Meetings, Events, and Volunteer Opportunities The Alumni Association will meet periodically throughout the year, both at Usdan and in New York City. During the summer, the Association sponsors alumni events on campus. At each event, we will share ideas and experiences, and will plan future events. Contact: If you are interested in becoming a member of the Alumni Association, please contact: Allison Bitz at abitz@usdan.com Usdan University 2008 For one glorious Sunday in July, Usdan Center, Long Island's premier arts camp, will be alive with the sights and sounds of grownups at play. On Sunday, July 20, 2008, come to camp and leave the kids at home! Registration begins in late May. Usdan Center invites you to join a new Alumni Association Would you like to connect with Usdanites in your area? And to meet friends who studied dance, theater, art or music at Usdan, just as you did years ago? If so, join Usdan's Alumni Association today! We seek members who loved Usdan, and who have a desire to share their passion with fellow Usdanites. As a member of the Alumni Association, you can tell us about your life in Usdan's newsletters, provide recollections of summers at the Center for all to read, and participate in activities that will be fun for you, and will also provide opportunities to future generations of Usdanites. Meet new friends, network with other professionals, renew the magic of Usdan esprit. Membership is free. Jane Monheit Jazz Singer The distinguished jazz singer, Jane Monheit, studied singing at Usdan and is a frequent performer at the Center's Festival Concerts. Jane's newest album, Taking A Chance On Love, was released to critical acclaim. Adam Abeshouse Grammy award-winning producer and concert violinist "I first sent my daughters to Usdan because I loved it. Now I send my daughters to Usdan because they love it." Lisa Gay Hamilton Actress Reknowned television and film actress Lisa Gay Hamilton was a student in Usdan Center's Theater Department. Shari Goodhartz Film and television writer "My summers at Usdan were foundational in setting the vital patterns for a professional creative life that feels like play. Usdan will always be a part of my heart." Jordan Leeds Broadway and telelvision actor "From my first moments on Usdan's stage as Captain Hook, to the moment I debuted in the original company of Les Miserables on Broadway, my dreams began at Usdan." Mariah Carey Singer The beloved music star, Mariah Carey, appeared in Usdan's Junior Chorus shows and is fondly remembered for her portrayal of Hodel in the Usdan production of Fiddler on the Roof. Miss Carey has also been a patron of the Center's scholarship programs. Alan Ruiz Painter "My Usdan studies provided the foundation for me to advance to the Pratt Institute. Usdan opened up a new world of exciting artistic possibilities for me." Dara Adler Dancer "Usdan is where I learned to have the courage to swim so I could dive into the life of a dancer." Meg Levine Artist "I really learned how to throw on a potter's wheel the summer I attended Usdan. Much later, I went on to get a BFA and MFA in ceramics. I was spring cleaning the other day and I just can't make myself throw away the one clay piece I still have that I made that summer at Usdan." Andrew Martin Arnold "My three summers at Usdan were, for me, not just a life-changing experience but a life-affirming one as well. What was already my love of theatre and the performing arts became not merely a passion, but a vocation. I wouldn't still be working in the theatre if it wasn't for my Usdan roots." Ashley Firestone "Usdan gave me the friendships I wanted, the responsibility I craved, and a level of professionalism I couldn't get anywhere else as a kid. Working with such distinguished and passionate faculty really exposed us to an unbelievably supportive artistic environment, and helped us to see these adults who had followed the path that we were on and had succeeded." Milt Orkin "Usdan had a direct and positive effect on my decision to pursue a career in music. So many great teachers and fellow musicians. The conservatory type atmosphere nestled in the woods was a memory I'll treasure forever." Kenneth Wishnia "I went to Usdan for two summers wa-a-ay back in 1970-71, minoring in creative writing. As an adult, I have published five novels, starting with 23 SHADES OF BLACK in 1998, which have been nominated for The Edgar and the Anthony Awards for crime fiction, and have made three Best Mystery of the Year lists. " Frank Vigliotti "As a drama student at Usdan (82-83), I received a foundation that would start me off on a lifelong journey in theater. I'll never forget the wonderful memories created while at Usdan, and hope to seek out some of the amazing people who left such a great impression. It was my first experience stepping up on stage, and I've yet to step off!" Joanna Martin Barouch "In the summer of 1970 I discovered that I wasn't the only person going into high school who didn't like sports. My two months at Usdan demonstrated that creative teens who were musically or otherwise talented could excel at what they loved to do, and not be forced into activities in which they would not do as well. It was the ideal environment for me, and I really did lose myself for a summer. I will always carry the memories of that special summer in my heart."