into developing some new enthusiasm across his era. In other news from the era, Cindy Carlton Corona ('72B) was featured on an NBC Channel 11 Atlanta, Georgia human interest story in September, 2015. Cindy and her staff at Collins Memorial United Methodist Church food pantry feed over 3,000 seniors twice each month. Cindy’s story can be seen at www.11alive.com/videos/news/local/2015/09/10/71992342/.

1976-1980Ruthie Shimabukuro ('77B), USAThe '76-'80 era welcomes the following individuals who have recently stepped up to be cast representatives: Krista Gallaty replaced Kevin Cordes for Cast D1979; Terry Symonds joined Greg Aigner as co-cast reps for Cast C1979; Johna Thomson replaced Mimi Jove for Cast E1980; and Michael Scott Curnes joined Monica Wilfong as the representatives for Cast B1980. We thank Kevin and Mimi for their past service, and we welcome Krista, Terry, Johna, and Michael to our team! And, of course, thank you to all cast representatives for all your years of service, your hard work, your energy, and your commitment to keeping our alumni connected. Please contact your cast representative or me with any questions, feedback, or suggestions regarding alumni and/or reunion topics.

ERA REPORTS

28 UpBeat / Winter 2016

1981-1985Brenda Noyes ('83D), USAKaren Marguth (Cast D1981 dance staff) has been making some waves as a jazz singer and teacher. Check it out! www.jazztimes.com/articles/26130-karen-marguth-fresno-s-big-secret

Viva Roma! by Amy Griffith ('83C), USAOrlando only served to remind me of the importance of the mission of UWP, perhaps today more than ever in our globalized and fractured world. Energized from my time at the reunion and in the Tapestry cast, as soon as I returned from Orlando I signed up to join Viva Roma!, one of Up with People's guest programs.

We experienced a wonderful mix of group tours and time to explore on our own, and were able to meet and spend some time with Cast B2015. The highlight of our visit for most of us was attending Pope Francis' weekly address in St. Peter's Square. The cast performed a few songs including several repetitions of "De Que Colores la Piel de Dios?" ("What Color is God's Skin?") as we awaited the Pope's appearance. Our Viva Roma! group had VIP seating a few rows to the side of where the Pope spoke! Pope Francis mentioned Up with People in his introduction and told them to "keep on singing because your message is important."

We were fortunate to have UWP alumnus Leonardo Guarnieri as our primary guide in Rome and he was superb! Our Viva Roma! staff kindly located the best gelato shop near our hotel, which we frequented numerous times!

Many people in our group had already been in a previous guest program. One cast had five alumni present! I am certain I will be returning to a future program and I hope to recruit more people from my cast to attend. The next guest program will be to Bermuda this in April!

1986-1990An Van Den Eede ('90A), BelgiumA lot has been going on since the 50th celebration in Orlando. The #iWill50 cast challenge donations are growing but I am sure we can do better! We need to! This amazing program that we all were/are a part of needs our support.

For those of you on Facebook, please join our era group page: UWP Alumni 1986-90 or visit our alumni website www.uwpiaa.org. While you're there, update your personal information so we can keep you informed of all alumni events.

European Alumni Meeting (EAM) will be in Rome in April this year. Check the website www.uwpeam.com. And 1986, it is your reunion year! I hope to see many of you this summer in Tucson. The reunion is from 27th till the 31st of July 2016.

1991-1995Zan Diener ('91E), USAReunion registrations are coming in fast for our era! We're working hard to bring together as many people as possible and celebrate 25 years for the casts of 1991! Many of us are looking forward to bringing our families together this summer and introducing the next generations of alumni.

1996-2000Cortland Bolles, ('00E), USAWe are happy to announce that Cortland Bolles ('00E) has joined the BOG as the era rep for '96-'00, replacing Nina Hanhinen who served for just under two years. Cortland currently lives just outside of Kansas City and serves as District Director, Heart of America Council, for the Boy Scouts of America. He brings to the board a wide range of talent in fundraising & development, special events planning, recruitment, newsletter and website communications.

2001-2016Ericka Adams ('08A), USAHello, my alumni family! There will be a lot going on in the coming months and I encourage everyone to get involved! Highlights include the Up with People Gala in Denver on March 18th, the EAM Rome Meeting in April, the 50th celebration in Brussels June 3-5, and, of course, the Reunion in August. Remember, Casts A2011 and B2011, this is your first reunion!

As your era representative, I am here to answer all your questions and get you all the info you need. I encourage you to keep posting your photos and stories of your life outside your travels so we can share your continued journey!

29Winter 2016 / UpBeat

Denver, Colorado | January 15 to February 15

Des Moines, Iowa | February 15 to February 22

Pepper Pike, Ohio | February 22 to February 29

Watertown, South Dakota | February 29 to March 7

Sioux Falls, South Dakota | March 7 to March 14

Topeka, Kansas | March 14 to March 21

Up with People Gala, Denver, Colorado | March 18

Houston, Texas | March 21 to March 28

Mexico | March 28 to April 4

Pachuca, Mexico | April 4 to April 11

Mexico City, Mexico | April 11 to April 18

Bermuda | April 18 to April 25

Bermuda | April 25 to May 2

Falkoping, Sweden | May 2 to May 9

Copenhagen, Denmark | May 9 to May 16

Helsingborg, Sweden | May 16 to May 23

Hasselt, Belgium | May 23 to May 30

Brussels, Belgium | May 30 to June 8

Cast A2016

30 UpBeat / Winter 2016

Thank you to those who have already accepted the Cast Challenge. In the first six months of

our fiscal year, we have increased the number of Up with People alumni donors by 150%. 343 more donors already this year than last year! This is a grass roots effort by many, and the momentum is making a significant impact. All cast years are making progress toward the goal of $26,450, raising the equivalent of one student’s tuition for one full year.

In honor of UWP’s 50th Anniversary, we launched this Cast Challenge to provide the opportunity for our alumni to support our funding goals. The momentum following the Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 event in Orlando has us off to a great start, with more monthly donors than ever in UWP’s history. Thank you!

This friendly Cast Challenge is designed to combine casts of the same year to collectively generate monthly gifts totaling $2,200 ($26,400 per year). This effort will raise the equivalent of one student's tuition for one full year. Becoming a member

of our Impact Club (monthly donors) will make an ongoing commitment to the future of Up with People. What a meaningful way to make a difference.

A one-time gift of your choice will also be counted in the challenge and is greatly appreciated!

#IWILL50 Cast Challenge updateby Terry Adams ('81A), USA Up with People Vice President for Advancement

JOIN THE CAST CHALLENGE NOW!Click here to access the Up with People online giving form

UP WITH PEOPLE

31Winter 2016 / UpBeat

April 24-30, 2016Join Cast A2016 during their Bermuda tour

Enjoy the pink sand beaches and gorgeous tropical weather First class accommodations, meals and activities

Exclusive island tours of historic sites and regional learning Participate in unique community service opportunities on the island

Join the cast in local Bermudian school projects Meet Bermudian UWP alumni and experience their gracious island hospitality

See Cast A2016 perform the UWP show, “The Journey”Price: $2195

www.upwithpeople.org/eXperienceBermudaRegister today and eXperience this fun-filled opportunity

Contact the eXperience Bermuda team with any questions eXperience@upwithpeople.org | 720.215.3213

eXpe

rienc

e B

erm

uda!

Join us for Gala 2016: Faces and PlacesFriday, March 18, 2016 Westin Westminster

Cocktails | 6:00pm Dinner & Program | 7:30pm

Click here to purchase tickets

For more information regarding event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Terry Adams

Vice President for Advancement720.215.3209 | tadams@upwithpeople.org

Megan LuebkeDevelopment and Communications Manager720.215.3219 | mluebke@upwithpeople.org

32 UpBeat / Winter 2016

A Golden Passport is a $1000 scholarship you can designate to

someone you think would help carry the torch forward for the next 50 years. The money comes from UWP’s scholarship

fund; you just have to recommend the student. Remember, if you don’t know anyone of travel age, you can send us your contacts who do!

For questions and additional information on how you can give a golden passport to the world, contact me at gschirm@upwithpeople.org.

You can give a student a Golden Passport to the world

GOLDENPASSPORT

$1000 scholarship

NAME OF ALUMNUS/A

CAST & YEAR

NAME OF RECIPIENT

RECIPIENT EMAIL

ALUMNUS/A SIGNATURE

ALUMNUS/A EMAIL

This certificate is non-transferable. Receipt of this passport does not guarantee

acceptance into the Up with People program. To be considered for Up with People, both a

personal interview and online application must be completed.

apply.upwithpeople.org

Everyone knows

someone perfect for

Up with People!

Up with People alumni can award an

unlimited number of Golden

Passports each year to students

they actively recruit to travel in

our program. However, each future

student can only receieve one

Golden Passport scholarship toward

his or her program fee.

All students can apply for

addtional scholarship assistance

through Up with People’s General

Scholarship Fund.

To qualify for the Up with People

Golden Passport, applicants must

submit this form within two weeks

of their application date.

UWP Jr. is a global day camp experience that has the potential to be

implemented anywhere in the world. If you are interested and want to learn

more about Up with People Jr., please visit our website, www.upwithpeoplejr.

org, and fill out the Request More Information Form and one of our team members will follow up with you.

withDATES FOR 2016

Session 1 – Cast A June 27 to July 16Session 2 – Cast B July 18 to August 6

FEES FOR 2016

$3,350 for the 3-week program

For more information, visit our website at www.campupwithpeople.org

or email us at Contact@CampUpwithPeople.org

Alumni award re

1990 J. Blanton Belk

1991 Tony Davison (‘71A)1992 Bruce Harris (‘75C)1993 Virginia Trevitt-Stitt (‘70B)

J. Blanton Belk Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award

Alumni award recipients through the years

Founders Award

The Samuel Lanham Award for Extraordinary Service to the UWPIAA

1990 Jesse Owens1990 John E. Fuller1991 Dr. Morris Martin1992 In honor of Chancellor Konrad

Adenauer1993 Wesley & Susan Dixon1994 In honor of Pete & Carrie

Rozelle1994 Presented to Beatrice Lunt in

honor of Jean Wittouck1995 James G. Boswell II1996 F. James McDonald1998 John Parker

1998 Wesley & Susan Dixon1999 Thomas & Ann Cruikshank2003 Martha & Jerry V. Jarrett2003 Paul Woidke2008 Capt. Eugene A. Cernan

(USN, Ret.)2009 Robert G. Marbut2011 Thomas Sullivan2012 Naoko Shirane2013 Jerry V. Jarrett2014 Cris (Fowler) Aboussie2014 Lynne Morris

Distinguished Service Award

Lifetime Commitment to Music Award 1999 Naoko Shirane

2004 Herbert E. Allen

Award recipients have sacrificed economic and/or personal security to serve others. They work for the betterment of the world around them by making an ongoing compassionate contribution. The recipient often has overcome great personal barriers or tragedy to continue as a role model of courage and involvement.

Outstanding Cast Representative Award

2010 Jill Johnson (‘85B)2011 John Fedynich (‘86C)2012 Tim Daly (‘82C)2013 Barry Keith Marlow (‘83C)2014 Sheila Walsh Dettloff (‘84D)

The UWPIAA Board of Governors recognizes that alumni serving as Cast Representatives provide an extraordinary service to both their casts and the alumni body as a whole. They often sacrifice long hours and resources to keep their casts connected and informed all year around.

This award is presented to an individual who has made contributions to the UWPIAA in multiple categories, over multiple years, benefiting a broad spectrum of alumni. Identifiable contributions should enhance the IAA and forward the purpose and goals of the organization. The inaugural recipient in 2014 was Mia Hansen (‘79D).

Each year at reunion, UWPIAA recognizes alumni who continue to embrace the mission of Up with People in their everyday

lives through service contributions and special humanitarian acts. Recipients are selected through a nomination process and are open to any alumni who have participated in any UWP program since

the summer of 1965. We are fortunate to have many outstanding alumni who have been awarded and trust there are thousands more who have not yet been honored but who can easily stand among those listed. Thanks to all who carry out the mission in each and every way!

1994 Vernon C. Grigg III (‘81B)1995 Robert Fleming (‘65A)1996 Zeljko Gataric (‘90E)1997 Michael Knowles (‘74C)1998 Lindsey Johnson Suddarth (‘78D)1999 Stewart Lancaster (‘65A)2000 Dr. Toyotane Sohma Sing

Out Asia2001 Michael McCabe (‘82B)2002 Marie-France Bourgeois (‘82A)2003 Marcia Tweed Klecker (‘73A)

2004 Karen (Fisher) Ball (‘79C)2005 Benedikt Dejonghe (‘95C)2006 Judy Ericson Anderson (‘67A)2007 Glen Shepherd (‘76E)2008 Marta Wallerstedt Bailes (‘93B)2009 Zonnie Gorman (‘82A)2010 Pamela Murtaugh (‘68B)2011 Dale Penny (‘71A)2012 Michael Knowles (‘74C)2013 W. John Hall (‘78D)2014 Kevin Caruso (‘79A)

We proudly salute our 2015 class of award recipients. In order to maintain the surprise, their names are not listed here. They will be added to the master list on the website, and their stories will be shared at the Alumni Awards Dinner during Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015. Congratulations to all of our amazing alumni!

Reprinted from the Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 event programAlumni award re

James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award

1990 John Wood (‘66C)1990 Denise Hyde Wood (‘65A)1990 Nancy Robbins (‘67C)1990 Terry Chase (‘74B)1990 Bruce Harris (‘75C)1990 Sandra Hayes (‘77C)1990 Mark Day (‘79E)1990 Vernon C. Grigg III (‘81B)1990 Bill Travis (‘81C)1990 Mike McCabe (‘82B)1993 Darlene Bessey (‘77C)1993 Barbara “Joy” Tucker (‘77C)1994 Emanuela Bedendo (‘74A)1994 Ann Zimmerman

Anderson(‘79B)

1994 Roxanne Gladys Perry (‘84E)1994 Scott Sughrue (‘89E)1995 Bill & Mary (Gallwey)

Wishard(‘65A)

1995 Fred C. Heismeyer (‘75A)1995 Jack Jackson Jr. (‘80A)1995 Miguel Paredes Lobo (‘80A)1996 Ember Reichgott Junge (‘71B)1996 Tony Zanelotti (‘76A)1997 Bob Evans (‘72B)1997 Deirdre Meehan Kempe (‘77C)1997 Mari Jenefsky-Titus (‘77C)1997 Carol Adams (‘82E)1998 Jennifer “Sydney” Winge

Stein(‘73B)

1998 Eduardo Aguirre (‘84E)1998 Martina “Martine”

Miller(‘93C)

1999 Cheryl A. Gunn (‘84D)1999 Amy “Gopper” Gopp (‘89A)1999 Eros Bosisio (‘89E)

2000 Katie Casey-Perry (‘68B)2000 Dave Martin (‘68C)2000 Linda Williams, MD (‘75A)2000 Rajean (Luebs) Shepherd (‘78E)2000 Charles Santos (‘80C)2000 Gonzalo Venecia (‘85D)2000 John & Agnete Husfeldt

Pribram(‘65A),(‘66B)

2001 Dale Penny (‘71A)2001 Stephanie Taylor (Laite)

Lanham(‘76A)

2001 Christian Linder (‘91A)2002 Brenda (Chabot) Moran (‘77C)2002 Lee Ann Markle

Hamilton(‘77D)

2002 Grant Axton (‘87A)2002 Kurt Larson (‘87A)2003 Larry Swenson (‘78D)2003 Steve Fuller (‘78E)2003 Bret Whissel (‘80A)2003 Thomas Spaulding (‘87D)2004 Randy Hamilton (‘79B)2004 Jeanie (Flayhan)

Conzemius(‘80C)

2005 Jack Ravenscroft (‘65A)2005 Lonnie Alexander (‘65A)2005 Sam Caster (‘67A)2005 Donna Lee Davis

Warren(‘70A)

2005 Laura Weinger-Housley (‘80B)2005 Anne (Livaudais)

Knudsen(‘85E)

2006 Donna (Seemann) Reed (‘76A)2006 Bill and Janine (Prouse)

Kent(‘81E)

2006 Brett Mattei/Caroline Morin

(‘81E)

2006 Mary Ellen Lowe (‘86A)2006 Lawrence Gora (‘86A)2006 Ron Kaderly (‘86C)2007 Keith Frohreich (‘66C)

Honoring alumni who have served others steadily with countless small yet effective acts of kindness and time commitment; founded, been involved in, or led community service projects; and/or responded to emergencies or human misery, whether domestic or foreign.

2007 Vicki Parrott Rampley (‘72A)2007 Richard Klender (‘72A)2007 Mia J. Hansen (‘77D)2007 Alexandra Karlsdotter

Stenström (‘97D)

2007 Inger Hansen (‘67A)2008 Bob Blake (‘68C)2008 Bob Huff (‘72A)2008 Susie Peak Portz (‘78D)2008 Steve Miller (‘83E)2008 Ryan Phelps (‘93A)2008 Akke Boere (‘93A)2009 Keith Koller (‘84C)2009 Susan (Huffner) Youngs (‘84C)2009 Jeff Zadroga (‘84C)2009 Richard Okiuye (‘84D)2010 Joanne Noordink (‘00A)2010 Danica Kilander (‘00C)2010 John Loudon (‘85B)2010 Catharina (Cathy) Sofjan

Wolf(‘85D)

2011 Nancy Hamilton Bowman

(‘77A)

2011 Maureen Eberle (‘81B)2011 Patricia “Trish” (Wilson)

Geyling(‘86C)

2011 Ricardo Elizondo (‘91A)2011 Alberto Ferman (‘91F)2012 Linda Newlin (‘82E)2012 Kelly Goddard Carr (‘87C)2012 Michael Ferrara (‘87E)2012 John Gibbons (‘87E)2013 Beth Clay (‘08A)2013 Ariel Leah Epstein

Pollack(‘08A)

2013 Marty Elcan (‘73A)2013 Leigh Newton Pechillo (‘93B)2013 Elaine Eicher (‘98C)2014 Marcella Millot Johnson (‘84C)2014 Melanie Daniel Pafford (‘84C)2014 Karin Nyquist (‘84D)2014 Christopher Braeuel (‘89E)

Alumni award re

Alumni award re