Motifs: May 2025
We’d love to hear from you! Submit your own motif.
Lawrence Starr (IAC/NMC 59-65) retired from the University of Pennsylvania, where he had taught and directed two master’s programs in organizational dynamics. Starr was then recruited to Thomas Jefferson University, where he designed, taught in, and directed two doctoral programs in leadership. Having retired from Thomas Jefferson University, Starr is now Director of Applied Research at Iacocca Institute of Lehigh University.
Karen Couf Cohen, APR, (IAC/NMC 72-74), owner of Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations, based in Franklin, Michigan, has successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, which entitles her the APR professional designation. The announcement was made by the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine professional communication organizations.
Adam Levin (IAC/NMC 77, UNIV 78) has been President of the Long Island Composers Alliance since January 2024. Learn more about his work on his website or LinkedIn profile.
Alfred Martin, Jr. (IAA 91-92) has been appointed Chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts at University of Miami and will release his second book, Fandom for Us, by Us: The Pleasures and Practices of Black Audiences, in April 2025.
Paula Dreyer (IAA 92-94) is a pianist based in central Oregon. Dreyer performs concerts in natural settings—such as the slopes of Mount Bachelor, on the shores of Suttle Lake, or in a lava cave at Juniper Preserve. These unique concerts utilize wireless headphones and invite audiences to explore the surrounding area while Dreyer performs. Learn more about her work.
Dana Olkkonen (IAC 94-96, 98-01; IAA 01-03) was named Head of Studio for the Emmy Award-winning Vox Media Studios. In her new role, Olkkonen oversees the television and film business for the entire Vox Media publishing portfolio. Olkkonen joined Vox Media Studios in 2017 as VP of development and led the entertainment division’s Los Angeles-based development team, most recently serving as VP of TV & Film.
Adam Orford (IAA 97-98, IAC St 99) has started a new job as associate professor of law at Fordham University School of Law in New York City. He focuses on climate change, clean energy, and environmental sustainability.
Cameron Martin (IAA 97-00) has been working on the heARTs healing eARTh project for over ten years. The project includes a series of children’s books; the first, Everyone is Different pART 1, will be available on Amazon soon. A portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation.
Stanford Thompson (IAC 00-03, IAC St 05-06, 08) was featured on a 60 Minutes segment on March 16, 2025. Thompson is the executive director of the Chicago-based nonprofit Equity Arc, which seeks to create a level playing field for BIPOC classical musicians in the United States.
Silvae Mercedes (IAA 01-02) will appear as Audrey in Shakespeare’s As You Like It in her first season as a member of the Birmingham Actors Conservatory at the Stratford Theatre Festival of Canada. Mercedes was first introduced to the Stratford Theatre Festival during her time at Interlochen Arts Academy, when Alexander Technique coach Kelly McEvenue assisted the graduating class with university audition preparations.
Rad Pereira (IAC 03, IAA 05-08, IAC St 08)—formerly known as Rebeca Rad—will be playing Chesky in Becoming Eve at New York Theater Workshop. They are also on the co-leadership team at Network of Ensemble Theaters, building solidarity economy systems for artists.
Shelby Acosta (IAA 08-11) is currently starring as Prima Flaca in the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves.
Jay Julio (IAC 12, IAA 12-14) plays violin and viola for the national tour of Hamilton. Julio recently spoke with Interlochen Public Radio about performing on the Broadway tour.
Whan Ri-Ahn (Seong-Hwan Lee - IAA 12-15) is excited to return to the U.S. for the first time since graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy in 2015 for the world premiere of his orchestra piece with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in June. He is also composing a piece for the London Symphony Orchestra.
Peter DiMaggio (IAC 18, IAA 19) is currently in the process of starting an indie record label, Passeri Records. Founded and run by artists, Passeri Records operates under an equitable business model in which artists retain ownership and creative control over their music. DiMaggio’s forthcoming debut album will serve as proof of concept for the label.
