May 17, 2006
Students who complete their studies at the prestigious American
Academy of Dramatic Arts (NY) can go on to earn their bachelor's
degree at St. John's University under an articulation
Agreement the two institutions in May 2006.
Representatives from St. John’s University including
administrators, board members and alumni committed to the arts
joined a contingent from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
(AADA) on May 15 to sign the articulation agreement.
Beginning Fall 2006, the agreement permits AADA graduates to
transfer credits to St. John’s College of Professional Studies
toward a Bachelor of Science degree. At the College of Professional
Studies, these students will be able to get training and academic
credentials in television and film, thereby expanding their future
career options.
"A Historic Moment"
The event took place at AADA’s Manhattan headquarters located in
the landmark Stanford White building at 120 Madison Avenue and was
hailed by Julia A. Upton, RSM, Ph.D., Provost of St. John’s, as a
“historic moment.” She noted that “this is the first articulation
agreement we have entered into with an institution of this
caliber.”
The AADA, founded in 1884, is considered the premier acting school
in the country and was the launching pad for such theatrical
leading lights as Edward G. Robinson, Kirk Douglas, Colleen
Dewhurst, Grace Kelly, Jason Robards and Robert Redford. With
campuses in Manhattan and Los Angeles, the Academy awards an
associate degree to its graduates.
The impetus for the agreement was the Academy’s desire to
provide other arts-related options for its students upon
graduation. This goal was viewed as a natural fit by St. John’s,
says College of Professional Studies Dean Kathleen Vouté MacDonald,
who also foresees opportunities arising for St. John’s students
through the relationship with the AADA.
Dr. Julia Upton, who formally welcomed the AADA, described the new
partnership as being consistent with St. John’s mission of making
additional career paths available to working professionals. She
added that her mother, a ballerina, would have applauded this
union.
Robert Wankel, AADA Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus and a
graduate of St. John’s, signed the agreement. Others in attendance
included longtime St. John’s supporters Donald and Eleanor Taffner.
Donald Taffner, who is renowned for his professional contributions
to the fields of television and theatre, is also a St. John’s
alumnus. His wife Eleanor is a member of the St. John’s University
Board of Trustees.
Dr. Frank Brady, Chair of the Department of Mass Communications
in the College of Professional Studies, who was instrumental in
structuring the agreement; and Dr. David Blanchard, Director of
Articulations, also represented St. John’s.
View
the photo gallery.