1990s
Professor John Benitz, GSAS MFA’91, is chair of the theater department at Chapman University. He’s on sabbatical while working on a documentary film about the search for letters written during times of war. Such letters “are personal, historical documents that tell a side of the war experience rarely seen,” he says. Judith Turner, GSAS MJC’91, received the 2021 Covenant Award, which honors Jewish educators who are forging change. Judith is senior program officer for volunteer services and intergenerational program engagement at Dorot, in New York City. Johnathan Brownlee, GSAS MFA’93, and his company, Torfoot Films, won 14 Telly Awards for the Constellation Brands/Four Corners Brewing Co. documentary series “Mi Vida — Life Well-Crafted.” Barbara Ferrer, Heller PhD’94, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in August was honored as one of the 28th Congressional District Women of the Year. Atar Hadari, GSAS MFA’94, earned a PhD in theology from Liverpool Hope University. His thesis examined William Tyndale’s translation of Deuteronomy and its revisions in the King James Bible. Atar also received Orthodox ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes at Yashrut institute. Anne-Marie Baila Asner, GSAS MA’96, is celebrating the release of “Kibbitzy Girl” and “Shleppy Boy,” the latest additions to her Matzah Ball Books series of Yiddish-inspired picture books for kids. Heather Frederick, GSAS MA’97, PhD’99, marked the one-year anniversary of her podcast “The Happy Doc Student,” dedicated to helping doctoral students graduate with their sanity, health and relationships intact.