Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/517095
Katie Travis '10 (music major) Age: 28 Location: New York City Career: Actor Katie is cast as Christine Daaé in the national production of "The Phantom of the Opera," which is touring now. She is also a recent winner of the Lys Symonette award for her performance at the 2014 Lotte Lenya Competition. Katie has spent time teaching music in Ghana at the Beacon House School, an orphanage for children in Accra. What is the best resource young people can contribute? "Optimism. Hope that things can change or somehow be improved by what they have to offer to their field." What motivates you? "My colleagues, my teachers, my family, the way the light shines through trees, Dunkin' Donuts, sunflowers, memorizing people's hands, noticing silly quirks about people, the possibility of love, the possibility of anything really." What is your proudest achievement so far? "Playing Christine Daaé every day, sometimes twice a day. One hundred fifty shows in and still learning." What is the best piece of advice you have received? "One of my directors says something along the lines of: 'I let go of the past, I forgive myself, and I recognize that not all things hold the same weight.'" Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU? "In my field of work it's especially important because this is a field that requires you to take some major risks and move to whatever theater scene you hope to be a part of. It's important to stay connected to help each other find voice, acting, dance teachers, to help each other find temp jobs, to have friends to wait at auditions with at 5 a.m." Lester Booker Jr. '08 (broadcast and cinematic arts major), M.S.A. '10 Age: 29 Location: Detroit Career: Production manager, Buick, at Jack Morton Worldwide Lester has been active in promoting cultural and diversity programs for both CMU and the state of Michigan. He's an accomplished professional sports and philanthropic administrator with experience in community development, public relations, event planning and cultural programming. Lester has accomplished much in his work with CMU, the Pistons and, most recently, with PCGCampbell Marketing and Communications. What is the best resource young people have to contribute? "Young people have the opportunity to create social change through technology – social media, blogging and other forms of digital communications." What motivates you? "I lean on this quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'" What is your proudest achievement so far? "Among others, directing the basketball court renovation grand opening ceremony at Highland Park High School, while working with the Detroit Pistons." What is the best piece of advice you have received? "The advice I treasure most comes from something I observed and didn't require words. I patterned my work ethic after my father, who taught me the value of hard work, consistency, sacrifice and persistence." Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU? "As a proud alumnus, I make it my duty to return to Mount Pleasant at least twice per year – homecoming and Martin Luther King Jr. Day – allowing me the opportunity to interact with students who are carrying on the legacy of these signature CMU events." 26 centralight summer '15