GPS Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Jennifer Jackson
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Hometown
Newport Beach, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters during this recent academic journey have been: Mark Baird, for initially bringing me into the LEAP Program. Andrew Person & Stephanie Miller, for their encouragement and ongoing assistance during these past two years. Christian De Matteo & Erin Sweeny for opening my mind and spirit to new worlds I now cannot live without. Family & friends for taking interest in my passions.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
I recall the first moment I was on the campus in person; I was captivated by its beauty, the people met were kind and intriguing, and I felt so excited for the journey about to be embarked upon. Specifically with the LEAP Program, I feel so fortunate to have been placed under the wings of brilliant professors. Too many favorite moments from each course to list!
My Next Chapter
I plan to continue learning, exploring the world of literature, taking some chances, and possibly getting a masters degree. I hope to apply all I've learned during this journey to my future experiences. If can manage to do that, there will be many interesting chapters following this next one.
Clubs and Activities
LEAP Program
Sareen Tchekmedyian
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Honors
Graduating With Honors
Hometown
Huntington Beach, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My parents, siblings, Derik, Medzmama. It has been a journey, thank you for being there with me!
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
I don't have a specific moment to share, but the memory of getting a deeper look inside of other dancers' minds and realizing what great thinkers they are, is something I will always cherish.
Favorite Quote
"Wherever you go, there you are"
Sara Irene Benavidez
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Hometown
Dallas, TexasMy Greatest Supporters
My sons, Cinque & Iccauhtli, for supporting me by allowing my studies to work their way into our daily plans.
Dawn for lending me her "Mom Cave" anytime I needed to give my studies my undivided attention.
Mom for babysitting when college & work deadlines were due simultaneously.
My nieces & nephews (fosters) for times I unenrolled to help raise you was an education on its own and time well spent.
Dawn for lending me her "Mom Cave" anytime I needed to give my studies my undivided attention.
Mom for babysitting when college & work deadlines were due simultaneously.
My nieces & nephews (fosters) for times I unenrolled to help raise you was an education on its own and time well spent.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My favorite time were my early days in the LEAP Program. Thank you Saint Mary's for flying our professors to teach our class of 15 to 20 retired dancers every Monday night in the boardroom of a hotel in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. It was an amazing college experience.
I am also very fond of these last terms when I really zeroed in on my area of focus and applied that focus to my future career.
My Next Chapter
Next, I will be working towards launching a Mediation practice specializing in Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice.
Favorite Quote
“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.” –
Michelle D. Zeitlin
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Honors
Graduating With Honors
Hometown
Madison, WIMy Greatest Supporters
Thank goodness for my family! In memory of my mom- I did it! Wish you were here to celebrate with me! To Maurice Zeitlin for your love ❤️ and support and financial support when I needed it. My sisters- Carla and Erica. To my kids Alec and Devin. Thanks Sean for reading my final ELP, it was a doozy. Also to Joanne Divito for telling me about LEAP. My journey has brought me many gifts and pride.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My first classes in Little Tokyo- loved the round table. I am impressed with the dancers and artists who are my peers - younger and older💞Thanks to Andrew for checking in over a brutal transition year. Made it! 🎈I made friendships, I've shared DANCE panels with peers in the US and UK, and I even signed a couple clients to my management company, MORE ZAP, that I met through LEAP. #grateful
My Next Chapter
I have morphed many times. TBA! Passion to Power is my slogan!
Clubs and Activities
I have been a member of SAG/AFTRA & AEA, THEA and got AFAA certified in 2020. I host a podcast with a growing base around the world for artists, actors, authors. I have improved my two V’s: 🏐Volleyball & Violin 🎻Favorite Quote
Engage Enlighten Entertain.
Alexandria Kaye Upshur
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Lucy Van Cleef Held
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Honors
Graduating With Honors
Hometown
Madison, NJMy Greatest Supporters
I would be nowhere without my incredible family, partner, mentors, and friends. I'm so grateful to all the people who have encouraged me to continue finding ways to make dance a part of my life.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
I'll never forget the trip that I took with the LEAP program to Cape Town, South Africa in 2011. And I'll always cherish the friends that I made over the course of the program. LEAP's students are amazing!
My Next Chapter
I'll be continuing my work as a freelance writer and translator. I'll also be enrolling in graduate school in the fall to pursue a PhD in Dance History.
Favorite Quote
Not a quote but an important sentiment: I'm thankful that my BA is allowing the next stages of my path to unfold. Thank you, LEAP and Saint Mary's!
Kistina Ruth Pressler
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Hometown
Metamora, ILMy Greatest Supporters
Sean Pressler, Melinda Pressler, Paul Pressler, Tim Reynolds, Marillee Roberson, Kirsten Peterson, Seth Neily, Anthony Reynolds, Atticus Reynolds, Myra Joy Veluz, Heather Tealbey, Ali Carreras, Kamila Korbela, Emily Zulz, Leah Zulz, Andrew Pearson, Achinta S. McDaniel, Jennifer O'Donnell, Jessica O'Malley, Lauren Gabree, Emma Smales, Mary Kay Griepentrog
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Attending the Zoom meeting of Marjane Satrapi in conversation with Anahita Ghazi Bayat discussing Persepolis as well as Satrapi's life and career.
My Next Chapter
Looking towards the future, I hope to continue making dance and films while also incorporating the broad knowledge I have gained from St. Mary's into my work. I am excited to continue the bonds I have made with my cohort, staying connected and supportive of their studies and creative endeavors.
Favorite Quote
"There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind." - Virginia Woolf
David Adrian Freeland Jr.
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts: Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP)
Honors
Graduating With Honors