Motifs: September/October 2019
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Phyllis Gold Berenson (IAC/NMC 53-56, 58, UNIV 59) was appointed Director of Research for Ukraine at JewishGen.org, a not-for-profit organization which serves as the global home for Jewish genealogy, with access to 30+ million records, offering unique search tools and opportunities for researchers to connect with others who share similar interests.
Henry Young, Jr. (IAA 62-64) restored and runs two historic vacation homes called Erehwon Retreat. Erehwon Retreat was selected for the 2019 Best of Tampa Award in the Vacation Home Rental Agency category by the Tampa Award Program.
David Glass’ (IAC/NMC 65-66, IAA 65-67) interest in the study and dissemination of The Urantia Book has taken an exciting new dimension as he begins his seventh year this fall as an instructor with Urantia University Institute, a global online educational non-profit institute designed to assist new as well as progressing students of the Book in appreciating and comprehending its teachings, learning about how contemporary developments in science, the arts and culture interrelate with its teachings, and in demonstrating ways in whereby its teachings can be applied to personal and practical life situations and interpersonal relationships.
Scot Beaton (IAA 71-73) is an ad agency owner, creative director, graphic designer, and broadcast producer with 40+ years experience both agency-side and independently on accounts such as Chevrolet, Dodge, The Detroit Free Press, Art Van, Total Health Care, Amazon Vodka, Scott Shuptrine, Dunham's Sports, and many more. He is a five-time CLIO finalist and has held Creative Director or Senior Art Director positions at organizations like J. Walter Thompson, Mars Advertising, and more. His political experience includes serving as a Rochester Hills City Council member 1988 to 1997 and president of the Council for two years. A seasoned professional capable of executing world-class projects, Scot brings a consummate attention to detail to his work even on small assignments. He has been married 37 years with two children.
Starr Parodi (IAA 76-77) was a featured composer on the Sept. 20 “Women Warriors: Voices of Change” concert at Alice Tully Hall. Performed by Orchestra Moderne NYC, the special 80-minute interactive experience showcased the music of renowned female film composers and included visuals of activists from past to present day.
Rick Robinson (AS 77-78, IAA 78-81) won a Kresge Foundation grant with Urban Requiem Project poets to compose and premiere a collaborative work revealing both lost voices and developer mindset regarding the real estate boom and gentrification in Detroit. The new, 25-minute work, called Phantom Detroit, includes strings, rhythm section, three gospel singers, three poets, video projections, and standing artwork. The premiere is Nov. 15 at St. Matt's and St. Joe's Episcopal in Detroit.
John Greenfield (IAA 78-79) has just celebrated one million units sold for his acclaimed album, No Age Music, a guitar-based album featuring his original "Infinite Sustain Guitar" — among other instruments. He is joined on the album by is brother, James, who is an accomplished conga player.
Brad DePlanche (IAA 79-81) recently completed runs of The Mystery of Irma Vep and Henry IV Part 1 for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival after a two-year run as Genie in Disney's Aladdin. This fall he will be playing M. Bouc in the Ken Ludwig adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Selene Carter (IAA 83-87) has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in Indiana University - Bloomington's Department of Theater, Drama & Contemporary Dance, and is also serving as the department’s Associate Chair. She was awarded the Trustee's Teaching Award for excellence in undergraduate education and funding to conduct archival research at the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, and other sites.
Michael Greer (IAA 93-95) was appointed to the Oregon Arts Commission by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Greer is currently the executive director of Oregon Ballet Theatre.
Elena Peteva (IAA 95-97) presented a solo exhibition, “Turmoil and Silence,” at Smith College’s Oresman Gallery from Sept. 4 through Oct. 3. Originally from Bulgaria, Peteva is an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She holds an M.F.A. from Syracuse University and a C.F.A. from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Kyle Mustain (IAC 95-96, IAA 95-97) was appointed Principal English Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Mustain succeeds fellow Interlochen alumnus Scott Bell (IAC/NMC 75-77, IAA 75-77) in the position.
Kelly Johnson (IAC 04-05, IAA 06-08) has become a poet 11 years after graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy. She just finished her first book, “Wisdom’s Wish,” a collection of songs and psalms. Johnson composes versed works with the intent of revealing mysteries of beauty and grace. These inherent truths often relate directly back to the author of all beauty.
Olivia Millerschin (IAC 10-11) was selected as a winner of Tidal’s $1 million grant program for emerging artists that debuted in Detroit. Tidal is a streaming and entertainment platform owned by prominent rapper and producer Jay-Z.
Roi Dolev (IAA 11-14) produced, directed, and starred in the recent Israeli premiere of the Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles. All proceeds were donated to suicide prevention among LGBT youth.
