Focus on Alumni

James Peter Williams, former Riverland Theatre student and graduate of the cosmetology program, has made his way to California and is loving every minute of it. Originally from Waseca, James appeared in many productions while attending Riverland. He played the King in The King & I, J. Pierpont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and was in several other Riverland productions. He appeared in alumni shows Into the Woods and Company. He was also very involved in ensembles within the Music Department. In the Midwest, James has been a student of and a teacher, manager and leader for Rocco Altobelli. After 10 years of being in the business, James followed his passion to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a much sought after stylist, leading him to the award winning Canale Salon. Since then, James has been featured in many runway shows, photo shoots and most recently LA Fashion Week 2008 and the 2009 Golden Globes.

James has had the privilege of working on celebrities such as Kelly Preston, Stacy Snider (CEO of Dreamworks), The Princess of Saudi Arabia and many of the most elite personalities in the Hollywood scene today. He has always believed that everyone should receive red carpet treatment and stands by that philosophy with every client. "I have been contacted by some schools in MN to come back and share my ‘underdog’ story. I remember where it all started and it will always have a special place in my heart."

Michael Veriede, Riverland graduate from Austin, spent many years on the Austin stages for Matchbox Theatre, Summerset Theatre, Austin High School and Riverland. At Riverland Michael appeared as Tom Sawyer in Big River, the Jester in Once Upon A Matress, Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank and many other shows. After Riverland he transferred to Southwest Minnesota State University where he was in integral part of their Theatre Department.

After working in the Twin Cities for several years, in May of 2008 he moved Los Angeles and started working as the executive assistant to the Senior Vice President of Disney Channel Worldwide, Richard Loomis. After assisting Mr. Loomis for 5 months, he was promoted to working in the Marketing Department. He is now the project coordinator for the Playhouse Disney programming block. He is in charge of the on air promotions for the 12 programs that air daily from 6:00am to noon seven days a week.

Michael also has worked on several Disney special events at the Disney Channel worldwide headquarters in Burbank. He has been fortunate to work with the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and many other Disney stars. "Working with Disney has been the most gratifying and humbling experience of my life. My goal is to one day become a Senior Vice President within this amazing company."

If you have alumni news to share, please send it to Scott Blankenbaker, editor of PAN, at Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912 or to sblanken@riverland.edu.