Dan Green Speaks and Graduates Listen

By: Bruce Gerson

Alumni Board President Daniel T. Green earned his master’s degree in directing at Carnegie Mellon and fell in love with the university. The feeling is mutual.

“Dan Green is the epitome of a Carnegie Mellon alumnus. He’s been an invaluable asset to the Carnegie Mellon community,” said President Jared L. Cohon in introducing Green as the keynote speaker at May’s commencement.

Invaluable? Consider these, shall we say in directing vernacular, “takes.”

Take 1: The Alumni Association Board president and member of the Carnegie Mellon Board of Trustees co-founded “The Showcase of New Talent” in Los Angeles. This annual program, now in its 10th year, brings more than 50 graduating students to the West Coast to engage in a week-long series of auditions and interviews with some of the top agents, directors, designers and producers in the industry. The showcase, sponsored by the West Coast Drama Alumni Clan, has provided students with the opportunity to engage with prominent alumni. This year was no exception as students met with actor Ted Danson (A’72), actor Blair Underwood (A’88), designer John Shaffner (A’76) and producer John Wells (A’79).

Take 2: Green founded Carnegie Day, an annual fall event for West Coast alumni, which has resulted in diverse outings such as “Habitat for Humanity,” “A Day at the Theatre” and “A Day at the Races.”

Take 3: The 1999 Alumni Service Award winner had the seats from the old Studio Theatre transported to LA, where he auctioned them off as a university fundraiser.

Invaluable? Indeed.

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