JAY WOLPERT
Profession:After working in the entertainment industry as a television producer, which included spending six years producing “The Price is Right,” Wolpert began writing screenplays. He wrote the screenplays for “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Wolpert also did some acting, having small roles in “I Love Trouble” and “Father of the Bride Part II.”
Where do you currently live? Hollywood, California.
Year of graduation; degree/major: Wolpert graduated from Queens College in 1965 after majoring in political science.
Why did you choose to attend Queens College?
Wolpert said that he attended Queens College because of its location, which was right across the street from where he lived, and because of its affordable cost. Describing it as an extraordinary institution, Wolpert also said that when he started his studies there he had no idea that he was walking into a world class education.
How did a Queens College education prepare you for life and/or your chosen field?
“I wouldn’t have a chosen field if it weren’t for Queens College,” Wolpert said.
Through one of his fraternity brothers, Wolpert was introduced to television when he got a part-time job as a mimeograph operator at a game show company. The following semester, he began taking classes in television, playwriting, theatre and directing.
It was also while at Queens College that Wolpert said he got his first taste of writing when he wrote skits for competitions that his fraternity participated in.
Who was your most inspiring professor or educator? Why?
Professor Raymond Gasper, who directed some bigger shows and musicals at the school while also teaching courses like directing and acting, was Wolpert’s biggest inspiration. He said that Gasper was a tough person to get a compliment out of. Wolpert also said that one of Gasper’s courses helped expose him to adapting scripts.
“Those kinds of teachers are the ones you never forget because they’re the ones who raise the bar,” Wolpert said.
What is your favorite memory of Queens College?
Among many other favorite memories from his time at Queens College, Wolpert met his wife Roslyn while there. The two have been married for 40 years.
“I had a wonderful college life,” said Wolpert. “I just loved it.”
What do you think is the key to having a successful career?
“Not being afraid to fail is how you have a successful career because it liberates you and allows you to take chances.”
Have you been back to your alma mater since graduation?
Wolpert, a 1969 winner of Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, said that he goes back to Queens College almost every time he comes to New York and that he has spoken to students on his visits.
MARK MAXWELL-SMITH
Profession: Maxwell-Smith works as a game show creator and producer. Among them are “Mouthtrap,” “Chain Letters,” “Equal Partners,” “Humdingers,” “Majority Rules,” “Knockout” and “Now You Know.” He also developed formats and material for “Cross-Wits,” “Tic-Tac-Dough,” “Name That Tune,” “The Joker’s Wild,” “Truth or Consequences,” “Let’s Make a Deal” and “Beat the Clock.”
Maxwell-Smith has been nominated for Emmys for his work. He said that so far the highlight of his career has been working for Steven Spielberg while working for DreamWorks.
Also, he volunteers his time helping with various camps and other organizations.
Where do you currently live? Studio City, California.
Year of graduation; degree/major: Maxwell-Smith is a 1969 graduate of Queens College who majored in mass communications.
Why did you choose to attend Queens College?
Along with being affordable, Queens College was close to where Maxwell-Smith lived in Queens.
How did a Queens College education prepare you for life and/or your chosen field?
“What I learned most was not the facts or procedures of my chosen field but more human politics and how to navigate through and around the troubled waters of other people’s issues,” Maxwell-Smith said.
Who was your most inspiring professor or educator? Why?
Maxwell-Smith said that Frank Khan, an instructor in the radio and television department, was one of his most inspiring educators.
“He was patient and guiding and inspirational in a number of ways,” he said.
He added that Charlie Turner, also with the radio and television department, inspired him.
What is your favorite memory of Queens College?
Maxwell-Smith said that one of his favorite memories was before he had actually started his studies. He was starting the year after Paul Simon had graduated from Queens College. Simon was starting to become quite popular with Art Garfunkel and had been invited to perform for the freshman class.
Another memorable event that occurred during Maxwell-Smith’s time at Queens College was when Dr. Martin Luther King visited the campus and delivered an address in Colden Auditorium. During the speech, Maxwell-Smith said that King specifically spoke about his opposition to the Vietnam War.
“To be that close to somebody that influential certainly was, for me, an honor.”
What do you think is the key to having a successful career?
“In order to be successful, one must plan thoroughly and then plan to change at the last minute or at least be prepared to change everything at the last minute.”
Have you been back to your alma mater since graduation?
Maxwell-Smith, who has been married to his wife Melinda for 35 years and has two daughters, Megan and Mosa, has been back to visit the campus a couple of times since graduating.
