Leading the way, staying in touch, making the difference SPRING 18

INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT

MORE STUDENTS OF COLOR

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS LAUNCHED

INCREASE IN FINANCIAL AID Man About Campus Chancellor Daniel Little celebrates 18 years of impact INSIDE

FEATURES MAN ABOUT CAMPUS 8 Chancellor Daniel Little celebrates 18 years of impact. PLUGGING STEM INTO SPECIAL ED 14 A UM-Dearborn project helps students with disabilities get in on the tech revolution in education. GRAND EXPLORATIONS 18 UM-Dearborn’s Young Naturalists program is a rite of passage for one local family.

DEPARTMENTS 1 Chancellor’s Perspective 2 On the Pond What’s happening, what’s new and what’s what at UM-Dearborn. 22 AfterSchool School Ties, Why I Give, Class Notes. 30 Snap Like they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words.

“OZZY” THE ROBOT IS HELPING STUDENTS AT LUDINGTON MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARN TO CODE. Chancellor’s Perspective

WITH GREAT GRATITUDE

SENIOR OFFICERS I came to UM-Dearborn nearly 18 years ago Daniel E. Little from an excellent private liberal arts CHANCELLOR university. At the time, the public mission of Catherine A. Davy PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS UM-Dearborn—and the missions of engaged Jeffrey L. Evans public universities more generally—was VICE CHANCELLOR FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS something I understood and appreciated in an Kenneth C. Kettenbeil VICE CHANCELLOR FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS abstract sense. Ray Metz VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ENROLLMENT But it was on this campus that I saw public MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT LIFE Mallory M. Simpson engagement in action. Working with dedicated VICE CHANCELLOR FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT faculty and staff, students, alumni and

community partners, I learned how ACADEMIC DEANS Raju Balakrishnan universities like UM-Dearborn can be a COLLEGE OF BUSINESS powerful tool for regional transformation and Tony W. England COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING social progress. AND COMPUTER SCIENCE Martin J. Hershock I became passionate about the impact that our COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES, AND LETTERS campus can have on first-generation college students and on families from a range of Ann Lampkin-Williams COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND HUMAN SERVICES socioeconomic, racial and religious backgrounds. And I saw again and again how strategic (INTERIM) partnerships between a university and its surrounding community can provide real-world and REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY practical experiences for our students. These partnerships often times help to improve the quality Michael J. Behm of life in southeast Michigan. Mark J. Bernstein Shauna Ryder Diggs This issue of Legacy, like so many issues over the past 18 years, highlights the many ways Denise Ilitch Andrea Fischer Newman UM-Dearborn continues to make that impact. Andrew C. Richner Ron Weiser You will learn about graduate students from the College of Business who partnered with the Katherine E. White Mark S. Schlissel (ex officio) Dearborn Fire Department to identify a new firehouse location; faculty, students and K-12 educators who are working together to increase access to technology-enhanced learning CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE opportunities for students of all abilities; and alumni who remain committed to strengthening Saikat Dey, Maha Freij, Rich Homberg, Donna Inch, David Kurzmann, the city of Dearborn and partnering with the university for continued success. Tonya Matthews, Timothy Meyer, Patricia Mooradian, Shirley Stancato, You also will meet incoming Chancellor Domenico Grasso, who will join the UM-Dearborn Mary Zatina community on Aug. 1. Bernadette and I had the opportunity to spend time with Domenico and A Non-discriminatory, Affirmative Action Educator and Employer his wife, Susan, when they were on campus in February to meet faculty, staff and students. I find Legacy is published by the Office of External Relations at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Domenico to be a thoughtful and engaged leader who will work to advance the outstanding It is published twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends. reputation and engagement that UM-Dearborn has in the region and beyond.

Beth Marmarelli I say, with great gratitude, how meaningful and important it has been to me to join this DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING community. I am grateful for the reappointments I have received both from President Schlissel Cristina M. Frendo DIRECTOR, ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT and former U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. I am so proud of the good work we have Kate Malicke accomplished together and look forward to a bright future for our students, our university and COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER the region. Sarah Tuxbury Lou Blouin WRITERS

Please send address changes and Class Notes to: Sincerely, Office of Alumni Relations 4901 Evergreen Road, 1190 AB Dearborn, MI 48128-2406 Daniel Little 313-593-5131 (PHONE) 313-593-0540 (FAX) umdearborn.edu/alumni Chancellor [email protected]

Please recycle this magazine. UM-Dearborn is committed to environmental stewardship. We ask you to please recycle this magazine and to support recycling efforts in your community. Recycling this magazine is one of the easiest ways you can help the environment.

| 1 On the Pond what’s happening, what’s new and what’s what at UM-Dearborn

Ground Breaks on the New ELB

M-DEARBORN’S MUCH ANTICIPATED $90-MILLION ENGINEER- the occasion to unveil plans “It kind of reminds me of what UING LAB BUILDING IS NOW OFFICIALLY IN ITS CONSTRUC- for the building’s new robotics the IAVS (Institute for Advanced TION PHASE. MORE THAN 200 GUESTS ATTENDED AN APRIL and human factors lab—made Vehicle Systems) building is right 20 GROUNDBREAKING, WHICH CHANCELLOR DANIEL LITTLE possible through a $1 million now,” Kim said. “That’s a really CELEBRATED AS THE START OF A “MOMENTOUS” NEW CHAPTER gift from Omron Foundation. collaborative space for a lot of IN THE UNIVERSITY’S PROUD ENGINEERING LEGACY. Omron is also funding a student organizations. You have a new endowed scholarship formula race team there, you have “The current Engineering Lab building—and one that is critical in electrical engineering for robotics teams there, you have a Building was built shortly before to providing a 21st-century students in financial need. rocket team there. And we’re all 1959—and those who have engineering education.” there, hanging out, learning from memories that go back that The new ELB, which has also Both the ELB’s function each other. So if the new ELB far remember that transistor attracted $30 million in state and design are rooted in the becomes another space like that, radios were a brand new thing,” support, is slated to open in cooperative spirit driving today’s it’s going to be pretty incredible.” Little said. “Nearly 60 years Summer 2020. That’s a little bit engineering culture, and will later, we’re developing vehicles beyond the expected tenure of And that, Kim expects, will put feature interactive classrooms, that drive themselves and computer science junior Justin UM-Dearborn on the short list collaborative student work spaces, perfecting alternative energy Kim—who, even so, was drawn for a lot of prospective students. and cutting-edge research labs sources. The new Engineering to the groundbreaking to see to support faculty-industry Lab Building will be a landmark what’s in store for future students. partnerships. Little also took

2 | Spring 2018 what’s happening, what’s new and what’s what at UM-Dearborn Student research, data gives insight to fire department

OLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDENTS ARE HELPING FIGHT FIRE “The Dearborn Fire Department faster response time. I believe CWITH…DATA ANALYSIS. appreciates the impressive any of the three locations would amount of work done by be a good site for a fire station.” Students in Associate Professor residents, covering 27.3 square Professor Chen’s students,” Yi-Su Chen’s supply chain miles. Murray explained how Chen said she reaches out to Murray said. “It gave the management course worked with DFD was evaluating station organizations like the Dearborn Dearborn Fire Department the Dearborn Fire Department locations and exploring placing Fire Department to offer research data-backed information that is (DFD) to help them choose the an additional station in west assistance on a problem of their helpful as we plan for the future.” best location for an additional Dearborn. Currently, the single choice. In return, her students fire station in west Dearborn, station in that area covers 70 Business analytics graduate get real-world experience. based on years of datasets. percent of DFD’s call volume. student Jun-Qi Min said he Business analytics graduate appreciated how the class gave Taking more than 450,000 From their research and analysis, student Omar Bah said the him the opportunity to use fire reports from 911 calls— the 11-person class identified experience was beneficial to GIS mapping software and to with incident type, dates and three site recommendations for his professional future, but create an algorithm for helping locations—Chen’s graduate Murray. Two of the sites would he’s even more pleased with find an optimal solution. students have analyzed real data need new buildings; a third it on a personal level. and made a proposal to the DFD. site, a former library building, “I evaluated the existing network “If my education can help would need to be renovated. design for the local fire system DFD Chief Joseph Murray came create community change, I Locations were evaluated based and then compared it to what the to Chen’s class to talk about will be very happy,” he said. on proximity to incidents, network design would look like the department, which has “To think our work may trigger estimated response times using each of the three possible five stations providing service community improvement and cost to build/renovate. locations for the new station,” to approximately 110,000 is very satisfying.” Min said. “All three showed a

| 3 On the Pond

Domenico Grasso selected to lead UM-Dearborn

OMENICO GRASSO, AN ENGINEERING PROFESSOR WHO ALSO SERVED AS PROVOST AND CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER AT DTHE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, HAS BEEN SELECTED AS UM-DEARBORN’S NEXT CHANCELLOR.

Grasso, who earned his Ph.D. and am honored to lead one of its in environmental engineering most exciting campuses,” Grasso at U-M, currently is a professor said. “I’m eager to begin working in the School of Public Policy with the faculty, staff, students and Administration and the and the surrounding community Department of Civil and to shape the next chapter in the Environmental Engineering campus’ distinguished history.” at the University of Delaware Throughout his extensive career (UD). He stepped down as in higher education, Grasso has provost last October. made significant efforts in the Following a recommendation areas of engineering education, by President Mark Schlissel, enrollment management, diversity the Board of Regents and community engagement. unanimously approved the In his most recent role at UD, appointment in February. Grasso led the campus through a variety of initiatives, including “Domenico Grasso comes to the creation of the Division UM-Dearborn with impeccable of Enrollment Management, academic credentials and a Cybersecurity Initiative, track record of solid, proven Financial Services Analytics administrative and academic Institute and Community leadership,” said Schlissel. “His Engagement Initiative, as well as career has been marked by the development of university- thoughtful and creative initiatives wide programs ranging from and a strong commitment entrepreneurship to humanities, to the transformative nature social science and arts programs. of higher education.” Prior to his roles at UD, Grasso Grasso will be UM-Dearborn’s Before joining UVM, Grasso Institute and his Master of served as both the vice president sixth leader when he starts Aug. 1. was the Rosemary Bradford Science in civil engineering for research and dean of the Hewlett Professor at Smith from Purdue University. He is In addition to his academic Graduate College and dean College and founding director of married to Susan Hull Grasso, and professional credentials of the College of Engineering its Picker Engineering Program, a native of Troy, Mich., and a and background, Grasso will and Mathematical Science the first engineering program U-M engineering alumna. They bring his experience as a first- at the University of Vermont at a women’s college and one have four children: Benjamin, generation college student (UVM), where he worked with of the few in a liberal arts Jacob, Elspeth and Caitlín. and a U.S. Army veteran to his faculty to build university- college in the United States. leadership of UM-Dearborn. wide transdisciplinary research initiatives or “Spires of Excellence” Grasso earned his Bachelor of “I am thrilled to be here at one for selected and focused future Science degree in civil engineering of the world’s great universities resource investments. from Worcester Polytechnic

4 | Spring 2018 EYE ON RESEARCH

A fast food nation With billions and billions served, fast food is a staple of modern American life. But it’s widely understood that it’s not usually going to be the healthiest option available.

So, who’s eating it?

Economics Professor Patricia Smith and her research partner Jay Zagorsky, research scientist at Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resources, discovered the answer:

“We all are,” Smith said.

Looking at data collected nationwide, Smith and Zagorsky compared household income to the number of fast food meals eaten during a three-week period. The researchers looked at the same weekly period over three years: 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Their study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, which has followed the same group of 8,000 baby- boomer-age Americans since 1979.

Overall, 79 percent of respondents ate fast food at least once during the three-week observation period; 23 percent ate three or more fast food meals during any one of the three weeks. The poorest 10 percent ate 3.6 fast-food meals, middle-income ate 4.2 meals and the richest 10 percent ate 3.0.

So money isn’t a major factor. But the researchers learned that time was—the more hours someone worked, the more likely they were to eat fast food.

Smith said that finding could help determine how to encourage better eating for all.

“With convenience being a driving force, we think making healthy food more available is key to healthier choices.”

Smith’s research, “The association between socioeconomic status and adult fast-food consumption in the U.S.,” appears in the November 2017 issue of Economics and Human Biology.

| 5 On the Pond

State-of-the-art Autism Center opens as resource to families, provides training for New bus route connects UM-Dearborn educators with UM-Ann Arbor, Detroit

N THE WORLD OF AUTISM TREATMENT, DEMAND FOR SERVICES OFTEN NN ARBOR RESIDENT GILLIAN RAFAELIAN CHOSE TO IBADLY OUTSTRIPS SUPPLY, LEAVING FAMILIES DRIVING HOURS—AND AATTEND UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN BECAUSE IN SOME CASES WAITING FOR YEARS—TO ACCESS LEADING-EDGE OF THE STRONG EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM THERAPIES. BUT THE OPENING OF THE NEW AUTISM CENTER IN AND THE WELCOMING FEEL. SHE LOVED THE CAMPUS, BUT OCTOBER IS PROVIDING A MUCH-NEEDED LIFELINE FOR HUNDREDS OF NOT THE COMMUTE. METRO DETROIT FAMILIES. However, with the expanded by the university’s Office of The Beaumont Children’s Center the center’s supervisor and University of Michigan-based Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Exceptional Families Autism board-certified behavior analyst. bus service Detroit Connector, and University of Michigan- Center specializes in a therapy “Places like this are an invaluable her journey down I-94 has Detroit Center in 2013. become a positive part of known as applied behavior resource for the community at “The Detroit Connector her college experience too. analysis, a best-practice tool large as we continue to build helps us break down existing that helps young people on the the infrastructure we need to “I sometimes study or do barriers and better connect spectrum master a broad set of support Michigan families.” homework on the bus, but the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and practical social and life skills. And, thanks to a partnership I usually listen to music Detroit communities,” said Innovative classrooms, built for a between Beaumont and and relax,” said Rafaelian, a Robert Sellers, vice provost for wide range of ages, are a key part UM-Dearborn, the center junior. “The bus has Wi-Fi, equity & inclusion and chief of the design. A 10-student space also is helping fill another the drivers are friendly and diversity officer at UM-Ann for younger children lets parents need: Michigan’s shortage of it’s comfortable. It’s taken Arbor. “By expanding service observe therapy sessions from the therapists and other staff who the stress right out of getting and opening it to the public, waiting area via an integrated AV are trained to work with autistic to and from campus.” the Detroit Connector can improve access to the region’s system. And a fully functioning students. The center will provide The Detroit Connector, a numerous research, academic studio apartment gives teenagers specialized training to behavior University of Michigan bus and cultural opportunities.” a chance to master independent technicians, behavior analysts service connecting the Ann living skills, like grocery shopping, and educators at UM-Dearborn. Arbor campus to the city Bus stops include the Central cooking, cleaning and using “The opening of the Autism Center of Detroit, added a stop at Campus Transit Center money. Another strength of the allows UM-Dearborn to continue UM-Dearborn in the fall. (CCTC) in Ann Arbor, new center: Physicians, as well the circle drive in front of to advance our efforts to educate The Detroit Connector service as speech, occupational and the University Center at clinicians of the future who will is open to anyone—U-M physical therapists, are all onsite. UM-Dearborn, and the become leaders in the field,” said community members and the UM-Detroit Center. Riders “It’s a really unique, one-stop shop Stein Brunvand, interim associate general public—who wants can make reservations for seeing multiple specialists in a dean for the College of Education, to travel between Detroit, online, with one-way trips single visit,” said Jason Majchrzak, Health, and Human Services. Dearborn and Ann Arbor. ranging between $6-$10. Giving access to students like For more information on Rafaelian and others is the the Detroit Connector, goal of the Detroit Connector visit detroitconnector. service, which was developed umich.edu.

6 | Spring 2018 umdearborn • Follow Social life Univeristy of Michigan-Dearborn

See photos of the campus you remember. Get updates on the umdearborn The campus community welcomed newly appointed chancellor university’s goals for the future. And learn about professors, Domenico Grasso to campus on Friday. students and alumni who are making a difference today. Those attending had a chance to speak with both Grasso and his wife Susan, a fellow U-M engineering alum. Grasso Stay connected to your campus by following University of will begin his appointment on August Michigan-Dearborn on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and 1. Welcome to UM-Dearborn! #GoBlue Snapchat. #UMDearborn #DearbornWolverine

Here are some of the most-liked recent posts on UM-Dearborn’s social media channels.   176 likes

FEBRUARY 17

candice.tudor • Follow

candice.tudor Finally! #graduation #umdearborn #2018 #BS #BA #40days stephanieleanor Proud of you boo

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MARCH 20

dearbornwolverine • Follow

dearbornwolverine Today, we had the goodbye celebration for Chancellor Little! He has made the University of Michigan- University of Michigan-Dearborn updated their cover photo. Dearborn amazing during his time as April 9 at 12:24pm •  Chancellor! Thank you for traveling with me throughout the week! If you have any questions about any of the events New Difference Maker class, new website! that I attended or the organizations that Learn about the 2018 Difference Maker class by exploring our brand new I’m involved in, feel free to message Difference Maker website at michigandifferencemakers.com! me @lezmarie05. Always remember... GO BLUE!!! -LK #DearbornWolverine #UMDearborn

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| 7 8 | Spring 2018 Man About Campus Chancellor Daniel Little celebrates 18 years of impact

There were stories of people advancing the community. Neighbors making kind gestures. Individuals overcoming obstacles. Edited by Daniel Little’s father, Bill, Man About Town was a space where Bill Little could talk about the people and things he found important to his community.

That column taught the future chancellor a lesson that remains with him today. INCREASE IN “My father, a newspaperman, taught me Inspired by the idea of making RESEARCH the value of the other person’s story. On the institution-wide change surface, it sounds like a very routine thing. and solving challenges DOLLARS But you realize that there is something collaboratively, Little much more important there,” he said. transitioned from faculty to “Their story tells you something significant administrator while at Colgate INTERNATIONAL about where they have been, what they University in the mid-1990s and have experienced. And it gives a way—for continued on that trajectory. PROGRAMS someone who may not have had those In early 2000—enticed by LAUNCHED experiences—to understand things a bit the Midwestern location, the better. That’s a very powerful thing.” opportunities for growth and Little, UM-Dearborn’s fifth and longest- then-University of Michigan NEW OR serving chancellor, is leaving the president Lee Bollinger’s administrative world and immersing himself comments about the campus’ RENOVATED into teaching again, beginning August 1. civic engagement and engaged BUILDINGS faculty—Little made the move “In my 18 years here, I’ve taught a class every to Dearborn. year and I plan for that to continue,” said Little, who is a professor of philosophy at “It felt like home. I am not just UM-Dearborn and a professor of sociology saying that—this community COMMUNITY at UM-Ann Arbor. “Leading this university had so many similarities to PARTNERS is something I have absolutely loved doing. where I grew up in Peoria, Ill.,” I know that I will miss it, but my interest in he said. “Just swap industries, research and teaching is the reason I have a automobiles for tractors. That’s career in academia in the first place.” said with a bit of pride. My first job was in a Caterpillar tractor factory.”

| 9 Between the tractors and also understood the need for added to relate,” Little said. “We have a multi- his Harvard Ph.D., Little educational opportunities. He publicly religious, multi-racial community that is discovered an interest in declared within his first year that this harmonious. It is inspiring to see.” sociology and philosophy, which led campus would be the last rung on his The campus also looks for ways to to nine published books, more than career ladder. gain alternate points of view by getting 50 journal articles and book chapters “I was at a faculty forum and it out into the surrounding communities and the desire to continuously work was mentioned to me that senior and creating positive change. Little to make the world a more socially just administrators stay a few years, put up announced his vision for UM-Dearborn place. a building or two and leave. I replied, to be a metropolitan university in “The most precious ‘You may not want to hear this, but I’ve 2005; 10 years later, UM-Dearborn resource in the world come here for the rest of my career,’” earned the Carnegie Foundation’s “UM-Dearborn is a is the intellectual Little said with a chuckle. “And that was Community Engagement Classification, powerful, powerful and practical abilities really true. I really came with the idea which recognizes the university’s that men and women that this could be a lifework, and it has commitment to being deeply engaged ingredient of social have, which require been a lifework.” with its larger community through progress. We are development. That teaching, learning, research and service During his tenure, Little has overseen is where educational that makes a difference. giving everything remarkable building and campus opportunities come in,” facilities growth, including two new “UM-Dearborn is a powerful, powerful we’ve got to making he said. our communities buildings, another purchased and four ingredient of social progress,” Little Over the past 18 years, extensively renovated. The Engineering said. “We are giving everything we’ve better, our Little has overseen efforts Lab Building broke ground this spring got to making our communities partnerships deeper to add scholarships, start and is scheduled to open in 2020. better, our partnerships deeper learning communities and our students stronger through and our students “We can’t be like the great philosopher and increase the financial opportunities to develop their talents Socrates and draw figures in the sand stronger through aid budget—which has so they can continue to go out and do in the public forum. That’s not realistic gone up 743 percent great things.” opportunities to in Michigan,” Little said with a smile. since 2000—all leading develop their talents “Buildings are important to progress, Little has spent nearly 20 years on to record enrollment but even more important is what is campus and in the region noticing the so they can continue and increased student happening inside those buildings, the positive changes people are making, retention. In addition, the to go out and do human element.” encouraging involvement and working campus has seen a 71.5 great things.” to advance social justice efforts. percentage increase in Little said he finds the students of color—in fall UM-Dearborn student body both an And that’s who Chancellor Daniel Little 2017, students of color inspiration and an example for others. is—a man about campus, a man about made up 26 percent of undergraduate In addition to being hard-working town. students. college students—many first- But instead of sharing the stories of the generation—they still find time to see “Talent and ability are uniformly people he encounters, Little connects things from a different point of view. distributed across the human them to an education so they can write population. And yet, we as a society “Students here positively value the their own. often fail in providing these educational opportunity to learn from each other, opportunities to the full range of our to get a perspective they may not society. I wanted to work with people have heard growing up. The forms of who want to help others develop that understanding go very, very deep here. talent,” he said. It’s not a ‘tell me three things about your culture’s experience’. It’s truly When he arrived on campus, Little taking the time to listen to someone’s felt an immediate connection with story, to ask thoughtful questions and UM-Dearborn faculty and staff, who

10 | Spring 2018 What can a campus leader do in 18 years? Educate others. Set the academic bar Focus on campus Serve the community. Daniel Little is UM-Dearborn’s high. improvement. Not long after he arrived, Little longest-serving chancellor. Under UM-Dearborn continues to offer Little has pushed for additional announced a fresh vision for his leadership, the university has the excellence of a University of resources for learning and UM-Dearborn as a “metropolitan built a welcoming and inclusive Michigan education for students research. More faculty have been university.” Since then, the campus environment that is in southeast Michigan and beyond. hired. The instructional budget university community has worked attractive to a growing number of Since Little’s arrival, the university has increased. And new building toward increasing enrollment and students. has launched additional innovative, projects have transformed the look achieving metropolitan impact industry-responsive programs of campus and strengthened the through community partnerships, that aim to help students think student experience. engaged learning and research. critically, work collaboratively and thrive in the global job market. 164% 100+ Increase in instructional budget Academic programs now offered 17% Increase in faculty members 16.5% Increase in the amount of credit 166% 9,339 hours students take each semester Increase in research dollars STUDENTS awarded $8M 71.5% Amount of funding redirected in the last decade to the university’s 743% Increase in students of color highest priorities, keeping the INCREASE IN In 2017, students of color make campus focused on its core FINANCIAL AID up 26 percent of UM-Dearborn’s academic mission undergraduate enrollment. 500+* 12.27% Community partners engaged Increase in enrollment each year, like New Detroit: The Coalition, ACCESS and Ford 27,676 Community Corps Number of degrees conferred 7 75* under Chancellor Little—more than half of all degrees awarded in DOCTORAL Percentage of faculty members campus history PROGRAMS engaged in community LAUNCHED partnerships 61* 17 8 Percentage of students who volunteer Collaborative international NEW OR RENOVATED education programs launched BUILDINGS * Based on the 2017 Office of Metropolitan Impact Engagement Inventory.

| 11 2003 ● SEPT. 5. UM-DEARBORN ● ACQUIRES FAIRLANE 2005 TRAINING CENTER, MAY 19. LITTLE ADDS 30 ACRES, ANNOUNCES 318,000 SQ. FT. NEW VISION: A ● AND 1,000 PARKING “METROPOLITAN SPACES TO CAMPUS UNIVERSITY” WITH GOALS ● 2000 ● NOV. 10. NEWLY OF INCREASING RENOVATED ENROLLMENT, 2007 NOV. 30. DANIEL UNIVERSITY CENTER ENHANCING ● OCT. 9. LITTLE INAUGURATED OPENS, WITH ENGAGEMENT AND UM-DEARBORN HOSTS AS UM-DEARBORN’S OFFICES, BOOKSTORE, DEEPENING ACADEMIC GOP PRESIDENTIAL 5TH CHANCELLOR FOOD SERVICE AND EXCELLENCE CANDIDATE DEBATE MEETING ROOMS Making an impact

LEADING UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN FOR NEARLY A THIRD OF ITS EXISTENCE, DANIEL LITTLE HAS GUIDED THE CAMPUS’ VISION OF METROPOLITAN AND REGIONAL IMPACT, EXPANDED ACADEMIC OFFERINGS AND RECORD ENROLLMENT.

2001 2004 2006 2008 SEPT. 11. LITTLE KEEPS SUMMER. VOICE/ ● FALL. INSTITUTE FALL. THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS OPEN AFTER VISION HOLOCAUST FOR ADVANCED LAUNCHES FIRST TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER SURVIVOR ORAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS PH.D. PROGRAMS, ATTACKS, GIVING THE HISTORY ARCHIVE BUILDING OPENS IN MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY A SPACE TO RECEIVES $100,000 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MOURN FROM HENRY S. AND AND INFORMATION MALA DORFMAN SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ● OCTOBER. A $381,750 FAMILY FOUNDATION, GRANT FROM COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT AND FOUNDATION HELPS DISSEMINATE THE DEVELOP THE ROUGE ARCHIVE’S WORK RIVER GATEWAY TRAIL, THE FIRST IN THE FOUNDATION’S GREENWAYS INITIATIVE

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2014 2009 OCT. UNIVERSITY FALL. SCHOOL 2012 RECEIVES $13.5M GIFT ● OF EDUCATION ● APRIL. UM-DEARBORN AWARDS FROM THE ARTHUR (NOW COLLEGE ITS FIRST DOCTORAL DEGREE: A AND MARY KOCHOFF 2016 2018 OF EDUCATION, PH.D. IN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS ESTATE ● SEPT. 9. NATURAL SCIENCES APRIL 20. CAMPUS HEALTH, AND HUMAN ENGINEERING BUILDING OPENS COMMUNITY GATHERS SERVICES) OFFERS DEC. 4. LITTLE JOINS AT GROUNDBREAKING ITS FIRST DOCTORAL ● SEPT. 11. UM-DEARBORN PRESIDENT BARACK SEPT. 23. LAUNCH OF TALENT FOR THE ELB; DEGREE, AN ED.D. UNVEILS “FLAGS OF THE UNITED AND MICHELLE OBAMA GATEWAY, WHICH GIVES STUDENTS THE BUILDING NATIONS” MURAL, DESIGNED BY AND OTHER COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEVERAGE WILL FACILITATE SEPT. 23. MOTAWI TILEWORKS, TO REPRESENT PRESIDENTS AT WHITE THEIR STRENGTHS TO HELP MULTIDISCIPLINARY UM-DEARBORN INTERNATIONAL NATURE OF HOUSE COLLEGE THEM FIND EMPLOYMENT AFTER COOPERATION CELEBRATES ITS CAMPUS OPPORTUNITY DAY OF GRADUATION AND INNOVATIVE leaving50TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIONa legacyPROBLEM-SOLVING

2010 2013 2015 2017 MARCH. ● SEPT. 1. 400+ STUDENTS MOVE JAN. 7. UM-DEARBORN EARNS ● APRIL 20. U-M UM-DEARBORN NAMED INTO THE UNION AT DEARBORN, CARNEGIE FOUNDATION’S REGENTS APPROVE TO PRESIDENT’S THE FIRST HOUSING DESIGNED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SCHEMATIC DESIGN HIGHER EDUCATION UM-DEARBORN STUDENTS IN 25 CLASSIFICATION FOR ITS FOR NEW ENGINEERING COMMUNITY SERVICE YEARS COMMITMENT TO THE REGION LAB BUILDING HONOR ROLL BY THE CORPORATION SEPT. 1. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAY 6. UM-DEARBORN ANNOUNCES FOR NATIONAL AND BECOMES COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, PARTNERSHIP WITH FORMER U.S. COMMUNITY SERVICE HEALTH, AND HUMAN SERVICES REP. JOHN DINGELL TO BRING HIM TO CAMPUS TO ENGAGE WITH FACULTY MARCH 18. LITTLE RECEIVES AND STUDENTS TRAILBLAZER AWARD FROM WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY BRANCH DEC. 19. LITTLE CONFERS OF NAACP FOR UM-DEARBORN’S UM-DEARBORN’S 50,000TH DEGREE DIVERSITY WORK

● ● | 13 14 | Spring 2018 A UM-Dearborn project is helping students with disabilities get in on the tech revolution in education

S. BILLOPS’ MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE PRETTY GOOD AT PLAYING IT That didn’t sit well with Hill, who has MCOOL. BUT YOU GET THE SENSE THAT IF EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT OVER THE more than a decade of on-the-ground NEXT THREE MINUTES, THERE COULD BE SOME SERIOUS CELEBRATING. experience working alongside K-12 Dashing from table to table, Kaitlyn that their classrooms aren’t always students with disabilities. So he and Billops (’15 M.Ed.) gives some last- flush with the latest technology. Associate Professor of Educational second instructions, and soon after, Technology Stein Brunvand started “The students often hear me say, the app the class has been working kicking around ideas for a STEM- ‘This computer is as old as I am,’” on for the past few weeks magically based learning project designed Billops said. “And honestly, the only appears on the students’ tablets. For for a special education classroom. time they get to use technology— some of them, it’s so exciting to see Eventually, they circled around to and when I say ‘technology,’ I’m just the code suddenly come to life they the idea of teaching coding, which talking about a dinosaur desktop just start giggling: “So what do we Hill said can actually be a natural computer—is when they’re taking do now?!” one student yells out. learning environment for students a test. So I bring out a laptop, and with disabilities. “Special education “I don’t know—start pushing they want to run the other way.” students often need a lot of structure,” buttons!” Billops shouts back. But what’s happening in her classroom he said. “Coding is all about structure.” There isn’t much time to spare: She’s goes far deeper than closing a well- It certainly is. Some of the concepts down to the closing moments of known opportunity gap in Detroit’s they’d be teaching the middle this 10-week pilot coding course at schools. The coding class is aimed at schoolers—sequencing, if-then Detroit’s Ludington Magnet Middle a group of students who—regardless reasoning—are what you might School. And while total success is of their school’s resources—have find in a college logic course. not expected (Billops is good at largely been left out of tech-fueled playing it cool too), you can tell she’s innovations in education. Billops is a Another colleague, Mathematics hoping for at least one group’s app special education teacher. And every Associate Professor Mahesh Agarwal, to work without any debugging. one of her students—the ones who had an idea for how to bring those ideas have now successfully coded an app back down to earth. He was familiar Finally, one student decides to let it in software designed by MIT—is a with a free program developed by MIT rip. She taps at the screen, loading the student with a developmental disability. called App Inventor, which cloaked the simple timer app with a 20-second arcane universe of coding in a visual, countdown, then hits the start “You take something like a drag-and-drop, color-based interface. button. Billops crosses her fingers. technology class, and a student with a It was built for beginners and would disability often isn’t even going to be 19...18….17...16…flash across her allow students to design something considered for something like that,” tablet’s screen, the numbers turning Agarwal guessed had a decent shot of said Assistant Professor of Special red when they reach single digits. capturing their attention: an app they Education David Hill, one of three The countdown is on. And, as could actually use on their phones. UM-Dearborn faculty behind the predicted, so is the celebration. pilot coding course. “People assume Convinced they had a winning The new coding class is a big deal these students can’t do it, so those idea, Hill, Brunvand and Agarwal for these Detroit public school opportunities go to the gifted kids.” pushed forward—securing a grant students, who are plenty aware through MCubed, a University of

| 15 Michigan program that funds right?’ And they’d yell back, ‘No, clicking, dragging and dropping to solve the problem themselves. interdisciplinary research. Ms. Billops! You can’t do it that blocks of code so quickly that They were taking control of their They then recruited a team of way.’ That’s sequencing 101.” Billops could hardly keep up. own learning. They were fighting undergraduate students, graduate for it. That’s a kind of drive in Then out came the Ozobots: palm- The goal of the pilot course is not students and working teachers them I hadn’t seen before.” sized robots that look like the top to teach students coding per se, with expertise in everything half of R2D2. “Ozzy,” as he became Brunvand said. The idea—and the The project has also renewed from computer science to known in the class, operates using thing that he, Hill and Agarwal are Billops’ own drive. special education. The group a built-in optical scanner, which now evaluating—is to determine spent the summer creating Watching how her students allowed him to scoot around on whether the activities, which a series of 10 lesson plans engage with technology, she’d a path drawn on paper in black require a fair amount of problem- designed to teach middle school now like to see the coding class marker. But Ozzy had other skills solving and deductive reasoning, students the basics of coding. continue as a regular part of the in his repertoire. If, while on his can bolster the students’ critical curriculum—something she said But the phrase “lesson plans” journey, he ran into a sequence of thinking skills. If the curriculum her school principal is in favor robs the curriculum of a lot green and red squares, he would proves effective, they hope to offer of. To do that, means some of the of its swagger. It was littered spin. Another color sequence it free of charge to other teachers. cool tech—the tablets and Ozobots with creativity and cool tech. could make him do a U-turn. For But the researchers also are provided by the university, the one activity, students had to color “For example, when we taught interested in looking at more loaner laptops she personally had in Ozzy’s pathways in the correct the kids about sequencing, we qualitative benefits of the to chase down from the school order to make him navigate a maze. introduced the idea by talking program. And Billops has district—will have to become a Getting him through was their about cooking and why it’s already witnessed some dramatic permanent part of her classroom. ticket out the door at the end of important to follow the instructions changes in her students. the class. “I seriously think some “But it’s time,” she said. “I’ve been in a recipe,” Billops said. “I’d say, of them pretended like they were “I’m seeing them try harder,” she here for five years, and I’ve been ‘OK, we’re making a cake, so confused, just so they wouldn’t said. “I mean, this coding stuff was wanting to write grants to get the eggs go in after we bake it, have to stop,” Billops said. all new to me too, so there were them the technology they need. times I would get stuck. And when This is the push I need to go after The colors, in turn, were the that would happen, they weren’t that. It’s clear they can handle it, perfect intro to the sequencing content to just sit there, wait for and I know they deserve it.” landscape in App Inventor. me to figure it out and then tell Before long, students were them what to do. They would try

16 | Spring 2018 Found in Translation

So what’s the secret to creating a coding course for students with disabilities? UM-Dearborn researchers had a hunch they might find some magic in bringing together a lot of different perspectives. In all, the project relied on under- graduate and graduate students from three of the university’s four colleges, including students from the computer science, mathematics and education departments.

“Working together was really a process of translation,” said Courtney Dean, a graduate student and teacher at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn. “The guys who really knew about coding were essential to getting us started. But some of their expertise was, of course, a little technical for your average middle schooler.”

So Dean and the other education students distilled the material down into classroom activ- ities designed for coding newbies. It then went through a third phase of fine-tuning. “Many of the lessons were based on how I like to teach, but I don’t have as much experience working in special education,” Dean said. “So we really relied on Kaitlyn [Billops] to help us understand how to adapt them for her students.”

That meant, among other things, creating several versions of activities to accommodate different learning levels—ensuring no student would be left watching from the sideline.

KAITLYN BILLOPS WORKED WITH UM-DEARBORN FACULTY AND STUDENTS TO DEVELOP A CODING COURSE SHE COULD USE IN HER CLASSROOM AT DETROIT’S LUDINGTON MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL.

| 17 UM-DEARBORN’S YOUNG NATURALISTS PROGRAM IS A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR ONE LOCAL FAMILY

18 | Spring 2018 or Karl Bray, turning 9 was a milestone: It meant he finally could participate in the Young Naturalists Program F at the Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC). The program, for kids ages 9 to 12, offers year-round outdoor science and nature investigation programs planned and led by University of Michigan-Dearborn students. Activities include tracking animals in the snow, nighttime “owl prowls” and tapping trees for maple syrup.

“It’s finally my turn,” said Karl, standing in a large clearing. who is the youngest of seven The tree looks the way Griffin and the last Bray sibling to remembered it more than a enroll in the program. “Can decade earlier, when he was in the you believe I have brothers EIC Young Naturalists Program. who were in it before I was even born? It’s not fair…they “During one of the sessions, they get to do everything first.” taught us about bark. Shagbark Hickory trees have a raised, Accompanied by grandmother Sharon Snider, who has taken all seven of the kids to the sessions, Karl finally has his turn to taste the maple syrup that he helped tap nearly a month earlier.

Dolloped on a snow cone— some classmates have it on ice cream—the syrup started to soak in. And Karl began to dig in.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” he said. On the right trail Griffin Bray is Karl’s older brother.

Now a junior majoring in environmental studies at UM-Dearborn, Griffin spends even more time at the EIC’s natural areas than he did when he was younger, stopping by twice a week on average.

Walking along the campus nature trail, Griffin notices wild slightly curved, vertical bark that turkey tracks, and a mushroom can flake off,” Griffin said. “You patch that has just sprouted. know how you learn so much as “When changes happen to an area a kid, but there are a few things you come to know, it drives the that you easily recall—but you changes home a little bit more. aren’t exactly sure why? Well, You notice the changes over years, that is one of them for me.” months, even weeks,” he said. Griffin’s love of nature started But some things do remain early, during outdoor excur- constant. The lake is still peaceful. sions with family and time The squirrels are still competing in the woods at his grand- with their woodland neigh- parents’ cottage up north. EIC PROGRAM SUPERVISOR RICK SIMEK LEADS SHARON SNIDER AND bors at the birdseed feeders. And—thanks in part to THREE OF HER GRANDSONS THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY’S NATURAL And an old hickory tree is still the EIC’s Young AREAS.

| 19 Naturalists Program—he “Kids can tell if you enjoy what day summer outdoor learning and Karl. And it’s the number had a university in mind you are doing. Everyone I met program for kids when he of times she has attended the when it came to here really cared about what they arrived. But he wanted to expand Young Naturalists Program. choosing where he wanted to earn were teaching us. To have that, it it to better highlight the beau- “My friend who told me about the his bachelor’s degree. must be a good school,” he said. ty of the university’s 300-acre program said it was exception- “I remembered that when I was Environmental Study Area. al—one of the best educational deciding which university to “There are so many wonderful experiences her daughter ever attend; the Environmental things to explore in the natu- had,” said Snider, a Dearborn Studies program was interesting ral world during the different resident. “Having been through to me too.” seasons. I thought it would be in- the program seven times now On campus, Griffin has taken teresting to plan a program where myself, I can tell you that it’s true.” Geology Professor Jacob attending each session would She has enjoyed those Satur- Napieralski’s geomorphology allow for a child to see a whole day morning sessions at the course and traveled out of state to yearly spectrum of natural occur- EIC with her grandkids, the do field work and participate in rences,” Simek said. “It’s one thing lessons she’s learned and the daylong hikes. Griffin caught to say, ‘Leaves change color.’ It’s memories they’ve made. Biology Associate Professor another to learn the process and Melissa Bowlin’s “contagious be physically present in the same Accompanying Karl at the enthusiasm” for birds in her natural area on a recurring basis animal tracking session as he ornithology course. And he’s to see that life cycle take place.” makes a mold of an opossum looking forward to tasting local footprint, Snider listens as he To do this, Simek created seasonal plants in Biology and Environ- shares his reasons for picking hands-on outdoor learning les- mental Studies Professor Orin the marsupial. He could have sons. He trained and supervised Gelderloos’ field biology course. chosen a deer, beaver or fox. UM-Dearborn natural sciences “I am glad my grandma brought students who had an interest “Opossum play dead. That’s me to campus,” he said. “There’s in fieldwork and teaching. And pretty cool,” he said. “And so much to learn.” he launched the Young Natu- the tail is prehensile. It’s like ralists Program during his first having an extra arm.” From the trail, the youth program year on campus, 24 years ago. or the college courses? Snider said all the kids enjoyed “Doing this for so long, I’ve seen their year in the Young Natu- “All of it.” the progression of an elementa- ralists Program, and that it en- ry-age student who comes to the hanced their understanding and Time to explore EIC through the Young Natural- appreciation of nature. Hers, too. When program participants get ists Program or field trips and She said the student educators excited about finding deer tracks later comes to the university as a are outstanding and no two in the snow or ask questions college student, like Griffin,” said lessons have ever been exactly about where the birds are going, Simek, who said approximately the same—all points are still EIC Program Supervisor Rick 13,000 school-age children visit covered, but students bring their Simek is reminded of his own the EIC annually. “Then students own way to teaching them. childhood curiosity. Why are the are inspired to go out after leaves changing color? How does graduation and get others excited Griffin will soon have an oppor- a tadpole become a frog? Where about discovering and preserving tunity to put his stamp on the les- do the flowers go in the winter? nature through a career. It’s a sons too: He was recently named It’s a curiosity he still has. “The very cool thing to see and I am an EIC student educator for the TOP AND RIGHT: KARL BRAY diversity of life found within so grateful to be a part of it.” Young Naturalists Program. PREPARES TO TAP A MAPLE TREE. this wonderful natural oa- BOTTOM: STUDENT EDUCATORS “It feels amazing to have this LEAD ACTIVITIES AT THE YOUNG sis we have is incredible. I’ve All in the family opportunity to teach. I hope NATURALISTS PROGRAM. been here for years and I learn Seven is a lucky number. At that I can be half as good as the something new every day.” least it is for Grandma Snider. people who taught me,” he said. Simek, who has worked at the It’s the number of her Bray “I want to leave the kids with university since 1994, said grandchildren—Gabriel, Griffin, a better understanding of the UM-Dearborn offered a four- Gideon, Leon, Marigold, Cosmo natural world, one that motivates them to continue to explore.”

20 | Spring 2018 | 21 AfterSchool Giving your all and giving back

WHY I GIVE BE A VICTOR In his parents’ footsteps FOR UM-DEARBORN

to help shape the next generation UM-Dearborn is an extraordinary place, providing of leaders. an exceptional education to talented students regardless of their means, and committed to serving In December 2016, the National our region and our world. Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) made a challenge grant of Generous donors play a key role in making this $100,000 to support UM-Dear- academic excellence possible with essential born’s Center for Arab American funding. Because of their contributions, the Victors Studies. To secure the grant, the for UM-Dearborn campaign is truly “Transforming center had to raise $100,000 in Students: Powering our Region.” matching funds in just four months. FROM LEFT: MOUNA AND NABIL KHOURY, FARIDEH Since the start of the campaign, our dedicated AND ELIE RAZMI KHOURY AND DINA AND ERIK HANBY Khoury and his wife, Mouna, champions have achieved so much, giving more CELEBRATE THE NAMING OF THE CENTER FOR ARAB responded with a significant gift than $42.5M, including more than $23M for student AMERICAN STUDIES OFFICE. that allowed the center to reach its support. goal and secure the grant. Khoury’s NABIL KHOURY (’85 B.S.) grew up in a sister, Dina Khoury Hanby (’91 B.A.), also But there is still more to do. While we are approach- household that made charitable giving its contributed to the gift. ing the close of the campaign at the end of this year, centerpiece. In the early 1960s, Khoury’s there is urgent need for funding in many areas. parents immigrated to the United States. “The center is important because it not They settled comfortably in Metro Detroit, only tells the story of the Arab American With your help, we will fulfill our four campaign but never forgot about the ongoing human community, but also produces academic priorities: suffering in the war-torn Middle East. scholarship,” Khoury said. • Student Support—expanding access to the “My father, who is now a retired physician, The NEH grant will allow the center to academic excellence and career preparedness raised funds for medical equipment and create a first-year course exploring different that a UM-Dearborn degree provides. supplies for humanitarian efforts in the approaches to studying Arab American • Educational Initiatives—developing innovative, Middle East,” Khoury said. “He even helped history and culture. Students also will engage new programs that enhance academics and equip intensive care units at hospitals in in a summer research project in partnership equip students to succeed in today’s competitive places like Lebanon. My mother co-wrote an with local humanities institutions. In addition, economy. Arabic cookbook. Funds from the thousands grant funds will support summer research of copies sold supported similar causes.” internships, annual public symposia and • Learning Environments—creating modern, inspi- opportunities for community engagement rational spaces that encourage active learning and That charitable work instilled a sense of and faculty research. collaboration, and enable pioneering research. pride in Khoury and his sister for their Arab American heritage. In recognition of the gift, the center named • Faculty support—attracting and retaining top its office space in honor of Khoury’s parents, educators and scholars that will challenge and “My parents taught us to take action and be- Dr. Elie Razmi Khoury and Mrs. Farideh inspire our students to achieve their full potential. come a voice for peace, justice, human rights Khoury. The recognition also acknowledges and our culture,” said Khoury, attending We need your support to make certain these goals their lifelong contributions to the Arab Ameri- physician in the Department of Emergency are reached and that UM-Dearborn students contin- can community. Medicine at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in ue to receive an outstanding education. Livonia, Mich., and medical director of the “I’m grateful to my alma mater, the center Make your gift today! Together Health Network. is addressing issues near and dear to my parents’ hearts and UM-Dearborn is making Like his parents, Khoury directed his initial a great impact on the community,” Khoury philanthropic efforts toward humanitarian said. “It’s important for those who benefited organizations serving the Middle East. By from their education to find a place in the the early 2000s, he also began supporting life of their alma mater and give back in a umdearborn.edu/giving educational institutions through a desire meaningful way.” Office of Institutional Advancement 313-593-5130

22 | Spring 2018 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

they don’t necessarily want to associated with cybersecurity,” Meet the engineering alumnus who’s now be hired by General Motors—or Massimilla said. “If you really think GM’s top cybersecurity guy any company—but they have a about it, a cyberattack in any part of tremendous amount of talent.” the automotive industry would not UTONOMOUS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY IS CONTINUALLY GETTING be good for anybody in the industry GM was, in fact, the first major AMORE SOPHISTICATED, BUT THE DRIVERLESS REVOLUTION because that can erode trust in automaker to implement such a WON’T TRULY BE UPON US UNTIL CONSUMERS FEEL SAFE BEHIND general.” THE WHEEL (ASSUMING OUR AUTONOMOUS CARS WILL STILL HAVE program—one that has become STEERING WHEELS). AND VEHICLE SAFETY INVOLVES MORE THAN a critical part of the company’s Massimilla said the connected and ENGINEERING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS CAPABLE OF vehicle safety operations. autonomous revolution has also FLAWLESSLY NAVIGATING STOP-AND-GO RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. IT Massimilla said it’s also indicative transformed the industry’s job ALSO MEANS HARDENING THOSE VEHICLES TO CYBERATTACKS. of the collaborative culture that market. Indeed, many important surrounds cybersecurity work positions—including his own— Keeping autonomous vehicles with research firm HackerOne. within the industry at large. didn’t even exist when he was an electrical engineering student two safe from cyberattacks is at the The idea is that the team can learn Massimilla is helping lead that decades ago. Now, he’s proud to core of the work being done by more about vulnerabilities in their broader charge himself as chair of say that automakers are emerging Jeff Massimilla (’99 B.S.E.E.E., vehicle systems by opening them the Automotive Information Sharing as leaders in the cybersecurity ’04 M.S.E., ’04 M.B.A.), vice up to attacks from the outside. and Analysis Center, an industry president of global cybersecurity space, right alongside Silicon “It’s sort of like putting out the group that nurtures cooperation and at General Motors. He and his Valley and defense firms. welcome mat on your front porch defines best practices among major team are constantly monitoring as opposed to a ‘no soliciting’ automakers and smaller companies “Whenever I get a chance to emerging threats and building sign,” Massimilla said about up and down the supply chain. talk with students, I tell them if better defenses. And one of the you have a chance to get some their relationship with members “When you bring the whole industry ways Massimilla does that is to experience in cyber—degrees, of the hacker community, who together, there are varying levels work closely with “ethical” hackers, certificates, minors, majors—do it. he refers to affectionately as of maturity and capability, but we which GM taps via its partnership The talent shortage is real.” “researchers.” “Many researchers, all face the same threats and risks

| 23 AfterSchool

SCHOOL TIES Moving Dearborn forward With two unique downtown of President Richard Nixon. The wine?’ We kept giving answers: here in the region and we get to districts, a thriving arts scene, world seemed upside down, but The age. The grape. The region. see their education applied in the growing business developments campus was a safe place for us to After hearing our replies, the real world, right here. and plenty of green space, the city discuss this. Before he resigned, professor said, ‘It’s the quality of Darany: The impact that UM- of Dearborn has the benefits of a people weren’t really sure if trying the conversation.’ He’s right. It Dearborn has in Dearborn is large metropolis with a welcoming to impeach the president was the helped me understand that there immeasurable. The university is neighborhood feel. right thing to do. Some thought it is a deeper meaning behind most home to leaders in education, was great, others thought it would things. So when it comes to public Modern vibrancy and community business, engineering, technology be bad for our country. I liked how service, it reminds me that it is vital charm can be a balancing act, and science, who are working we could talk openly and get away to listen—really listen—to get a but the 232-year-old city makes it to ensure that Dearborn is a from thinking something was right solid, well-rounded understanding look easy. So who are the people leader in the development of just because our parents believed a of what is going on before making making decisions to help move physical things—like buildings, certain way. decisions. Dearborn forward? Turns out they parks, pools, downtowns—and a are your fellow Wolverines. WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC HOW DID UM-DEARBORN HELP SERVICE, WHAT UM-DEARBORN PREPARE YOU FOR A LEADING More than half of Dearborn’s CLASS STANDS OUT FOR YOU? GOVERNMENT ROLE? City Council is composed of UM-Dearborn graduates: David Councilman Michael Sareini: Councilwoman Erin Byrnes: UM- Bazzy (’81 B.A.), Erin Byrnes Political Science Professor Frank Dearborn does an excellent job of (’07 B.A.), Susan Dabaja (’00 Wayman taught the best class promoting community engagement B.S.) and Michael Sareini (’09 I’ve ever taken: War and Strategy, opportunities. As part of the co-op B.A.). Dearborn alumnus George a course on negotiation. I’ll never program, [CASL Co-op Program Darany (’78 B.A.), a retired forget it. It was how to get people Manager] Patti Martin helped state representative (D-15), is to come together when their points connect me to an internship in the Dearborn’s city clerk. of view are far apart. I still use Dearborn City Council office. That lessons from that class today. experience gave me behind-the- Legacy met up with the Dearborn scenes knowledge and sparked an alumni prior to the first City Council President Susan Dabaja: interest to serve. Ten years later, I’m Council meeting of the year. Dr. Orin Gelderloos’ Field Biology on council. For me, it really has come course. It taught me to appreciate They shared their fond memories of full circle. what we have in our own backyard campus and how their UM-Dearborn and the responsibility we have HOW DOES UM-DEARBORN experiences helped shape their toward our environment. Dr. HELP CREATE A VIBRANT careers in public service. They talked Gelderloos helped the class see COMMUNITY? about how the campus still impacts how the actions we choose can their lives—two councilmembers, Councilman David Bazzy: The affect our surroundings. I told my Dabaja and Sareini, currently have university is an economic and 18-year-old daughter Claudia—I children enrolled on campus. And social driver. People come here for was pregnant with her when I they spoke about how the city and an education, to teach, to work. took the course—she should sign university work together to enhance And when they do that, they invest up for that Field Biology course, the region and beyond. in the city—they live here, shop regardless of the major she here, eat here. The campus also is DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE chooses. a welcoming, diverse place; and CAMPUS MEMORY? WHAT IS SOME OF THE BEST people see that the community City Clerk George Darany: When ADVICE YOU RECEIVED WHILE around it reflects those values too. President Gerald Ford visited ON CAMPUS? Dabaja: Some cities have a campus, I had the opportunity to Sareini: In a philosophy class, concern about “brain drain,” with shake his hand. It was right after our professor asked us, ‘Do you young people moving out of the Watergate and the resignation know how to rate the quality of a area. But much of our talent stays

24 | Spring 2018 leader in intellectual discussions neighborhood cleanups and Bazzy: It’s a way to make your Get involved.’ I believe that. It’s like diversity studies, bipartisan engaging with local students. I community a better, stronger important to be engaged and to political town halls and equal rights saw how all ages got involved place—not just for us now, but for engage others. and justice. and how we worked together the next generation too. I lived in to create visible progress. I saw a house that was very politically WHY IS PUBLIC SERVICE WORK those positive changes—what that active. My dad was the head of a IMPORTANT? volunteering did—and wanted to union and my mom ran against Byrnes: At first, I was a volunteer. do even more. I grew up here. I [longtime Dearborn Mayor] Orville Prior to City Council, I had been have family here. I want to continue Hubbard; she was the first woman on Dearborn’s City Beautiful to give back to the community that to run for mayor in the city. My Commission. I started organizing gave me so much. parents said, ‘Don’t complain.

UM-DEARBORN ALUMNI GEORGE DARANY, MICHAEL SAREINI, ERIN BYRNES, SUSAN DABAJA AND DAVID BAZZY

| 25 AfterSchool

SCHOOL TIES Five lessons learned: Marcus Williams As MARCUS WILLIAMS enters a restaurant, a but I also have a degree in something I find crowd forms around him and he begins to sign important, and I have confidence I can make a autographs. difference in that field later. “This is the dream. And I am living it,” said 3. Find personal development Williams (’17 B.A.), a former UM-Dearborn basketball standout who now plays lessons in your profession. professionally overseas. “I had my eye on No matter what you choose to do with your life, playing ball in Europe for a while. Now I wake up, it will require work; it will require precious time. looking at mountains, remembering that I made So do what pushes you to be better, to grow. it. I’m here.” I’m not perfect; some days I want to stay home. Williams is a starter for the Košarkarski Klub But basketball makes me a better person. It Šentjur basketball team, which competes has taught me discipline, mental preparedness, in the Premier A Slovenian League. He’s teamwork and determination. averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game in his rookie season. 4. Take 10. Here, he shares a few things about getting the Even if you are busy, take time to be there for the ball in your court. people who look up to you. It’s an honor to be seen that way. My younger brother Desmond plays ball 1. Mother really does knows best. too. When he was on the elementary team and I I’m playing five games a week, sometimes back was in high school, he wanted to wear the same to back. Pushing my body until I’m exhausted— number as me, No. 24. But he got No. 10. The next but that’s what I signed up to do. So I give it season, I switched to No. 10. I wanted him to know I my all. That’s from my mom—it’s how she acts. appreciated that he wanted to share a number. When I was young, Mom worked long hours, Now I’m on the other side of the world, but I came home, made food for us, put us first. She make sure to get time with him. I Facetime and I never complained. When I was in school, she write letters. even went back to college and now has her Ph.D. That’s strength. If she can do that, I can make it 5. If a door opens, walk though it. through any of my challenges. When I got the offer to play pro, I was a little 2. Reach for your dreams—but nervous. I had never lived away from my family. I didn’t speak the language. I had never been to still seek out other opportunities. Europe. But Coach Langley told me that we only I started college only thinking about basketball. get a certain number of opportunities; we need My grades were good, but my credits were all over to make what we do with those opportunities the place. [UM-Dearborn Head Basketball] Coach count. I’m glad I listened. [Taylor] Langley helped me realize the importance Now I know almost everyone in my town from of taking full advantage of the opportunity I had. playing ball; I’m picking up the language. When I thought knowledge of the criminal justice I travel with my team, I see things I’ve only system could help me better understand how read about before, like the Colosseum in Rome and why things work the way they do; I really and castles here in Slovenia and in the Czech enjoyed the classes too. I am playing ball now, Republic. I’m living the dream.

MARCUS WILLIAMS ATTACKS THE RIM DURING A GAME WITH THE KOŠARKARSKI KLUB ŠENTJUR BASKETBALL TEAM

26 | Spring 2018 CLASS NOTES

DARRELL HALL (’05 B.G.S.) has published two books since graduation, KEEP YOUR CLASSMATES UPDATED. Exciting things happening in your life? Changed jobs? Got married? Old Stories from Soul Avenue (2009) and Had kids? Received an award? Send your Class Notes to [email protected]. You also can visit our website at The Black Man’s Journal (2013). Hall is umdearborn.edu/alumni_stay_connected and fill out our form. We’d love to hear from you! CEO of Communication 101, a professional Facebook University of Michigan-Dearborn page and University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni page development company based in metro Detroit. Twitter @UM_Dearborn and @UMDearbornAlums

LinkedIn University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Network group ’10s

Instagram umdearborn and um_dearborn_alumni BRIAN CHRISTOPHER BROWN (’10 B.A.) released his debut EP, Reverse the Snapchat um_dearborn Curse.

CARDI DEMONACO (’11 B.S.) was elected to the Eastpointe City Council. COLLEGE OF ARTS, WILLIAM RAPAI’S (’82 B.A.) book, ’90s SCIENCES, AND LETTERS Brewed In Michigan: The New Golden Age NICK CANDEA (’14 B.A.) was elected of Brewing in the Great Beer State, was CRAIG HUTCHISON (’90 B.S.A, executive article editor of The Journal of Law in Society at Wayne State University ’70s named a Michigan Notable Book for 2018 ’99 B.A.) released his fourth book, Lost by the Library of Michigan. Law School. LAURA TOY (’75 B.G.S.) was elected Dearborn. to the Livonia City Council. JOHN GRAZIANI (’84 B.A.) was JOHN KELLEY (’96 B.A.) was named elected to the Southgate City Council. TERRY CHERRY (’76 B.A.) is principal of Allen Park (Mich.) High School. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND president of the National Council for the ROB CORREA (’86 B.A.) is now CFO DAVID HARVEY (’98 M.P.A.) is COMPUTER SCIENCE Social Studies. and vice president of business director of Public Safety Leadership at administration of The War Memorial in KELLY ANN RAMSEY (’79 B.A.) was Madonna University. ’80s Grosse Pointe Farms. reappointed to another four-year term on DONOVAN ROWE (’99 B.B.A., ’04 JOHN J. JEZUIT (’81 B.S.E.M.E.) the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse was CLAUDIA D. ORR (’86 B.G.S.) M.P.A.) was promoted to superintendent has been awarded several U.S. patents and Neglect. elected to the Detroit Society of Human of the Huron (Mich.) School District. during his 35-year career in the auto Resource Management’s Board of industry. He is currently project chief of ’80s Directors for a two-year term. ’00s interiors at Fiat Chrysler.

ELIZABETH SILVERMAN (’80 B.A.) JOHN OWSINEK (’88 B.A.) was RJ FOX’S (’00 B.A.) latest book, Tales earned the Outstanding Achievement KUMAR GALHOTRA (’88 elected to the Walled Lake City Council. from the Dork Side, was published by Fifth Award (Solo and Small Firms) from the B.S.E.M.E.) was named group vice Avenue Press. State Bar of Michigan. president and president of Ford North America. ’90s SCOTT REYNOLDS (’92 B.S.E.E.E.) was elected to the Clarkston City Council.

ALI FOUANI (’94 B.S.E.M.E.) is an In the news independent consultant, working on product development, innovation and It’s no surprise to us that the latest edition of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 under 40” list features four of our own: product release for the medical device, JUDGE MARIAM SAAD BAZZI (’00 B.S.) became just city residents build careers in the skilled trades. pharmacy and automotive industries. the second Arab American named to the Wayne County Specializing in auto industry litigation, JEENA PATEL JOE LARUSSA (’99 B.S.E.E.E., ’03 bench when Governor Snyder appointed her to the circuit (’02 B.B.A.) became a partner at the Southfield-based M.S., ’03 M.S.E.) was elected to the court in May 2017. The first-generation American has deep law firm Warner Norcross & Judd at age 33—and is paying it Farmington City Council. roots in the greater Dearborn community, serving on the forward as vice president of the Automotive Women’s Dearborn school board and the Arab American Political Action Alliance Foundation (AWAF), which provides scholarships to ’00s Committee, where she was the group’s first woman president. women pursuing careers in the industry. JEFFREY JONES (’01 B.S.E.COMP., CLARINDA BARNETT-HARRISON (’03 B.A.) DANNIS MITCHELL’S (’08 B.B.A.) work as diversity ’01 B.S.E.E.E., ’04 M.S.) is executive served as executive director of UM-Dearborn’s Business and inclusion manager for Barton Malow—the contractor director of the Asia Pacific Strategy at Engagement Center before moving to United Way for behind some of the biggest projects in the city, including Ford Motor Company. Southeastern Michigan last year. In her new post as director Little Caesars Arena and Dan Gilbert’s new skyscraper on of economic prosperity and executive director of the Detroit NOEL RANKA (’05 M.S.E., ’05 the former Hudson’s site—is focused on creating access to Regional Workforce Fund, she’s leading a program that helps M.B.A.) was named chief sales and building trades for people of diverse backgrounds. marketing officer of PurePower Technologies.

| 27 AfterSchool

CLASS NOTES

NICOLE CICALA (’09 B.S.E.E.E.), VERNON NAVOCK (’86 B.B.A) EDWIN HUANG (’13 B.B.A.) director of VA/VE and cost modeling at joined AmTrust Title Insurance Company ’00s accepted a position as purchasing American Axle and Manufacturing, was as the Midwest agency representative. ITAI BEN-GAL (’01 B.B.A.) was manager at Mahindra North America named to the DBusiness “30 in Their named chief innovation officer of Technical Center, Inc. Thirties” list. ’90s experiential marketing agency Bluewater. ALAN MARDINI (’14 B.B.A.) was COLLEGE OF BUSINESS DANIELL PATTERSON (’90 B.S.A.) TIFFANY GUNTER (’03 B.B.A, ’10 named senior consultant, mergers and was promoted to partner at Fenner, M.P.A.) was named assistant city acquisitions transaction services, at ’70s Melstrom & Dooling, PLC, an accounting manager of Birmingham, Mich. Deloitte. DAN PALETKO (’73 B.B.A.) was firm in Birmingham, Mich. RICHARD NOEL (’04 B.B.A.), joined TOM FORRESTER (’13 B.B.A., ’15 reelected mayor of Dearborn Heights. DEBORAH (KAMBER) MCCRORY Aisin World Corporation of America as a M.S.ACCT.) was promoted to senior JAMES GIORDANO (’79, B.S.A.) (’92 B.B.A.) joined Wayne State systems administrator. staff accountant at UHY LLP. University’s human resources was named CEO of Amerisource Industrial FADY TELLA (’14 B.B.A.) is a fixed department. ’10s Supply. asset accountant at FCA Fiat Chrysler CAROL ANN MCCORMICK (’95 ALI BAYDOUN (’10 B.B.A., ’14 Automobiles. ’80s M.S.) was promoted to senior manager B.S.A.), vice president of sales and RYAN SCHIMM (’14 B.B.A., ’16 JOHN BABCOCK (’82 B.S.A.) was marketing for Duncaster (Conn.) at UHY LLP. M.S.ACCT.) was promoted to senior named North Carolina’s best lawyer in the Retirement Community, earned the MATTHEW S. ASH (’11 M.B.A., ’11 staff accountant at UHY LLP. business category by Business North LeadingAge Connecticut Media Award for M.S.FIN.) Matthew S. Ash was promoted Carolina. Babcock is a partner at the law creating the “60 Over 60” Awards, which ELIZABETH WEHNER (’15 B.B.A.) to general manager at Toyota Tsusho Next firm of Wall Babcock. showcase senior Connecticans who make was promoted to senior staff accountant Electronics American, Inc. (formerly a difference in the state. at UHY LLP. Toyota Tsusho America).

October 3 – October 6 Maize & Blue Bowl • Alumni Difference Makers • Victors Fun Day • Golden Jubilee Reunion Celebration Wolverines Football Watch Party

To learn more about Homecoming activities, contact Alumni Engagement at 313-593-5131 or visit umdearborn.edu/alumnihomecoming.

28 | Spring 2018 First Person

We asked university and regional leaders to reflect on Chancellor Daniel Little’s 18 years of leadership at UM-Dearborn.

“The University of Michigan-Dearborn is on partnerships to provide campus housing. I am the learning experience Dan provided me as a an upward trajectory thanks in large part to glad Dan is going to stay on the faculty and member of his leadership group.” Chancellor Little’s incredible 18 years of look forward to his continued engagement Richard Manoogian with our U-M community.” leadership. Its national recognition for Chairman Emeritus, Masco Corporation community engagement, affordability and Andrea Fischer Newman academic excellence reinforces the qualities “Chancellor Little has done a tremendous Regent, University of Michigan that the UM-Dearborn community knows job of raising the profile of the university, very well. I deeply appreciate Dan’s “It is with best wishes and great fondness overseeing the campus expansion and commitment to building an impactful, that we bid Chancellor Little farewell as he innovative additions. We’re appreciative of inclusive campus that serves southeast leaves his leadership post at UM-Dearborn. his leadership in the metro area, and his Michigan and gives so many students, The greatest service one can engage in is promotion of UM-Dearborn as a welcoming families and community members greater service to others. Thank you, Chancellor place for academic engagement. His efforts hope for the future.” Little, for your investment in our youth and have boosted Dearborn’s enviable image as a your commitment to the community in college town.” Mark Schlissel Dearborn and throughout southeast President, University of Michigan John O’Reilly Michigan. ACCESS is pleased to call you a Mayor, City of Dearborn “The great things a university does and the friend and partner in our quest to build a great things a community does are usually in just and equitable society for all.” “UM-Dearborn, under Chancellor Little’s separate silos. But Chancellor Little, through leadership, is preparing students not just for Maha Freij his leadership, leveraged university talent and today, but also for the future. His leadership Deputy Executive Director & CFO, ACCESS resources to make Detroit a better place.” as a champion for racial justice—as well as his “It’s been my honor to know Chancellor Little. efforts to improve and to increase diversity Ismael Ahmed (’75 B.A.) His incredible compassion, endless energy and inclusion at UM-Dearborn—has had an Senior Adviser to the Chancellor and bold leadership for the quality of edu- impact throughout metropolitan Detroit.” “In his 18 years as chancellor, Daniel Little cation and growth of the student body and Shirley Stancato faculty is a wonderful legacy and foundation has helped grow UM-Dearborn into the President & CEO, New Detroit, Inc. leading metropolitan university it is today. for future generations. Thank you Chancellor Driven by UM-Dearborn’s mission of Little!” “Dan has done an outstanding job of inclusivity, Chancellor Little dedicated his making UM-Dearborn not only state-class, Nancy Goia (’82 B.S.E.E.E.) time to creating a culture and environment but world-class and worthy of carrying the Director of Global Connectivity, Electrical and where every student feels welcome and University of Michigan name.” User Experience (Retired), Ford Motor Co. comfortable to learn, debate, explore and Ron Weiser excel. Thanks in great part to his leadership, “Chancellor Little’s passion for the Regent, University of Michigan UM-Dearborn now extends the promise of community and for giving back is a quality education to more students than contagious. I want to personally thank Dan “Chancellor Dan Little has simply been ever before. We thank Chancellor Little for for his leadership, his courage, his dedication one of the best leaders the University of his years of commitment to the university to diversity and inclusion and his Michigan has ever had. Along with his and its students, and wish him well in his commitment to ensuring that southeast extraordinary intellect, he possesses an next chapter.” Michigan has an amazing educational unbelievable ability to relate to the partner in UM-Dearborn.” community he serves. He works extremely Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman; and well with the university community to John Dingell, Congressman (ret.) Wright Lassiter solve complex problems. Chancellor Little President & CEO, Henry Ford Health System “Dan is an effective, eloquent leader. A team has boundless energy to devote to player. One who values others’ opinions but “Serving as a member of the chancellor’s improve both the academic quality and knows how to make decisions and move the Executive Leaders Advocacy Group, I have learning experience throughout UM- discussion forward. He has been masterful observed Dan’s thoughtful, intelligent and Dearborn.” guiding UM-Dearborn, growing the school, en- passionate approach to a wide variety of key Katherine E. White hancing the academics, expanding the cam- issues. Dan is respectful of those from whom Regent, University of Michigan pus and exploring and initiating public-private he seeks advice, and I have very much enjoyed Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Dearborn, MI Permit No. 684

The University of Michigan-Dearborn LEGACY 4901 Evergreen Road Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1491

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FROM THE BEGINNING UM-Dearborn inaugurated Daniel Little as the university’s fifth chancellor on Nov. 30, 2000.