Micha Berman

• Class of: 1990
• Current city: San Anselmo, CA
• Current job: Professional voiceover actor and Program Director for Homeward Bound of Marin
• Bodo’s Order OR Favorite Charlottesville Spot: Sesame bagel with cream cheese and tomatoes and a cup of coffee! Every Sunday my roommates and I would go to Bodo’s, which actually opened during the time we were at UVA.

Tell us your UVA story. What did you do during your time on Grounds? What were your favorite memories?

As a history major, I spent much of my time reading and studying in Alderman Library. I loved walking the Grounds and often found gardens and parts of the Lawn to just lay in the grass and read and watch all the action swirling around me. One of my great memories was being selected as one of two student representatives to be on a selection panel to choose UVA’s dining services vendor. Traveling around the country, I became friends with UVA Vice President Pat Lampkin and met lots of interesting people. I also participated in several plays and volunteered at Madison House.

Tell us what you’re up to today!

After UVA, my life got really exciting as I worked on a cruise ship (Carnival Cruise Lines) as an Assistant Cruise Director and published a book about that adventure called Permanent Passenger: My Life on a Cruise Ship. I developed two careers after going to acting school and earning a master’s degree in social work at NYU. I am currently a professional voiceover actor with 14 years’ experience doing TV and radio commercials. I also work as a Program Director for a nonprofit called Homeward Bound of Marin working to transition homeless families and seniors into permanent housing. Living in the Bay Area and thirty minutes from Sonoma and Napa, I spend my spare time visiting and enjoying wine country!

What makes you say Wahoowa?

Hearing about my friends’ kids who just got into UVA and sharing stories about the secret societies. Also watching the sports and the basketball team’s road to a national championship brought back great memories.

What’s the biggest way in which you hope alumni can impact UVA?

Spreading the word of the incredible balance UVA provides for its students with strong academics, wonderful opportunities at the college (I got to hear President Reagan speak), and the richness of the history of Charlottesville and Monticello.

Pick a pillar that best captures your life today:

Serve

Why does that pillar speak to you?

I realized how fortunate I was as a student at UVA working with homeless families through Madison House. This launched me to a career as a social worker, and each day I recognize my privilege and the gifts my parents passed to me. I can give back to the community through my service and my sense of humor!