UpBeat The official publication of the
Up with People International Alumni Association June 2014
IT’S ABOUT TIME FOR A REUNION
July 23-27, 2014 Tucson, Arizona
EUROPEAN ALUMNI MEETING
Stories from Estonia
NEW ALUMNI YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Gathering our history
Contents
4
10
Features 4-6 REUNION 2014 Find all the necessary information about activities and reunion fun. 7 UP WITH PEOPLE ALUMNI YOUTUBE CHANNEL Michael Scott Curnes, B80, Canada, has begun the challenging task of gathering all of our videos into one location. 8 CELEBRATE 50! REUNION 2015 The big party is just a year away. Start planning now for the best prices.
9 CAMP UP WITH PEOPLE This summer camp has it all! Fun, sun, friends, and travel. Register now! 20 UP WITH PEOPLE GALA The annual fundraiser in Denver brought the community together to raise money for the Up with People Scholarship Fund. 21 TOP 5 WAYS ALUMNI CAN HELP UWP As alumni, we are uniquely qualified to support Up with People. Here are some suggestions for the best ways to help.
Stories from the EAM 12 IAA BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPORT Meetings are more fun when we meet together. 13 THE BIGGER PICTURE Frank Liffers, C97, Germany, shares why UWP is important to him. 14-15 PRE-EAM TOUR Angela Spruit, B84, the Netherlands, gives us a glimpse into the fun before the fun. 16 READY TO LEARN Stefanie Schnier, D00, Germany, shares her experience overcoming preconceived ideas about Estonia.
Thanks to the Communications Committee for their efforts in creating this publication: Stephanie McCollister Cox, B81, USA; Barry Marlow, C83, USA; Cori Jones, C76, USA; Christina NoĂŤl, A90, USA; Zan Diener, E91, USA.
UpBeat
June 2014
20 Alumni updates REGIONAL 17 EUROPE 18 MEXICO 18 OCEANIA 19 ASIA ERA 18-19
Join the conversation
U
pBeat is your publication, let us hear your VOICES! Do you have story ideas or photos relevant to our international family that you would like to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at communications@uwpiaa. org and start the conversation. Submission deadline for the next edition of UpBeat is August 1, 2014. If you are not online, you can write to us at: UpBeat, PO Box 46102, Plymouth, MN 55446
b 2
UWPIAA Board of Governors Officers President President Elect Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Keith Frohreich, C66, USA Cynthia Cochran, D79 , USA Fred Heismeyer, A75, USA Barry Marlow, C83, USA Christian Walton, C69, Belgium
Committee Chairpersons Alumni-in-Action Alumni Products Archives CareerConnect Communications Development Information Systems Recruitment Reunions Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015
Jay Gerring, D87, USA John VanZanten, D78, USA Bonnie Knight, B69, USA Christina Noël, A90, USA Stephanie McCollister Cox, B81, USA Bill Holmes, C75, USA Rosy Gallegos, B92, Mexico Suzanne Duryee-Hinton, E80, USA Phil Worcester, C76, USA Terry McCreary, B68, USA Vickie Henthorn Law, B66, USA
Regional Reps Europe/Mideast/Africa Latin America Asia Oceania-Southern Hemisphere
Marie Tobler, D93, Switzerland Edwin Aponte, B77, Puerto Rico Noritada (Ted) Agatsuma, A71, Japan Torrin Tyler, A09, New Zealand
Era Reps 1965-1970 1971-1975 1976-1980 1981-1985 1986-1990 1991-1995 1996-2000 2001-2015
Walter Golding, B68, USA Willie Knowles, B71, USA Ruthie Shimabukuro, B77, USA Lynda Sullivan Hamadi, C83, USA Danilo de Simone, E86, Switzerland Anne-Catherine Boes, B92, Belgium Shontel Dugar, E98, USA Beth Clay, A08, USA
BOG Recruitment update
by Suzanne Duryee-Hinton, E80, USA, UWPIAA Recruitment Chair he Development Chair position has been filled by Bill Holmes, C75. We are excited to have Bill on our board and are looking forward to working with him. He is well known throughout our alumni base and will work hard to make our alumni association strong. Applications have closed for the two era rep openings but we are still looking for individuals who would like to help board members with their areas of responsibilities. We are looking for individuals interested in helping with feature article writing for UpBeat, development, recruitment, merchandise, and those with some IS skills. We specifically need someone to monitor the UWPIAA in-box, monitor the website, work with surveys/forms, and also someone to provide import coordination for the website. If you would like to help and get involved with the association, please contact me at recruitment@uwpiaa.org.
T
UpBeat
June 2014
Musings from the UWPIAA President by Keith Frohreich, C66, USA, UWPIAA President
D
uring a recent Board of Governors meeting, I shared my hope that we would keep seeking new ways to recognize and honor alumni. Toward that goal, we established a new award in memory of Sam Lanham, A70, USA, to recognize alums who have served UWPIAA above and beyond. We hope to name the first recipient of the Sam Lanham Award at Reunion 2014. Speaking of recognizing and honoring alums at Reunion 2014, besides the J. Blanton Belk, Everyday Heroes, and Outstanding Cast Representative awards, we will also shine a light on three key figures in Up with People’s development: Lynne Morris, Cris Aboussie, and Ellen Jaffe Jones. We have previously highlighted the special Wednesday night tribute to Lynne Morris for her four-decade commitment to the excellence of Up with People shows. You do not need to be registered for the reunion to attend the tribute, but there is a $40 ticket for the event with proceeds going to the Up with People Scholarship Fund. Blanton Belk has designated Cris (Fowler) Aboussie, longtime Up with People human resources professional, for this year’s Founders Award. After first traveling with cast B73, Cris worked nearly 20 years with UWP, ending up as Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Cris will be honored at the Founders Luncheon on Friday at the reunion. We have added a new guest speaker on Friday afternoon. She is Ellen Jaffe Jones. Ellen first traveled with B71 and has an amazing life story to share. Her inspiration to become a broadcast journalist came from her year with Up with People. In that 18-year career in St. Louis and Miami, she won two Emmy awards. Today she is the author of three books, two of which are breaking her publisher’s sales records, “Eating Vegan on $4 a Day” and “Paleo Vegan: Plant-based Primal Recipes.” Ellen is a motivational speaker and lecturer, lifestyle coach, cooking class instructor, and competitive runner; over 30,000 people have “liked” her Facebook page. Join us on Friday afternoon and learn how Ellen saved her life by changing her life. We invite you to help honor all of these amazing alums at Reunion 2014. See you in Tucson.
3
Reunion 2014 is less than two months away and more than 500 fellow alumni have already taken advantage of the early-bird discount
and registered for this great event.
UpBeat
June 2014
REUNION 2014
Registrations surge to over 500 for Reunion 2014; don’t miss your chance! by Phil Worcester, C76, USA, UWPIAA Reunions Chair eunion 2014 is just over two months away and more than 500 alumni have already taken advantage of the early-bird discount and registered for this great event. Don’t miss out on what is going to be one of the best reunions yet! Go to UWPIAA.org, and click on the Reunions tab, select Reunion 2014, then scroll down the page to click on the handy red Register Now tab. In the time it takes to toss a suitcase into a bus cargo bay, you can secure your spot poolside this summer at the gorgeous, newly-renovated Westin La Paloma in sunny Tucson, Arizona. The reunion dates are July 23 through 27, but with so much going on–and with the fantastic UWPIAA room rate offered by the resort–we think you’ll want to book a few days before or after the event to catch up with friends from all around the world. Alumni from all Up with People tour years are welcome, but those who traveled in 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 will be the special focus of this year’s reunion fun. As a special welcome to the casts of 2009 who are attending their first-ever reunion, the $295 rate is good until the first day of the event. Registration for all other alumni is now $325 and will go up to $375 on July 1. Once your registration is complete, you can book a beautiful Westin La Paloma room at the low Reunion 2014 rate of $119 per night. Act fast, as this excellent rate is based on availability. Up with People reunions are an unforgettable opportunity to spend precious time with old friends and refresh the bonds you made on the road, as well as a great way to meet new friends across the eras. There
R
are dozens of activities throughout the weekend for alum and their friends and family of all ages. Cast K and Cast T/Camp UWP are available for those alumni with 6-to-18-year-old students attending. This year’s highlights will also include the Songwriters’ Café on the evening of Wednesday, July 23. This special tribute to Up with People icon Lynne Morris will feature live music performed by some of UWP’s best and brightest, including the Colwell Brothers, Herb Allen, Ken Ashby and Pat Murphy, and everyone is invited to sing and dance along as if it was your first day on the road. There is an additional charge of $40 for this special event, with net proceeds to benefit the Up with People Scholarship Fund. Other Reunion 2014 highlights include a Founders Luncheon hosted by J. Blanton Belk; an informative talk by Ellen Jaffe Jones,B71, on her pioneering work in broadcast journalism, health and publishing. Friday evening’s award ceremony will recognize alumni who do what UWPIAA members do best, improving their local and global communities in remarkable ways. Saturday’s calendar is brimming with opportunities to relive your tour experience, punctuated by the enormously-popular era shows that night. Plus, we’ll get a sneak peak at the current Up with People show with a live performance. Act now to get your all-access pass for Reunion 2014 by clicking the Reunions tab on the UWPIAA.org website. It’s the place to go for quick registration and for all the latest reunion news, including a regularlyupdated list of who’s attending. Questions? Email us at reunions@uwpiaa.org. See you poolside in July! n
5
s o
By Zan Diener Reach Out has helped over 18 alumni in the USA and Internationally over the last five years. All our donations are from alumni to help alumni. Here are some of the current Board members helping this organization. Up with People International Alumni Association presents Songwriters’ CafÊ
A Know Tribute someoneto who needs
Join us as we celebrate her life and career July 23, 2014 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Arizona Ballroom at the Westin La Paloma Tucson, Arizona $40*
Lynne Morris
a room for Reunion 2014?
Go to www.roaan.org/reunionroom to get more informa on about how to par cipate in this opportunity.
REACH4OUT Alumni Assistance Network
www.roaan.org info@roaan.org
*This optional reunion event requires separate admission fee Proceeds benefit the Up with People Scholarship Fund
Know someone who needs a room for Reunion 2014? Go to www.roaan.org/reunionroom to get more informa on about how to par cipate in this opportunity.
REACH4OUT Alumni Assistance Network
www.roaan.org info@roaan.org
Reunion 2014 photo gallery is ready for your contributions by Stephanie McCollister Cox, B81,USA, Communications Chair
A Know someone who needs a
t reunions, we often reconnect with dear friends by passing around old photo albums, reliving gallery during this summer’s the glory days together. Up until reunion in Tucson. Anyone can now, the photo/video sharing has view that gallery and any one can Go to www.roaan.org/reunionroom been between individuals or on contribute. getsites more information about socialto media like Facebook or It’s easy tohow get started! Instagram, but the IAA hasin found Download the free Eversnap app to participate this opportunity. a service that allows all reunion by going to Eversnapapp.com or attendees to upload images from your app store or click on the the reunion into one event gallery. icon above. You can also access We tested it at the EAM and it was Eversnap from your computer. very popular and easy to use. You Once you’ve downloaded the app, can check out the Tallinn gallery join the album with the code by clicking on this link https:// Tucson2014. But you don’t have to eversnapapp.com/album/181979. wait for Tucson; why not upload Because of the success in Tallinn, videos and images as you are we’ve arranged to have an event traveling to the reunion?
room for Reunion 2014?
UpBeat
June 2014
Memorial Room: A place to remember at Reunion 2014 by Walter Golding, B68, USA
A
serene place to remember and pay tribute to UWP friends who have passed away will once again be a feature of our upcoming reunion. Response to the first-ever Memorial Room offered at Reunion 2013 surpassed all expectations; nearly 200 people spent time reflecting and reliving memories of dear friends. We invite you to help us make this year’s tribute just as meaningful. Please go to the Alumni Memorial Page on the UWPIAA.org site and look over the names listed. If you see a name missing, please click the email link memorial@ UWPIAA.org and send us a message. We also need photographs of passed alumni. You can email .jpg files of the pictures to uwpiaaphotos@gmail.com; please include the person’s full name, original cast and year of travel and his or her country of origin. If you plan to attend this year’s reunion and have a framed photo of a castmate, we will gladly make provisions for it to be displayed. With your help, we can make this an even more memorable experience for all. Memorial room at Reunion 2013 in Tucson
6
UP WITH PEOPLE ALUMNI YOUTUBE CHANNEL
New YouTube channel is all alumni, all the time by Michael Scott Curnes, B80, Canada
T
here’s a new YouTube channel in town that you won’t want to miss. At tinyurl.com/mxmhmsj (or www.youtube.com/channel/UCmtxO70wmI5QObr5r6EnDw for Firefox users), you will find a vast collection of Up with People videos posted by alumni on YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook. By the time you read this, over 300 UWP video clips representing Up with People’s first 50 years will be gathered for your viewing pleasure on this special YouTube channel under the banner of UWPIAA Video Archives. I am an alum from Cast B80 and the Denver Convention Cast of ‘93’94, and I got the idea for this project after following hundreds of UWP links on YouTube over the past decade and encountering old friends and wonderful surprises along the way. Since YouTube launched in 2005, alumni worldwide have been gradually adding video and movie clips. My cast was lucky to have had a couple of our entire shows on VHS tape, but when I first digitized one of our 1981 videos from VHS format and uploaded a few clips to the new medium, there was scarcely any UWP content on the web. Now, there are hundreds of hours of UWP digital video online, and with YouTube’s open source format, adding a clip is free and easy. We grew up together, UWP and me. I was introduced to my first UWP show
in 1969, when I was seven and UWP was four. A few years later, my family visited the U.S. Pavilion at the Expo ‘74 world’s fair in Spokane, Washington, where Cast B73 was performing about a dozen shows a day. I begged my parents to leave me inside the show venue. While they toured the expo, I spent many happy hours serial watching Cast B73’s performances. When I was 17 and UWP was 14, I interviewed and was accepted. Off I went to make some UWP history of my own. So, part of my decision to take on this video project is because, in a sense, it helps me track my personal story while documenting UWP’s history through film. I set out to find video footage from every year in Up with People’s existence from 1965 to the present. I’ve also included in the archives other outlying videos that were impacted by UWP culture ranging from a 1967 Nancy
When combing the Internet for clips, I came across these rare treasures! Surprising This 1967 Nancy Sinatra video that features UWP cast members as dancing and singing extras.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrAeZV6vZ98
Charming A television clip from 1969 featuring Mexican singer and actress Rosalia Valdes singing “Viva la Gente.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYtOB5a9b4o
Sinatra performance to a 2013 Gap clothing store commercial [see the box below for links]. Naturally, there have been challenges. For example, I have had trouble locating publicly available clips from the years 1977, 1995 or 1996. Plus, there is no show footage for the non-touring years of 20012005 when UWP was reorganizing, but I plan to fill this gap with alumni reunion clips captured during each of these years. Relocating videos within YouTube is not yet possible, so each online clip needs to be downloaded from one spot and uploaded to this UWPIAA Video Archives channel on YouTube. It takes some time and organization but the thrill of the hunt for the next video keeps me going. I must give a shout-out to other alumni over the years who have contributed to the preservation of UWP’s past, including Steven Ochoa, B81, and Barry Marlow, C83, who have uploaded dozens of clips over the years. Be sure to visit the Up with People YouTube channel and subscribe to catch all the latest additions. If you have a clip or a link not already in the collection, or an idea on how we can improve the channel, please email me at michaelscottland@live.com. If you need help digitizing or uploading videos to the channel, let me know. I’m happy to help and I appreciate your help in preserving our common UWP history. n
Familiar A Spanish television show that features an acrobatic version of the UWP theme song.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBWG9tX23Q
Commercial The clothing retailer Gap, Inc. features UWP’s song, “Don’t Stand Still.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZf42etxpLU
Bizarre An Italian television show featuring dell’orchestra Borghesi and a squad of bikini-clad dancers interpreting the UWP theme song.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtWO7JS1Itg
UpBeat
June 2014
7
CELEBRATE 50! REUNION 2015
Excitement builds around the world for Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 by Vickie Henthorn Law, B66, USA, Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 co-chair
Half a century. Five decades. 50 years. 2,600 weeks. 18,250 days.
H
The 18-month Reunion Savings Plan opens June 1, 2014. Start saving today!
owever you do the math, Up With People’s history is a rich and colorful one. And our celebration of it is only 14 months away! Please join us August 4-9, 2015 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA as we look back at UWP’s 50-year history through great music and the sharing of wonderful memories. Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 will be a rare opportunity to refresh and renew alumni connectedness between ourselves and our world, and in the process, help set the stage for Up with People’s next 50 years. Our goal is to have 5,000 attendees to recall our shared past and discuss our exciting future. We will savor time with wonderful friends and immerse ourselves in fantastic UWP music. Everyone is
invited: alumni from UWP and World Smart casts and crews, members of local and international SingOut groups, performers from Japan’s Common Beat troupe, former staff of Pace magazine and former students of Mackinac College, MRA founders, UWP host families, sponsors and audience members. UWP Cast B2015 will join us for the week, as well. The volunteer Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 committee is planning productions, meals, community involvement activities, recognition events and leadership forums. For a sneak peak at the event plans to date, click here to see the Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 brochure.
Register by July 31 and save If you register for Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 by July 31, 2014, you can take advantage of the last opportunity to spread your registration fee payments over time. This special installment payment plan lets you divide your payments for registration, lodgings and airport transportation into 12 monthly payments. After you register, don’t forget to reserve your rooms at this exciting resort before the price goes up. The cost for a shared room plan is $76 a month for 12 months and for a non-shared room is $116 for 12 months. Of course, you can always register and pay in full, but we suggest you do it soon. On October 1, 2014, hotel rates rise by $10 a night. Hundreds of people in our extended Up with People family have already registered, so what are you waiting for? Go to www.eventinterface.com/ uwpiaareunion2015registration and sign up. n
See you in Orlando!
UpBeat
June 2014
8
CAMP UP WITH PEOPLE
The experience of a lifetime
with Performing Arts ~ Leadership ~ Service ~ Culture Summer 2014
Don’t miss this great summer camp opportunity by Tim Lane, C75, USA, Camp Up with People Director
S
ummer break is the best time to share the Up with People experience with a favorite child in your life. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, U.S.A., Camp Up with People (CUWP) offers young people aged 13 to 17 the chance to spend three full weeks immersed in music, dance and community service, helping them build confidence and international friendships that will last a lifetime. Music, dance, service, learning, lifetime friends. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn’t it? In fact, Camp Up with People does feature some of the best elements of a semester on the road in Up with People. CUWP counselors and staff are all UWP alumni dedicated to helping campers explore their interests and develop their talents. Campers experience staging, learning Up with People songs and choreography from alumni who know
UpBeat
June 2014
it best, then present a fully-staged show for a paying audience at the end of their session, with ticket proceeds going to a CUWP scholarship fund. In addition, they collaborate on weekly public service projects in and around nearby Harrisonburg,VA, often working alongside members of the local Boys and Girls Club while gaining a sense of social responsibility and the skills needed to work cooperatively with a diverse group. Campers also take advantage of the many learning opportunities in that region, ranging from a two-day tour of Washington D.C. to caving, zip-lining, or rock climbing in West Virginia. They will even experience a host family stay while “on the road!” No summer camp would be complete without a wide range of outdoor fun. In association with its sister camp, Camp Horizons, CUWP features activities like archery, horseback riding, swimming in a
lake, and so much more. In post-camp surveys, parents have called their children’s time at camp “life-changing.” Wrote one: “The camp, the acceptance, the love of the ‘family’ that she created, the bonds she made, have given her a new love of life and, most importantly, love of herself.” Campers come from all over the world, and a number of CUWP alumni have already traveled or been accepted to travel in an Up with People cast. Two sessions are still open for this summer: Cast A runs June 29-July 19 and Cast B runs July 20-August 9. The all-inclusive fee for each session is $2,950 and discounts are available for those who sponsor a Home Show informational session. You can learn more and register at www.CampUpwithPeople.org or contact us at +1 540-742-4093 or Tim.Lane@CampUpwithPeople.org. n
9
STORIES FROM THE EAM
TALLINN Nearly 100 alumni gathered for the 2014 EAM in Tallinn, Estonia. On the next few pages we share the “e-story.”
Alumni Party
EAM
IAA BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Board of Governors joins the EAM meeting by Barry Marlow, C83, USA, Secretary and Stephanie McCollister Cox, B81, USA, Communications Chair
T
hanks to an excellent idea from Swiss alumna Marie Tobler, D93–and the hard work of many others–the spring 2014 IAA Board of Governors meeting was definitely one to remember. Marie, the BOG’s regional representative for Europe, suggested that the BOG meeting be combined with the European Alumni Meeting (EAM) in Tallinn, Estonia and what a fantastic experience it was. Eighteen of our 24 BOG members were able to make the trip and almost 100 alumni from across the globe were on hand for the EAM. Pairing the meetings gave the IAA board the chance to sit in on the European meetings, and some EAM attendees took part in IAA board meetings. Ideas (and hugs) were exchanged, cultures were shared, songs were sung and folk dances were learned. In all, it was a wonderful meeting of the minds and hearts of alumni from all around the world. Highlights of the IAA board meetings included reports and presentations by the Communications, Recruitment, Development, Finance, Information Systems, Reunions, Alumni Products, Awards and Recognitions, Alumni in Action, and CareerConnect committees, along with Regional and Era Rep reports. UWP interim CEO Chuck Jarrett provided an update about the Up with People student program. A peak moment came when organizer and business entrepreneur Argo Saul, E94, Estonia, invited IAA president Keith Frohreich to sign a memorandum of understanding between the IAA and the Chamber of Goodwill. The purpose of the non-profit chamber is to support youth who want to join the Up with People program, support efforts to bring an Up with People cast back to Estonia, start international and local volunteer projects by involving the Up with People alumni, organize fundraising campaigns, and create business opportunities among the Up with People alumni. Via Skype, the Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 committee chairs shared the latest news about the thrilling event that will mark Up with People’s 50th anniversary in August 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Speaking of that,
UpBeat
June 2014
it’s exciting to report that the fall Board of Governors meeting will also be a blended event; it will be held in conjunction with the Up with People Board of Director’s meeting in Orlando November 6-7, 2014. Between now and November, the IAA board will meet this July during the reunion in Tucson. Your participation is welcome and encouraged at this meeting. If there were a prize awarded to the alum that traveled the farthest for the BOG/EAM festivities, it would go to Oceania representative Torrin Tyler, A09. Torrin journeyed more than 8,000 miles from Australia to Estonia to make the event. It was his first time in Europe and as an experienced Uppie, he made the most out of his trip, squeezing in a bit of sightseeing between long meetings in the hotel conference room. As board members, we viewed this wonderful blended event as a chance to get to know and work with fellow alumni face to face and we think everyone who attended would agree that it was a fantastic opportunity to do just that. For many of us, the experience recalled our busy days on the road in which we jumped from interesting conversations to compelling presentations to cultural exchanges in a heartbeat, all while building friendships that would stretch around the world and last a lifetime. n
Images clockwise from top left: Argo Saul and Keith Frohreich sign a Memorandum of Understanding; Alum gather together after a tour in the Tallinn Town Square; Attendees Skype with Rome during the planning session for EAM 2016; EAM participants work on community service project.
12
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Why Up with People is special to me by Frank Liffers, C97, Germany eaving home and my daily routine was the best thing that could have happened this spring. I am so glad that I participated in the European Alumni Meeting (EAM) in Tallinn in May 2014. The days in Estonia, the program, meeting old and new friends was just amazing. But what was even more important was again the reminder of why I love being part of the big UWP family and network: the trip broadened my horizon and led again to a bigger picture and clearer outlook on life. It was a trip to “sharpen the saw,” as Stephen Covey put it in his book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Step back, look at what you do and ask yourself why you do it. At work I am so busy with planning, communicating and organizing. Sometimes I feel very tired, but it seems there is no way out of the circle. I realized again how important breaks are and how important focus is. Focus on something you really want to do and accomplish. It was a trip to understand. It was amazing getting an insight into Estonia as a country and its people. The summary of 100 years of European history from the view of an Estonian parliamentarian (in the Parliament chamber!) was superb. Getting to know a bit and start to understand why Estonians behave and think the way they do is enlightening. Furthermore, getting
L
Attendees at the 2014 EAM in Tallinn, Estonia plant the seeds for an Up with People forest.
UpBeat
June 2014
perspectives on current events in Ukraine was very valuable. Of course, I read the paper and listen to news on the radio. But hearing the potential consequences from someone outside of my own country was key here. This was a typical UWP study group trip and we should be proud of the local alumni who made this all happen with their passion, their contacts and their energy. It was a trip to realize again what a real special family we are all a part of. I thank Sven Lööndre, C96, Estonia, as member of the EAM organizing committee especially for his motivational words on Sunday morning. Let´s try to spread the word about this. Sell this unique sense of family to all people we know, tell young people about this. And use this when explaining UWP to potential donors, supporters and tour sponsors. It is not just about what is happening in the local communities with the cast traveling right now. UWP IS MORE! UWP IS US! UWP is how we see the world and create something around us. For me it is the genuine intergenerational and intercultural exchange that makes our bond special and unique. UWP people do not judge, look at social status, heritage, sexual orientation, religion. On the contrary… the more diverse a group is the better. It is what we like and enjoy: variety, news, lifelong learning, and perspective. This is where we get the energy to fuel the routines back home. Also, it is the aspect of communication and sharing that makes us special. I saw an amazing video recently on our generation’s social media use (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY). Let’s continue communication via Facebook, Eversnap and all the others but, please, let’s continue to meet in person as we did in Tallinn, at official reunions and as we do in our local chapters. Let´s continue to “Look Up.” LIVE UWP. Let’s continue to use our network even more than we do today. Let’s find business opportunities. Share vacation houses. Help other alumni find new careers. Let’s be mentors for young adults leaving the UWP program. There are a million things we can do. And let’s have the courage to ask for help if we need help! Tallinn, I will come back, even if it is in 20 years to see the UWP forest that we planted in May 2014! n
13
PRE EAM
TOUR
FUN BEFORE THE FUN
20 alumni warm up for the EAM with a grand tour through Latvia and Lithuania by Angela Spruit, B84, the Netherlands Images clockwise from left: The group gathers in front of the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads in Riga, Latvia; At the Gediminas Tower; Concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Lithuanian membership in European Union.
UpBeat
June 2014
T
o “pimp” the recent European Alumni Meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, alumna Senta Matschew, A98, Germany, had the great idea of organizing a group trip to Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania before the EAM weekend. So, on Saturday 26 April, 20 people from eight countries convened in Riga for a five-day adventure. This was so well organized, we even had a taxi driver waiting for us with a sign which made it feel like a host family pick-up. That evening we had dinner in a restaurant located in cellars. We were a bit jet-lagged, but enjoyed meeting with Riga alumna Baiba Rubesa, E76, a captain of industry and an engaging speaker (you can watch her TED Talk at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i0dGoh3VUg). The next day on a bus tour through town, we saw bikes in a tree, a beautiful church, Russian art, the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads (the first of many group photo times!), amazing Art Nouveau architecture, the Freedom Monument,
and more. Later we wandered the cobbled streets and the parks of this lovely city and most of us ended up in Art&Shok, an Italian restaurant where even our Italian alumna loved the food and we got free shots of Limoncello. On Monday, we traveled to Vilnius and had a stop halfway at the Hills of Crosses (another group picture!). It is an impressive, odd, amazing, spectacular site that dates back to 1850. It is hard to imagine so many crosses in one place, but all these crosses tell us about personal and public misfortunes and catastrophes. In 1993, Pope John Paul visited the hill. Each visitor tries to leave a cross or a rosary. Late in the afternoon, we arrived at our hotel in beautiful Vilnius. Tuesday 29 April, we had sunshine all around and we took a guided walking tour to the cathedral with a beautiful chapel inside and to St. Anne’s Church (another group picture!), the fun art district and many more sites. We also visited the Parliament
14
Building or Seimas Palace. Built in 1976, it is a clear piece of Russian architecture. The Parliament is now seated in the new Parliament Hall that opened in 2007. We were taken to the press room where former Prime Minister Andreas Kubilius spoke to us about the history of Lithuania and about the current situation in Ukraine. The advent of perestroika in the late 1980s allowed the establishment of an anti-Communist independence movement. After a landslide victory in elections to the Supreme Soviet, members of this movement proclaimed Lithuania’s independence on 11 March 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so. That evening we had an outside dinner at Belmontas, a beautiful park with a waterfall. The
UpBeat
June 2014
owners hardly had enough blankets to keep us all warm because the days were sunny but the evenings were still very chilly. On Wednesday, we took a bus tour to the Trakai Castle. After a group picture on the shore of the lake surrounding the castle, some of us took a look inside while others rented a boat to peddle around and enjoy the lovely weather. That evening there was a concert on the square to commemorate the 10-year membership of the European Union: a big stage, an orchestra, a choir and all the flags of the European countries were raised while performing Beethoven’s “Alle Menschen werden Brüder,” an emotional and jaw-dropping sight. During the concert we walked up to Gediminas Tower, the sky filled with several hot air balloons, heard the music coming up the square, saw a beautiful sunset over Vilnius and we had a toast (thanks to Louis who brought tequila) to life and happiness. The next day, we travelled to Tallinn for the EAM, where the party continued with one hundred alumni friends. n
Images clockwise from top: The group visits Trakai Castle; Jumping for joy near Gediminas Tower; Smiling in front of St. Anne.
15
READY TO LEARN
A teacher becomes the student during visit to Tallinn, Estonia by Stefanie Schnier, D00, Germany
Images clockwise from top left: Estonian dance lessons:, Traditional Estonian dance performed by the dance troupe Sõleke; Organizing the group for a fun activity.
UpBeat
W
hen I booked my flight to Tallinn, I had no idea where it really was. I had to fly to Riga, Latvia first and jump onto another plane from there. That probably took more time and money than a train, which I could have easily booked if I had any clue how close these cities are to each other. I always had thought of Estonia as being somehow close to Russia, so I expected my admittedly negative preconceptions would be met. I was so wrong. Tallinn is a modern European city with a long and sometimes challenging history. There is a great old town area with very impressive buildings. The prices, especially in the touristy area, are just like in central Europe, the people look more Scandinavian than Russian and the language is rather similar to Finnish. Many houses are colourful and some are made of wood and rather meet my Scandinavian stereotypes. So there I was, in a country I obviously didn’t know anything about. Only two days before leaving, I found out that they also use the Euro. How did I, an Up with People alumna and self-proclaimed tolerant European, become such an ignorant person? Obviously, I was ready to be taught a lesson. Another UWP experience was about to begin. I arrived late on Wednesday and went downtown on Thursday. I wandered around town and sucked up all these new and unexpected impressions. Later at the hotel, I saw more and more people arriving. Most of them I had seen before, and soon all of us were screaming, hugging,
June 2014
laughing, having drinks at the pool. A typical UWP alumni experience! A bit of my preconceptions returned Thursday evening when I was looking for a nice restaurant with new friend Angela Spruit, B84 from the Netherlands. We went into a restaurant that was recommended to us by other Uppies, but nobody was there. It was in a very old building and because they were experiencing power difficulties, they had to close the kitchen. That was more what I had expected in Estonia to happen. We went to another restaurant and had a fabulous and delicious dinner there. Just as any other alumni meeting, EAM means meeting lots of people, exchanging stories and email addresses and, of course, singing and dancing. Alex Flohr, C91 from Germany, found a piano in the hotel bar and started playing. Within seconds, many gathered around him and started singing and performing UWP songs. Other visitors probably thought we were a cult – no wonder we don’t get Europeans to travel! That weekend we also learned some traditional Estonian dances, watched others perform for us, did community service and had a guided tour through the Parliament and the city, a reminder of the regional learning opportunities we had on the road. So after a few days, many impressions, lots of new friends and just a little sleep, I was back on my plane home, now truly seeing Estonia as a vital part of Europe and being concerned about the threatening political climate that they are facing. Thank you, Estonia, for teaching this teacher so much! n
16
EUROPE
Alumni activities throughout Europe Marie Tobler, D93, Switzerland, Regional Representative/ Europe/Mideast/Africa
European Alumni Association Contacts
Triangle Alumni Date (TAD) and Swedish Up with People Alumni Association 25th Anniversary
Finland
Paula Eronen, A92 peronen@hotmail.com or Timo Sarojärvi, A82 fuwpaa@gmail.com www.koti.mbnet.fi/gaia/fuwpaa.html Facebook: FUWPAA–Finnish Up with People Alumni Association
September 27-28, 2014 at Sandhamn in the beautiful archipelago of Stockholm The first TAD meeting took place in beautiful Tallinn in 2010. The idea is to rotate the location between Tallinn, Stockholm and Helsinki. These cities were selected purely for practical reasons; there are ferries going between this triangle of cities regularly, making it easy and inexpensive to pay the alumni across the Baltic Sea a visit. All other UWP alumni (from neighboring countries and beyond), family and friends are welcome to join, too! The main purpose to Triangle Alumni Date is to activate alumni in our otherwise not-so-active countries, to meet each other, create mini-reunions and have fun in great company! Nothing more, nothing less. Visit www. suwpaa.se/tad.html or contact suwpaa@gmail.com.
Germany Annette Gerling, E96 international@avuwpd.de www.avuwpd.com Facebook: Alumni Vereinigung Up with People Deutschland e.V. | AVUWPD e.V.
Swiss and German General Assemblies (together this year)
Sweden Mimmi Hogland Blomkvist, C84 mimmi.hogland@ltkalmar.se www.suwpaa.se Facebook: SUWPAA Swedish Up With People Alumni Association
October 2-5, 2014 - Nürnberg, Germany
Swiss Snow Weekend Feb or March 2015 - Toggenburg. Switzerland
Swedish General Assembly
Switzerland
March 14, 2015 - Location TBA
Vicky Kahl, D00 international@uwpsaa.org www.uwpsaa.org Facebook: UWPSAA–Up with People Swiss Alumni Association
European Alumni Meeting (EAM) and German General Assembly May 14-17, 2015 - Munich, Germany
European Alumni Meeting (EAM) 2016 May 2016 - Rome, Italy
European Alumni Group Contacts Belgium
An Van Den Eede, A90 an.vandeneede@telenet.be
Estonia
The EAM organizing committee, left to right, Rainis Maasing, A92; Arno Valgma, D93; Merle Zimmer, D96; Argo Saul, E94; Sven Lööndre, C96. Not pictured: Ele Haavandi, C94.
UpBeat
June 2014
Argo Saul, E94 argo@houses.ee or Merle Zimmer, D96 merle.zimmer@balsac.eu or Chamber of Goodwill www.will.ee Facebook: Goodwill Estonia
Netherlands Gaby Mock, E98 contact@alumnet.nl www.alumnet.nl Facebook: AlumNet Netherlands
17
More alumni news from around the globe ... OCEANIA
MEXICO
Torrin Tyler, A09, New Zealand Regional Representative/Oceania
A
fter sending out a message to nearly 100 alumni in the Oceania region regarding the upcoming Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015, contact updates and all things UWP/UWPIAA, I have received only five replies. Many of the addresses were rejected as out of date or non-existent so it is clear we have some work to do as we build a network of alumni in this part of the world. As it probably is with most alumni (including myself ) who live in a part of the world so far away with having little or no UWP influence, it is hard to be kept up to date in the Uppie world and one can feel quite isolated from the alumni family. We’ve started a UWP Oceania Facebook page to hopefully bridge that gap and perhaps find lost alumni. Let’s put Oceania on the map and work to bring UWP to Oceania with future cast tours, and to recruit more future alumni from Oceania. n
Rosy Gallegos, B92, Mexico n April 2014, alumni from all over Mexico got together in Nauclapan, Cd. de Mexico to hear the voices of Cast A. To witness such a great production and to get together with other alumni was wonderful. Reunion Mexico 2014 was a great way to share experiences and bring back memories from generations that went back to 1968. More than 50 alumni from all over Mexico got together to share in Up with People’s new vision and to also bring back old memories while singing and dancing to the new show performed by Cast A. The purpose of the alumni association is to build up enough interest in our wonderful country so that we can keep these reunions going. We want to have at least one reunion a year and share with the community what we have learned and are anxious to share.
I
ERA REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS
1965-1970
The reunion was lead by Viva la Gente’s Carlos Gutierrez and alumni me, representing the UWPIAA. “Very good things came out of this reunion. We are so excited for the future and what UWPIAA has in mind for us,” said Alex Slucki, A89. We are looking for volunteers to be part of a committee and get organized. We are looking for ideas as to the way we can start getting together, either by regions, locations or states. Suggestions are welcome. We are also looking to have this big celebration in 2015, perhaps a gala in partnership with Viva la Gente and the IAA. We will need committee members, sponsors, and ideas if this event is to take place. Contact me or Carlos Gutierrez at mexico-rep@uwpiaa.org for more information. Stay tuned, Mexicans! It will be a great Celebrate 50! fiesta next year. n
by Edwin Aponte, B77, Puerto Rico, Regional Representative/Latin America
1971-1975
1976-1980
1981-1985
Walter Golding, B68, USA 1965-1970@uwpiaa.org
Willie Knowles, B71, USA 1971-1975@uwpiaa.org
Ruthie Shimabukuro, B77, USA 1976-1980@uwpiaa.org
Lynda Sullivan Hamadi, C83, USA 1981-1985@uwpiaa.org
The ‘65-’70 era continues to reach out and round up members. 836 members have joined the era’s Facebook page, and many more belong to cast pages and small group sites. Plans continue for the 50th reunion in Orlando with huge numbers expected to attend. John Parker is heading our era’s activities at the 50th and has put together a host of wonderful activities for our group. If you have any questions, be sure to contact me.
Through its Mara’s Trust, the members of Cast A73 continue to support castmate Marcia Tweed Klecker and her daughter with donations toward the costs of Mara’s education. One of Marcia’s castmates said, “She practically cried when she told me how much your generosity means to them. This care we have shown to our fellow castmate is appreciated more than you can ever know.” We invite you to join us with a donation by check or PayPal. You will find all the details on www. marastrust.org.
As I write this, casts of 1979 have 40 people registered for their upcoming 35th reunion in Tucson, Arizona. C’mon, casts of 1979! Let’s register and reconnect this summer!!! It was my honor and privilege to attend and represent the casts of 1976-1980 era as Era Representative at the UWPIAA Board of Governors meeting, which was held in conjunction with the European Alumni Meeting in Tallinn, Estonia in early May 2014.
Reunion registrations for Tucson this summer are going strong for the ‘81-’85 era! At the time of this writing, there are approximately 150 paid adult registrations for Reunion 2014 from the ‘84 casts. Cast D84 was the winner of the suite upgrade for the highest number of early registrants with 49 early registrants! Cast E84 was close behind with 45 early registrants. Thank you cast reps for creating a friendly competition and for driving the excitement towards this reunion. And my sources tell me that everyone in this era is excited to be a part of Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 next summer in Orlando.
UpBeat
June 2014
18
... and across the years ASIA Noritada (Ted) Agatsuma, A71, Japan Regional Representative/Asia
A
fter four years of service as the Asia Rep to the UWPIAA, I will be completing my term this summer. The recruiting chair, Suzanne Hinton, E80, USA, is working hard to find a candidate to nominate as my replacement. This person will have many responsibilities including the recruitment of students to join UWP program and revitalize the UWP activities in Asia. One important job of the Up With People Japan Alumni THIS IS THE Association (UWPJAA) has been to collaborate on activities with other UWP related groups. For example, Common Beat started Asian Beat Project together with OCA (a division of MRA House Foundation) to promote international exchange singing where an Uppie slept for six months through in a friend’s and dancing. apartment Common Beat a program a castunable of 100 people whileisthis alum waswhere homeless, with diverse backgrounds stage a musical performance within 100 to work and recovering from major surgery. days. It is carried out in four regions of Japan, Kanto (Tokyo), Help us help our UWP alumni in need. Chubu (Nagoya), Kansai (Osaka), Kyushu (Fukuoka). Students from this program are planning to perform at Celebrate 50! Reunion 2015 in Orlando. Alumni Assistance Network One very important job for the UWPJAA is to update the roster www.roaan.org • info@roaan.org of the Japanese alumni. Some updates have been made but there are Connect with us on Facebook still 221 out of 383 categorized as missing in the system. Please reach out to your fellow alumni and contact me at asiarep@uwpiaa.org. n
COUCH REACH4OUT
1986-1990
1991-1995
THIS IS THE
COUCH
where an Uppie slept for six months in a friend’s apartment while this alum was homeless, unable to work and recovering from major surgery. Help us help our UWP alumni in need.
REACH4OUT Alumni Assistance Network www.roaan.org • info@roaan.org
1996-2000
2001-2015
Danilo de Simone, E86, CH 1986-1990@uwpiaa.org
Anne-Catherine Boes, B92, BE 1991-1995@uwpiaa.org
Shontel Dugar, E98, USA 1996-2000@uwpiaa.org
Beth Clay, A08, USA 2001-2015@uwpiaa.org
Many alumni in our era from the U.S. and Europe are stating their intention to attend Reunion 2014 and also bring family, while others think they will go to the 50th anniversary in 2015. If it fits you this time, we would love to see you in Tucson this July, but if not, Orlando in one year! And, by the way, my 1986-1990 Era Rep position ends August 2014 after a four years with a one-year extension. My gratitude to all of you from the era for your cooperation.
The era ‘91-’95 is represented by 28 cast reps. Each and every one of them is doing their very best to keep up the communication between me (and the UWPIAA) and all their cast members, beside their jobs and families. I would like to take this opportunity to call for some help for all of these cast reps: anyone who is interested in forming a “cast rep-team” to help out the actual cast rep and keep the connection going, can send me an email at 1991-1995@uwpiaa.org. Let’s become the strongest era ever! I also hope to meet as many of you as possible at the Reunion 2014 in Tucson. My flight is booked...is yours?! See you there!
Some 1999 alumni have found inspiration after enjoying Cast A 2014 performances. Hopefully, this energy will inspire a last-minute rally for this summer’s reunion. It’s going to be a great time in Tucson!
Casts A & B 2009 are preparing for their first reunion! Shout-out to B09 Cast Rep Megan Luebke for rallying her cast behind an awesome long weekend in Tucson. The crew from WorldSmart 2004 celebrates 10 years this summer! In other news, did you know that an Up with People alumnus is being interviewed by the Mars One selection committee for a one way ticket to Mars!? Congrats to Ren-Horng Wang from A08. Lots of graduations, jump-starting careers, new marriages, babies and excitement coming from our era! Have an update? Send it to 2001-2015@uwpiaa.org and follow along at facebook.com/uwp.2001.2015.
UpBeat
June 2014
19
UP WITH PEOPLE
Up with People Gala a joyous celebration by Megan Luebke, B09, Up with People Communications Manager
U
p with People hosted its third annual Gala – A Glimpse Behind the Curtain – on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Denver Marriott City Center. More than 500 alumni and supporters attended the fundraiser presented by Coldwell Banker in association with Elite Brands and supported by NRT Insurance and Creative Strategies Group. The 2014 Gala grossed more that $500,000 in support of the Global Scholarship Fund which provides financial support to students wishing to travel in Up with People. A special thank you to our Gala Host Committee led by Bruce, B73 and Linda Lowe Erley, E78. If you had fun at this year’s Gala, spread the word! We’re already planning next year’s event and the date will be announced soon. n
Attendees at the 2014 Gala were treated to a sneak preview of UWP’s 50th Anniversary show. Annie Conzemius, B11, (above) narrates part of the show at the Gala, and John Lanham, B10, (far left) lights up the stage during the ‘60s medley.
Newly-named CEO Dale Penny, A71, (left) poses with his wife, Mindy Church Penny, C75, Up with People founder Blanton Belk and his wife, Betty Wilkes Belk, and interim CEO and Chair of UWP’s Board Chuck Jarrett, A74, (back).
UpBeat
June 2014
Paul Colwell, A65, Ralph Colwell A65, and a wig-wearing Pat Murphy, A72, entertained the UWP board and Global Leaders Circle members at a reception prior to the Gala.
Tim Lane, C75, and Marcee Mygatt were two of the members of the Gala Host Committee.
20
Top 5
WAYS ALUMNI CAN HELP UP WITH PEOPLE
1
Recruit a student
Alumni make a HUGE impact on cast enrollment every semester. Nearly 50% of our current students are traveling with UWP today because of a direct alumni referral. Because you know the UWP program best, you have the unique ability to identify outstanding young leaders who would not only benefit from the UWP global program, but would also bring great value to the program. You can share your personal experience and communicate the value of UWP better than any website or brochure!
2
Give the Golden Passport Scholarship
3
Bring Up with People to your city
The Golden Passport award is a $1000 scholarship which UWP will give on your behalf to any accepted student who you personally recruit and recommend to travel in UWP. Click here for more information or to print the Golden Passport Certificate. Send it to the UWP Admissions Team via scan/email to enrollment@upwithpeople.org or mail it to: Up with People Admissions Team, 6830 Broadway, Unit A, Denver, CO 80221.
When you partner with Up with People to bring us to your community, you take center stage in the impact we make! From service projects where we work with your local non-profit, NGOs, community or civic organizations, to the Up with People public performance where a percentage of the proceeds can be donated to your selected local beneficiary, partnering with Up with People is a remarkable event platform to help you – our local partner – achieve your marketing and community engagement objectives.
5
4
Donate to Up with People or the Global Scholarship Fund
The UWP Fund provides funding necessary to successfully implement our mission and Up with People’s Global Scholarship Fund exists to change the lives of students wishing to travel in our program and impact communities around the world. By supporting the Global Scholarship Fund, you can help provide an education that will last a lifetime, change the hearts and minds of our participants, and prepare them to embrace their roles and responsibilities as global citizens.
Connect with other alumni
Up with People alumni can be found across every corner of the world. By connecting with other alumni, your interest in supporting UWP will spark and you’ll remember why you traveled. Through these relationships, you may be reminded of the value of your experience and decide to guide another young life down the road of discovery, propelling Up with People into the next 50 years!
UpBeat
June 2014
21
UpBeat
June 2014
22