Outstanding Cast/Crew Representative Award 2025

The “Cast/Crew” is the core, the fundamental building block of the Up with People experience. Even after our year(s) on the road, the experiences that we shared are tied to those with whom we traveled. The Outstanding Cast/Crew Representative Award recognizes those alumni who, following our tours, provide extraordinary service by keeping us connected as we continue through life. Cast/Crew Reps serve not only their cast, but the alumni body as a whole. They sacrifice long hours and resources to keep their cast and crews connected and informed.

During the 2025 Annual Alumni Week the UWPIAA recognized two individuals whose outstanding service has spanned many years: Pam Krolczyk Espinosa (’85D) and Marci Matchett (’90A).

Pam Krolczyk Espinosa (’85D) “has been the strongest force keeping our cast friendships and connections alive” said one of her castmates. What does an “Outstanding Cast Rep” do? If you’re Pam, you keep track of where people are, what’s happening in their lives, as well as basic contact information which changes as time passes. You also are the key to organizing and attending every reunion, whether a small group or large one.

During the pandemic years, Pam was the one responsible for organizing and recruiting, person-by-person, participants for the cast’s monthly Zoom calls . . . not to mention the pandemic driven “35th Online Reunion” with 56 cast members in attendance.

One cast member commented that with her huge heart, Pam had become the heart of the cast. Pam said, “I have no idea how this happened. I guess it might be that I have moved around a lot over the 40 years since we traveled—California, Massachusetts, London, England, Indiana, Ecuador, and then home to Florida after 35 years. I rarely lived near my family, so I turned to my UWP friends to fill that void wherever we were living. I always reached out to any alum whenever we passed through somewhere.”

The UWP musical spirit extends beyond Pam’s cast connections. She has been a music minister and song leader at various churches wherever she has lived. She teaches early childhood music to Montessori students, ages 1-5, at a private, independent Catholic school. In 2007, Pam started her first Threshold Choir in New England; she’s done the same wherever she’s moved. Threshold Choirs International is a global organization of singers who visit the bedsides of the seriously ill and dying and offer a cappella songs of peace and comfort. It was her year of community service with Up with People that laid the groundwork for this service through song that has become Pam’s passion today.

Pam, a thirty-year breast cancer survivor has, with her family and friends, raised tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research as a walker and crew member in more than 10 breast cancer events. She’s an active member of the Lighthouse Dragons, a social and competitive dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors and supporters. The non-profit team provides education and awareness of the disease, as well as support to those battling it. Pam will compete in the IBCPC international dragon boat festival for breast cancer survivors in the summer of 2026 in France.

In conclusion, Pam commented, “my UWP family is near and dear to my heart and, as we get older, I think it is more important than ever to stay connected. I am happy to facilitate that for the cast.”

Marci Matchett (’90A) has been, for years, an integral part of organizing cast reunions . . . including the 2025 Annual Alumni Week reunion, where her leadership and enthusiasm motivated a record attendance of Cast ’90A alumni!

Castmates agree that as their Cast Rep, Marci’s unwavering dedication to inspiring, connecting, and serving others embodies what it means to be an Outstanding Cast Representative. The outstanding ’90A turnout was driven by Marci’s ability to bring people together, build meaningful relationships, and leave a lasting impact on those around her. One castmate commented, “Marci has remained a steadfast connector for the members of her Up with People casts, staying in touch with them over the years and helping to maintain a strong sense of community.”

Marci’s dedication to the ideals of UWP doesn’t stop with her peers but reaches to the future. She dedicates her time to the youth at reunions through the UWPIAA Legacy Xperience. She serves as a mentor, helping to create a space where young participants feel encouraged, supported, and inspired to follow in the footsteps of alumni as compassionate, service-oriented individuals.

Marci has also been an enthusiastic leader of Up with People Junior, inspiring and motivating the next generation of change-makers. Her work with the youth is a reflection of her lifelong commitment to guiding young people in their personal growth and development. Reflecting on a “camp experience” which she led, Marci said, “We had campers from four different schools and a mix of cultural backgrounds. It made the experience even more meaningful. We focused on global awareness and making a positive difference in the world. It was amazing to see the kids really take that to heart. They weren’t just having fun—they were learning to be thoughtful, kind, and engaged citizens.”

Marci’s influence has shaped the lives of many and her continued efforts to uplift and support others speak volumes about the type of person she is—one who leads with heart and leaves a lasting legacy.