R VISITED

An Alumni Publication of

News & Events for EMU Alumni emich.edu/alumni Fall, 2018 Welcome to the first edition of ‘Revisited’ Dear fellow EMU construction trucks roll want to stop by the award-win- easy way to get engaged is to celebrating 146 years, and with Alumni, past me and the sounds ning EMU Student Center, head attend one of our Meet Up Mon- all of the events, activities and In 2017, I was se- of hammering steel echo south to check out the Strong day events happening through- opportunities on campus - there lected to become the through the buildings Hall project, the brand new out the fall and winter semesters. has never been a better time to president of Eastern on south campus. It EMU Energy Center and take Meet Up Mondays are designed revisit your alma mater! Michigan University’s continues to be an excit- some time to check out building to connect current students I look forward to meeting Alumni Association ing time as projects are updates to our colleges, residence with EMU alumni and practice many more of you, to hear your Board of Directors. By Matthew Mortier starting and completing halls and more! networking skills to develop, EMU stories, and to learn about It is an honor to rep- Alumni Association in every direction - the You should also consider get- build, and cultivate long lasting the achievements you’ve un- Board President resent the more than most noticeable being ting involved in one of the many relationships. Each month, EMU doubtedly accomplished in the 165,000 alumni who the much needed Strong events that take place on campus alumni are invited to attend, years since graduation. have graduated from EMU in its Hall renovation. If you have not every week. As alumni, you can engage with students and share As always and forever - Go 169-year history. found yourself back on campus play a key role in the continued advice. Green! As I write this letter to you, in some time, I encourage you to advancement of the institution This is a special year for your I am sitting and watching the come by. If it’s been awhile, you’ll and in the lives of students. An Alumni Association as we are -Matt Mortier (BBA09, MA12) Alumnus making a difference through art and community

By Austen Smith

Jermaine Curtis Dickerson (BA14) is a creative, talented and busy person. Whether he is working on client projects as a freelance graphic design artist, or leading programs and events for his non-profit Hero Nation or engag- ing with the local arts communi- ty, Dickerson maintains a hectic schedule. Such energy was cultivated during his days at Eastern Mich- igan University having recently graduated with a BA in Art. Since Bright Lights, Big Ambition that time, Dickerson has used his EMU education and experience Young Alumni collaborate to make award-winning films to create positive change with local youth through the power of art, comic books and, as he says, Jermaine Curtis Dickerson (BA14) By Jeff Samoray “We loved filmmaking as students and want to “nerd culture.” was commissioned to create a mural for the city of Ypsilanti, Mich., continue doing it,” says WSF President, Officer and founder Allie Romero (BS15). “Compared to Hol- in 2016. Photo by Austen Smith If there’s a group of resourceful filmmakers who Finding his way lywood, there aren’t a lot of filmmaking opportuni- could make a splash in the movie industry without Arriving as a stranger to EMU ties in Michigan. But we’re creating opportunities a minor in dance, Dickerson relying on the sway of Hollywood insiders, it’s WSF in 2009 as an arts major with for ourselves here. We want to make a difference on got involved with on-campus Productions. filmmaking as a whole and for filmmakers them- activities but didn’t learn about In just three years, the youthful team of about 20 selves.” Ypsilanti’s growing arts com- Eastern Michigan University alumni and current munity until after graduation. students is earning awards at local film competi- It started with a Facebook post He has since immersed himself tions and screenings at prestigious film festivals. Romero and nearly all the WSF team members in the community and culture To date, WSF (a shortened form of “Who Shot PAID first met as Electronic Media and Film Studies of the area. First,” their original company name) has released NONPROFIT US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PERMIT#792 majors at EMU. For an independent study project, “I was drawn to the people of six short films, which are gaining additional expo-

ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 OAK, ROYAL Romero recreated an episode of the 1950s situation the community, the voice, the sure on social media. Now the team is raising the comedy “I Love Lucy” to demonstrate her film pro- drive, the heart,” he says. “I wit- bar, aiming to produce and release a feature-length duction skills. Many of her classmates contributed nessed people trying to rebuild film in the near future. and create new opportunities, Please see ‘Lights’ on Page 3 form collaborations and to really cultivate a safer and more powerful community especially within the creative fields.” WHAT’S Dickerson, who is a De- troit native but moved to Mt. INSIDE Clemens with his family when he was 12, landed a job at the Arm of Honor Alumni giving back to EMU Office of Academic Ser- Pg. 2 Alumna uses vice-Learning where he stayed EMU experience at Homecoming throughout college.There he Dept. of Homeland right around the Security corner!

EMU Office for Alumni Relations EMU Office for 234 McKenny Hall MI 48197 Ypsilanti, Please see ‘Dickerson’ on Page 2 Pg. 4 Pg. 3 Fall, 2018 Revisited | emich.edu/alumni Page 2 Arm of Honor Alumni Chapter Fall, 2018 Men of Honor giving back to Eastern Michigan ‘Revisited’ is a publication of Eastern Michigan University’s By Austen Smith of philanthropy with a $5,000 Office for Alumni Relations. challenge grant to help two EMU All rights reserved. The Arm of Honor was once swimmers travel to time trials for The views presented here are a distinguished fraternal organi- the Summer Olympics. Then in not necessarily those of the editor zation on the campus of Eastern 2017, they made sizable gifts to nor reflective of the policies of Michigan University. The group the EMU Forensics and Debate Eastern Michigan University or has recruited future community Teams, the nascent Fermentation the Office for Alumni Relations. leaders, educators and athletes Science Program and Swoop’s many of whom are recognizable Food Pantry. More recently, Alumni Relations/ names on the marquees of build- Arms Alumni have made char- Advancement staff: ings scattered around campus itable gifts to the new athletics Jill Hunsberger – Rynearson, Olds and Jones to sports medicine facility and Road Assistant Vice President of name a few. to Completion programs. In the Advancement Starting around 2008, however, spring of this year, the Asso- the Arm organization became ciation donated $3,000 to the Mia Milton (BS96, MS12) unmoored from its traditions of BrotherHOOD and SisterHOOD Assistant Dir., Alumni Relations academic scholarship, honor and Initiatives – a University-wide & Communications integrity. The organization, and Arm of Honor Alumni Chapter members present a check to EMU to benefit collaborative support program the group’s longtime home at 602 the BrotherHOOD and SisterHOOD Initiatives. L-R: Kirk Profit (BS75), EMU focused on EMU students of President James M. Smith, Jill Hunsberger, Associate Vice President for color. Jessica Nietrzeba (MS08) Emmet Street in Ypsilanti, quite Advancement and Phil Riggio (BS71). Photo courtesy of Pat Barry Assistant Director, Advancement publicly came to a crashing halt Profit says within the last Activities, Alumni Relations when the University revoked the Athletics was one of several or- “We thought it had been several years Arm alumni have group’s charter and the Alumni ganizational pillars that sustained deteriorating for a while, but made great progress in restoring Austen Smith (BS03) Association evicted current ten- the Arm chapter through the it put us over the top when we the group’s reputation, and their Director of Advancement ants due to a series of police calls early 2000’s. Warning signs, how- saw that the house was a total main goal is to continue to be a Communications and bad behavior. ever, started to creep in around mess,” says Profit. “(The Alumni positive force for good within the But what could have been an 2008-2009, marked largely by an Association) made a decision that campus community. Caroline Eidt (BFA18) embarrassing end for an EMU eroding membership. Then in this isn’t who we are and we don’t “What the Arm chapter had Graphic Designer institution has turned into a 2010, membership dwindled to want the (current residents) to become in the eyes of the com- story of rebirth and rejuvenation, a point where it was no longer carry our name. So we decided munity was nothing that we ever Contact the Editor: thanks to the efforts of a few sustainable financially for the that day to boot them all out, sell wanted it to be,” says Profit. “So 444A McKenny Hall motivated alumni and a strong, Arm brothers currently living in the house and just be an alumni we had a choice to either burn Ypsilanti, MI 48197 collective desire to preserve the home, so they started seeking chapter.” our coats and all that kind of stuff [email protected] 125 years of Arm history and outside help to keep the house or start fresh and restore who we 734-487-6640 tradition. afloat. Rebuilding and giving back are – and that’s what we chose to Alumnus Patrick Barry (BS71, Up until that time, the Arm do. And we’re very grateful and Let’s be Social! Remembering the heyday MA73) is not only a two-time of Honor Alumni Association thankful to the University for Facebook.com/emualumnirelations The Arm of Honor chapter graduate of EMU but has taught had owned the house that sits at allowing us the opportunity to Twitter: @emualumnirelations thrived throughout the 1960s and in the Communication, Media the corner of Emmet and Perrin do that.” Instagram: @emualumnirelations 1970s when American GI’s re- and Theatre Arts Program for streets – a well-trafficked area for In October of 2017, the EMU turned from WWII and used the nearly 15 years. He was also EMU students just a block away Alumni Association recognized Please take a moment to fill GI Bill to enroll in college. Pledge among the first Arm of Honor from campus. When the chapter the group as an official Alumni out our online survey classes were large and chapter alumni brothers to catch wind decided to sell, two of the broth- Chapter which marked another We hope you enjoy your com- membership routinely numbered of activities at 602 Emmet. He ers stepped up with a plan to buy positive step in redeeming the plimentary copy of ‘Revisited,” a 70 or more. It was around that heard rumors of wild parties and the home, renovate and begin the organization. They are the first publication dedicated to Eastern time when alumnus Kirk Profit police calls and decided to get his process of repairing the Arm of fraternal organization ever to Michigan University’s alumni, (BS75) enrolled at Eastern and brothers involved and investigate. Honor name in the eyes of the have received chapter status. donors, supporters and friends. decided to pledge the Arm of When they paid a visit the house University and the community. Barry says the No. 1 priority is We would appreciate it if you Honor. in the spring of 2015, it was be- Mike Beaugrand (BS94) and Bob to continue their philanthropic took a moment to fill out an Profit, who now serves as a yond what they expected. Beaugrand (BS90) were in a per- work to support EMU. online survey that will inspire Trustee on the EMU Founda- “The house was in very bad fect position to do that with each “I would like to see us continue programming that is beneficial, tion Board of Directors, became condition,” says Barry. “It was having construction backgrounds to be a positive force on campus, fun and exciting to over 30,000 interested as a student in the Arm very disappointing to everybody coupled with a strong desire to as we were for more than 120 EMU alumni currently living in chapter due to the group’s athletic who had come back; very disap- preserve Arm history and restore years,” says Barry. “The key goal, Washtenaw County. focus. pointing to see it had gotten to the group’s honor. however, whether the fraternity Please visit “Athletics appealed to me, but that point.” With the house now in good comes back or not, is to continue true.mu/revisited_survey I just wasn’t a college-caliber Profit recalls there had been hands, the Association moved to connect with the University to find and complete the survey player. I just wasn’t at that level,” some signs but when the Alumni quickly to start rebuilding its and support students and support questions. Survey results are says Profit, who was a standout Association paid a visit and saw estranged relationship with the programs. completely anonymous, and player on the intramural football the state of the house – reality University. In 2016, the Arm “We feel very strongly about responses will not be shared with and wrestling teams. quickly set in. group kicked off its mission that.” outside parties. ‘Dickerson’ experience and others with EMU faculty as held a raffle for a new PlayStation. From Cover Page valuable character building blocks. Dickerson says he has seen the power of Join the Alumni “Having those voices and instructors to comics help people out of tough situations. Association! There he was able to network with other stu- help nurture me and instruct me was some- “I’ve seen or heard stories of how comic dents and administrators. Later on, he would times tough but in the end very helpful,” he books have impacted lives,” he says. “Such says. as someone who went through a violent Activate your free alumni become involved with Engage EMU and has since completed several graphic design proj- situation at home, and they sort of projected membership and enjoy Finding the hero within themselves onto a character and that charac- discounts, special offers ects for both groups. Dickerson’s commitment to projects has Dickerson gained notoriety in 2016 when ter helped fight their own internal battles.” and access to exclusive followed him since he was a student where his he was commissioned by the city of Ypsilanti Ultimately, Dickerson hopes to create pos- events! raw talent was recognized immediately by art to paint a large mural for City Hall. The 11- itive impact by bringing together community faculty. But, despite that ability, Dickerson at foot, by 22-foot painting leaps out from the voices and empowering people through art Being an Eastern Michigan times struggled to stay on top of his myriad south side of the building and depicts cultural and culture. University alumni means obligations – such as when he neglected to and historical landmarks that help define the “We need to have this collective art organi- you are part of an extended finish a final project for his painting class. city. zation, where artists can come together and family that is represented “This was during a time when we were It was also around this time when he start- help create change, and that is happening now across the U.S. and in over having dance rehearsal every night, and I ed the non-profit organization, Hero Nation, in different ways,” he says. 100 countries. All EMU had this big final coming up for my painting which inspires youth through the power of As for the unfinished painting from class? alumni are members of the class,” says Dickerson. “I didn’t get a chance comic books, video games and creativity. Dickerson says he still has it, and he plans on Alumni Association for to do the painting in time, so I tried to finish In September of 2017, Dickerson and Hero finishing it some day. free, for life. the painting the day of the final while in class. Nation hosted their first Comic-Con at the “My goal is to one day finish it and find (the The teacher saw and she was insulted.” newly renovated Parkridge Community Cen- professor), that way I can say that I did finally Start your journey at: Dickerson says he apologized to the pro- ter on the south side of Ypsilanti. Attendees finish it. That could be part of my story.” fessor and attempted to squeeze out a grade were treated to video games, free food, a live emich.edu/alumni based on what he did accomplish, but it didn’t DJ and a variety of local vendors. They also To learn more about Dickerson and Hero work out. Looking back, Dickerson sees that gave away school supplies, comic books and Nation, visit www.heronationypsi.com Fall, 2018 Revisited | emich.edu/alumni Page 3 EMU’s ‘Harvest of Green’ Homecoming Week, Oct. 22-27

This year’s theme for Eastern Monday, Oct. 22 Friday, Oct. 26 Michigan’s 98th annual Home- coming is Harvest of Green, as 4th Annual Pumpkin Carving Alumni Happy Hour once again, students, alumni 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and fans will celebrate an entire Student Center – Patio Marriott Eagle Crest week of spirit activities from Oct. 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti MI 22-27. Celebrating Black Excellence 48197 The week will be capped off 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. when your EMU Eagles take on Student Center – 310 A/B Homecoming Block Party Army West Point on Saturday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Make sure not to miss Student Center – Patio our traditional alumni tailgate Tuesday, Oct. 23 that happens on the front lawn Faculty and Staff Alumni Social of Rynearson leading up to game 12 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 time. Student Center – Ballroom B The tailgate is just one of Alumni and Friends Pre-Game many great activities happening Tailgate Thursday, Oct. 25 throughout the week, see below 10 a.m. to 12 Noon for just some of the alumni Green and White Ball Rynearson Stadium – Front events, and for a full schedule 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Lawn visit emich.edu/homecoming. Student Center – Ballroom *Gametime kickoff, 12 Noon

da Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and - Attended EMU Latinx Student As- Spotlight: Sigma Lambda Beta National Fraternity, sociation’s Quinceañera; three members Inc., and through scholarships. provided financial donations. Additionally, we support the community - Re-energized chapter members on EMU Latino Alumni Chapter through programming and events. For social media and on EMU campus. example, in December of last year, we in- Interview with Marina Reyna dents, and serve as vited the community, students and alumni How do you serve as a bridge between (BS99), President of the EMU a bridge between to the student center to watch “Dolores,” EMU and the Latino community? Latino Alumni Chapter EMU and the com- which is a documentary film based on We attend our Latino and non-Latino munity at large. the life of Mexican-American civil rights based organization events and activities. When was the Latino Alumni Chapter Over the years we leader Dolores Huerta. After the show, we We also raise money for scholarships and Founded? have supported hosted a panel discussion and networking try to bring community resources to our The EMU Latino Alumni Chapter was each other’s events. reception. EMU students and the community at large. founded on Feb. 6, 1999, through a group We engage We host our newly created event called of dedicated alumni who had a vision to alumni through Marina Reyna (BS99) What are a few of your greatest “Dolores,” that is open to the public and we enhance the University’s commitment to varying channels like achievements as a chapter? ask local charities and government agen- Latino students and bring awareness to Facebook. We use We have had a lot of success this past cies to provide information and resources the uniqueness of being Latino. Facebook to promote upcoming events year. Our accomplishments include: that impact our community. The event is such as Homecoming and our showing of - Awarded a $500 cash emergency free. How do you engage and impact EMU, “Dolores.” We provide three scholarships scholarship for Francheka Acosta to attend On September 22, 2018, from 2-6 p.m. students and alumni? and award them to EMU Students once a a nursing program event. at the Student Center, we will do an encore The purpose of the EMU Latino Alumni year. - Awarded three scholarships and pre- presentation of “Dolores.” The screening Chapter is to promote Latino cultural We support students of the University paring for fall 2018 scholarship cycle. and reception will be free and open to our awareness, provide support to ensure through engagement with undergraduate - Attended and recruited new members EMU students and the local community. academic excellence among Latino stu- Latino Student Association, Sigma Lamb- from the 2017 Multicultural Graduation.

‘Lights’ “My Way Out” won Best Drama and took Romero says. “We were very proud of a profit or break even. From Cover Page second place for Best Film. A few months this huge achievement in our first year of “Funding is a challenge,” Romero says. later, the group participated in the 2016 creating original work.” “We pay for most of our work out of our their talents to her project. YPSI 24-Hour Shootout, entering “The Last fall, WSF participated in another own pockets, with some contributions After graduating, Romero didn’t think C a s e .” Detroit 48 Hour Film Project, entering from generous sponsors. Jake has his own she would work with those classmates At that point, the loosely organized “Roadmap.” The film earned five awards: equipment but brings it for our use. We again. Nearly a year later, she learned group had coalesced into a team of about Audience Choice, Best Action/Adventure, ask for donations on our Facebook page.” about the YPSI 24-Hour Shootout, a 20 active participants, mostly Eastern Best Music, Best Cinematography and Right now, passion fuels their work competition that supports independent alumni who had graduated after 2014. Best Special Effects. The Detroit Voices more than dollars. Most WSF members filmmaking in southeast Michigan. Teams Their members include writers, actors, Short Film Competition also selected have day jobs and spend time filming in in these types of contests typically deliver directors, producers, production assis- “Roadmap” as a finalist. That honor earned the evening or on weekends. a final film within a limited time (in 24 or tants, film editors, graphic artists, location a screening at the Detroit Film Theatre “Eventually, we’d love to make a full- sometimes 48 hours) that incorporates a managers, makeup specialists—all the at the Detroit Institute of Arts during the length feature and sell it at a profit to list of required “ingredients.” These could personnel needed to create a sophisticated 2018 Cinetopia Film Festival. someone like Netflix or Amazon,” Weber include a line of dialogue, a prop, a loca- film. “When we finished ‘Roadmap’ and says. “But for now, we give our time and tion or a character. The challenge requires turned it in for the Detroit 48 competi- get material for our portfolios. After grad- Film fest faves teams to think on their feet and produce tion, we were blown away by what we had uating from college, a lot of people spend a highly polished product without the After formalizing WSF, the ambitious created through the chaos,” Romero says. years trying to get a job in the film indus- benefit of advance planning. group put its creativity into overdrive. “During the award ceremony, we were try. We make films to continue practicing “I put out a Facebook post about the They spent five months making their next excited and nervous but still full of pride our craft and developing as creatives.” 2015 Ypsi Shootout and tagged everyone short film, “Voyager,” then 11 months on for our work. Being recognized in five That creative drive was evident long who worked with me on the ‘I Love Lucy’ “Small Fish,” their biggest production to categories made that chaotic weekend an before WSF shot its first reel of film. Keith project, asking if they’d like to join me,” date. experience none of us will ever forget.” Damron, associate professor of Electronic says Romero, 25. “To my delight, many re- “Filmmaking is a very collaborative WSF also began sharing its work on Media and Film Studies, taught many WSF sponded and were eager to participate. The endeavor,” says Weber, who serves as a social media, launching accounts on members in his classes at Eastern. majority were friends from my higher-lev- director, director of photography, editor Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Insta- “They were students who extended el film production classes at Eastern.” and associate producer. “We do everything gram. In addition to their film shorts, their themselves beyond the classroom,” says The group entered “Trust Me,” a internally, from initial brainstorming to posts include trailers, “behind-the-scenes” Damron, who worked in the Los Angeles five-minute short centering on belief, post-production. I do most of the shoot- documentaries of their filmmaking pro- entertainment industry as a production confidence and betrayal. Although it ing, lighting and editing. I try to leverage cess, and profiles of individual WSF team engineer, television writer, story editor didn’t win any prizes, the team enjoyed my technical skills to see if we can present members. and program director before his teaching the experience and pursued additional the script material in a realistic manner.” “We lean toward promoting our films on career. competitions. With Romero as the main producer and Facebook because of its massive audience Damron remains connected with WSF “The 2015 Ypsi 24 was our first project group leader, WSF submitted “Voyager” and ease of video sharing,” Weber says. as a mentor and finds their work impres- and we were just figuring everything out,” for entry in several film festivals. The -Or “‘Roadmap’ has been our most successful sive. says Jake Weber (BA15), a WSF member lando Film Festival and Capital City Film film yet in terms of public reaction. It’s “Their films are outstanding, both con- and officer. “Overall, that film was a great Festival (in Lansing) screened the film in been viewed more than 10,000 times on textually and technically,” he says. “Cama- team building experience.” October 2017 and April 2018, respectively. Facebook.” raderie is very important in the filmmak- The following summer, the group “‘Voyager’ was our first non-competition ing business and they function very well as Passion projects collaborated again—this time on the based film, and getting it into the Orlando a team...The sky is the limit for them.” Detroit 48 Hour Film Project. Their entry Film Festival was a very exciting moment,” For all their success, WSF has yet to earn Fall, 2018 Revisited | emich.edu/alumni Page 4 Alumna draws on EMU education in Homeland Security role

Karinda Washington (BA01) says the University. As she approached graduation, After the Loaned Executive Program best part of her job is “not knowing what her academic adviser asked about her took off, Washington developed another I’m going to encounter each day.” Ironi- future plans. program that allows DHS employees in cally, she says that degree of uncertainty is “I said I’d probably continue working at science, technology, engineering and math also the most challenging part of her job. Michigan Legal Services, where I’d been (STEM) fields to work in the private sector That’s how the days unfold at the U.S. working close to 10 years,” Washington for training purposes for up to six months. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), says. “But my adviser challenged me and The program, called Exemplar, launched where Washington is chief of staff for the suggested I look for a job in the federal in June 2016. Office of Partnership and Engagement. government.” “Some people say the federal govern- Among her duties are managing several Washington went online and found an ment isn’t innovative enough,” Washington DHS offices that coordinate outreach intriguing listing for an external affairs says. “I saw the need to become more agile efforts with state and local governments, specialist at DHS. in our training opportunities to attract elected officials, law enforcement agencies, “The title caught my eye because I love the best and brightest talent. At the same colleges and universities, and the private outreach,” she says. “The job description time, the government and private industry sector. She’s also involved in promoting the was amazing and seemed to really fit me. are very interdependent in terms of STEM “If You See Something, Say Something®” But I never thought I’d get that job in a and cybersecurity. The Loaned Executive campaign. million years.” Program and Exemplar allow us to share “Every day is completely different,” says The application deadline was that same ideas and knowledge with each other, Washington, 40, who earned a degree evening. Almost on a whim, Washington which is valuable for the government, for from Eastern in English Written Commu- Karinda Washington (BA01) filled out the online form and submitted it industry and for the country.” nication with a minor in African Amer- just before going to bed. Six months later, Last October, Washington became the ican Studies. “You just don’t know what House, which provides affordable hous- she received a call for an interview. first chief of staff in DHS history. One of your work environment will be like as you ing to homeless veterans in Detroit. “I “I was so excited,” she says. “I had to her responsibilities is fully realizing the begin the day.” helped with clothing drives when I was in borrow money from my parents for a merger of law enforcement, immigration Or how long the day will be. Although elementary school. I did my homework at plane ticket to D.C. I had the interview and security departments that had previ- Washington regularly puts in 11-hour town hall meetings while sitting beside my and learned a few months later that I got a ously operated independently. days, she’s rarely “off the clock,” since mom. That’s how I became interested in job offer pending security clearance.” Earlier this year, Washington completed issues impacting American security don’t helping the underserved.” the Harvard Kennedy School Education stop after she leaves the office. While many of Washington’s high Innovations and honors Senior Executive Fellows program, which “That’s the nature of the job,” she says. school peers went on to schools like Uni- Washington joined DHS in May 2011 is designed to prepare managers for execu- “We’re right in the thick of things, whether versity of Michigan and Michigan State, without full awareness of what she was tive service in the federal government. But it involves responding to something like a she purposely chose Eastern because of its stepping into beyond the basic job descrip- she’s not sure if she’ll remain in the federal shooting incident, hurricane or cyberat- smaller campus environment. tion. She quickly became acclimated and government for the long-term. tack. And those things can change, either “Eastern gave me the freedom to grow earned praise for launching the Loaned “I’m leaning more toward getting into during the day or overnight. I thrive on as a person and embrace my passion for Executive Program. This initiative gives corporate social responsibility at a grass those challenges—it’s what gets me up and diversity and multiculturalism,” she says. executives from the private sector the roots level,” she says. “I’m interested in keeps me going.” “The university also gave me some per- opportunity to share their expertise with how corporations are defining their role After seven years at DHS, Washington spective. Suddenly, I wasn’t among just a DHS on particular issues and challenges for social impact. I’ll probably go in that still feels a sense of amazement about her few smart kids. I realized I was surround- for up to one year. direction for my next career move. Maybe career path. ed by lots of really smart kids. I learned a “DHS had been trying to get that pro- in five or 10 years. “Every day when I come to work and lot through my friendships with them.” gram off the ground for two years prior to “D.C. is also not my last stop—Detroit swipe my security badge, I pause and After earning her bachelor’s, Washing- my arrival,” Washington says. will always be home. I’d love to become think, ‘Wow, I’m working for the Depart- ton began working as an office manager at Thanks to Washington’s resolve, DHS involved in community development and ment of Homeland Security,” she says. Michigan Legal Services, a nonprofit that ironed out the logistics and launched the see the downtown renaissance extend to provides free legal assistance to low and program in January 2012. Soon, it became the neighborhoods.” The road to the capitol moderate income families in Detroit. recognized as a best practice. In 2015, What advice does Washington have for Washington grew up on Detroit’s north- “Watching my mom’s work with non- Washington received the DHS Innovator recent Eastern graduates? east side near Van Dyke and 7 Mile Road profits propelled me into doing the same of the Year Award for her work on the “Be unapologetically bold about what and graduated from Martin Luther King, thing,” Washington says. “I became a program. you want to accomplish in life,” she says. Jr. High School. While other kids played complete replica of my mom.” “One of the advantages to working “Be a go-getter and shine your brightest. with friends, Washington often helped her While at Michigan Legal Services, at DHS is the opportunity to innovate,” Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want— mother with community volunteerism. Washington earned a master’s in Com- Washington says. “We’re still a young and you might be surprised when people say “Mom’s been involved in nonprofit work munication Public Relations and Organi- developing agency, which allows us some ‘yes.’” for more than 30 years,” says Washing- zational Communication at Wayne State creativity and freedom. That’s a rare thing ton, whose mother is CEO of Emmanuel to find in the federal government.”

October 2018 Home Tailgate CALENDAR Meet-Up Mondays: Engaging Schedule Events happening around campus Students and Alumni for EMU Alumni Oct. 1, 2018 Our home game tailgates are back Parent and Family Weekend 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 2018! All tailgates cost $10 for buffet lunch, beverage and activities Sept. 28-30, 2018 Meet-Up Mondays take place on the inside of the tent; children under 10 Families of new Eastern students are first floor of the EMU Student Center invited to spend some time on campus across from the bookstore. They are a way are free. Tailgates start 2 hours be- through a series of events happening all to connect current students with EMU fore kickoff, and are located on the weekend. alumni and develop professional network- front lawn of Rynearson Stadium. For a full schedule of events and to ing skills. Lunch will be provided along purchase tickets, please visit emich.edu/ with lots of EMU swag available. Payment can be made upon entry. September families/family-weekend. Cost: Free Call 734.487.0250 for more info. If you have any questions about the 43rd Annual E-Club Athletic Hall of Family Weekend 2018 schedule, purchas- 98th Annual Homecoming Week ing tickets, or anything else related to Saturday, Oct. 13 Fame Induction Ceremony the weekend, please contact the Office of Oct. 22-27, 2018 vs. University of Toledo Sept. 28, 2018 This year’s Homecoming theme is Campus Life at 734.487.4047 or by email at Band Day and Made in Michigan “Harvest of Green” as Eastern’s traditional 6 to 10 p.m. [email protected]. Theme; kickoff TBD The Hall of Fame honors men and women Tickets Required (Various pricing Homecoming will be marking 98 years in whose exceptional performance in athletics options available) 2018. For more details, visit merits special recognition from their alma emich.edu/homecoming Saturday, Oct. 27 mater. Each year, the E-Club Athletic Hall of Football: Northern Illinois at East- Fame class is honored at an annual induc- November vs. Army West Point (Homecoming) tion ceremony and sporting event. ern Michigan Check out emich.edu/homecoming The event takes place at the EMU Con- Sat., Sept. 29, 2018 for more details. Kickoff at 12 noon. Lights Before Christmas at the vocation Center, located at 799 N. Hewitt 6 p.m. Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Watch your Eastern Michigan Eagles Toledo Zoo To register and for more details, visit true. take on the Huskies of Northern Illinois. Nov. 17, 2018 Saturday, Nov. 3 mu/fame18. Rynearson Stadium is located at 799 N. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. vs. Central Michigan University Cost: $50.00 Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Join fellow EMU alumni for this long- Celebrate America Theme; kickoff at Tickets Required Please visit emueagles.com for ticketing time, fan favorite event. Enjoy a buffet din- 12 noon options. ner with plenty of give-aways and fun before exploring the Toledo Zoo Light Festival.