That UPPITY Theatre Company

2002 Outstanding Alumna Award from Webster University

AlumFeature Lipkin Summer Webster World St. Louis alumna Joan Lipkin '75, received the 2002 Special Recognition Award from the Rec Council of Greater St. Louis for her "continued outstanding efforts in support of disability awareness issues." The Rec Council provides services and opportunities to people with disabilities. In May of this year, she received the 2002 Outstanding Alumna Award from Webster University and spoke at commencement. Lipkin is artistic director of That Uppity Theatre Company located in St. Louis, Mo. Lipkin started The DisAbility Project which is an ensemble that develops and performs original theatrical material about the culture of disability. With both disabled and non-disabled participants, from 18-70 years of age, the Project endeavors to empower individuals, honor their stories, spark imaginations, foster community and enhance public awareness about disabilities. Under the award-winning direction of Lipkin, and with guest artists, pieces explore such areas as sexuality, healthcare, architectural accessibility, transportation, employment, dance and societal attitudes. Their participants have experienced spinal cord injury, blindness, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, bi-polar disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Arthritis, AIDS, alcoholism, asthma, cancer, Polio, stroke, epilepsy, amputation and depression. Lipkin has received many awards for her work including the 2001 Arts for Life Special Recognition Award for her "pioneering work with The DisAbility Project" and The 2000 Missouri Arts Award, the state�s highest award for outstanding and profound contributions to the arts. That Uppity Theatre Company received the 2001 What�s Right with the Region Award from Focus St. Louis for "improving racial equality and social justice" as well as the John Van Voris Award for Community Service. Lipkin says her Webster education has been invaluable in fostering her entrepreneurialism and commitment to social justice and the arts. "I have had a career that essentially is outside the box and of my own making. And it is a deeply satisfying one. I felt very encouraged by my professors at Webster. By their own positive example, they really encouraged me to think that many things were possible."

UPPITY Awards