UPBEAT
Inside
UPBEAT
President’s Message ......... 2
News & Views for Up With People Alumni
Winter 2001
What About UpBeat? .......... 3
European Alumni Meeting ... 4
A Star Falls: UWP Suspends Operations
By Coleen Scott (93A), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reunion 2001 ............. 7
Welcome New Alumni .. 12-13
People on the Move ......... 16
uwpiaa
Website
www.uwpiaa.org
Email
[email protected]
UWPIAA
P.O. Box 987
North Platte, Nebraska
69103-0987
U.S.A.
On December 6, 2000, UWP’s
Board of Directors voted to cease
operations of Up with People.
According to Chairman of the
Board Tom Badciong, the decision was
made based on exhaustive reviews of
UWP and its inability to financially
sustain its operation. “Clearly, we can
no longer continue to operate as we
have been,” he says. “In order to resume
regular operations in the future, it will
require significant restructuring. We
will be considering all options.”
The board has authorized the sale
of the Broomfield office and land to
reduce debt and provide cash for
interim operations.
Casts D and E 2000 completed
their tours in mid-December. Casts A,
B and C 2000’s tours were halted at the
same time the casts were scheduled to
take mid-year break. All tour dates for
2001 have been canceled. UWP took
its final bow at the half-time show of
the Holiday Bowl football game in San
Diego, California, on December 29.
Nearly 180 new students were to
arrive in Denver on January 13 to begin
winter staging. Future students and
their parents have been notified of
UWP’s suspension of operations.
UWP has started to reimburse
tuition paid by 2001 students, as well as
second semester tuition paid by Casts
A, B and C 2000 students. More
information about tuition reimbursement is available on UWP’s website
(www.upwithpeople.org).
The jobs of most UWP employees
have been eliminated, and the offices
(Broomfield, Belgium, Japan, Germany,
Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark,
Portugal, Italy, Mexico) are being shut
down in the coming weeks. A handful
of staff are working over the next
several months in Brussels, Tokyo and
Broomfield to maintain minimal
operations and review opportunities to
restructure the organization.
News of the suspension came as a
surprise to most of the UWPIAA’s
Board of Governors (BOG). “The
Board of Governors is deeply shocked
and saddened by this decision,” says
UWPIAA President Brenda Moran
(77C). “Yet as devastating as this loss is
to alumni, we cannot imagine how
painful this must be for current and
future students and their families, as
well as UWP employees. This is a very
sad time for all constituents of the
organization.”
Why Did This Happen?
UWP’s Board of Directors believed
that UWP was no longer able to
financially sustain its operations.
During Fiscal Year 2000, UWP incurred $31.5 million (US) in expenses
and generated only $28.3 million in
revenue. This left a $3.2 million deficit.
See “A Star Falls” on page 5
Discussing Reorganization!
by Brenda Moran (77C) Honey Creek, Iowa
Definition: The act or state of being
a new UWP. It may not be a reflection
organized again; the financial reconstrucof UWP as we have known it...it may
tion of a business concern.
not even be called UWP...but there are
During the December 6 Board of
many options to explore.
Directors’ teleconference, where the
For these reasons, the UWPIAA
decision was made to cease UWP’s
wishes to seek as much participation as
operations, Blanton Belk spoke of this
possible from alumni around the
event being the end of “chapter one.”
world. We invite everyone interested in
He described the organization’s mission shaping UWP Chapter Two to think
as relevant and strong, and it is his
about the mission, the form and process
hope that it can be used as the foundathat should be undertaken.
tion for an UWP “chapter two.”
The UWPIAA Board of Governors
Right away, an onslaught of
(BOG) received a letter from Executive
e-mails, phone calls and faxes began.
VP John Wetherington stating that
From all over the world, people spoke
UWP would be seeking input from all
of the impact UWP had on their lives,
constituencies (alumni, host families,
the lives of their families and commusponsors, etc.). As a part of the
nities, and the world. Ideas began to
UWPIAA’s mission to support UWP,
take shape for a possible “chapter two.”
we believe that gathering that input in
Opinions varied widely: some feel
a timely fashion would support the
UWP needs small changes in the way it organization as best as possible under
has operated, while others feel there
the circumstances.
needs to be substantial changes in the
Based on this belief, the BOG
focus and structure to make the comvoted to create an “ad hoc” committee
pany viable. Throughout the dreaming
to focus on the reorganization efforts,
and discussion, it is clear that any effort and asked the President’s Forum (made
undertaken should include solid
up of past and current presidents of the
business practices, be mission-driven,
UWPIAA) to facilitate the feedback
philosophically sound and relevant to
and information gathering process. It is
today’s world.
our hope that through working coopThe UWPIAA believes that our
eratively with UWP and the many
(alumni, host families, sponsors, future
interested people who have come
students, etc.) collective skills, knowlforward, we can all be part of reedge, business savvy and creativity
creating a program that will incorporate
could help create a compelling vision of the best ideas and practices available.
See “Reorganization” on page 6
President’s Message
Whatcha gonna do?
UPBEAT
UWPIAA Board
News and views from the UWPIAA President Brenda Moran (77C)
The UWP we
know ceased to exist
on December 6,
2000.
For those who
worked for UWP, it
has been nightmarish and heartbreak- Brenda Moran
ing – losing their jobs, fielding angry
phone calls, breaking the news to
current and future students, packing up
operations. For those on the road, it
was the loss of a dream, cutting short
their tour, forcing them to say good-bye
far too soon.
For those who were planning to
travel, it was scrambling to find something else, grieving over lost opportunities and wondering where to turn.
For alumni it has been painful, but
it has also been a wake-up call. Many
of us took UWP for granted and
believed the program would continue
forever. E-mails and calls flew as people
wondered what to do. Disbelief, grief
and anger set in.
As discussions unfolded, several
realizations became clear:
• The mission and vision of UWP
are still relevant in today’s world.
• UWP must run as a sound
business if it is to resurface in the
future.
• We must actively support what
we believe in with finances and action.
• Expectations of alumni, students,
staff, host families and others must be
realistic and focused – any program
can’t be all things to all people.
• We must work together if our
legacy is to live on through an organization.
• The need for a strong alumni
association is critical.
But these realizations are pointless
if we don’t put action behind them.
Without action, the future of the
UWPIAA – with all its free services,
including efforts to aid the re-organization process – will be in jeopardy.
We may have taken UWP for
granted. Let’s not do the same with the
UWPIAA.
A call to action.Over the years, the
UWPIAA has helped alumni stay in
touch with one another. UpBeat,
www.uwpiaa.org, the cast representative system and other efforts support
interaction among alumni, and with
UWP. For years, the UWPIAA paid for
these projects. Recently, UWP took
over funding.
2
winter ’01
Now it is up to alumni to fund
these activities. With communication,
reunion and other needs at an all-time
high, financial support is needed more
than ever. Volunteers keep these costs
to a minimum, but printing, mailing,
Internet connectivity, equipment and
other services require cash.
A new beginning.Just as when
UWP was created in the 1960s, the
task facing re-organization participants
is to help create a way for youth to find
their voice. There’s an energy building
as people begin to think, dream and
discuss new ideas. The challenge is to
decide if a new iteration of UWP
should happen, and if so, how to make
it happen in a way that makes sense in
the short and long term.
A new way of thinking.There has
been a pervasive sense that “UWP owes
me” – from free tickets to reunions to
gratitude for a job well done. The list of
claims is endless (and sometimes
legitimate), but that is over now. We
don’t want to transfer this outlook to
the UWPIAA. Each of us needs to be
responsible for the organization’s
success, as well as any reorganization
effort.
A new way of acting. We must ask
ourselves “How can I help? What skills
and resources do I have to offer? How
can I contribute to the UWPIAA, a
rebuilding effort of UWP, or the
creation of a new program?” And after
we’ve asked ourselves these questions,
we must take action.
And there are a lot of actions to be
taken – call a castmate, open discussions with your cast, organize a regional
meeting or send a delegate to a larger
alumni meeting, like those scheduled
for Denver and Dublin in the coming
weeks. Support the UWPIAA, so this
organization can continue to hold
reunions, maintain communications
and take initiative in reorganization.
This isn’t going to be easy. The last
two months have been damn hard
work, and moving forward on limited
funds will be equally hard. We are not
all going to agree on what the next
steps should be, or how things should
be done.
Does that mean we should shy
away from the task? No! If you have
experienced even a fraction of the
friendship, insight into yourself or
others, understanding of your ambitions, or memories that I have through
my years with UWP and the
UWPIAA, then you owe it to yourself
to get involved.
We can no longer afford to believe
that someone else will “do it,” whatever
“it” may be. We must make “it” happen
ourselves.
The “we” is everyone: alumni, host
families, former staff members, board
members …there is room for everyone.
We need to take a good look at who we
have become as a result of this program.
What happens next depends on our
choices now.
“Whatcha gonna do when things get
worse, who you gonna blame?
Are you gonna crawl into a hole, and
just complain?
Are you gonna wait for some great
leader, or some mysterious “they”?
And watch the dream just slowly fade
away.”
Paul and Ralph Colwell
Up with People 1975-76
Show Album
So … whatcha gonna do?
Make a secure on-line donation today at
www.uwpiaa.org/donate.html.
(See the article on page five for other donation methods.)
OFFICERS
President
Brenda Moran, 77C
Honey Creek, Iowa
712-545-9155, home & fax
402-280-5560, work
[email protected]
President-Elect
William G. Becker, III, 87A
Portland, Maine
207-879-1017, home
[email protected]
Secretary
Debbie Lagomarsino, 68B
Paso Robles, California
805-237-2281, home
[email protected]
Treasurer
Stuart Shepherd, 78E
North Platte, Nebraska
308-534-2375, home
[email protected]
Admissions
Terri Hart, 84D
Carlsbad, California
760-632-6625, home
800-869-0553, work
[email protected]
Communications
Coleen Scott, 93A
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
416-782-7772, home
416-462-1570, work
[email protected]
Information Services
Steve Charlier, 93A
Englewood, Colorado
720-529-9378, home
[email protected]
Marketing
Kevin Moore, 77C
Lincoln, Nebraska
402-423-8950, home
402-420-9200, work
[email protected]
Networking
Tineke Turck, 81A
Schoten, Belgium
32-3-658-1659
32-3-685-4937
[email protected]
Reunions
Karen Isaak, 78A
Denver, Colorado
303-745-6699, home
[email protected]
Special Projects
Martha Runnette, 91C
Arvada, Colorado
303-432-1577, home
[email protected]
Regional Reps
Africa
- Vacant
Asia/Austrailia
Anurag Kashyap, 94A
Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
81-466-82-1915, home
[email protected]
Europe
Markus Berger, 86E
Teufen, Switzerland
41-71-333-5124, home
41-71-245-5858, work
[email protected]
Latin America
Carlos Gutierrez, 81A
Mexico City, Mexico
525-562-2007, home
525-130-3089, work
[email protected]
North America
Rachel Enter, 94E
Arvada, Colorado
303-432-1577, home
[email protected]
ERA Reps
1996-2000
Jeff McAdam, 97B
Bartlett, Illinois
630-830-1070, home
[email protected]
1991-95
Mark Miller, 93B
Shreveport, Louisiana
318-869-3817, home
318-869-5110, work
[email protected]
1986-90
Judy Zitnik, 89B
Cincinnati, Ohio
513-321-1771, home
[email protected]
1981-85
Eduardo Aguirre, 84E
Mexico City, Mexico
52-5-574-9762
[email protected]
1976-80
Sary Garcia, 77A
San Jose, California
408-226-9106, home
408-553-7226, work
[email protected]
1971-75
Fred Heismeyer, 75A
Springdale, Arkansas
501-756-9615, home & work
[email protected]
1965-70
Cynthia Jo Anderson-Clark, 68B
Indianapolis, Indiana
319-846-8014, home
[email protected]
UPBEAT
What About UpBeat?
UPBEAT
UpBeat is published quarterly by the Up With
People International Alumni Association.
Editorial Guidelines
UpBeat welcomes your articles, photos and story ideas on the huge array of subjects that affect alumni around the world. Please
be aware, however, that we have a limited
amount of space available in each issue of
UpBeat. For this reason, we often cut, revise or reformat original material to make it fit
the space available.
We offer the following editorial hints and
guidelines:
• Focus, focus, focus. Make sure that every
sentence of your article is relevant to the topic
at hand.
• Be concise. Say what you want to say in the
fewest possible words. Try to avoid long
introductory phrases and cliches which can
bog down your text.
• Make your article title specific to the story.
UpBeat may change it, but if your
original title clearly points to the content of
your article, it will be a lot easier for us to
track during the editing process.
• The length of the article should be: for short
articles on events or programs: 250-500
words (5-6 paragraphs of 2-3 sentences
each); for long articles, profiles, human
interest stories: 400-1,000 words (3/4 page
to 2 pages single spaced with one-inch
margins).
Getting your article to us ...
All articles and story ideas should be sent
to Grant Axton, newsletter coordinator. Whenever possible, we ask that you e-mail your
article or idea. Make it part of your e-mail
message, since not all software is easily
converted from one format to another. If you
are not on-line, you can mail or fax your article
to Grant, or call him with your idea. To submit
an article or idea, contact:
Grant Axton
UpBeat Coordinator
2219 Ruhland Ave, #2
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Phone: 310-370-5022
Fax: 310-370-6552
Email: [email protected]
Volunteer Newsletter Staff
Grant Axton (87A) – Coordinator
Phone: 310-370-5022
Email: [email protected]
Shawn Marie Avery (93A) – Editor
Phone: 703-391-7077
Email: [email protected]
Dave Martin (68C) – Prepress and distribution
Phone: 740-965-4740
Email: [email protected]
Along with questions and concerns
many alumni had after UWP’s December announcement, there have been
inquiries about the future of the alumni
newsletter, UpBeat. Since this publication is meant to serve all alumni, we
figured it would make sense to explain
a bit more about the creation process
the newsletter goes through – and
invite your suggestions as to the shape
of the publication in the future.
UpBeat is sent to alumni worldwide and costs approximately $6,500
for 14,000 12-page copies to be printed
and mailed each issue. All of the work
to produce UpBeat is done by a group
of volunteers that, although the names
and faces have changed over the years,
has continued to produce the quarterly
newsletter since 1994. It has been the
philosophy of the group that this form
of communication should be sent to all
alumni with the goal of informing,
serving, and involving them with UWP
and with each other. Each issue since
October 1999 can also be viewed on
the UWPIAA website at
www.uwpiaa.org/upbeat.html.
Also since 1999, the UpBeat team
and UWP have been examining ways
to use e-mail as a delivery mechanism
for UpBeat. Currently we have addresses for about 5,000 alumni worldwide. Unfortunately, maintaining an
accurate e-mail list requires considerable effort and technology that the
UpBeat team does not have right now.
We expect one day that everyone will
receive UpBeat by e-mail, but until we
have the technology in place, we will
have to rely on the postal system so
that as many people as possible can
receive it.
UpBeat’s future is unclear: the
reality is that right now we know we
have the funds to mail this issue and
perhaps one more. But as reorganization efforts begin for UWP, so too does
the reorganization of UpBeat. As the
UWPIAA is a separate nonprofit
organization, we can independently
continue communicating with alumni
and attempt to take on the cost of
producing UpBeat.
These are the realities, yet we are a
committed team and we look to the
alumni base for suggestions and ideas.
Here are some thoughts to consider:
• With funding for UpBeat
extremely limited, what ideas are there
to cover printing and postage costs?
• If UpBeat went on-line, how can
we reach alumni who do not have
Internet access?
We welcome your ideas and look
forward to brainstorming together.
Please send your ideas to Shawn Marie
Avery (93A) via e-mail at smavery1@
cs.com or use the form below.
We appreciate your interest and
ideas.
The UpBeat Team
UpBeat Readership Survey
I have no access to the Internet. I need to continue receiving
UpBeat via mail (note any address changes below).
I can access UpBeat in the future via the web. My updated
e-mail address is ________________________________________.
Thanks, but I’m no longer interested in receiving UpBeat.
To help with printing costs, I would be willing to contribute to
printing and postage costs in the future
Name: ______________________________________
Cast: _______________________________________
Address change (if required): ____________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Please reply to:
Phone/Fax:
Shawn Marie Avery (93A) at:
2131 Whisper Way
Reston, VA 20191
USA
703-391-7077
Remember
all alumni are welcome
at reunions,
yet
special events
are geared toward
reunion casts:
1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991,
1996 and 2000!
UpBeat
3
UPBEAT
Interreligious Choir Visits the
United States
by Amy Gopp (89A), Zagreb, Croatia
One of humanity’s most creative
forms of communication is music.
While living and working in post-war
Bosnia, I discovered that it is also one
of the most non-threatening and
effective methods of stimulating
interfaith dialogue.
The 45-voice “Pontanima” (which
means “spiritual bridge” in Latin)
Interfaith Choir is an initiative of the
Face to Face Interreligious Service in
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Franciscan priest and choir founder
Ivo Markovic, a native of a tiny
Bosnian village, was forced to leave
Sarajevo. As a refugee in Croatia, he
continued to work for peace across
ethnic lines and founded the organization when he returned to Bosnia. The
agency, where I worked as Program
Manager, aims to create dialogue
among persons of all ethno-religious
backgrounds.
The choir is comprised of
some of the best voices
Sarajevo has to offer
(many of the members
also sing in the
National Opera). The
choir represents all
ethno-religious
backgrounds in
present-day BosniaHerzegovina; its
members are Serbian
Orthodox, Croatian
(Roman) Catholic, Muslim, and
part of the Jewish community of
Sarajevo. The group sings Western
Christian music, Jewish, Orthodox and
Muslim songs, as well as songs from
Far East religions. At this period in
history in Bosnia, this is rare, risky and
4
winter ’01
critical.
Pontanima toured the United
States for the first time from March 29
to April 15, 2000. From beginning to
end, Pontanima Choir’s U.S. tour was
magical. The group improvised with
jazz musicians at a jazz club in Washington, D.C.; sang on the steps of the
U.S. Capitol and met members of
Congress; and saw their name in big
lights on the Wrigley Field scoreboard
during a Chicago Cubs baseball game.
With stops in New York, Boston,
Washington D.C., Virginia, Ohio,
Indiana and Chicago, the choir’s
message was carried beyond Bosnia,
Kosovo and the war-scarred Balkans.
Theirs was an example for any nation
(or church, home, etc.) struggling to
foster acceptance among
diverse elements.
Despite the differences
these singers have –
differences in religion
and ethnic backgrounds, political
allegiance, circumstances and social
standing – they achieve
perfect harmony. With
that harmony, Pontanima
gives voice and witness to
the truth that differences don’t
have to be obstacles.
Those of us who traveled in UWP
certainly understand that!
For more information on
Pontanima, contact Amy Gopp at
[email protected].
European Alumni Meeting (ELM) in March
Dublin, Ireland will be a busy place this March! Not only is St. Patrick’s Day
on March 17, but the European Alumni Meeting is taking place from March 9-11,
2001. Planning to blend a bit of culture with education, the Irish team of Mary
McCullough(90B), Michelle Bourke(95E), John Carl Morton(86C), Patrick Flynn
(94A) and Lesley-Anne Ross(94D) has been busy organizing this event.
Many topics of interest to alumni will be discussed, including reorganization and efforts and possibilities for the future of
UWP. If you have opinions on the future of UWP, you should
attend this meeting. For more information about the agenda of
the ELM, please contact UWPIAA European Representative
Markus Berger(86E) at [email protected].
Since this holiday will be a popular time for tourism
in Dublin, the team urges alumni to register no later than
February 28 to ensure accommodation. All packages (accommodation and conference) must be paid in full in advance. As
of February 1, the prices range from 95 – 280 Euros (depending
on accommodation and meal package choices). All registrations received after
March 1 will be 20 Euros higher, however, please note there MAY NOT be any
availability after the end of February. For more information on the packages,
contact Lesley-Anne Ross at [email protected] or Patrick Flynn at
[email protected]
Payments can be deposited into the:
Trustee Savings Bank
2/4 Upper Baggot Street
Dublin 4 Ireland
Sort code: 990626
No. 70887781
Account Name: UWP Irish Alumni Association/ELM
Do not forget to include your name with payment to guarantee your registration. Receipts will be issued onsite.
Useful websites: www.iol.ie/usitaccm and www.visitdublin.com
See you on March 9!
Alumni Meeting in Strasbourg, France
More than 250 alumni took Strasbourg, France, by storm when they gathered
on October 13-15, 2000. Other than reunions, this meeting was the largest
gathering of alumni to take place in Europe, drawing people from Germany,
Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Mexico and the U.S.
Club business took place during the days as the Swiss and German clubs held
their general assemblies and new officers were named. The evenings were reserved
for fun as alumni from Sing Out Deutschland to casts recently off the road enjoyed
the music, conversation, food and fun. On Saturday evening, alumni were treated
to an “expression-session” type dance by Juliane Steinicke(97E) and music from the
well-known UWP Alumni Survival Band from Germany whose members include
Michael Buecheler(93D), Matthias Eggert(97C), Alex Flohr(91C), Roland
Isenmann(93C), Mechthild Krahmer(87E), Christian Osorio(93D), Christoph
Paulie (91B), and Stephan Wiegelmann(87E). Songs from many shows were sung
and danced as the band recreated music from many eras.
“The event was a great success,” remarked project coordinator Bernd Hollmig
(97D). “It was a great coming together of the Swiss and German general assemblies.”
Bernd noted that he had assistance from the following people on the event
committee: Stefan Gfeller(98C) and Jacqueline Pandiani(93E) from Switzerland,
as well as Marion Duerkop(97B), Sabine Ehlers(95C), Antje Grentz(97D), Annett
Grossmann(97E), Lisa Leitzgen(91C), Dirk Neubert(98E) and Carmen Schmieder
(92B) from Germany.
UPBEAT
You Can Help the UWPIAA Keep the Drive Alive
As the initial shock of UWP’s
announcement wears off, many alumni
are seeking ways to support or contribute to the organization that had such a
tremendous impact on them. It is true
that UWP as it was no longer exists,
but the possibilities for the future are
many – and the need for alumni
support is just as strong.
With UWP’s official cessation of
operations, the role of the UWPIAA
has become even more critical. This
organization of volunteers, with a
primary goal of serving alumni worldwide, is committed to communicating
with, engaging, and organizing alumni
around the globe.
Financial support of the UWPIAA
is critical. A separate organization
from UWP, it must remain selfsupporting. Any contributions received
will allow the association to continue to
communicate with alumni through the
website, UpBeat, or other publications;
plan Reunion 2001; and continue
working with alumni worldwide on
future efforts.
The alumni association asks you to
consider a donation of $25 (or whatever
donation you are comfortable with). As
Reunion 2001 is organized, this
funding will help maintain
www.uwpiaa.org and continue to
communicate with all alumni. Give
what you can, for it is your participation that is most important.
Many of you are offering to send
money to help support UWP. Although
the decision to cease operations cannot
be reversed by any donations, money
may still be donated to UWP, which
will be used to help wrap up operations.
“A Star Falls” Continued from page 1
management talent; update our current
show; and create new tools for revenue
improvement. We have been unable to
see significant improvements in our
ability to generate income,” John says.
Over the years, UWP took action
to get the organization back on track
financially. This included appointment
of new leadership, reduction in overhead expenses, expansion of the giftgiving culture, and investment spending
in improvements in revenue-producing
functions.
As reported in Fall 2000 issue of
UpBeat, UWP was moving to four
summer casts to eliminate costs associated with winter staging. The number
of full-time staff was reduced over the
last year. In addition, functions that did
not directly support the student program were reduced. Recruitment efforts
were stepped up, and efforts were
underway to increase show and merchandise revenues. Unfortunately, these
In Fiscal Year 1999, losses amounted to
$870,000. UWP is also reporting debt
and liabilities of $12.3 million as of its
June 30, 2000 fiscal year end.
“As we have reported to the board
of directors and other stakeholders
through our public documents over the
last several years, UWP has experienced
consistent declines in revenues,”
explains John Wetherington, chief
financial officer and executive vice
president. John has been acting as head
of UWP since Bill Lively resigned in
June.
“In Fiscal Year 2000, gift income
declined over half a million dollars and
was expected to fall substantially since
the end of the fiscal year in June. At the
same time, costs have increased nearly
$2 million over the previous year. That
money has been invested to create
innovative programs, such as Communities of Peace; increase the quality of
Ways to Help:
• Send your donation for the
UWPIAA. A secure website, http://
www.uwpiaa.org/donate.html, now
allows you to safely donate online using
a credit card. The credit card transaction is encrypted and secure, handled
by VeriSign. Another option is to send
a check payable to:
Up With People International
Alumni Association
P.O. Box 987
North Platte, NE 69103-0987
USA
For U.S. residents, donations are
fully tax-deductible, as the Alumni
Association is a registered 501(c)(3)
charitable organization.
• Stay in touch with your Cast
Reps/Era Reps: We are working to
secure the alumni database, but staying
in touch with accurate contact information is your best way to ensure our
network continues. Feedback from each
cast and cast members is critically
important.
• Offer your ideas for the future:
Send messages to your cast reps, era
reps, Board of Governor leadership;
chat on the www.uwpiaa.org website.
• Offer your services. Do you want
to volunteer to write, design, or web-ize
communication pieces? Do you have
business or legal experience in business
reorganization? Are you passionate
about UWP and want to help however
possible? E-mail us at ICanHelp@
uwpiaa.org outlining the volunteer
services you could offer.
• Share this information. We need
to reach those whose addresses are not
current or are without e-mail or
Internet access; we want all 18,000+
alumni involved!
The UWPIAA, Board of Governors and UpBeat volunteers are committed to sending updates and information to you in a timely manner. This
may take the form of e-mails or regular
mail and you may receive information
more than once. Please know this is an
effort to reach as many alumni as
possible. For the latest alumni information, see www.uwpiaa.org.
Whatever your time, whatever your
resources, the UWPIAA would be
grateful for your support. Reunions,
newsletters and future efforts on behalf
of the alumni association depend on it.
Help the UWPIAA continue to serve and
keep alumni worldwide in touch by:
1) donating through the secure website at
www.uwpiaa.org/donate.html
2) using the enclosed envelope to send a donation by check, or
3) filling out the credit card information on the back
of the envelope.
actions came too late and were not
sufficient to keep the organization
running.
The Board chose a swift cessation
of operations so UWP could complete
this chapter of its existence with
dignity. By doing so, the organization
could assist staff and casts in getting
home, honor commitments to sponsors,
and pay debts. The Board of Directors
did not want to create a situation where
the organization ran out of funds in the
middle of a tour.
contributions, although alumni have
been incredibly generous in other ways.
As a result, UWP became reluctant to
invest money in direct mail campaigns
directed at alumni.
Ultimately, UWP could not be
saved by a one-time donation campaign. A sustainable business operation
was needed … something that donations alone cannot achieve.
For More Information …
UWP’s website (www.upwith
people.org) remains the official inforWhy Weren’t We Asked for Help?mation source on cessation of operaDuring ORLANDO 2000, alumni tions, tuition reimbursement and all
were made aware of the deficit situacorporate matters.
tion, and asked to make financial
Although BOG members cannot
contributions. This information was
speak for UWP (they are alumni
also shared with alumni in the Fall
volunteers, not paid staff of UWP),
2000 issue of UpBeat.
they will try to answer questions about
Over the years, UWP has asked
the UWP situation. A list of BOG
alumni for financial help. The response
members and contact information can
has been minimal in regards to cash
be found on page three.
UpBeat
5
UPBEAT
“Reorganization” continued from page 1
The Reorganization Process
begins…
The UWP online community has
been particularly active in the last
several months. Active discussions can
be found on the UWPIAA website
(www.uwpiaa.org). The ad hoc committee decided that a weekend meeting
would be held in Denver late February,
in conjunction with the BOG meeting,
to discuss ideas alumni were suggesting.
In order to keep the process organized,
alumni were encouraged to discuss and
answer specific questions (see “What
questions are being considered?
on this page) and submit their ideas to
the committee by March 19.
Alumni groups began to brainstorm their ideas and suggestions.
Representatives of these groups and the
BOG will meet for discussion on
February 24-25, 2001. These discussions will continue at the European
Alumni Meeting in Dublin, March 9 11, 2001.
After these meetings, the plans will
be analyzed and perhaps combined.
This process will continue, and alumni
suggestions will be solicited until
March 19. Respond in any of the
following ways.
1) Fill in the feedback response form at:
uwpiaa.org,
2) e-mail it to: [email protected],
or
3) fax to John Parker at 720-904-8879.
From April through June, the reorgani-
zation committee will continue its work
in refining the ideas into a solid business
plan. This final plan will be presented
to alumni at Reunion 2001 in Denver
in July.
The UWP Board of Directors will
review the alumni plan along with
others and consider the next step.
Why now? The UWPIAA
Reorganization Committee felt this
What questions are being considered?
Here is the list of seven questions being discussed by alumni, host families,
sponsors and other interested people. These questions were developed to
create a dialogue and generate a possible plan for reorganization.
1. What are the critical issues of today and how can UWP Chapter 2 be
relevant to them?
2. Should the worldwide alumni of UWP try to design and organize an
UWP Chapter 2? If the answer to this question is yes, please answer questions 3-7. If no, please answer question 7.
3. What are the critical elements of Up With People as we knew it that
need to continue? What are UWP’s top three assets? What are its top three
limitations? How, in light of the critical elements, assets and limitations, should
UWP’s message be carried around the world?
4. What should UWP Chapter 2’s mission, format and structure be, and
what is the business model that makes the program viable over the foreseeable
future?
5. What should be our intention in creating UWP Chapter 2?
6. Do you feel you could be helpful in creating UWP Chapter 2? If so,
please indicate how you could help (e.g. contacts, time, fundraising, etc.).
7. The UWP International Alumni Association is a separate 501(c)(3)
non profit corporation. If UWP Chapter 2 is created, what role should
the UWPIAA play initially? In the long run? Or, if the decision is not to
resurrect UWP, yet alumni wish to remain connected, have reunions, etc., how
would this organization be sustained financially, and what can it be in the
future?
was the best time to harness the energy
of alumni. These discussions among
alumni and then in meetings in Denver
and Dublin are beginning points of a
long process, if reorganization happens
at all. There are many “unknowns” at
this point. But we cannot sit back and
wait for “someone else” to decide what
to do. All alumni are invited to be part
of this very important formative time.
Gather with fellow alumni to discuss
your ideas. Stay informed through
www.uwpiaa.org and through your cast
reps…and see you in July!
GOALS:
In the long range, the goals of the
February meeting and subsequent
discussions at other regional gatherings
are to:
• Identify at least one option to
present to all UWP alumni this
spring. Once accomplished, an
option will be selected.
• Create a business plan.
• Present the plan at reunion 2001.
• Share the plan with the corporate
Board of Directors or other
governing body of UWP as it
considers reorganization.
• Catalogue the offers of assistance
made to UWPIAA by all interested parties and be able to apply
this help to whatever form UWP
Chapter 2 will take in the future.
2001 Declared International Year of Volunteers
by Bernd Hollmig (97D) Bonn, Germany
Volunteering has been a part of
virtually every civilization and society,
and the need for increased voluntary
action is greater than ever. To recognize
and honor the achievements and
contributions of millions of volunteers
all over the world and to encourage
more people to engage in volunteer
activity, the United Nations General
Assembly has declared 2001 as the
International Year of Volunteers (IYV).
The opening ceremony of the year
by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
was held on November 28, 2000, at UN
6
Winter ’01
Headquarters. The official launch of
the year took place in approximately
100 countries on December 5, 2000.
IYV National Committees will not
only bring together volunteer partners
within their countries to plan and carry
out activities during the
year, but they will also
recommend and conduct follow-up after the
year.
Individuals, organizations and govern-
ments can get involved in the celebration year in the following ways:
• Volunteer/promote volunteering
• Link your volunteer activities
during 2001 to the IYV website to
draw attention to global volunteer
initiatives.
• Register online as an
IYV 2001 partner
organization. Over 3,000
global volunteer organizations have listed their
groups already. You can
also sign up to receive monthly IYV
updates and link up with other volunteers in your country.
• Liaise with your country’s IYV
2001 National Committee. If there is
no committee in your country, you can
team up with other volunteers and form
one.
More suggestions for promotional
activities, the latest news and links to
IYV National Committees (partner
organizations, volunteer opportunities
and events) are available online at
www.iyv2001.org.
Yes . . .
Marriott Denver Tech Center
July 20 - 23, 2001
Be there!
Friday, July 20:
12:00 noon
Arrival and registration begins
8:00 p.m.
Era Reviews
The memories will be ours forever! Using videos,
pictures, surprises, and more, each era can recapture
the magic and jump-start their reunion with this
kick-off event.
9:30 p.m.
Music Throughout the Ages
It’s one thing alumni have always done well – dance
and have a great time! Party into the night with your
castmates and a special guest.
Saturday July 21:
11:30 p.m.
Lodging
Be where the Action is: Stay at the Denver Marriott Tech Center
Hotel Reservation Deadline: June 22
The Marriott is offering a special reunion rate of $69 for up to
four guests per room (that’s only $19 a person a night for a room of
four people!) and is an excellent tourist season rate in Denver.
Among other amenities, the Marriott features an indoor/outdoor
pool, spacious gathering areas, and is within walking distance of
eateries. Rooms for the reunion usually sell out well in advance.
Book your room by June 22, as this rate is not guaranteed to be
available after that date. Call (888) 238-1491 to reach the hotel
directly, or call (800) 228-9290 for Marriott’s worldwide reservation
center.
UWPIAA Luncheon
Want to hear what is happening and what plans are underway?
The UWPIAA wants to keep you up-to-date and informed.
Since UWP’s announcement on December 6, a lot has
happened. Come hear the latest breaking news while
enjoying special sights and sounds from UWP’s history.
Cast Photos
Cast Photos – Smile! Capture the moment with a professional
cast picture. Cast photo-calls will happen throughout the day.
Free Evening
Enjoy a fun-filled evening in Denver by joining your fellow
cast members and families for a night on the town. Enjoy
restaurants around the hotel, or make plans to head downtown and enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of Denver’s
legendary LoDo and 16th Street Mall.
Welcome to Denver
Sunday July 22:
Denver was born during the great gold
rush of 1859 after flakes of placer gold were
Time TBD
found at the confluence of the South Platte
River and Cherry Creek. In its first few years,
the city survived a flood, several major fires,
Indian attacks and even raised an army that
defeated an invading force of Confederates
8:00 p.m.
from Texas during the Civil War. Saloons,
gambling halls and wagon trains lined the
mud-filled streets and every outlaw, gunman
and desperado in the West made at least one
visit to the Mile High City. The turn of the
century brought respectability as the wealth
of the mountains was poured into parks,
fountains, statues, tree-lined boulevards and
elaborate mansions, making Denver the most
elegant city in a thousand-mile radius, the
“Queen City of the Plains.”
Geographically, Denver is in the middle of
the country, just 340 miles from the exact
center of the continental United States. The
City sits on high flat plains 12 miles east of the
Rocky Mountains. Denver really is a mile high.
You can stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea
level on the 18th step of the west side of the
State Capitol.
Cast Rehearsals
– 5 . . . 6 . . . 7 . . . 8! Can you get back in shape? Do you remember those
dance steps, me’s and vocal parts? Don’t fret! Through the collective
memories of all the casts in your year, putting it “all together” for
K-Era-oke will be great fun!
K-ERA-OKE
A favorite reunion tradition. Each era takes the stage to perform music
and dances from their show. Bring your stage presence (and maybe a bit
of oxygen) as you experience this mile-high spectacular!
Monday, July 23:
9:30 a.m.
– noon*
UWPIAA General Assembly
What does the future hold? Come to
a presentation and discussion of the reorganization
planning that has been underway since January 2001.
Hear firsthand what is happening, discuss the findings
and learn how you can help be a part of the future.
(*afternoon hours for more discussions possible)
General departures
Please note that reunion activities are subject to change.
. . . reunion is happening!!!
UpBeat
7
UPBEAT
Eras
This is a term you will see frequently
throughout the reunion. It refers to all the
casts from a given year. For example, the
’96 era includes Casts A, B, C, D and E
1996. Each era will be given their own
meeting room at the Marriott for individual
cast meetings or informal gatherings during
the reunion.
On a budget?
Functions
Your reunion nametag (included with your
registration package) will be required for
admittance to all main activities. If you lose
your nametag, the replacement cost is $60.
K-Era-oke
K-Era-oke is another name for the era show
performances. Each era will have time to
rehearse for the performance. Rooms are
provided and pre-assigned for rehearsal
time.
Hotel Rooms
In order to have a smooth check-in at the
hotel, please communicate with all your
roommates to confirm who will be sharing
your room BEFORE making a room reservation. This way, those arriving early can
check into the room, resulting in less confusion or double booking, which can lead to
greater costs or disappointment for you.
Audio/Visual Equipment
It is our hope to have boom boxes, slide
projectors, TV/VCRs and other equipment
available for casts to check out for use
during cast meetings. Please let us know
what you may need and we will do our best
to accommodate you. Some of this equipment is available through the hotel at an
additional charge. Arrangements must be
made with the Marriott directly in these
cases.
8
winter ’01
Here are some money-saving tips for
Reunion 2001.
1. Save up to $50 by registering by April 30.
2. If you are bringing a spouse/partner or
family members, take advantage of the
special couple/family package.
3. Be sure to register early to reserve your
space at the Marriott. Rooms are held on a
first come/first served basis. AFTER
JUNE 22, THE MARRIOTT CANNOT
GUARANTEE THE LOW REUNION
RATE.
4. Consider making your flight reservations now. Many airlines continue to run
extra-special fares. Along with larger airlines, consider some of the smaller carriers
who often offer competitive rates.
Registration information
Individual Package
Includes: One alumnus, alumna or one
guest attending all events
Couple/Family Package
Includes: One alumnus, alumna or guest,
one spouse/partner and up to two children
attending all events. An additional $25-35
will be charged per child for three or more
children. (Children’s meals are not included
in package price, but additional meal
tickets may be purchased.)
Definitions
Alumnus/alumna = Those associated with
UWP throughout its 35-year history.
Couple/Family = One alumnus, alumna,
one spouse/partner and up to two children
Guest = Families of alumni, host families,
sponsors and friends of UWP.
Child Care Services
The Marriott can refer you to licensed day
care providers. There will be additional fees
for services from these providers, which is
not included in the registration costs for the
reunion.
Updates: uwpiaa.org
Go to the UWPIAA website often to check
for more information: www.uwpiaa.org
Can’t attend?
Write down what’s new with you and send
it along with a photo to: UWPIAA P.O. Box
987, North Platte, Nebraska 69103-0987,
USA. We’ll be sure to get it to your cast.
UPBEAT
Cast Representatives
Your cast reps will have the most up-to-date information regarding all of the activities at the reunion. Keep in touch with them for updates!
1971
Whitney (71A) and Dan (71B) Kieffer
612-825-7052
[email protected]
Patrice Pickering (71A)
717-763-5632
[email protected]
Bob Laurie (71A)
907-586-6681
[email protected]
Steven Rokowski (71A)
520-742-7427
[email protected]
1976
Donna M. Reed (76A)
520-878-9660
[email protected]
Beth Brown-Aboites (76B)
[email protected]
Sherri Camper (76C)
602-661-8178
[email protected]
Ilene Slatko (76C)
919-846-0022
[email protected]
Moe & Kateri Coppenrath (76D)
678-366-9597
[email protected]
Diana J. Hines (76E)
480-820-1141
[email protected]
1981
Tineke Turck (81A)
32-3-658-1659 or
32-3-658-4937
[email protected]
Stephanie Cox (81B)
970-225-6269
[email protected]
Marla Trumper (81B)
970-221-9311
[email protected]
Scott Anthony Freeman (81C)
[email protected]
Janet Nicole Sykora (81D)
303-980-8557
[email protected]
Joseph Leavengood (81D)
208-345-5764 (h)
208-344-0375 (w)
[email protected]
David L. Hall (81E)
403-932-1731
[email protected]
Craig & Kelly Carter (81E)
253 759 1006
[email protected];
[email protected]
1986
Lisa Anne Conner (86A)
813-977-3743
[email protected]
Alicia Sommer (86A)
512-502-7177
Christopher Knowlton (86B)
810-727-9380
[email protected]
John Fedynich (86C)
973-783-5646
[email protected]
Sam Rini (86D)
[email protected]
973-586-1113 (home)
800-631-8184 (work)
JD Schramm (86D)
212-777-1362
Anne Michelle Houle (86E)
[email protected]
407-852-3088 (home)
407-566-6511 (work)
Note: We are searching for the cast reps
for 91D, 96E and 2000 D. Please contact
your Era Representative soon!
1991
Joey Schott (91A)
512-249-6642 (h)
800-917-3355, ext. 45116
512-619-4555 (mobile)
[email protected]
Heather Winkle (91B)
650-564-9707 (h)
408-992-7368 (w)
[email protected]
Susan McCarron (91C)
651-487-7632 (h)
651-736-0565 (w)
[email protected]
Gabi Schibler (91C)
41-32-3313055
[email protected]
Stacie Hollinger (91E)
[email protected]
([email protected])
Robyn Jackson (91F)
403-244-3661 (h)
403-543-5486 (w)
403-543-5490 (f)
[email protected]
Daniel (Dan) J. Murphy (91F)
407-826-0213
[email protected]
1996
John Breda (96A)
603-880-1977
[email protected]
Shannon (Godt) Ohmert (96B)
801-352-1945
[email protected]
Angie Lake (96C)
707-644-7734
[email protected]
Raul Alarcon (96D)
52-496-506048
UpBeat
9
UPBEAT
Register in any of the following ways!
Hertz is proud to be the official
rental car supplier for UWPIAA
reunion.
To receive your special reunion
rate, call Hertz in the U.S., at
1-800-654-2240; in Canada call
1-800-263-0600; outside these
areas, call 1-405-749-4434 or your
nearest Hertz reservation center
or your travel agent and present
the UWP Convention number
022K0797 . You must use the
convention number to receive the
special reunion rates.
R
E
G
Register by fax
Register by phone
UWPIAA
P.O. Box 987
North Platte, Nebraska 69103-0987
USA
303-750-4943
303-750-4942
Register online
www.uwpiaa.org
(will link you to our secure website)
UWPIAA
Whatever method you choose, register today!
*** Questions? Call or fax the numbers listed or email your query to [email protected] ***
Please type or print
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
First Name
Last Name
Cast/Year
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
City
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
State/Province
Postal Code/Zip Code
Country
I
S
T
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone (Include Area/Country Code)
Work Phone (Include Area/Country Code)
Fax (Include Area/Country Code)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address
Name Tag Information (if different from above) Nickname and/or Country of Origin
E
R
T
O
D
A
Y
UNITED AIRLINES has been
selected as the official airline for
the UWPIAA Alumni Reunion
July 19-23, 2001.
Our meeting specialists are on duty
to assist you with your air travel
plans. We’ll send the tickets to you
directly or you may pick them up at
your travel agency or United Ticket
Office.
Call United today for details on
the special discounted fares to your
meeting.
CALL 1-800-521-4041
Immediately mention your special
reunion identification number:
543nf
Seats are limited, so why not call
today.
10
Register by mail
winter ’01
REGISTRATION PAYMENT
Early Registration (by April 30, 2001)
Registration (May 1-June 15)
Late Registration (June 16-July 23)
# _____ Individual at $150
Total $ _____
# _____ Individual at $175
Total $ _____
# _____ Individual at $200
Total $ _____
# _____ Family at $250
Total $ _____
# _____ Family at $275
Total $ _____
# _____ Family at $300
Total $ _____
# _____ Additional Children at $25
Total $ _____
# _____ Additional Children at $35
Total $ _____
# _____ Additional Children at $35
Total $ _____
GRAND TOTAL $ _____
GRAND TOTAL $ _____
GRAND TOTAL $ _____
Individual: One person, whether Alumnus, Alumna or Guest
Family: Alumnus, Alumna or Guest plus spouse/partner and up to two children (Saturday luncheon not included for children)
Additonal Children: For each child when there are more than two children included in a family registration or for a child attending with an individual (Saturday luncheon not included for children)
Saturday luncheon: Prices for children available upon request.
NAME TAGS FOR FAMILY PACKAGES
If you are not an UWP alum, please indicate your affiliation:
Spouse/Partner _______________________________________________
___ Host family
Child ______________________________________ Age ___________
___ Other (please specify) _____________________________
Child ______________________________________ Age ___________
Special Needs must be submitted with registration.
Additional Children and Ages ________________________________________
___ Dietary needs: Vegetarian, Kosher, etc. ___________________
_____________________________________________________
___ Family of Alumni ___ Sponsor
___ If you have a disability, please check here and attach a statement regarding
needed accommodations. Thank you!
REGISTRATION CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations and requests for refunds will be accepted only in
writing.
Written cancellations requests received:
• on or before May 14 will receive a full refund,
minus a $25 administrative fee per registration
cancelled.
• between May 15 and June 15 will receive a full refund,
minus a $50 administrative fee per registration
cancelled.
• after June 16 are not eligible for a refund.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Check enclosed for $ ________
(payable to the Up With People International Alumni Association….UWPIAA)
I prefer to pay by credit card:
Visa
Master Card
Discover
Account number _________________________________ exp. Date ___________
Printed name on credit card _____________________________________________
Signature _______________________________________________________
An African in Tucson
UPBEAT
By Ahmed D. Jama (83E), Kenya, Africa
Rick - the
Flemish guy
from Belgium, and
myself - the African from Kenya, spent
our first night of UWP at a hotel in
January 1983, in Tucson, Arizona.
During the night, each of us at various
intervals would wake up and either turn
on or off the heat. The room was too
hot for Rick (Belgium) and too cold for
me (Eastern Africa). That was the first
cultural shock Rick and I had, and we
laughed a great deal about that night
during the course of our UWP year.
This was merely an initiation of what
was to come.
My first host family, the Smiths
(Ken, Joan, Sean and Kari), were
American, white and Christian! I came
from an entirely homogenous African
and Islamic culture. The only contact I
had with non-Africans were tourists
either on the streets or the beaches of
Kismayu, Somalia, or Mombasa, Kenya.
I had also never been inside a church,
and I came from a devout Muslim
family.
Not only were the Smiths Christian, but Ken Smith was the pastor of
their Presbyterian church. Was this a
coincidence or was it a set-up? I am
pretty positive this was a set-up by a
deft hand that was far more creative
and humorous than that of a human.
I followed the Smiths to church on
my first Sunday with them. I put on a
blazer and a tie that I bought in
Nairobi two days before I flew to
Tucson. I thought the blazer fit me
well, and the tie made me feel good and
important. I didn’t dress up like that
when I went to a mosque.
Apart from dressing up, I enjoyed
being the only non-white in the
congregation. I basked in the attention
I got from other members of the
congregation. I was a fish out of water,
but breathing well and feeling perfectly
at home – thank you. The ambience of
that church was alien to me, but it was
beautiful and reassuring to look at and
feel the overwhelming energy around
me. The church organ sounded great to
my ears, simply because I had never
heard anything like it before.
At the end of the service, I stood
beside my host father at the exit and
shook the hands of the congregation as
they left the church. I can still see that
scene: smiling and happy people going
out of their way to put smiles and
happiness on the faces of others around
them. I ended up staying with the
Smiths for the rest of staging and
orientation in Tucson, and I don’t think
I missed a Sunday service during those
four weeks.
Another initial cultural shock for
me was when Ken went into the
kitchen and cooked up a storm. Joan
and the children let Ken do his thing
while they relaxed somewhere in the
house. From the world I had left, a man
like Ken never even stepped inside a
kitchen, let alone cooked in it! Petty
me, I brought that “it-is-a-man’sworld” baggage with me to Tucson, and
unfortunately it took me a long time to
get that cumbersome load off my back.
After that shock, I took the habit
of observing Ken at work in the
kitchen. He was the most efficient cook
I ever met. He had the good habit of
using an item in the kitchen and when
he was done with it, he’d immediately
wash it, dry it up, and put it back to
where he got it. I have tried over the
years to take up that good habit from
him, but have yet to perfect it! Another wondrous thing about Ken was
he would enter the kitchen fully
dressed, and he would come out of it as
good as when he got in - no wet shirt
or any stains on him.
I went on to stay with no fewer
than 100 host families over as many
cities across the states and Europe
during one-and-a-half years on the
road with UWP. Around the end of our
touring year, a friend in the cast, Dave
Okey, jokingly asked me if I picked the
next crazy group I’d be travelling with.
He knew I picked UWP out of a
magazine ad, and he thought it was
rather insane to join any group that
way. I like to think of it as a rebirth that
was meant to happen exactly the way it
did, and with the people whom I
crossed paths along the way. Anything
that helps us to touch base with our
hearts makes us “reborn-again.” UWP
was a major rebirth along a journey-ofrebirths I was on from the day I was
born.
A Fresh Insight
By Duane Grischow (89B), La Jolla, California
The new millennium offers our
personal lives and businesses the
opportunity to replace habitual action
with fresh insight. We must embrace
change and learning as part of our daily
routine. Education is no longer a fouryear journey for college students, it is a
lifetime commitment for anyone and
everyone. The classroom is no longer
constrained to four walls; learning
embodies all our senses and experiences
encompassing the entire globe.
We must learn to trust our own
intuition. Unique and original ideas will
only move the world forward. Businesses and entrepreneurs must remember the value of innovation versus
imitation. Remember you can’t be great
by trying to be like someone else.
Entrepreneurship is not only for the
self-employed.
We all must become the CEOs of
our own personal and professional lives.
Experiment with your own ideas - no
territory is too vast for a new frontier.
Look fear in the eye and boldly step
forward. You might be surprised it’s
only an imaginary chain.
What you consider a personal
“weakness” is merely a “difference.”
Differences are good! Your difference
becomes your greatest strength in this
world. Success can be accomplished by
anyone who is hungry, but it won’t
manifest between now and sunrise
tomorrow.
It is an old adage, but work habits,
vision and laser focus are the prime
ingredients for forward progress. The
pursuit of excellence is vital to stretch
and grow our personal and professional
boundaries.
Balance
But balance is the bridge between
success and fulfillment.
Our families,
personal relationships and health must
be part of the whole equation. Remember, in the best of times or the worst of
times, we must be grateful. At any
moment, there is always something we
can hold dear and close to our heart.
Duane is a speaker with The
Creativeseeds.com network.
Cast 95E is now online
at:
http://e95.immer.com
You will find information about
our mailing list, contact addresses
for the whole cast and goodies like
pictures and castbooks.
UpBeat
11
UPBEAT
Students From Casts A – E 2000 Join Alumni Family
By Jeff McAdam (97B), Bartlett, Illinois, UWPIAA Era Representative for 1996-2000
Greetings to the 1996-2000 Era of
UWP alumni! On behalf of all alumni,
I want to welcome the newest and very
special members of our alumni family:
Casts A, B, C, D and E 2000.
Returning home after a year on the
road with UWP can be challenging at
the best of times. But to return home
under these circumstances is particularly difficult, especially for the summer
casts whose tours were cut short by the
suspension of operations. The thoughts
of all alumni are with you at this time.
Being an alum is like the song from
“A Common Beat”says: “They’re always
in my heart/I am never alone.” We
want you to know that as part of the
UWPIAA, you always have other
alumni to reach out to for support.
Although it may not feel like it right
now, you are not alone.
The 1996-2000 era is now complete. With this in mind, I thought it
appropriate to provide you with a little
information about who I am and what
your Era Representative does for you.
I traveled as a student in 97B. Prior
to UWP, I was an elementary school
teacher in Mapleton, Maine. After my
year in UWP, I worked in the
Broomfield office as an Assistant
Director of Admissions, managing
recruiting and enrollment for New
England and the Mid-Atlantic states.
In late November, I was offered a
new position with Hawaii Pacific
University as Associate Director of
Admissions for the Midwest/Great
Lakes Region. I live and work in the
greater Chicago area, managing recruit-
ing and enrollment for this region.
In July 1999, I joined the
UWPIAA Board of Governors (BOG)
to represent the 1996-2000 Era. Since
then, I have learned much about the
history of UWP, purpose of the
UWPIAA, and goals of the BOG. My
role as a cast rep and my experience as a
staff member have helped me a lot in
my position as Era Representative.
What Era Representatives Do
By now, all the 2000 casts should
have selected one or more cast representatives. These cast reps serve as
liaisons between cast members and the
entire alumni body. Not only do they
facilitate communication tools such as
newsletters, listserves and websites, cast
representatives also keep cast members
informed about larger alumni activities
such as reunions.
My role as Era Representative is to
keep cast representatives informed of
those larger alumni activities. I also
provide cast reps with assistance on
getting communication activities
started and running smoothly. Since
I’m a cast rep myself, I know the
challenges of the job!
I, along with the other five Era
Representatives, do my best to answer
questions, and provide a shoulder to cry
on and a sounding board for new ideas.
My role is about communication – so
please don’t hesitate to get in touch
with me at [email protected].
Welcome once again to the new
2000 alumni – and all other alumni
from 1996 to 2000 who are reconnect-
ing with their UWP experience. We
may be the youngest alumni, but we
Cast A 2000-01
Cast B 2000-01
Cast C 2000-01
2000 Cast Reps
2000 Cast Websites
Reps For All Eras
Cast A: Ilse Delo
[email protected]
Marge Foot
[email protected]
Michiyo Hashimoto
[email protected]
Cast B: Lisa Hearting
[email protected]
Cast C: Tara Harper
[email protected]
Jenn Gifford
[email protected]
Cast D:
Cast E: Sarah Gilliland
[email protected]
Miia Harju
[email protected]
Who’s the Cast D rep? Let Jeff know
at [email protected].
Cast A:
http://casta2000.homestead.com/
cooee1.html
Cast B:
http://www.uwpb2000.50megs.com/
Cast C:
http:groups.yahoo.com/group/
cast_c_2000
1965-1970:
Cynthia-Jo Anderson Clark (68B)
[email protected]
1971-1975:
Fred Heismeyer (75A)
[email protected]
1976-1980:
Sary Garcia (77A)
[email protected]
1981-1985:
Eduardo Aguirre (84E)
[email protected]
1986-1990:
12
winter ’01
Casts D and E – do you have
websites? If so, be sure to submit the
URLs to [email protected], so that
links to your sites can be added to the
UWPIAA website!
have much to contribute in the months
ahead as the rebuilding process begins.
Judy Zitnik (89B)
[email protected]
1991-1995:
Mark Miller (93B)
[email protected]
1996-2000:
Jeff McAdam (97B)
[email protected]
UPBEAT
A Reintroduction to the UWPIAA
New alumni may not yet know what
the UWPIAA is and what it does for them.
In fact, a lot of alumni who have been off
the road for years might need a refresher
course too! Here’s a primer on your alumni
association:
The Up With People International
Alumni Association (UWPIAA) began
in 1987 when a group of alumni created
a volunteer organization to promote,
encourage and plan alumni communication, networking, programs and
recognition.
Since then, several hundred alumni
have donated their time, money and
talents to serve on and support the
work of the Board of Governors
(BOG), the volunteer body that
spearheads efforts on behalf of UWP
and its alumni.
The UWPIAA’s primary task is to
advance alumni service, access and
programs. We have shared and continue to share with UWP information,
resources and talents to support and
improve all aspects of the UWP
program.
The mission of the UWPIAA is:
• Serving alumni worldwide with
quality programs and services;
• Creating a personal and professional network among UWP alumni;
• Supporting and strengthening
the goals of UWP.
With recent developments at
UWP, you may wonder how the
UWPIAA will support and strengthen
the goals of UWP now. It is our goal to
seek out information for a possible
reorganization (see p.1), as well as seek
new ways to foster the mission and
vision of UWP.
The UWPIAA values alumni
input, and seeks to keep the connection
between whatever UWP may look like
in the future. We also appreciate
UWP’s 35-year history and the perspectives of the people who have been
involved with this organization.
is usually attended by 1,000+ alumni
annually. It’s a time for reuniting with
old friends, making new connections
and finding out what’s happening with
alumni worldwide. (See pages 7-10 for
more details on Reunion 2001.)
Stay On-Line and Stay In Touch
Of all the UWPIAA services, www.uwpiaa.org has become especially
critical since the suspension of UWP operations. It’s the fastest and most
effective tool the UWPIAA has to communicate with alumni around the
world.
New information is posted on www.uwpiaa.org on a regular basis
(about once a week right now), and some exciting new services – including
on-line donations – have recently been introduced. An on-line e-mail
directory is also expected in early 2001.
Recent alumni surveys tell us that UpBeat is also a very important
communication tool for alumni and the UWPIAA (see p. 3 for a related
article). UpBeat, however costs about $6,500 to print and mail a single issue
to alumni.
Nonetheless, we feel it is important to continue to communicate with
all alumni with hopes that once we have an effective e-mail database
operating, we can offer UpBeat either via e-mail or snail mail. Until that
time, please continue to visit www.uwpiaa.org for all the latest alumnirelated information.
We realize not everyone has Internet access, or has the desire to
become web literate. The UWPIAA is committed to finding a permanent
source of funds for UpBeat in the months ahead, but that will take time. If
you cannot access the Internet (try your local library or other public
facilities for free access), please be sure to stay in touch with your cast
representative to stay abreast of new developments.
Alumni website.Visit
www.uwpiaa.org to find out what’s
happening with friends old and new.
The latest alumni news and information about upcoming events are posted
there. You can also join one of the
active forums on the site, where you can
reunite with old friends and discuss
issues of interest to all alumni.
Alumni chapters and clubs.
The
UWPIAA helps form the foundation
for the many chartered alumni clubs
and chapters around the world. There
may be a group near you. For a list, visit
www.uwpiaa.org.
Alumni Recognition.Each year,
the UWPIAA recognizes special
alumni who continue to embrace the
ideals of UWP and strive to live up to
those ideals in their everyday lives. We
do this by presenting two annual
awards:
James E. MacLennan Everyday
Hero Award. Annually, up to six
alumni from reunion casts are recognized with this award. This honor is
extended to alumni who make a
significant contribution to the world or
their communities yet remain behind
the scenes, making their accomplishments in a quiet, persistent way.
J. Blanton Belk Outstanding
Alumnus/Alumna Award. This award
Cast D 2000-01
UWPIAA Services
You may wonder what the
UWPIAA does for you. Here are some
of the benefits and services the
UWPIAA offers to alumni around the
world:
Annual reunion.The UWPIAA
helps organize a reunion every year for
alumni celebrating a 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,
30 and 35-year anniversary. The
reunion is traditionally held in July and
Cast E 2000-01
is designed to recognize one individual
chosen from among all alumni. It is
presented annually to the alumnus or
alumna who, in carrying forward the
ideals of the UWP, has made an
exceptional contribution to humankind.
Nominations are being sought for
these two special awards. See the
nomination form on page 15 for more
details.
Travel exchange club.Miss the
road? Want to quench your wanderlust?
Join the UWP Travel Exchange Club
(UWPATEC) and pack your bags!
This program was designed for and by
alumni to promote the exchange of
ideas and culture through budget
traveling. Staffed by volunteers, this
club is your opportunity to see the
world. You can learn more by visiting
the UWPATEC website at http://
ourworld.compuserve.com/
homepages/uwpatec or by contacting
[email protected].
UpBeat
13
Alumni Scholar Report
UPBEAT
by Antonio Ojeda (00D), Mexico
ast D 2000 started its second
semester on August 5. For the
first three weeks, we traveled
around Arizona, New Mexico and
Texas. In Arizona, we visited the
Petrified Forest National Park and the
always-impressive Grand Canyon. The
cast also enjoyed a presentation about
the different tribes that live in the state,
learning about the structure of clans,
the names given to the people, and
some of the traditional dances.
In New Mexico, Gallup was the
“male appreciation city.” We also
performed as part of the opening
ceremonies in the 79th Annual Intertribal Indian Ceremonial and participated in the local parade with Native
American tribes from several states.
Another great experience was visiting
Roswell (the alien city), where we
learned more about UFOs and unsolved mysteries.
Texas was our last stop in the U.S.
where we visited three cities. We gave
them themes such as “immigration” and
“happy people” and had related activities. We also had a cast career day in
Harlingen, visited the JFK memorial in
c
Up With People
Alumni
World Watch
Building a Spanish
Alumni Chapter
downtown Dallas,
and saw the historical Alamo in San
Antonio.
Moving on,
our cast traveled to
Mexico for the first
Antonio Ojeda
time in seven years
and enjoyed the magic of this rich,
warm and open culture. The tour
included seven of the most important
cities in the country: Monterrey, San
Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes,
Guadalajara, Morelia, Puebla and
Mexico City. For many of the students,
this was a great and unforgettable
experience, and a chance to discover
another culture’s food, architecture,
traditions and customs.
Several places we visited included
the Caves of Garcia in Monterrey,
the historical and colonial city of
Zacatecas, the oldest tequila factory in
Guadalajara, the Teotihuacan pyramids,
and downtown Mexico City. Also, we
had incredible community service days,
especially those working with kids.
Working together with DIF (a Mexican
government institution which helps
develop many poor families) and the
national sponsors, we visited schools,
planted trees, painted walls and fences,
and took the kids to the movies. We
also visited Casa Alianza (Covenant
House), an international organization
that helps integrate street children back
into society.
Another aspect of the tour was the
show, “Un Ritmo en Comun,” the
Spanish name for the newest UWP
production that included songs and
speaking parts in Spanish. We had
huge audiences for the 12 shows we
performed, and this helped to spread
our message of peace and understanding to people in a different language.
The word otra (another one) was the
most remembered word after every
show because the people kept wanting
to see more.
Finally, the cast is looking forward
to traveling to Japan and spending the
rest of the year in this fascinating
culture, while learning and enjoying
more about it.
Cast D 2000 completed a successful
tour of Japan and finished its year in
December 2000.
Note from the UpBeat team: UpBeat (previously Alumni News) has
been a part of alumni lives for more than six years. Now that UWP has
suspended operations, we hope that alumni will help ensure that UpBeat lives
on by making a financial contribution towards its future.
Please take a moment and reflect on the articles and features you have
seen in UpBeat (and Alumni News) over the past several years. After having a
chance to reflect, make a committment to do your part in keeping the spirit of
UWP alive, and to help the UWPIAA continue to meet its mission and goals.
A Star Falls UWP Suspends Operations
Fifty Years of International Education
winter ’01
Claudia Vigil-Muniz(71B) was
recently elected as the new president of
her tribe, the Jicarilla Apache. This
community is located in northwestern
New Mexico and covers thousands of
acres. They were the first tribe in the
United States to acquire and operate
their own oil and gas production
company.
Claudia Vigil-Muniz at her
inauguration as President
of the Jicarilla Apache
Tribe.
In Memoriam
People on the Move
Calling all alumni
14
Alumna Elected
President of her
Apache Tribe
Danish Alumni Bring Performing
Arts Center to Life
Cast E to Perform
the Alumni Premier
of
“A Common Beat”
UPBEAT
Submit Nominations Now for MacLennan and
Belk Awards
very year at reunion, the
UWPIAA bestows two special
alumni recognition awards: The
James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero
Award and the J. Blanton Belk Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award.
Now is the time for you to nominate a
deserving alum for one of these special
honors.
The James E. MacLennan Everyday
Hero Awardrecognizes alumni who
have best carried on the ideals and
leadership training of UWP after they
have left the program. The award is
named in honor of James MacLennan,
chief operating officer, financial officer
and support person for UWP when it
e
was in its infancy. Up to six alumni are
recognized as Everyday Heroes at each
reunion. The six are selected from all
nominations for that reunion year –
there is no requirement to recognize
one alum from each era group.
The J. Blanton Belk Outstanding
Alumnus Awardis given each year to
recognize one individual who, in
carrying forward the ideals of UWP,
has made an exceptional contribution
to humankind. This award, named in
honor of UWP’s founder, is chosen
from among all alumni, including
previous Everyday Heroes.
Nomination Criteria
While not meant to restrict the
qualification for nomination, you might
consider nominating:
• Alumni who have overcome great
personal barriers or tragedy to continue
as a model of courage and involvement.
• Alumni who have sacrificed
economic and personal security to give
of themselves to their community or a
non-profit service organization.
• Alumni who in addition to their
everyday commitment to family and/or
career, volunteer a substantial amount
of time to help those in need.
• Alumni whose passion, leadership
and vision in their chosen professions
have taught, inspired or challenged us.
Nominations can be submitted at
any time; however, special efforts are
made before the annual reunion to
solicit nominations.
You are invited to submit your
nomination(s) for either award using
the form found on this page. (Feel free
to make copies). Please send your
nomination form, along with articles,
letters, etc. and the nominee’s telephone
number to:
UWPIAA
P.O. Box 987
North Platte, NE 69103-0987
USA
Or submit your nomination on-line
at www.uwpiaa.org.
UpBeat
15
UPBEAT
People on the move
1970s
Dominic Henderson (75B)
I was a member of the 1975-76 BiCentennial tour, and although much
time has passed since my adventurous
endeavor, I still recall learning and
formulating many people skills that
have had a tremendous impact on what
I do today. My UWP experience was
very valuable and has had influences on
everyone around me, so much so, that
our oldest of two beautiful daughters
( Julia- age 18) had been accepted and
would have traveled in the 2001 UWP
production. Like father like daughter!!
Obviously, we are both extremely
disappointed about the demise of
UWP, but we are hopeful that a new
UWP will emerge from the ashes so
that Julia may experience some of what
I did 25 years ago.
Martine Langenberg (79C)
lives with husband Peter and children
Daan (six) Floor (four) and Pleun (one)
in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Please drop me a
note especially now UWP ceased
operations. I feel like I have lost a dear
family member. Address:
Brucknerstraat 22, 5216 XD ‘sHertogenbosch, The Netherlands, Tel:
00-31-73-6134838, e-mail :
[email protected]
1990s
Eva H. Elsig (91C) has moved
back to her home country of Denmark,
after four years in Holland and Germany.
She can now be reached at: Jens
Baggesens Vej 24, 8400 Ebeltoft,
Denmark, e-mail: [email protected]
Cheryl (Wilder) (91F) and
Lars Huebecker (91F) are
currently residing at 11870 Brisbane
Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004, but
we will be moving as of March 1, 2001
to: Rosenstrasse 77, 47918 Toenisvorst,
Germany, e-mail:
[email protected]
Raymond White (92D) I would
like to inform those people I have lost
touch with over the last nine years that
I am still alive. I am currently living in
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and
have recently been elected as Member
16
winter ’01
of Parliament for the riding of Niagara
Falls to the Federal House of Commons. I miss many of the friendships I
attained while in UWP and would
invite anyone interested in e-mailing
me at [email protected] or
calling me at (905) 348-4829 to catch
up. As a professional politician, I had
hoped to sponsor a cast as I gain public
support and sponsorship. I hope it will
be sooner than later.
Maria Eriksson (92E) lives in
Strangnas, Sweden with her fiancee
Carl-Johan and their 10-month-old
son Alexander. “I hope everything is
well with all of those from cast 92E
people, and to all of you people who
spent the summer of 96 at Duinrellamusement park. Marc Belanger and
Walter Belcher...where are you guys?
Drop me a line!” Maria’s address is:
Fridhemsgatan 33, 645 40 Strangnas,
Sweden. Tel: 0046-152-198 88,
e-mail: [email protected]
Barry van Opbergen (94E)
After I left UWP in February 1997, I
went through almost six different jobs.
From baking pizzas to selling mobile
phones and from windowdressing to
working at a call center. But now I am
very happy to announce that I am
working in the entertainment business.
It is a perfect job that I was able to get
through my experience with UWP. I
am currently working as a Unit Entertainment Manager at a big holiday
resort, where we do kids shows and
complete musicals twice a week.
Anybody interested in a nice holiday at
the resort where I work, please let me
know at [email protected].
Tamara Parson (95C) Just a
quick note to tell all my friends in casts
A-B-C 95-96 that I’m alive and doing
well! “I am currently working as
assistant area coordinator for Oberlin
College (near Cleveland, Ohio) and
absolutely love it! I am not yet married
(which is just fine) and enjoy the single
life with my adorable cat, Katie. I
would love to hear from you and stay in
touch! Please feel free to contact me
anytime–I miss you!” Address: 135 W.
Lorain, OCMR 18A, Oberlin, Ohio
44074-1191, Tel: 440-775-8925,
e-mail: [email protected]
Viola Sauer (97A) from
Germany is seeking assistance with
In Memoriam
Tragic Accident Claims Life of UWP Alum
Robert Condry(92E) died on October 23 at a construction site in northeast
Denver. Robert, an electrician, apparently returned to a trench after telling the
backhoe operator to fill it in. Nine hours later, Robert’s wife, Libby, called his
boss because he hadn’t returned home. After finding Robert’s truck at the site,
workers re-excavated the trench and discovered his body.
The construction project was Robert’s first since taking leave for the birth
of his daughter Lauren in early October. The family has established a memorial
fund in Rob’s name to benefit his new daughter. Contributions may be made to:
Robert H. Condry Memorial Fund, c/o First Tier Bank, 19590 East Main St.,
Suite 101, Parker, Colorado 80138.
We want to hear from you!
Getting married?
Newborn child?
Back in school?
Recent graduate?
Get a promotion?
New job?
Have you moved?
Yes! I have some news for the next UpBeat.
Name___________________________________First cast/year _________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Please clip or copy this form and send to:
UpBeat
P.O. Box 987
North Platte, NE 69103-0987 USA
or e-mail your information to: [email protected]
Photos are appreciated and can be returned if mailed with a self-addressed envelope.
Black and white head shots are preferred.
securing an internship. She is attending a two-year business course in
Hanover emphasizing foreign languages and correspondence with a main
focus in tourism and will pass her state
certificate in tourism in June 2001. For
her third year of studies (Higher
European Diploma), she needs to do an
internship for tourism management in
a foreign country from July through
December 2001. Please contact Viola
if you work in any kind of tourismrelated organisation - or knows someone - and would be happy to have her
as a trainee. “I am a flexible, adaptable
and open-minded person - of course - I
traveled in UWP! I am fluent in
English and French (written and
spoken) and have a basic knowledge in
Spanish.” Contact her at
[email protected].