2012 Honors Convocation Program

89th Honors Convocation Hill Auditorium | March 18, 2012 This year marks the 89th Honors Convocation held at the University of Michigan since the first was instituted on May 13, 1924, by President Marion LeRoy Burton. On these occasions the University publicly recognizes and commends the undergraduate students in its schools and colleges who have earned distinguished academic records or have excelled as leaders in the community. It is highly appropriate that those students be honored who have most clearly and effectively demonstrated academic excellence, dynamic leadership, and inspirational volunteerism. The Honors Convocation takes rank with the Commencement Exercises among the important ceremonies of the University year. The names of the students who are honored for outstanding achievement this year appear in this program. They include all students who have earned University Honors in both Winter 2011 and Fall 2011, plus all seniors who have earned University Honors in either Winter 2011 or Fall 2011. The William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize recipients are listed, as well—recognizing first year undergraduate students whose academic achievement during their first semester on campus place them in the upper five percent of their school or college class. James B. Angell Scholars— students who receive all “A” grades over consecutive terms—are given a special place in the program. In addition, the Student Speaker is recognized individually for exemplary contributions to the University community. To all honored students, and to their parents, the University extends its hearty congratulations. PHILIP J. HANLON PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS 3074 FLEMING ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 503 THOMPSON STREET ANN ARBOR, MI 48109-1340 Honored Students Honored Faculty Faculty Colleagues and Friends of the University It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 89th University of Michigan Honors Convocation. On behalf of the academic leaders on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, I thank you for joining us today. The Honors Convocation provides us with the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of undergraduate students from all three of our campuses. It is one of my favorite events each year and has become an important University tradition. Today we honor students who exemplify academic excellence, committed and creative leadership, and thoughtful service—all core values of the University. These students have demonstrated a passion for learning—challenging themselves and their teachers with tough questions and innovative ideas that stretch the boundaries of knowledge and open new pathways for exploration. The University’s mission states our commitment to “developing leaders who will challenge the present and enrich the future.” The students we honor today give life to that commitment through their purposeful engagement with the world. Today we also honor a group of distinguished faculty members who have joined us for this ceremony. Recently recognized by the University for their outstanding teaching and scholarship, they represent the many individuals in our community who inspire, challenge, and support our students. As we congratulate our students, we also recognize, with deep appreciation, the parents, family members, and friends who have nurtured and supported these remarkable students. The University of Michigan shares the pride you feel in their accomplishments. With you, we look forward to the contributions they will make to the future. Congratulations and Welcome! Phil Hanlon Order of Exercises Honors Convocation, March 18, 2012 “Making a Difference in the World: Do We Need to Travel to Understand Global Affairs?” The theme for this year’s event is intended to prompt discussion of the value of engaging with our fellow citizens of the world wherever we encounter them. The aria selected by our soloist reflects this theme as well. Carillon Selections Qi Yang Doctoral Student, College of Engineering Prelude Aria della Battaglia Composed by Andre Gabrielli University of Michigan Symphony Band Brass Choir Rodney Dorsey Associate Director of University Bands *Processional Phoenix Processional Composed by Dan Locklair Kipp Cortez Master’s Student, School of Music, Theatre & Dance *The National Anthem Jacob Wilkins Junior, School of Education and Human Services and the College of Arts and Sciences University of Michigan-Flint Welcome Philip J. Hanlon Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Honors Convocation Yourui Yeo Speaker Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts University Honors Presentation of Philip J. Hanlon Honors Students Ruth J. Person Chancellor, University of Michigan-Flint Catherine A. Davy Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Michigan-Dearborn Lester P. Monts Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Presentation of Philip J. Hanlon Thurnau Professors 2 Honors Convocation Barry G. Rabe Speaker Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Environmental Policy and J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Professor of the Environment and Professor of Political Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Professor of Environmental Policy, School of Natural Resources and Environment Musical Selection The Better Part Music by John Duke Text by George Santayana Samantha Winter, soprano Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Eight Term Angell Scholar, University Honors Dylan Perez, piano Senior, School of Music, Theatre & Dance Two Term Angell Scholar, University Honors The Convocation Mary Sue Coleman Address President Closing Philip J. Hanlon *The Alma Mater The Yellow and Blue Composed by Michael W. Balfe Kipp Cortez and the Audience (see words on back cover) *Recessional Grand Chorus in A Major Composed by Alexandre Guilmant Kipp Cortez *Those who are able are asked to stand for portions of the program asterisked (*). At the conclusion of the program, the audience will please remain standing until the platform party has left the auditorium. We are grateful to the Provost’s Council on Student Honors for their role in planning this event. Council members include: Co-chairs Scott Hershovitz, Assistant Professor of Law and Kevin Korsyn, Professor of Music Theory; Elleanor Crown, Academic Advisor, LSA Honors Program; Benjamin Fortson, Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Linguistics; Elizabeth Goodenough, Residential College Lecturer; Lorraine Gutierrez, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Psychology and Social Work; Laura Ruetsche, Professor of Philosophy; Melanie Sanford, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Chemistry; Volker Sick, Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Jim Walsh, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Business Administration; and Gretchen Weir, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. The Council is sponsored by Senior Vice Provost Lester P. Monts. The University of Michigan wishes to thank Elizabeth Clarno and Dorothy Mulvahill, American Sign Language Interpreters, for their important service during this program. In addition, a viewing area equipped with real-time captioning is designated on the main floor. Please ask a faculty marshal if you need assistance locating this area. 3 Honors Convocation Speakers Yourui Yeo Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Yourui Yeo, who came to the University of Michigan as a transfer student from Malacca, Malaysia, is a junior with a double major in economics and organizational studies and a minor in German in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Fluent in English, German, Malay, and Mandarin, she facilitates international understanding through her academic and extracurricular activities. Last summer, she interned in Bonn, Germany, where she helped promote German and U.S. intern exchanges. She also contributes to leadership programs for international audiences as a research assistant with the LEAD Research Group at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Among the honors she has received are scholarships for tuition from Shell Malaysia and for room and board from the Telluride Association. She directed the popular Malaysian Cultural Night ’12, teaches English to Chinese senior citizens, and is passionate about Argentine tango. Following graduation, she plans to gain experience in the consulting industry and eventually join an international nonprofit. Barry G. Rabe Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Environmental Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Professor of the Environment, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Professor of Political Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Professor of Environmental Policy, School of Natural Resources and Environment Professor Rabe, a member of the University of Michigan faculty since 1985, was named a Thurnau Professor in 2011 in recognition of his teaching excellence and commitment to enhancing undergraduate academic opportunities. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Carthage College and his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Chicago. Professor Rabe played a central role in the 2002 development of the Program in the Environment, one of the University’s fastest growing undergraduate programs, and served as its director. He is a non-resident senior fellow in the Governance Studies Program at the Brookings Institution and a fellow at the National Academy

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