Leading the way, staying in touch, making the difference FALL 14 SIDE IN DEPARTMENTS FEATURES 3 Chancellor’s Perspective Daniel Little discusses the importance of the Victors PRIORITY 1 for UM-Dearborn campaign. 8 Student Support 4 Pathway to Success Arthur and Mary Kochoff make largest gift in PRIORITY 2 UM-Dearborn history 14 Educational Initiatives 6 In the Numbers A snapshot of the Victors for UM-Dearborn Campaign 7 Voices of the Victors PRIORITY 3 What motivates the leaders and best? 18 Learning Environments 25 AfterSchool School Ties, Game Changer, Giving Back, PRIORITY 4 Difference Makers, Class Notes and more 20 Faculty Support 31 First Person Paying forward, giving back 32 Snap Like they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words.

ON THE COVER: Chancellor Daniel Little, students, faculty and sta› show their spirit for The Victors for UM-Dearborn Campaign. 39. 41. PHOTO BY JOE VAUGHN 36. 42. 33. 35. 38. 40. 45. 34. 37. 43. 46. 1. Dara Hill 24. Taylor Sorgatz 44. 2. Raven Dunn 25. Rosemary Cruz 20. 21. 23. 28. 3. Ashley Strawser 26. Brad Pischea 25. 26. 22. 31. 4. Tomas Mauricio 27. Danielle Cowart 19. 24. 30. 29. 5. Sarah Elhelou 28. Walaa Tout 27. 6. Gabriella Eschrich 29. Tim Davis 13. 32. 16. 7. Gay Johnson 30. Tasha Williams 15. 8. Jacob Yesh-Brochstein 31. Kevin Lewtschanyn 14. 12. 17. 9. Sheila Imamovic 32. Jamie Wraight 11. 18. 10. Rand Kazanji 33. Brandon Cole 8. 11. William Emerson 34. Habib Ammari 9. 12. Griselda Mucollari 35. Jason Penn II 7. 10. 2. 13. Janet Browne 36. Paul Draus 14. Michael Parker 37. Sock Monkey 4. 15. Mariam Mustafa 38. Shirish Srinivasan

3. 16. Chancellor Daniel Little 39. Je› McFarland 6. 17. Kyle Finley 40. Sarah Mays 1. 5. 18. Julie Roddy 41. Gage Throgmorton 19. Ilir Miteza 42. Khalil Beidoun 20. Matthew Myers 43. Patrick Hebda 21. Janelle Hamood 44. Kylie Hill 22. Casey Carlos Robinson 45. Syeda Arbab 23. Megan McDonald 46. Ron Labao

Props and wardrobe for the cover image provided by the UM-Dearborn Bookstore and The M Den. chancellor’s PERSPECTIVE

SENIOR OFFICERS Daniel E. Little CHANCELLOR Catherine A. Davy PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Jeffrey L. Evans VICE CHANCELLOR FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS Stanley E. Henderson VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT LIFE Kenneth C. Kettenbeil VICE CHANCELLOR FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS Mallory M. Simpson VICE CHANCELLOR FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

ACADEMIC DEANS PHOTO BY AUSTIN THOMASON Martin J. Hershock COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES, AND LETTERS Tony W. England Ten years ago, University of Michigan-Dearborn set out to pursue an ambitious goal that had the COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING potential to transform the region. AND COMPUTER SCIENCE Raju Balakrishnan e university launched its Michigan Dierence Campaign to help students pay for college. It funded COLLEGE OF BUSINESS groundbreaking faculty research. And it helped UM-Dearborn expand its outreach across southeast Janine Janosky COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND HUMAN SERVICES Michigan. Ten years later and the impact of the Michigan Dierence Campaign still resonates across campus. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY Mark J. Bernstein UM-Dearborn has experienced tremendous progress over the past decade, with increased enrollment, Julia Donovan Darlow additional faculty and research capacity, as well as a number of facility upgrades. Laurence B. Deitch Shauna Ryder Diggs In an eort to continue transforming lives and powering Denise Ilitch the region, I am excited to announce the Victors for Andrea Fischer Newman Andrew C. Richner UM-Dearborn Campaign. We have set an ambitious “In an eort to continue transforming Katherine E. White fundraising goal of $50 million, but I am condent the Mark S. Schlissel (ex officio) lives and powering the region, I am support of our alumni, business partners and friends will CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE help us exceed that objective. excited to announce the Victors for Brian Connolly, Stephen Economy, Much of the university’s success lies in our students, Mark Gaffney, Paul Hillegonds, UM-Dearborn Campaign.” Rich Homberg, Arthur Horwitz, so they are our rst priority in terms of the campaign. Hassan Jaber, Patricia Mooradian, Shirley Stancato We pride ourselves on providing students throughout the region with access to an excellent education that will help them succeed aer graduation. In fact, more A Non-discriminatory, Affirmative Action Educator and Employer than 70 percent of UM-Dearborn students receive some sort of nancial aid. Our world needs more Legacy is published by the Office of External Relations at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Victors, so student support will remain one of our top priorities over the next four years. It is published twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends. Aer graduation, many of our students will enter the workforce, and will be asked to nd innovative

Peggy Pattison and creative solutions to everyday challenges. at is why the university is focused on creating new DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS academic programs and opportunities to support student-directed, cross-disciplinary teaching and Beth Marmarelli DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING learning. Our campus’s strength lies in its real-world approach to education, so with the support of Alex Piazza alumni and friends, UM-Dearborn plans to launch major campus-wide educational initiatives in the COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST coming years. Kate Malicke COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST In order to carry out those initiatives, learning environments and faculty support will remain key priorities throughout the Victors for UM-Dearborn Campaign. We all know that a 21st-century Please send address changes and Class Notes to: Office of Alumni Relations education no longer takes place only in a traditional classroom. at’s why facilities play a major role in 4901 Evergreen Road, 1190 AB Dearborn, MI 48128-2406 promoting a creative learning environment that focuses on collaboration between students and faculty, 313-593-5131 (PHONE) 313-593-0540 (FAX) umdearborn.edu/alumni as well as alumni, business and community partners. UM-Dearborn’s future success also lies in our [email protected] ability to recruit and retain top-tier faculty and researchers. ey help shape our Victors and prepare Please recycle this magazine. UM-Dearborn is committed to environmental stewardship. them for success in their careers and communities. We ask you to please recycle this magazine and to support recycling efforts in your community. Recycling this magazine Our world needs more Victors, like Mary and Arthur Kocho, who made the largest gi in is one of the easiest ways you can help the environment. UM-Dearborn history. In this edition of Legacy, you will learn more about how UM-Dearborn is working to transform lives and power our region.

Daniel Little, Chancellor

| 3 WHY I give

Pathway to Success Arthur and Mary Kochoff make largest gift in UM-Dearborn history

RTHUR KOCHOFF (’92 B.A., ’96 B.A.) BLENDED IN Arthur met his wife, Mary, at the Vanity Ballroom in among a group of students dressed in their caps Detroit, a chance encounter that sparked a 67-year marriage Aand gowns. and a decades-long bond with UM-Dearborn. It was 1996 and hundreds of University of Michigan- Kochoff passed away in February, two years after Mary Dearborn students crowded inside the Fieldhouse to turn died. Their legacy, however, is cemented at UM-Dearborn their tassels and receive their diplomas. because of the couple’s generous support. Kochoff was slated to receive bachelor’s degrees in Their latest gift, a bequest estimated to be about Hispanic studies, international studies and art history. $12.5 million, is the largest gift in university history. This There were, however, a few major distinctions between magnificent gift will be endowed, so that its impact will Kochoff and the other graduates. continue and grow in perpetuity. Kochoff was 80 years old with nearly 50 years of Over its first four years alone, the Kochoff Pathway to engineering experience under his belt. Finding a job or Success Scholarship Program will support nearly 600 repaying student loans were the least of his worries. students with financial need. Kochoff returned to academia at the age of 75 because he The gift will help UM-Dearborn recruit students from area believed education has the power to improve every aspect community colleges by providing about 40 transfer students in life. each year with $5,000 scholarships. “Arthur personified the spirit of lifetime learning,” said Another 225 students will receive an extra $1,000 added UM-Dearborn Chancellor Daniel Little. to their university-funded Opportunity Scholarship award, His legacy of learning dates back nearly a century. The son which will help UM-Dearborn retain these students who are of Macedonians, Arthur grew up in Detroit and held several at financial risk. jobs as a youngster. And in an effort to increase graduate enrollment, He ran two newspaper routes, cleaned the local butcher $50,000 from the Kochoff gift will annually support about shop and drove an ice cream truck. His parents never asked 50 graduate students who struggle to stay afloat financially him to get a job. He did so on his own accord. and often are lured away by other schools who offer more

4 | Fall 2014 WHY I give

Their latest gift, a bequest estimated to be about $12.5 million, is the largest gift in university history. Over its first four years alone, the Kocho Pathway to Success Scholarship Program will support nearly 600 students with financial need.

and celebrate inclusion as part of the Cultural Expo. And when renowned speakers like journalist Roland Martin and Dr. Patch Adams visit campus, they visit Kochoff Hall. Their name also is synonymous among those who aspire to learn new languages. The couple helped establish the Kochoff Language Lab in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) Building, where students can learn to read, write and speak Arabic, German and Spanish. They already have a foothold on the second floor of the CASL Building and, as of June, the Kochoffs now have a strong presence on the first floor with the unveiling of the Mary Kochoff Auditorium. The auditorium is a testament to Mary, who shared Arthur’s passion to learn new things. As an alumnus and dean of the college, Martin Hershock (’85 B.A.) understands the indelible impact the Kochoffs have left on UM-Dearborn. “This is a campus that transforms the lives of our students,” The Kochoff family visited UM-Dearborn in June to celebrate the legacy of Arthur and Mary. Hershock said. “The incredible support that Mary and Arthur have given will ensure that many future generations of students scholarship support. will have the same transformational experience.” “As remarkable as the Kochoffs’ philanthropy during their Cue Quinn Osgood. He was on the fence as to where to pursue lives has been, their ultimate legacy is yet to be realized,” Little an engineering degree. Finances factored into his decision, so said. “The endowment will provide a life-changing education to a when he received a scholarship established by the Kochoffs, the number of students over many generations, a fitting legacy to a choice was easy. couple who so dearly loved learning.” “Though I never got the chance to meet the Kochoffs, their Their legacy of learning is evident on their headstone, which generous gifts to the university for student scholarships have reads “Lifelong Scholar.” really meant the world to me,” Osgood said. “It has given me the And their strong connection to UM-Dearborn will continue for opportunity to pursue a degree in engineering and it is the main years to come as their last name often is mentioned in casual reason I chose to attend University of Michigan-Dearborn.” conversations across campus. That’s because the preferred hub for UM-Dearborn events carries their name—Kochoff Hall. “Their legacy is one of the first impressions students receive on campus and it’s one of the most lasting impressions they leave here with,” said Matt Myers, a junior studying criminal justice. As president of the Student Activities Board, Myers spends a good chunk of his free time in Kochoff Hall. “As far as Student Activities Board goes, the entire organization revolves around Kochoff Hall,” he said. During the annual Spring Blowout event, the hall is outfitted with inflatables and videogames, so students can connect outside of the classroom. Students sample food, learn unique dances

| 5 In the Numbers Victors for UM-Dearborn

HE VICTORS FOR UM-DEARBORN CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY This vision is well within and the university has set an ambitious fundraising goal reach. And it can be achieved Tof $50 million. For more than 50 years, UM-Dearborn has with the committed and worked for the greater good—transforming lives, creating victors generous support of alumni,

to help shape the world and constantly evolving to address the key business partners and TRANSFORMING STUDENTS : POWERING OUR REGION issues of contemporary times. This campaign will help UM-Dearborn friends who share our goals, advance its mission throughout the metropolitan region. and who are willing to invest in the future of our region and the Our commitment to the region’s transformation is deep, enduring success of our future graduates. The Victors for UM-Dearborn and absolute. Looking ahead, we see a UM-Dearborn that continues Campaign will help us expand student access, develop new to play a vital role in developing the leaders of tomorrow—men programs and interdisciplinary opportunities, create progressive and women able to address the complex challenges of southeast venues, and attract and retain top educators and researchers. Michigan and other metropolitan areas across the nation. Because this is our world, and our world needs Victors.

$8 MILLION FACULTY SUPPORT GOAL $12 MILLION LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS GOAL Overall Campaign Goal

$12 $18 MILLION MILLION EDUCATIONAL STUDENT INITIATIVES GOAL SUPPORT GOAL

OVERALL TOTAL (as of September 2014): $22.6 MILLION The campaign will run through 2018

6 | Fall 2014 Voice of the Victors Motivating the leaders and best We all share a passion for Maize and Blue, but what makes us Victors? We asked University of Michigan-Dearborn students and alumni this very question and here’s what they had to say:

I am a Victor because I expect the best I am a Victor because attending this university helped out of myself and others. I know what I am me to develop as a leader and prepared me to capable of, and I never stop reaching for succeed in my future career endeavors. the attainable goals I set for myself. — Matt Myers, president of Student Activities Board Attending this university has given me the opportunity to achieve everything I’ve dreamed and more. Being a Victor is about Getting challenged every day, remaining true to yourself, your values and academically and through life in your principles. general. Having the resources through — Haleigh Sluschewski, 2014 Difference Maker U-M to help with those challenges and gaining immense experience in my field before I even graduate. I’m a Victor I am a #UMDearbornVictor because because this school teaches you to I helped build a house with my believe in yourself, believe in others classmates for Habitat for Humanity. and just do you—Maize and Blue. — Gerard Roberson, member of Student Philanthropy Council — Sierra Cano, member of Greek Life

I am a #UMDearbornVictor because I helped organize National Philanthropy Week. Our campus raised money for local I am a charities and collected hundreds of books and food items, #UMDearbornVictor while learning the importance of community and giving back. because I helped bring — Raven Dunn, alumni member of Student Philanthropy Council Public Allies Metro Detroit to the university! — Uzma Anwar, 2014 Difference Maker I have a successful career and a passion for life. — Helen Jomantas, 1980 graduate

I am a #UMDearbornVictor because I am a student-athlete. Student comes first, but we lead a healthy lifestyle for our community by example. — Danielle Cowart, former women’s basketball player

| 7 PRIORITY1 Student Support

A scholarship provides more than just money. It o ers a sense of hope. It inspires confidence. And it sparks positive change. Nearly 70 percent of University of Michigan-Dearborn students receive some sort of financial aid. For many, attending UM-Dearborn would not be possible without that help. Tuition assistance helps prepare the Leaders and Best for tomorrow’s challenges, enabling them to pursue their dreams to cure disease, start a business, empower children through education or build electric vehicles. Investment in financial aid has grown dramatically over the years, but because of increased need, student support remains a key funding priority for the university. UM-Dearborn has set an ambitious goal of raising $18 million for this critical need.

8 | Fall 2014 PRIORITY Nurturing the Dream

ER WORKDAY BEGAN AROUND 7 a.m., preparing classroom Hmaterials and greeting students before the first bell rang. Corrie Lucier (’14 B.S.) worked closely with students at OW Best Middle School in Dearborn Heights from the time they arrived in the morning until the final bell sounded at 3 p.m. The University of Michigan-Dearborn alumna then headed home to grade papers and finalize lesson plans. “It made for a very long day,” said Lucier, who fulfilled her student teaching requirement last spring. “Teaching is not for everyone, but I love it.” Lucier’s student teaching experience affirmed her dream to pursue a career in middle school education. “It’s that pivotal moment in a child’s life where they want to be treated “We needed to be able to respond to the needs of deserving students like an adult, but they still need some nurturing,” she said. during the student teaching period, since this is a time in our students’ Lucier, however, would have struggled course of preparation when holding down a job simply isn’t feasible.” to stay afloat financially had it not been —Paul Fossum, associate professor of educational foundations for the College of Education, Health, and Human Services’ (CEHHS) Student Teaching Scholarship. for their education or to help support the student teaching period, since “I wouldn’t have been able to student their families,” said Susan Everett, this is a time in our students’ course teach without this scholarship,” chair of UM-Dearborn’s Department of of preparation when holding down she said. “I had maxed out both my Education. “During the student teaching a job simply isn’t feasible. By being subsidized and unsubsidized loans, semester, this becomes difficult since able to award these Student Teaching and I had two car payments and other students are in the local schools eight Scholarships, CEHHS faculty is pleased financial obligations. So I absolutely hours a day for 14 weeks.” to be able to act on its longstanding needed this money.” And factor in the idea that 58 percent of vision and priorities.” The college annually awards UM-Dearborn students have dependent $2,000 scholarships to select care responsibilities. eligible UM-Dearborn students who Enter the need for a Student Teaching UM-Dearborn graduates are interested in student teaching. Scholarship. leave college with the Scholarships are awarded to students “Several years ago, our faculty made 2ND LOWEST AMOUNT based on financial need, scholastic it a priority to establish a scholarship achievement, community service and a fund,” said Paul Fossum, associate of STUDENT LOAN DEBT* strong commitment to K-12 education. professor of educational foundations. *based on Michigan’s 15 public universities “Many of our CEHHS students “We needed to be able to respond to Source: The Institute for College Access work 20 hours per week to help pay the needs of deserving students during

| 9 Student Support Opportunity knocks

T’S 6:30 A.M. AND JENNA KROEPEL IS ONE of the few people on campus. I While most students are asleep, Kroepel is busy preparing for “I’ll forever be indebted to this freshman orientation at University of university because they gave Michigan-Dearborn. “I’ve learned that if you drink an entire me this great opportunity.” bottle of water right after you wake up, —Fareed Shalhout (’14 B.A.) you’re not as tired in the morning,” said Kroepel, a sophomore studying journalism and screen studies. As an orientation leader, Kroepel leads campus tours and helps incoming students schedule classes. She assumed the role, in part, because she’s a people person and enjoys friendly interaction. But there’s another reason behind it. Kroepel wanted to give back to the place that changed her life. Kroepel is one of a select group of UM-Dearborn students to receive the Opportunity Scholarship, which covers full tuition for up to four years. Last year, more than 150 incoming students competed Those plans changed when Shalhout got for one of 12 Opportunity Scholarships, a call from UM-Dearborn. which are awarded based on financial need, “They told me I had received the academics and community service. Opportunity Scholarship and I didn’t know “UM-Dearborn gave me this opportunity, what to say,” said Shalhout, who graduated 1,900 so why not give back and do something for in April with a bachelor’s degree in health them in return?” she said. policy studies. SCHOLARSHIPS Kroepel knew she wanted to attend Shalhout felt inclined to give back to UM-Dearborn, but money was tight for the UM-Dearborn, so while he was enrolled as a OFFERED Lincoln Park High School graduate. The student, he joined the Admissions team to Opportunity Scholarship changed all that. help recruit incoming students. He also took “It’s just unbelievable when I think about on leadership roles in Student Government it,” she said. “It literally changed my life.” and the Arab Student Union. Fareed Shalhout (’14 B.A.) can attest to His experience at UM-Dearborn inspired that. Finances were an issue for the Cass Shalhout to pursue a career in higher $37 MILLION Technical High School graduate, so he education. planned to attend community college for “Tuition costs a lot, so I’ll forever be in scholarships offered to two years, then transfer to UM-Dearborn as indebted to this university because they * a junior. He also considered UM-Ann Arbor, gave me this great opportunity,” he said. incoming students where he also had been accepted. *freshmen and transfers | Fall 2014

10 | Fall 2014

Leaving her mark PAYING FOR COLLEGE: U-M Dearborn Students & Financial Aid UMP OUT OF A MOVING AIRPLANE. money for the scholarship. “Donations have Set sail in a hot air balloon. been coming in from across the country. J Attend a Dave Matthews Band It’s amazing that so many people who never concert. met Hillary have supported this.” These are just a few of the items Hillary Alan Mardini is one of them. Like Kind, Kind (’09 B.B.A.) included on her “bucket the UM-Dearborn senior is involved in list.” The University of Michigan-Dearborn Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors alumna created the list shortly after she organization for accounting, finance and was diagnosed with melanoma, three information systems majors. weeks shy of her 18th birthday. Mardini and his classmates, none of FTIAC* students “She treated cancer like it was a cold,” whom personally knew Kind, helped raise receiving financial aid said Tracey Edwards (’91 B.A.), who $1,500 for the scholarship. first time in any college worked alongside Kind at Ernst & Young “For someone to impact so many people * (EY). “She had a better attitude than in a positive way, you know that Hilllary most people I know, and she was battling was something special,” said Mardini, cancer. Hillary was like sunshine walking who will graduate this December with a around the office.” bachelor’s degree in accounting. “Beta That’s how most people remember Alpha Psi is like a family, so we want to do the vivacious redhead. Kind lost her whatever we can to keep her legacy alive.” courageous eight-year battle with cancer As the faculty adviser for Beta Alpha in 2012, two days before her 26th birthday, Psi, Baker forged a strong bond with Kind. but her positive outlook on life will forever Baker quickly picked up on her student’s be remembered, thanks to UM-Dearborn’s drive to succeed, which eventually helped campus community. Kind land an accounting gig at EY. Edwards, on behalf of EY, worked closely “Most people who are diagnosed with with UM-Dearborn accounting lecturer cancer before they turn 18 would likely undergraduate students Susan Baker to establish the EY Hillary Q. second-guess going to college,” Baker receiving financial aid Kind Scholarship, which will be awarded to said. “Not Hillary. As ill as she was, she an accounting major in fall 2016. continued to strive toward her goals. She “She made sure she left her mark on was a fighter and loved life.” this earth,” said Edwards, who helped raise

“Hillary was like sunshine walking around the oŸce.” graduate students receiving financial aid —Tracey Edwards (’91 B.A.) PHOTO COURTESY OF STAND UP CANCER TO ®

| 11 Student Support

Marching on

HEERS AND SCREAMS FROM 110,000 fans reverberate “I would hate to see a talented musician, who would love to through The Big House tunnel as Sarah Shurge anxiously play in that band and make that commitment, not be able to do it Cclasps her piccolo. because they have to work,” said Eric Nemeth, a partner at Varnum In a few moments, the University of Michigan-Dearborn Law. “They should be able to take advantage of this once-in-a- sophomore will storm the field with the Michigan Marching Band lifetime opportunity.” (MMB) to keep the massive audience amped up before the game The Nemeths understand how hard it is to balance school and and entertained during halftime and post-game festivities. marching band: their son performed in the drumline for four years. “You don’t really have time to think out there,” said Shurge, “They practice as much as some of the football players, but a journalism major. “You just have to do it and hope you don’t they don’t get any of the accolades,” Eric Nemeth said. “We saw mess up.” firsthand how hard they work and all the sacrifices they have to As a UM-Dearborn student performing in the MMB, the Wayne make.” native has to schedule classes in the morning in order to allow Sure, the lengthy practice sessions that occasionally run until enough time to commute to Ann Arbor Monday through Friday 10 p.m. and the long commutes to and from Ann Arbor get for afternoon practices. tiresome after awhile. But for Shurge, the difficulties pale in It’s hard enough to balance school and marching band, so a comparison to the experience of performing in front of 110,000 job during the fall semester is out of the question. Money was so fans on Saturdays at The Big House. tight last year that Shurge only was able to participate in the band “Most of the time, you’re really hot because of the uniforms and because of the generosity of a fellow church member. your feet get tired from standing all day,” she said. “But then you This year, UM-Dearborn graduates Eric and Paula Nemeth get this sort of adrenaline rush after you’re done that’s impossible (’85 B.A.) stepped up to the plate. Shurge is the first recipient of a to explain. It’s awesome.” scholarship the Nemeths recently established to help UM-Dearborn students perform in the MMB without the financial burden. PHOTO COURTESY OF MMB PHOTOGRAPHY

12 | Fall 2014 International exposure

HE IDEA OF SUMMER SCHOOL DOESN’T TYPICALLY EXCITE many students. T Brad Houghton is the exception. The University of Michigan-Dearborn junior picked up six academic credits this past summer and enjoyed every minute of it. But most of his excitement can be attributed to the environment outside the classroom: Houghton traveled to Spain in July to study at the American Institute. “Being able to tour the city and experience the culture, you quickly realize how different it is over there than it is at home,” said Houghton, an electrical and computer engineering major. “I loved it.” Many UM-Dearborn students, however, don’t have an opportunity to study abroad because of the price tag. Houghton’s trip to Spain cost about $4,000, and that’s without factoring in airfare. Enter Waltraud “Wally” Prechter. Wally established the Prechter International Travel Fellowship, in honor of her late husband Heinz, to support undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) who plan to study abroad. “The generous support of the Prechters has allowed the College of Engineering and Computer Science to best prepare our students for careers in exciting and growing industries,” said CECS Dean Tony England. “The international travel fellowship gives students like Brad BRAD HOUGHTON an opportunity to prepare for the ever-changing global marketplace.” The fellowship helped ease Houghton’s financial burden, while allowing him to focus on his Spanish skills. Houghton picked up a Hispanic studies major, in hopes that “The international travel fellowship gives someday he can use his bilingual talents to advance in the students like Brad an opportunity to prepare engineering field. “Learning the language over there was the next step up,” he for the ever-changing global marketplace.” said. “The professors here on campus understand English, so if —Tony England, CECS dean someone is struggling to understand something, they can revert back to English. In Spain, a few of them understand bits and pieces of English, but for the most part, they’re not fluent. It was basically a requirement for me to understand what they were trying to get across. So hearing Spanish every day, I feel like it helped me fully immerse myself into the language.” Houghton is one of several CECS students who have benefited from the Prechters’ support. Their legacy is ingrained at UM-Dearborn, as the university in 2006 honored the memory of the late industrialist and philanthropist by naming the Heinz C. Prechter Engineering Complex in his honor.

| 13 PRIORITY2 Educational Initiatives

In today’s global marketplace, employees are encouraged to go above and beyond the call of duty. Finding innovative and creative solutions to everyday problems is one way to get ahead. That’s why University of Michigan-Dearborn is focused on creating new academic programs and experiential learning opportunities to support student-directed, cross-disciplinary teaching and learning. In order to further strengthen its real-world approach to education, the university plans to launch major campus-wide educational initiatives in the coming years. The goal is to raise $12 million for educational initiatives.

14 | Fall 2014 PRIORITY Healthy habits

HINK OF YOUR MORNING COMMUTE. They might consider it a frustration, but their decision invariably Is it a complete street that allows all forms of improves their health. Ttransportation to coexist—automobiles, public “Education in health and human services is going to be one transportation, bicycles and foot traffic? of the ways we’re going to make a significant impact on the Most drivers don’t consider that question as they drive to metropolitan region,” Janosky said. work. But Janine Janosky does. The new community health program will emphasize health “Public health is about ‘complete streets,’” said Janosky, management and disease prevention—everything from proper dean of University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Education, diet and dental hygiene to women’s reproductive health—with an Health, and Human Services (CEHHS). “Complete streets are understanding that prevention helps combat rising health care important because it’s a quality of life issue and it’s a health costs. issue. If I can’t go outside to take a walk, one of my ways of And the job prospects are bright. According to the National exercise has just been eliminated.” Bureau for Labor Statistics, employment in the field is expected Public health is one of three new programs the college to grow at a rate of 36 percent through 2020. introduced this fall in an effort to help UM-Dearborn graduates The new programs are interdisciplinary, so units outside confront major health care issues affecting metropolitan Detroit CEHHS play a key role. Cue the health information technology and beyond. program. The new programs—a master’s degree in health information “There’s a tremendous need in hospitals and in state systems technology and bachelor’s degrees in community health to understand how to link medical records in an integrated education and public health—allow CEHHS students to think system,” said Julie Roddy, chair of UM-Dearborn’s Department of about health in a broader context. Health and Human Services. “Our health IT program will support Take elevators, for example. At some point, we all have waited a forward-thinking approach on how we move from an individual patiently for the elevator to arrive. system level to something that is portable, transferable, secure A lengthy delay, or an elevator that operates at slower speeds, and isn’t a hassle when people switch plans.” can inspire some people to ditch the elevator and take the stairs.

“Education in health and human services is going to be one of the ways we’re going to make a significant impact on the metropolitan region.” —Janine Janosky, CEHHS dean

| 15 Educational Initiatives Metro talents

ALL IT A LAB EXPERIENCE FOR LIFE. “We are developing creative pathways for The Gateway, slated to launch this year, Build a car from scratch and race it students to engage in various co-curricular will include three phases: involvement, Cagainst teams across the country. activities, which will make them more leadership and ownership. Travel to Honduras and treat residents employable moving forward,” said Tim The involvement phase will help students with medical and dental ailments. Davis (’03 B.B.A., ’06 M.B.A.), director of learn team dynamics and expose them to Help low-income families across Detroit iLabs, UM-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation a variety of career paths. Join a student get the most out of their tax returns. Research. organization. Attend a panel discussion. Thousands of students choose University That’s the idea behind the Metro Participate in a campus event. of Michigan-Dearborn every year because Talent Gateway. Connect students with During the leadership phase, students they can gain experience outside of the professional development opportunities can seek career coaching, attend resume classroom, which resonates with potential that build skills and experiences, which in workshops and manage events that employers. turn increases confidence and success after fall under the involvement phase. This graduation. phase focuses on building students’ developmental toolkits. The final phase, ownership, will require students to take control of an opportunity. Land an internship or co-op. Student teach. Conduct research. “These are the types of skills students will utilize in their first job,” Davis said. Students who complete all three phases will earn ‘Metro Talent’ designation. “Someone who completes the Gateway brands themselves as a pragmatic, motivated person who went above and beyond the traditional classroom instruction to gain valuable real-world experience,” Davis said. “During an interview, employers are not concerned about the list of clubs you were part of—they are more interested in how you utilized opportunities on campus to grow. They are seeking diverse talents. ‘Metro Talent,’ if you will.” Campus leaders plan to build off the existing efforts in the College of Business (COB) to create ways for students from across campus to connect through professional development opportunities. “Students who earn a ‘Metro Talent’ designation will excel in our ever-growing “We are developing creative pathways for students to engage entrepreneurial marketplace because of their innovative skills and talents, as well as in various co-curricular activities, which will make them more their high level of career preparation,” said employable moving forward.” COB Dean Raju Balakrishnan. —Tim Davis (’03 B.B.A., ’06 M.B.A.), iLabs director

16 | Fall 2014 Cars, cell phones and video games

LOCAL TEENAGER PICKS UP HIS HOMEMADE REMOTE- control car, places it on a yellow track and takes a Adeep breath. He then watches as the car slowly navigates along the track. The slightest miscue could send it toppling overboard. But he spent too much time working on this car to falter. That hard work eventually pays off as it successfully loops the track without error. The teenager is among hundreds of high-school juniors and seniors who participate in University of Michigan-Dearborn’s annual College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) Experience. Last year, more than 200 students from 44 high schools visited campus to test their skills in one of four areas: robotics, programming, simulation and game design.

“We’re tilling the soil by exposing kids to engineering and computer science.” —Jeanne Girard, ELO director

“This event is all about giving high-school students an opportunity to experience the joy of engineering, so it’s in their basket of possibilities,” said CECS Dean Tony England. The college has focused many of its efforts over the past year on introducing engineering and computer science education to the K-12 community. The outreach is necessary because of ongoing growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) The CECS Experience is just one of many such programs. Since careers. launching ELO in 2013, CECS faculty, staff and students have “There’s a great deal of discussion now on STEM education connected with thousands of boys and girls throughout Michigan and how it is necessary for economic growth in the region,” to enlighten them about engineering and computer science, while England said. “More than 80 percent of STEM-related jobs outside encouraging them to consider possible careers in these fields. health care delivery are engineering jobs, but there has been no “We’re tilling the soil by exposing kids to engineering and mechanism for introducing engineering into K-12 until recently.” computer science,” said ELO Director Jeanne Girard. “The kids That’s what inspired the college to launch its Extended Learning learn that just about everything they use is engineered—from and Outreach (ELO) unit. Their mission is simple: turn legions of cars to cell phones to video games. When students connect youngsters on to the exciting world of engineering and computer engineering with things they find appealing and intriguing, it fuels science through innovative K-12 outreach programs. their interest in STEM disciplines.”

| 17 PRIORITY3 Learning Environments

A 21st-century education no longer lives in a traditional classroom. Engineers learn the trade by building vehicles in state-of-the-art machine shops. Scientists hone their research skills by conducting experiments in high-tech labs. Financial analysts gain a better understanding of Wall Street by working in real-world trading rooms. And student-athletes learn about teamwork and collaboration on the court and in the field. In order to promote a creative learning environment that focuses on collaboration between students and faculty,progressive learning environments are an important fundraising priority for the university. The goal is to raise at least $12 million for learning environments.

A new Engineering Laboratory Building will spark programmatic growth and enable opportunities for inclusive K-12 and community college outreach.

18 | Fall 2014 PRIORITY

ENGINEERING LABORATORY BUILDING For the past 17 years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked UM-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) among the nation’s top undergraduate engineering programs. It’s hard to argue with their decision. ousands of engineers and computer scientists with close ties to UM-Dearborn have sparked technological breakthroughs that have a major impact on the way we live our lives. In an eort to further advance engineering A renovated Science Building will help UM-Dearborn address an increase in science majors, while and computer science education, the providing them with the necessary tools to excel in and be well prepared for science careers. university plans to replace its Engineering Laboratory Building (ELB). e project, Due to an increase in science majors, Information is just a click away these days, which will cost $90 million, will focus the university is undertaking a much- which suits the younger generation’s fast- on programmatic growth and will enable needed renovation of the Science Building. paced lifestyle. opportunities for inclusive K-12 and Construction already is underway on a $51 UM-Dearborn plans to rene its strategy community college outreach. is will million renovation, partially funded by a $30 for what it means to be a physical library in a allow CECS to facilitate entrepreneurial, million capital outlay approved two years digital age by renovating its library. multidisciplinary problem solving and ago by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan “ e Mardigian Library will be an essential complement the development-oriented labs of Legislature. part of the UM-Dearborn experience—a its industry partners. Private funding is necessary to modernize gathering place for learners, a campus hub e project is being designed with the goal equipment and support student research, as for academic success and interdisciplinary of doubling the number of CECS graduates well as to facilitate other activities that will collaboration, and a catalyst for integrated and increasing capacity to accommodate all provide students with the necessary tools learning and community engagement,” applied research requests from industry. to excel in and be well prepared for science said Library Director Elaine Logan. “ e “ e ELB was one of the rst buildings careers. Mardigian Library of the future will be on campus and it has exhausted its potential “A renovated Science Building will a multipurpose educational center that as our primary engineering classroom and transform the way we teach science at combines a high-tech, interactive learning teaching laboratory building,” said CECS UM-Dearborn,” said Martin Hershock, dean commons with quiet spaces for study and Dean Tony England. “A new ELB will establish of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. group work. It will function as a service hub a creative and inviting environment that “Science is by its very nature experimental, and campus-wide resource.” can improve our future ability to attract the so we must expose our students to a lab region’s leaders and best.” environment as much as possible. A renovated Science Building will allow us to do that.” SCIENCE BUILDING MARDIGIAN LIBRARY Science aects everything in the world around us, from our health to the environment. Libraries are synonymous with learning. In 1959, UM-Dearborn constructed its at’s why UM-Dearborn opened its library Science Building to give students and faculty in 1980. Over the past three decades, tens of an opportunity to conduct groundbreaking thousands of people have visited Mardigian research that plays a key role in many aspects Library to read books, scour the Internet and of our lives. From biologists studying the study for exams. eects of prescription drugs to geologists It’s one of the university’s most critical studying climate change, research that stems assets as the library helps promote education A renovated Mardigian Library will reflect a from the Science Building impacts our society and fosters community engagement. multipurpose educational center that combines for the greater good. But the way in which people gather a high-tech, interactive learning commons with information has vastly changed since 1980. quiet spaces for study and group work.

THE CONCEPT FOR THE ENGINEERING LABORATORY BUILDING (LEFT) IS SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BOARD OF REGENTS. | 19 PRIORITY 4 Faculty Support

They spend hours in the research lab trying to find answers to life’s mysteries. They challenge their students through innovative teaching inside and outside the classroom. And they work closely with industry partners to strengthen the southeast Michigan economy. University of Michigan-Dearborn’s future success lies in its ability to recruit and retain top-tier teachers, researchers and mentors. For that reason, the university will focus much of its fundraising e orts on faculty support. The goal is to raise $8 million for faculty support.

20 | Fall 2014 PRIORITY A marginalized Motor City

ULIE RODDY AND PAUL DRAUS KNOW neighborhoods to ask residents about learn why these women turned to a life of their way around metropolitan Detroit. the ongoing agricultural uptick and its prostitution. They followed many of these J The University of Michigan-Dearborn potential economic impact. women from the time they were arrested professors walk through neighborhoods “I think it’s a great idea,” said Ronald, a through drug court and treatment. to speak with Detroiters about the rise of local pastor who remains optimistic about “In Detroit, you see a lot of social urban agriculture and whether farming can Detroit’s comeback. “I believe that farming exclusion,” said Draus, director of boost the city’s economy. is one of the foundations of a community public policy and public administration They talk with locals about the health where everybody works to grow, maintain at UM-Dearborn. “Our focus is on how consequences of medical marijuana. and then reap the benefits of a community the routes or trails to recovery help They establish relationships with garden. I don’t think you can go wrong.” people transition from marginality to the southeast Michigan residents to discuss Roddy and Draus also interviewed mainstream.” what factors led to the region’s rapid 100 street workers throughout Detroit to depopulation. And they visit jails and substance abuse treatment centers to interview former “We work with marginalized individuals who are most at risk.” street sex workers about the arduous — Julie Roddy, chair of the Department of Health and Human Services recovery process these women face. Many of the research projects that Roddy and Draus have launched in recent years involve some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. Their efforts have highlighted the perspectives of people who often are ignored. “We work with marginalized individuals who are most at risk,” said Roddy, chair of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services’ Department of Health and Human Services. “We target people who live in neighborhoods where they’re overexposed to the lures of drugs and illicit employment. Nobody aspires to grow up and live these sorts of lifestyles, but when it’s all around you, you’ve got to make a living somehow.” One of the major factors impeding Detroit’s comeback is blight. Streets are littered with abandoned homes, while overgrown vegetation shrouds vacant lots with inoperable streetlights. A popular solution is urban agriculture. Many vacant lots in Detroit have been transformed into farms in recent years, so Roddy and Draus visited local PHOTO BY KARLEST FORD

| 21 Faculty Support

Cocaine currency

EACH INTO YOUR PURSE OR YOUR back pocket and pull out your wallet. R Do you have a five spot or any singles? If so, then you also could be carrying an illegal drug and not even realize it. University of Michigan-Dearborn students Justin Kandah and Aaron Zhang worked closely with associate professor of chemistry Yiwei Deng to analyze paper currency in Detroit for traces of cocaine, collecting $1 and $5 bills from gas stations, grocery stores and banks across its seven municipal districts. When drug dealers orchestrate a transaction, cash often comes into contact with cocaine. And many cocaine users roll up dollar bills, using them as straws to inhale the drug. In both instances, drug residue easily transfers onto the paper “This project not only gives the students an opportunity currency. to conduct interdisciplinary research in chemistry and “By proxy, cocaine can transfer to all forensic science, but it also raises public awareness of kinds of different things,” said Kandah, drug abuse in our society.” a bioengineering major who previously worked as a patrol officer. — Yiwei Deng, associate professor of chemistry Zhang placed bills in deionized water, and then, through a process called They found that the highest amount sources, since bills stay in circulation sonication, was able to remove traces of of cocaine on paper currency exists on for months and are handled by many cocaine from the paper currency. The Detroit’s north side. The students’ research different people. cocaine in the aqueous samples was then helps provide law enforcement circles with The majority of banknotes being extracted using hexane and analyzed by a objective and timely information on the contaminated indicates, however, that gas chromatography-mass spectrometry epidemiology of illicit drug use. cocaine use is still widespread, not only instrument. This state-of-the-art technology “This project not only gives the students in southeast Michigan, but in many other allows for the identification and quantitation an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary areas of the U.S. Deng hopes to generate of cocaine. research in chemistry and forensic science, enough interest from students so they can Deng and her students analyzed 42 bills, but it also raises public awareness of drug broaden their scope on future projects 67 percent of which tested positive for abuse in our society,” Deng said. related to cocaine and paper currency. cocaine. Deng acknowledges the results obtained “Surprisingly, 67 percent didn’t come may not fully represent the epidemiology of as a shock to me because the thing about cocaine use in this region due to the small cocaine is that it transfers super easily,” said sample size. The cocaine detected on those Zhang, a biological sciences major. banknotes may not all come from local AIRPORT PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COUNTY WAYNE AIRPORT AUTHORITY/VITO PALMISANO

22 | Fall 2014 PRIORITY 4

Finances of flight

ILLIONS OF PASSENGERS ARRIVE As one might expect from an airport an alternate gate to conduct interviews— with suitcases in hand to quickly that annually serves about 32 million just one of the skills she learned at iLabs Mget from Point A to Point B. passengers, Redding had plenty of data that eventually helped her land a job at Gas Some visit the food court for a quick bite available for his research. Station TV. before their departures, while others head So he turned to iLabs and recruited “I wouldn’t have received a quarter of to a kiosk to pick up a gossip magazine for students from UM-Dearborn’s Center for my job interviews without having iLabs on the flight. And then there are those who Innovation Research for help. my resume,” she said. hail a cab to the nearest hotel to catch up The group, led by Tim Davis (’03 B.B.A., The data helped Redding estimate that on sleep. ’06 M.B.A.) and Nicole Mangis of iLabs, DTW generates more than 86,000 jobs But what sort of impact can these surveyed more than 1,600 passengers and about $10.2 billion in total economic routine airport expenditures have on the traveling through the airport about their impact throughout Michigan. economy? spending habits. A good chunk of that stems from Leave that up to Lee Redding. Chelsea Smallish (’13 B.B.A.) asked tourism. Those who visit Michigan through An associate professor of business about 500 of those passengers how much DTW annually spend about $2.7 billion, economics at University of Michigan- they planned to spend on transportation, which creates a $4.9 billion impact on the Dearborn, Redding studies the value of restaurants and entertainment. state’s economy. airports and how hubs affect the outlying “We set up a plan, so there were certain “The airport’s economic impact extends business community. flights we targeted for interviews,” she far beyond Detroit,” Redding said. “Detroit Last year, Wayne County Airport said. “We wanted to get passengers from Metro Airport connects us to the world. Authority officials contacted Redding with the east and west coasts to give us a More than 600,000 people rely on the a request: estimate the economic impact broader perspective.” airport to purchase and sell Michigan of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County When flights were canceled or delayed, products, which ultimately benefits the Airport (DTW). Smallish had to react quickly and identify state’s economy.”

“The airport’s economic impact extends far beyond Detroit.” — Lee Redding, associate professor of business economics AIRPORT PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COUNTY WAYNE AIRPORT AUTHORITY/VITO PALMISANO

| 23 Faculty Support

Getting a charge out of hybrids

WOMAN BRAVES BELOW-ZERO said Tianze Kan, who temperatures and icy roads on her is pursuing a doctoral Away to work. degree in automotive She eventually makes it to the office and systems engineering at parks her electric vehicle near a charging UM-Dearborn. “And just station. to be able to work with But there’s one problem: the cable Chris Mi, one of the best that extends from the charging station to researchers in the field, is her vehicle has cracked under the frigid very exciting.” conditions. As electric vehicle No charge. No transportation. sales continue to spike, “For a lot of people nowadays, this is engineers worldwide are a real dilemma,” said Chris Mi, professor working to perfect wireless of electrical and computer engineering transmitters. Mi and Kan at University of Michigan-Dearborn. are focused on stationary “Especially in Michigan, you will find it transmitters, which can be difficult in the wintertime to charge your buried underneath parking “In a few years, you will see a lot more of this electric vehicle. The batteries typically lots and garages so drivers don’t like very low temperatures.” can charge their electric kind of technology being implemented.” For the past three years, Mi has worked vehicles without needing to —Chris Mi, professor of electrical and computer engineering to find a solution. He recruited eight use cables. students and researchers to help him “They provide convenience, develop wireless transmitters that can so you don’t have to get out kinks. But UM-Dearborn engineers hope charge electric vehicles without the hassle of your vehicle to charge it,” Mi said. “And to work them out with the help of research of connecting to a charging station. it’s safe because you don’t have to touch funding from the U.S.-China Clean Energy “Wireless power transmitters are any cables.” Research Center, the Department of an amazing piece of technology,” As with all new technology, there are Energy’s Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Center for Electric Drive Transportation and DENSO International. One of those kinks Mi hopes to solve involves interoperability, so that wireless transmitters work for a Chevy Volt just as well as they do for a Nissan Leaf. UM-Dearborn engineers also are researching “quasi-stationary” wireless transmitters, which can be placed at strategic locations. For instance, an electric bus could stop, pick up its passengers and get a power boost without having to make additional stops. “In a few years, you will see a lot more of this kind of technology being implemented,” Mi said.

24 | Fall 2014

SCHOOL ties

At war with childhood cancer

BOUT 7,800 CHILDREN Downing enrolled at the University of Michigan Medical School, PASS through the halls and quickly learned how well his UM-Dearborn background had Aof St. Jude Children’s prepared him for the rigors of medical school. Research Hospital every year. He and his medical cohort were required to take a biochemistry And they all have dreams. placement test. ose who scored lower had to take biochemistry, Some want to be astronauts and while those with higher scores could take an advanced class. y through space. Others want Aer the test, Downing was asked to step outside the classroom. to be professional athletes and He’d scored so high on the placement test that he was allowed to score a game-winner at the buzzer. skip biochemistry altogether and start conducting research. Some want to be actors and star in “I had classes with students from Ivy league schools, so this Hollywood movies. showed me that UM-Dearborn is as good as any place in the e harsh reality is that many country,” he said. “I worked much harder as an undergrad than I of those children won’t have an had to for medical school because it was as rigorous an education opportunity to chase their dreams as you could get.” DR. JAMES DOWNING because of cancer and other Downing eventually landed at St. Jude Children’s Research devastating diseases. Hospital and earned UM-Dearborn’s Distinguished Alumnus of Dr. James Downing (’77 B.S.) hopes to change that. the Year Award in 1999. In 2013, he was named a nalist in TIME “We really are in a war against pediatric catastrophic diseases,” magazine’s list of the 100 most inuential people in the world. Downing said. “Children are dying. is is something that we “I never had intentions of doing great things,” Downing said. need to keep close to our hearts, and it needs to motivate us “I hadn’t set a goal of changing medicine, so to have my career go because there really is no reason for children to be dying in the in a direction that has allowed me to have an impact on so many dawn of their life.” people is pretty exciting.” e University of Michigan-Dearborn alumnus recently was named president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. His passion for scientic research stems from his experience at UM-Dearborn. A Lincoln Park native, Downing arrived on the Dearborn campus planning to study engineering. A biology course he took during his second semester changed all that and the idea of medical school took shape.

“Children are dying. This is something that … needs to motivate us because there really is no reason for children to be dying in the dawn of their life.”

—Dr. James Downing, president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PHOTOS COURTESY JUDE OF ST. CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

| 25 GAME changer

¡Vamos a Jugar Lacrosse!

OSE LUIS ESPINOSA (’09 M.S.M.E.) aer learning about an open tryout on a had only six months of lacrosse campus yer. Jexperience under his belt when he “Many students are turned o at the idea decided to build a national lacrosse team of learning a new sport late in their college in Mexico. careers, due to the time and monetary So the University of Michigan-Dearborn investment,” said UM-Dearborn lacrosse alumnus brushed up on the sport by coach Jason Watts. “Jose, on the other hand, purchasing 53 instructional DVDs. was extremely eager to learn the game.” Not necessarily a seasoned vet, Espinosa’s Espinosa played at UM-Dearborn for six “Lacrosse is a magical sport,” said plan attracted its fair share of skeptics. But months. On the day of his nal exam, his Espinosa, a midelder on the national team. those who knew Espinosa were condent he father died of cancer. “ ere are times when I’m on the eld and could transform Mexico, a country known Espinosa returned to Mexico and, think, ‘ ere is nothing in my life that can be for its rich soccer heritage, into a nation that using his inheritance, purchased lacrosse better than this moment.’ I just love it.” embraces lacrosse. equipment for 20 players. In September 2009, Espinosa worked for three years as an In July, Espinosa silenced his critics he organized a scrimmage to recruit some engineer in Mexico, but these days, he’s when he took the Mexican national lacrosse talented athletes from Mexico. About 100 turned his passion for lacrosse into a unique team to Denver to compete in the world men participated; Espinosa later narrowed business venture. He is working with a major championships—quite an achievement, that down to about 20, and trained those U.S. distributor to produce lacrosse balls in considering the country had no tangible 20 men, using the skills he learned at Mexico, thus further advancing the sport’s lacrosse presence ve years ago. UM-Dearborn and from the instructional popularity. Espinosa anticipates a bright future DVDs. e team began traveling to the “When I’m playing and just enjoying the ahead, and that future lies in the hands of a U.S. to face elite competition, which moment, that’s something that no other job young man who joined UM-Dearborn’s club helped prepare Mexico for the 2014 world can give me,” he said. team during his last year at the university championships. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANA ULLOA

26 | Fall 2014 GIVING back

Campaign Steering Committee

OU CAN CALL THEM THE “CAMPAIGN INSIDERS.” These University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni and friends comprise the Campaign Steering Committee, assembled by Chancellor YDaniel Little to provide and secure the necessary philanthropic support to ensure student success. The Victors for UM-Dearborn Campaign is designed to attract increased levels of support from diverse stakeholders, so campus leaders worked closely with the Steering Committee to solidify the campaign vision and strategy, engage donors and recruit volunteers. The e›orts put forth by the Steering Committee over the past year have provided a solid foundation for a successful campaign. Learn why UM-Dearborn Steering Committee members decide to give back.

CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR graduates because I know how well prepared they are to health of the institution and do so in a manner that others LIZABETH ARDISANA be successful in their endeavors. I continue to stay may benefit from the exceptional educational experience (’84 M.S.E.) actively involved and support the campus since I am this university offers. We view it as both an investment in CEO, ASG Renaissance LLC committed to supporting its mission.” our collective futures and the right thing to do.” “The university helped shaped PAUL HILLEGONDS PHILIP ROUSSEY us into who we are today. The Senior Vice President, (’66 B.S.E.E.E.) university also provided us with Corporate Affairs, DTE (Retired) Executive Vice President, the support system, the education, the friends, the “With the support and Bell Microproducts (Retired) contacts and the confidence to make an impact in the encouragement of UM-Dearborn “I choose to give back to real world. For all those reasons and more, I choose to faculty and staff, our daughter UM-Dearborn, and particularly give back to my alma mater.” grew tremendously as a learner, CECS. I believe my personal CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR citizen and young adult. I am experiences on campus gave focus to my direction in life ERIC NEMETH (’85 B.A.) grateful for the opportunity that the UM-Dearborn and provided the education, confidence and Partner, Varnum community offers to students like Sarah.” understanding I needed to move to the next phase of my personal development. I will continue to be a strong Attorneys at Law DOUG KRIZANIC (’81 B.B.A.) supporter of experiential learning and multidisciplinary “The decision to support Senior Partner, Deloitte Tax LLP educational programs related to engineering.” UM-Dearborn is the product of a “I truly value the doors that my lifetime of experience and thought. I have come to education opened for me. My JIM VELLA realize that my own career journey was aided by many professors connected with the President, Ford Motor Co. Fund people along the way. My education was the students and brought the and Community Services cornerstone. Whether financial support or a guiding subject matter to life. It was a “Ford Motor Co. maintains a hand, I view it as a sacred trust to those that came phenomenal experience.” strong, enthusiastic relationship before me and shared of their time, talent and treasure with UM-Dearborn, in part KIM LAHTI (’84 B.A.) to help those in the same manner that come after me.” because both organizations Senior Vice President, understand the importance of developing and HONORARY CAMPAIGN BMO Harris Bank expanding service-learning curriculum. Especially CO-CHAIR ED ELLIOTT “Others before us have created during times like these, the greater Detroit community (’67 B.B.A.) Vice Chairman, the legacy we share today. We will benefit from the expertise and engagement of Franklin Enterprises are compelled to do likewise. UM-Dearborn faculty and students.” “I strongly believe in the mission UM-Dearborn has and continues of the University of Michigan- to enrich my life in ways I never KEVIN VERNER (’80 B.A.) Dearborn and the role it plays in imagined. It is a privilege to be associated with such a Owner, Shell Ring Associates fostering the development of Michigan’s economy and great institution.” “UM-Dearborn is more than just the revitalization of Detroit. I continue to invest in my alma mater. The university J. TERRY MCELROY furthering the campus’ academic quality because of the provided me with the necessary (’76 B.B.A.) Executive Vice dedication of its faculty and staff to prepare its students tools to pursue and achieve my President, AAA Michigan to be successful in the workplace and in life.” career goals. I have fond “While UM-Dearborn’s memories of friends and faculty that have stayed with BRYAN BECKER (’69 B.B.A.) curriculum and educational tools me over the years. In fact, I have remained in contact Partner, The Hunter Group LLC have naturally evolved since I was with members of the faculty and they inspire me to this “My education and experiences a student, its unique qualities— day. I’m proud to be a UM-Dearborn alumnus and I will have been lifelong assets to me. size, diversity and sense of community—are ever present. continue to support the university’s mission for years Throughout my career, I have The university has become part of the fabric of southeast to come.” worked with, as well as helped Michigan and critical to the economic vitality of the recruit many UM-Dearborn region. We give back to UM-Dearborn to help ensure the

| 27 DIFFERENCE makers

Alumni Victors

OR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED AT UNIVERSITY OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Michigan-Dearborn as students and left as Victors. They earned that title by transforming lives OF THE YEAR and powering our region. F TERRY MCELROY (’76 B.B.A.) UM-Dearborn annually honors outstanding alumni Victors who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a di›erence—to their alma mater and to their community. • AAA Michigan, Executive Vice President These men and women are Di›erence Makers because they carry UM-Dearborn’s legacy of • Campaign Steering leadership in their lives and careers. Committee, Member They positively impact their workplaces and communities, while serving as strong role models for • College of Business Board the next generation of Victors. of Advisors, Member On October 24, UM-Dearborn hosted the 2014 Alumni Di›erence Maker Awards to recognize this • 1995 College of Business Alumnus of the Year year’s recipients:

JEANETTE SCHUMACHER YOUNG ALUMNUS COLLEGE OF ARTS, ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD OF THE YEAR SCIENCES, AND LETTERS JERRY MOLLIEN (’71 B.B.A.) SALMA SAFIEDINE (’05 B.A.) ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR • Masco, Executive Vice • Safiedine Partners Law, MARIE LOZON (’81 B.S.) President of Corporate LLC, Attorney • UMHS—C.S. Mott Children’s Tax (Retired) • American Bar Hospital, Director of • College of Business Association’s Racial Pediatric Medicine; Assoc. Board of Advisors, Justice Improvement Professor, Pediatric Member Project, Director Emergency Medicine • 2005 College of Business • Top Doc, Hour Detroit Alumnus of the Year • 1995 UM-Dearborn Professional Growth and Scholarship Award

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR HEALTH, AND HUMAN AND COMPUTER SCIENCE DAN WAKEMAN (’78 B.S.A.) SERVICES ALUMNUS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR • St. Luke’s Hospital- OF THE YEAR JUMAN DOLEH-ALOMARY ProMedica Health JULEE COWHER (’95 B.A.) (’98 B.S., ’01 M.S.E.) System (Ohio), • Spencer Elementary • Wayne State University, President School (Brighton), Information Technology • College of Business Kindergarten Teacher Audit Director Board of Advisors, • 2013 Elementary Science • Arab American Women’s Member Teacher of the Year, Business Council, Michigan Science Executive Board Member Teachers Association

28 | Fall 2014 CLASS notes

KEEP YOUR CLASSMATES UPDATED. Exciting things happening in your life? Changed jobs? Got married? Had kids? Received an award? Send your Class Notes to [email protected]. You also can visit our website at umd.umich.edu/alumni_stay_connected and fill out our form. We’d love to hear from you!

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES, DANIA BAZZI (’01 B.S., ’03 M.A.T.) was named AND LETTERS superintendent of Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools. Prior to her appointment as superintendent, DAVID C. ANDERSON (’94 B.A.), a lawyer/ Bazzi served as director of teaching and learning for shareholder at Collins Einhorn Farrell PC, was elected Hamilton Community Schools. vice president of the Oakland County Bar Association, Michigan’s largest voluntary bar association with more BRET BIGGERS (’84 B.A.) joined the National Waste than 3,000 members. & Recycling Association as its statistics and standards programs director. Biggers expands the association’s MARTY BAILEY (’11 B.A.) was named director of statistics program and leads the development of new development for University of Michigan’s Alumni safety and performance standards for waste equipment Association (AAUM). Bailey leads the major gift efforts and operations. for Camp Michigania, regional club scholarships and SCHLISSEL NAMED other AAUM initiatives. BRIAN BORGUNO (’11 B.A.) joined the Anchorage (AK) Community Development Authority as its parking STEVEN BARBONE (’12 B.A.) joined Blue Cross Blue 14TH U-M PRESIDENT director. Borguno oversees parking in downtown Shield as a senior health care analyst, where he ON JULY 14, MARK SCHLISSEL began his Anchorage and land development for the municipality of develops and implements reimbursement strategy for Anchorage. tenure as the 14th president of the University health care providers. of Michigan. The 56-year-old biomedical RICK BOURGOISE (’97 B.A., ’04 M.B.A.) joined the GRETCHEN BASSIER (’03 B.A.) authored two researcher comes to Michigan from Brown public relations team at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. nonfiction pieces that appeared in Chicken Soup for the University, where he had been provost since Bourgoise plays a key role in regional media relations Soul: The Cat Did What? and Chicken Soup for the Soul: 2011. Before that, he was dean of biological efforts, as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion brand The Dog Did What? Both books were released in August. sciences in the College of Letters & Science at initiatives. Bourgoise brings nearly 20 years of public Bassier’s fiction can be found in the online magazine relations and media experience to Toyota. the University of California, Berkeley, where he Every Day Fiction and the upcoming anthology Alternate also held the C.H. Li Chair in Biochemistry. Hilarities 3: Hysterical Realms. ANDREA HADDAD (’10 B.S.) works in a large translational research program at the University of Michigan as a clinical coordinator for clinical trials/ projects related to various types of head and neck cancers. Cheaper by the Dozen 13 LYNDSEY MARTIN (’97 B.A.) received the Capital One Award for excellence in economics education. THE REAMERS are not your typical reality TV family. They Martin coached a group of students that made it to the rarely incite drama like the Kardashians and they wear a lot semi-finals of the Governor’s Economics Challenge in less camouflage than the Robertsons.

“All these reality shows have some sort of twist, but we’re just a normal family,” said Bryan Reamer (’11 M.B.A./M.S.F.). SCHOOL SPIRIT

Producers from “World of Wonder” thought enough of the Reamers’ “normal” family to create a reality show based on the University of Michigan-Dearborn alumnus, his partner Clint and their 10 adopted boys.

The show, 10 Kids, 2 Dads, aired in 2012 on The Oprah Winfrey Network. The two episodes followed Bryan and Clint as they raised their adopted family in a chaotic, yet loving environment. Since production ceased, the couple has fos- tered another three girls. Show off your University of Michigan-Dearborn pride behind the wheel with the Block M on your license plate! “We both knew that, at some point, we wanted children,” said Reamer, a financial analyst at Ford UM-Dearborn plates, which feature the iconic maize Motor Co. “There was never a plan to have 10 or 13. It just kind of happened.” Block M, cost $35—$25 of which goes right back to the university.

Order yours today by visiting michigan.gov/sos.

NOTABLE BRYAN REAMER (’11 M.B.A./M.S.F.)

| 29 CLASS notes

Virginia for the past three years. She also heads a Up and away committee that is writing the AP U.S. History curriculum for Virtual Virginia, the online learning division of the THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS visited NASA’s Kennedy Space Virginia Department of Education. Center every year to see one the world’s largest buildings.

CHRIS NEMETH (’80 B.A.) was appointed to senior NASA temporarily halted public tours at the Vehicle Assembly director of social enterprise at Forgotten Harvest. Building, which spans eight acres and towers 525 feet, but that VALLE Nemeth leads the development and growth of business doesn’t bother Matt Czech and Jenna Valle. The University of ideas and ventures. He has more than three decades of Michigan-Dearborn graduates both work as operations engi- experience, previously serving as vice president for neers at NASA, where they play key roles in shaping the future development at St. Peter’s Home for Boys. of U.S. space exploration. JEFFREY NORICKS (’99 B.S.) joined MyBuys in Ann “I’ve always been interested in the Space Shuttle Orbiter and Arbor as a senior engagement manager. other space systems,” Czech said. CHRIS O’BRIEN (’97 B.A.) was named principal of Wood Creek Elementary School in Farmington Hills. He joined NASA in 2006 and later recruited Valle, a former O’Brien has 15 years of experience serving in educational classmate at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. leadership roles. Prior to his appointment, he served as CZECH an assistant principal at Harrison High School in “It’s a pretty great place to work,” Valle said. “Every day offers Farmington Hills. a new experience.”

JACOB SABLE (’14 B.S.) received $30,000 to complete an intensive fellowship at Michigan State University. Sable MATT CZECH (’08 B.S.E.I.S) NOTABLE is one of eight Oakland County residents to receive the AND JENNA VALLE (’08 B.S.E.I.S.) Kellogg Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellowship, established to recruit college graduates with a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) appointment, Beeman worked in the Detroit Public Schools software. DaySmart won the College of Engineering and background to teach at least three years in a high-need for 19 years. Computer Science’s Continual Support and Dedication Michigan school. Award, as nearly half of the company’s employees are SUZANN CONNELL (’93 B.G.S.) authored Connect to UM-Dearborn alumni. AMY SKEHAN (’99 B.A.) joined Ford Motor Co. as its Your Career, an academic textbook published by university programs manager. Skehan handles future Goodheart-Wilcox. Connell earned a doctoral degree in DAVID OLSZEWSKI (’00 B.S.E.I.S., ’03 M.S.E.I.S.) mobility and general external alliances. holistic nutrition. received a doctor of management degree in executive leadership from Walsh College. Olszewski is the senior SUSAN WELLS (’85 B.S.A., ’98 M.P.A.), as part of TRUMAN HUDSON, JR. (’13 Ed.D.) joined BMe director of program management at the Dallas Children’s UM-Dearborn’s Degree Audit Project Team, received Community as its local community manager for Detroit. Medical Center. the Exceptional Team Award at the Chancellor’s Staff The position allows Hudson to extend his research to Recognition Awards. explore how black males’ engagement in economics, education and social organizations influences community CRYSTAL WILLIAMS (’10 B.G.S.) joined Blue Care and economic development. Network’s Finance and Accounting Division as an individual accounts analyst. Williams is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, with a COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING concentration in health care administration, at Ashford AND COMPUTER SCIENCE It’s a great day to University. She has two children. MARK CASMER (’88 B.S.E.I.S.) joined the Medical Advantage Group as vice president of operations and chief be a victor. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS operating officer.

RAND KAZANJI (’09 B.B.A.) joined University of JOSEPH DOWNING (’88 B.S.M.E.) is a graduate Michigan-Dearborn’s Office of Admissions and Orientation student in nurse anesthesia at Oakland University. as an assistant director for orientation programs. Downing earned an M.B.A. from UM-Ann Arbor and a #GIVINGBLUEDAY bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Detroit BRENT OTT (’07 B.B.A., ’13 M.B.A.), chief financial 12.02.14 :: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM Mercy. officer for The Henry Ford in Dearborn, earned a spot on LEARN MORE! givingblueday.org Crain’s Detroit Business’ “Twenty in their 20s” list. Ott JAMES HARKINS (’95 B.S.E.E.) is the engineering started at The Henry Ford as a busboy when he was 16. He director at DENSO International America in Southfield. climbed the ranks and now oversees The Henry Ford’s $55 Harkins heads the Electric Hybrid Vehicle Department, million budget. which is responsible for North American technology development and application support for traction motors, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, inverters, DCDC and on-board charger systems. AND HUMAN SERVICES CHRIS JACKSON (’96 B.S.M.E.) is the vice president of : KATHLEEN BEEMAN (’91 B.A., ’94 M.A.) was named DaySmart Software, a dynamic and energetic company TRANSFORMING STUDENTS POWERING OUR REGION principal of St. Stephen School in New Boston. Prior to her that specializes in designing and developing point-of-sale

30 | Fall 2014 First Person PAYING IT FORWARD

HILANTHROPY HAS CONNECTED ME WITH MANY OF THE BASIC One of the biggest aspects that seems to be overlooked is that principles and values that I hold in high regard. The fact that philanthropy is a two-way street, meaning that in order to get, you Peveryone is intrinsically valuable and deserves to be treated have to give, and vice versa. In terms of student organizations, as such is the most important principle, and I endeavor to embody you rally around causes that you are passionate about, while it daily. learning how to fine-tune necessary skills that contribute to your One organization that I feel has contributed to my growth professional development. in understanding and implementing philanthropy is University My experience on the Student Philanthropy Council has inspired of Michigan-Dearborn’s Student Philanthropy Council. This me to give back to my community. organization was founded by UM-Dearborn graduates Jason Davis This past summer, I worked with Public Allies Metro Detroit and Kristin McDonough, who understood the importance of giving and the Detroit Water Brigade to collect 1,000 gallons of water back on a college campus and did their best to help me and other for Detroit residents who had their water shut off. We spent a students develop awareness of philanthropy and highlight its week collecting water from friends, neighbors and community impact. members, then dropped it off to the Detroit Water Brigade Using the Student Philanthropy Council as a tool to help me headquarters in downtown Detroit. comprehend philanthropy, I began helping others understand There are many things in this world that make us feel helpless, how to give back on a daily basis. Through events such as Tuition but through this small act, I felt empowered to make a small Freedom Day and Dearborn Difference, I helped cultivate an contribution to improve peoples’ lives. Although it is not a understanding of philanthropy at UM-Dearborn. permanent solution, water is a basic human right and I was able to The point where I knew I was making significant strides in this help people obtain it. new understanding was when friends and strangers alike would I was able to work with a community and educate people on the actively approach me to learn more about philanthropy and ask issue, while helping them find solutions. Those skills will benefit how they could get involved. It was at that point where I became me for the rest of my life. conscious of the fact that I had become a teacher, student and advocate for philanthropy without even realizing it. I recently came to the realization that my involvement in student organizations is another source of philanthropy. Time, along with Uzma Anwar is a behavioral sciences major at University of talent, is a key resource. Combine that with a cause or purpose, Michigan-Dearborn, where she plays an active role on the Student along with others who are just as passionate as you are, and you Philanthropy Council. get a productive organization.

“My experience on the Student Philanthropy Council has inspired me to give back to my community.”

| 31 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Dearborn, MI Permit No. 684

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

Snap SPEED DRILLS Hands-on learning has remained a key component of UM-Dearborn’s mission for the past 50 years. Here, an engineering student tests the performance of a vehicle.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UM-DEARBORN ARCHIVES