By: Paul Woidke, '69B
The Samuel Lanham Award for Extraordinary Service to the UWPIAA recognizes an individual who has devoted time and effort to the growth and support of the Up with People International Alumni Association (UWPIAA) to the benefit of alumni throughout the world.
This year the award recognizes Donna Seemann Reed (’76A) who has exemplified her passion-for and commitment-to the UWPIAA over many years. Decades after her years on the road, Donna’s move to Tucson in 2000 provided the opportunity to “reactivate” herself with UWPIAA. She became immersed in the activities of the Reunion Committee that not only developed the plans for the annual reunions but was also responsible for the execution of each year’s reunion in Tucson, then Denver, and eventually in Phoenix.
One of the specific reunion events that Donna championed was the Silent Auction. As chair of numerous auctions, she was instrumental in raising significant funds for the association. Donna’s role included finding those who would donate items, arranging for the items’ transportation, and rallying alumni to set-up the tables and displays while managing the and auction activities. A talented artist in her own right, Donna frequently donated her own creations: painted wine glasses, prints, and other artistic works.
Donna served several terms on the UWPIAA Board of Governors. She was an Era Rep in 1994, a role she also filled for two terms from 2005-2009. She served as co-chair of the Membership Committee from 2003-2005.
In 2021, with the confluence of the global pandemic and the internet technology of Zoom, Donna launched a new endeavor to keep alumni connected. The “Cactus Lounge” is a Zoom-based video archive of interviews with cast members from all eras and many different countries. What began with modest hopes exploded! This program has spanned a total of sixty-six interviews (and growing!) each ranging from 40 to 120 minutes. These unedited YouTube channel videos give viewers a genuine look into the life and experience of the interviewees providing all alumni the opportunity to appreciate the ways in which we alumni are the same and yet different, too. On each “show”, Donna launches into a conversation that often surprises both her and her guests. Donna’s love of people, curiosity and candor allow the interviewees the opportunity to open up.
For example, during one program, the panel Donna interviewed included John Parker, Pat Berry Glassner, Mark Conzemius and Jerry Shelsta. The topic was the beginnings of the UWPIAA, the challenges, the triumphs and the stories. Having this two-part interview in the archive is more than just “memorabilia”. It serves as an important source of history which has been captured and will serve alumni in the years to come.
Beyond her activities with the alumni association, Donna is an active participant in her community. With her Tucson church, she has served as a staff parish and praise team member for twenty years.
Professionally, as a realtor with Keller Williams Southern Arizona, she has served as the company’s culture chair for ten years and is recognized nationally as Keller Williams Cultural Ambassador.