Dear UWP Alumni, Many of you are aware that John Parker has coordinated and led trips to Kenya and the Masai Mara for the last 20 years. Some of you have joined John and his wife Ann in the Mara, and if you did, you can attest to the amazing experience that is Kenya, Nairobi … Read more
In 1979 a group of people from far and wide came together to be a part of a program called Up with People (UWP). It would become a life-changing experience for all of them. They were on the cusp of their adult lives, and excited to see where life would take them. This year, 44 years … Read more
My name is Angel Floyd and I traveled in Cast D 1986. A name you know, a man who has come to mean so much to so many (not only across my country but around the world) is my cousin: George Floyd. He was killed by a police officer three weeks ago at only 46 … Read more
“No question: Up with People made me the person that I am…” Matthew: Let’s dive right in. Who are you, Vernon? Where are you from and when did you travel in UWP? Vernon: My name is Vernon C. Grigg III, and I’m from a bit of “Everywhere, USA”—but I’d have to say I claim Tucson, … Read more
Welcome to this month’s GENERATION SPOTLIGHT, a new series of alumni stories about alumni parents and their legacy children who have all traveled with Up With People. This month’s story features Shannon Martin (‘90E) who will celebrate her cast’s 30th reunion this summer in Phoenix and her daughter, Catherine (Cat) Martin (‘19B, ‘20A). UpBeat … Read more
I became cast rep at our five-year reunion, and my goal has been to do what I can to keep our cast connected across time and distance. Given that our full cast, with staff, was 163 young people (!) this is a sizable task!
UpBeat caught up with Sheila Walsh Dettloff (’84D), the founder of a new regional Up with People alumni club in Michigan, USA. Check out the interview below! Matthew: How did you get the idea to found the Metro Detroit Alumni Club? Sheila: I founded the group after hearing at reunion last July that Cast B … Read more
To view the EMEA Winter 2020 Newsletter as a PDF, please click here. EMEA Winter 2020 Newsletter Europe, Middle East and Africa Alumni Welcome to this newsletter about alumni matters in Europe. Hope you are doing well and got well over Christmas Holidays and the start of the New Year. This newsletter should have … Read more
In 2020, Up with People celebrates 55 years of impact. This year, the 1985 casts are also thrilled to celebrate their own 35-year journey. We asked cast members and cast representatives to respond on their year and WHY they will be attending the 2020 reunion in Scottsdale, AZ, USA. Here are some of their reflections… … Read more
In 2018, Jim Hardwick (81C) and Jody Goodman Hardwick (81C) traveled to Kenya to experience Basecamp Explorer in Masai Mara after bidding on the safari at the 2017 Up With People Gala. To say the trip was life‑changing would be an understatement. The resulting connection to the Masai people led to a partnership with Basecamp … Read more