BA YEARBOOK BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM
VOL III SPRING 2016
Best wishes
Congratulations,
GRADUATES!
“I
nside the classroom, you’ve been an exceptional group — engaging to teach as well as keenly engaged in your studies. Outside the classroom, you’re equally impressive — serving as tireless community leaders with a true passion for making our world a better place. I have been repeatedly impressed by the broad set of experiences, ideas, and skills you all have brought to the Ford School, and I very much look forward to hearing news of your summer experiences, careers, and accomplishments in the years ahead. Congratulations and best wishes.” Sharon Maccini Director, Ford School BA Degree Program
“History has its eyes on us. We need to have the courage to honestly and meaningfully engage with the present that history has brought us in order to transform the world we live in from the inside out. I have no doubts that we are capable of doing so.”
“O
ur undergraduate students bring such life, energy, and leadership to the Ford School. On behalf of our faculty, I thank you all for the hard work and initiative you’ve shown this past academic year. I look forward to seeing our rising seniors back in Ann Arbor this fall. And to the Class of 2016, I send my warmest congratulations and best wishes as you take your next steps forward.” Susan M. Collins Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy
@fordschool
Alexis Farmer (BA ’16) Delivering remarks on behalf of the undergraduate class of 2016
Graduating seniors Jennifer Nicole Arnold Drake Baglietto Caroline Alice Baron Ryan Bartholomew Nicholas Boyd Erin Bozek-Jarvis Fatematuz Z. Chamak Marcus Cho Ashley Connelly Tanner Cooper Nathan Crockett Kevin Dickey Jessica Eller Jill Lilyan Epstein Alexis Kathleen Farmer Sloane Catherine Forbush
Hilary Forrest Isa Gaillard Eli M. Gerber Cody Giddings William R. Greenberg Samuel Gringlas Mohammed Adam Hamdan Rebecca Alexandra Hart Madeline Mollie Hartlieb Thomas Doyle Hoyt Marc Edward Jácome Jessica Johanson-Kubin Harry Kammerman Micah Karson Jacob Kornfeld Krista Landis
Hannah Lee Max Lerner Robbie Linden Grace Lutfy Sara Maggin Rebecca Maher Hannah Makowske Marjory Anne Henderson Marquardt Lindsey Martin Megan Timario McDonald Hattie McKinney John Morse David Nauheim Micah Nelson Elizabeth Oliva Andrea Paine
Brett Palmer Brooke Pearcy Nina Catherine Peluso Austin Raymond Eric Vincent Riley Jr Nick Rinehart Andrew Rising Gabriela Roman Emily Anne Rosenthal Matthew Rosenthal Sean Saint Julie Rachel Sarne Vishal Subramanian Blair Sucher David Tannenbaum Leo G. Weissburg
Grad Open House
TOP BACK (L-R): Madeline Hartlieb (BA ‘16),
Rebecca Maher (BA ‘16), Austin Raymond (BA ‘16), Jenn Arnold (BA ‘16), Nina Peluso (BA ‘16), Andrew Rising (BA ‘16), Jessica Johanson-Kubin (BA ‘16), Eric Riley (BA ‘16), Cliff Martin; MIDDLE (L-R): Sam Gringlas (BA ‘16), Hattie McKinney (BA ‘16), Caroline Baron (BA ‘16); FRONT (L-R): Blair Sucher (BA ‘16), Hannah Lee (BA ‘16), Mohammed Hamdan (BA ‘16), Andrea Paine (BA ‘16)
RIGHT 1: Jenn Arnold (BA ‘16), Jessica Eller (BA ‘16),
Hannah Lee (BA ‘16); 2: Sara Maggin (BA ‘16) and parents; 3: Sam Gringlas (BA ‘16), Hannah Lee (BA ‘16),
Jill Epstein (BA ‘16), Blair Sucher (BA ‘16); 4: Hilary Forrest (BA ‘16), Grace Lutfy (BA ‘16); 5: Jessica Eller (BA ‘16), Mohammed Hamdan
(BA ‘16); 6: Hattie McKinney (BA ‘16) and family.
“You are the intellectual resources of our world – you are qualified to read, to think, to write and to engage the world – to meet the world where it is at, not where it may be tomorrow or where it was yesterday – everyday!” Yazier Henry Lecturer in Public Policy Delivering remarks on behalf of the faculty
“The challenges of today’s world call for more. They call for more intellect, more creativity, more integrity, more ‘more.’ Ford School classes of 2016, this is your charge: do ‘more.’ Go Blue!” Hardy Vieux (MPP/JD ‘97) Legal Director of Human Rights First Delivering the Charge to the Classes of 2016
Parting thoughts
“C
ongratulations to the Ford School BA class of 2016, you truly are the best and brightest! We will miss you but look forward to hearing all of the great things you are accomplishing!” Kathryn Dominguez Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Professor of Public Policy and Economics
“I
don’t think the Ford undergraduates are your typical undergraduate population. I found my students to be really dedicated to their coursework and to discussions, and they were willing to challenge me. I was genuinely impressed by the level at which they engaged with the material, their enthusiasm and interest, and ultimately their desire to change the world. I really think they are going to go out and change the world!” Natasha Pilkauskas Assistant Professor of Public Policy
“I
was so impressed by your deep commitment to understanding the energy and environmental issues the world faces. I enjoyed getting to know you, and I’m excited to hear what the future holds for you!” Catherine Hausman Assistant Professor of Public Policy
@fordschool
“Favorite memories of this year’s Ford School seniors from my BA class... “This was my first year at the Ford School and my first semester teaching the oil and gas policy course. It’s been a wonderful first year, and I was consistently surprised and impressed by the intelligence, diligence, and character of the students in my class.” Daniel Raimi Lecturer in Public Policy Research Specialist, U-M Energy Institute
“E
very year I have taught at Ford, I have thought I just had a special group of uniquely thoughtful, creative, and intellectually curious students. After three years of teaching, I realize that these are just the type of students that the Ford school attracts and the type of thinking that it cultivates. I very much look forward to hearing about the unique contributions to society that each of my students make in years to come. Congratulations class of 2016!” Mara Ostfeld Postdoctoral Fellow Assistant Prof. of Political Science (fall 2016)
“D
wight Eisenhower once said that if you cannot solve a problem, enlarge it. Based on their performance, their questions and their can-do spirit, the students from PubPol 423 are those whom I would choose to enlarge and solve the problems facing Michigan and our nation. The women and men in 423 were engaged from Day One. A joy to teach; I have great faith in all of you.” Gerald “Rusty” Hills Lecturer in Public Policy
Micah’s introduction of country covers of rap songs (ie My Neck, My Back), wonderful rainbow sweater, thoughtfulness about Judaism and philanthropy, and ability to mediate discussion in an an extraordinarily effective way... Nick saving the day with his enrollment in 475, his willingness to grapple and wholeheartedly embrace complexity even when it made his head spin, and being the best dancer at UM (Hannah L. says so)... Hattie’s profound empathy towards “characters,” comments that consistently elevated the level of discussion, and gourmet cupcakes... Sean’s Ann Arbor roots (he’s a Burns Park Penguin!), his grace in a room filled with 88% women, and his nuanced knowledge of impact and entrepreneurialism that pushed others’ views further... Hannah’s awesome chats in office hours, her sophisticated contributions to discussions that raised the bar, not to mention her exceptional knowledge of Plants and People... Alex’s willingness to open up and share her feelings in a new and difficult space, the unique mix of humor and challenging dialogue she brought to the table, and gourmet cupcakes (notice a trend?)... Rebecca’s law school success (On Wisconsin!), pronounced ability to debate civilly (will come in handy in law school) consistent dedicated passion and engagement at 8.30 am (much appreciated)... Jessica’s look on her face when reporting on a certain potential grantee and her compassion and ability to manage ambiguity in various trolley/Batkid/Michael Vick scenarios... This was one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taught. I love you all and the memories of our cherished community will stay with me. Keep in touch - with each other, with me, and with the Ford School. STR.” Megan Tompkins-Stange Assistant Professor of Public Policy; Co-director, Nonprofit and Public Management Center
“To quote one of the fellows who designed the Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Roebling, “We are finite beings in capacities and powers of doing actual work, but when it comes to planning, one mind can in a few hours think out enough work to keep a thousand souls employed for years.” Your excellent minds have kept us happily employed these past two years; now it is your great opportunity, as policy makers, to invent grand plans for the better employment of everybody else. We’re confident that you’ll shine at this—we’ve seen it in your op-eds and policy memos and personal statements, the dedication and vision you bring to your endeavors. So go forth and build great bridges—we will remember you.” Beth Chimera, David Morse, and Alex Ralph Writing Center Instructors
“D
etroit is among the most important cities in the history of the nation. Just after World War II, families in Detroit had the highest incomes in the country but, in 2013, it became the first major city to enter bankruptcy. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to teach a short course about the history and future of Detroit. We meet for four classroom presentations and then take an allSaturday tour of Detroit with a pause at Eastern Market for lunch. I am always impressed by the strong interest many students have in Detroit, their experiences from living or working there, their knowledge of the city’s history of innovative music and their ideas about how to accelerate the revitalization that is now underway.” Reynolds “Ren” Farley Dudley Duncan Professor Emeritus of Sociology; Research Scientist, Population Studies Center
Twitter famous
“W
hat a bunch of great students! Smart, able and loads of fun. We had many animated discussions.” Amb. Melvyn Levitsky Professor of International Policy and Practice; U.S. Ambassador to Brazil (1994-98)
“W
hen my class began, most of my students had very little personal exposure to immigration policy and were hoping to figure out how they felt about it. By the end of the class, they had formed thoughtful and interesting beliefs that they could defend. I was so delighted to see them thinking critically about evidence and matching that analysis with their own values. Our public policy BAs are a pleasure to teach.” Ann Lin Associate Professor of Public Policy
Last June, NBC intern Sam Gringlas (BA ’16) participated in a long-time DC summer tradition known as “the Running of the Interns,” and garnered some high-profile Twitter shoutouts in the process. Because recording devices are strictly forbidden inside the court, broadcast interns run hard copies of Supreme Court decisions out to their network broadcasting locations in front of the SCOTUS building. In addition to kudos from Andrea Mitchell, Gringlas also received some attention from NBC’s Frank Thorp and Ford School Professor/ Twitter luminary Justin Wolfers.
“T
his was my first time teaching undergraduates at the University of Michigan. I was impressed by how well prepared and thoughtful the students were. They seemed excited for the blend of economic theory, legislative history, and practical challenges about current social policy issues that we covered in the course. Students asked insightful questions and, because of their high level of preparedness, we were able to go deep into issues in a quick period of time. I look forward to teaching a seminar like this again.” Betsey Stevenson Associate Professor of Public Policy and Econ, Former member, White House Council of Economic Advisors (2013-15)
Interning abroad...
“I
t was such a pleasure teaching the Science and Technology in Public Policy class at the Ford School this semester. I was so lucky to count on the insightful comments provided by the graduating seniors to enhance every classroom discussion. It has also been a privilege to help with cover letters / resumes and watch you accept job offers in diverse places, including the White House and even engineering firms. Please hold the lessons discussed in class close to you during your future careers, and remember the importance of bridging the gap between science and policy-making. Congratulations, class of 2016! Good luck and Go Blue.” Matt Ericson (MPP ’16) Graduate Student Instructor PubPol 481
“M
y Michigan experience would not have been complete without my time at Ford. My fellow Fordies were a daily inspiration about the myriad of ways young people can put their passions to work. In and out of the classroom we discussed divisive issues, we sent in depth exposes back and forth, and geared up to change the world. Whether it was running into a classmate at Ashley’s Thursday night Trivia or in the Ford reading room late at night, we always found time to say hello and catch up. Ford was a tightknit community in a huge Michigan sea and I am so grateful for my years there. “ Marjory Marquardt (BA ‘16) BA Peer Advisor (2015-16)
Forrest Cox (BA ‘13), Isa Gaillard (BA ‘15), Dean Collins, and Hunter Cox (MPP/JD ‘16) (ABOVE) helped welcomed the Grateful Nation blanket—a gift from the Cox family—to the Ford School. It is displayed in Student & Academic Services. @fordschool
Jenn Arnold (BA ‘16) (ABOVE) interned at the U.S. Embassy-Singapore in summer 2015. She attended the Pink Dot, the LGBTQ demonstration in Singapore, where being gay is still illegal, and visited the southernmost point of continental Asia.
Ian Hecker (BA ‘17), interning for the D.C.-based Bipartisan Policy Center, stood among thousands gathered for the release of the Supreme Court opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, informally known as the samesex marriage case.
Ruby Kirby (BA ‘17) (ABOVE) interned at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and worked within their public affairs office.
Oliver Harfield’s (BA ‘17) (ABOVE) internship had him ‘tapping’ more into the management side of a public policy degree. While working for Arbor Brewing Company in Bangalore, India, Harfield consulted on an employee appreciation program and trained staff on customer service and beer knowledge. He also led tours and tastings, which doesn’t sound like a bad gig, either.
Ryan Tactac (BA ‘17) (ABOVE, SECOND FROM LEFT) at St. Basil’s in Moscow, Russia.
...and at home
Honors & Awards JAM ES B. ANGE LL SCHOLARS Angell Scholars are undergraduate students who earn all A’s for two or more consecutive terms in a calendar year. Nicholas James Boyd, Ashley Lynne Connelly, Tanner Michael Cooper Jill Lilyan Epstein, Eli Matthew Gerber Thomas Doyle Hoyt, Hannah Rose Lee Rebecca Sidney Maher, Hannah Corinne Makowske, Marjory Anne Henderson Marquardt, Lindsey Rose Martin Megan Timario McDonald, Andrew James Rising, and Julie Rachel Sarne
Nick Rinehart (BA ‘16) and Julie Sarne (BA ‘16) (ABOVE) made sure to plan many outings while in D.C. last summer. Nick interned with the U.S. Department of the Interior and Julie interned with Hamilton Place Strategies.
PHI BETA KAP PA INDUCTEES Andrew Rising (BA ‘16) (ABOVE), who interned last summer for Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), stopped for a moment in the sun to take a photo while he prepared for a staff softball game on the national mall.
Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest scholastic honorary society in America. Thomas Doyle Hoyt, Marc Edward Jacome Rebecca Sidney Maher, Hannah Corinne Makowske, Samuel Harrison Gringlas Harry Quinn Kammerman, Lindsey Rose Martin, Eli Matthew Gerber, Jill Lilyan Epstein, Ashley Lynee Connelly, Julie Rachel Sarne, David Ross Tannenbaum Grace Elizabeth Lutfy, Tanner Michael Cooper, and Matthew Joel Rosenthal
M LK SPIRIT AWA RD The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award recognizes students who best exemplify the leadership and extraordinary vision of the civil rights leader.
MIW
Michigan in Washington participants included (L-R) Matt Fidel (BA ‘17), Michael Sugerman (BA ‘17), Joe Ambrose (BA ‘17), and Mark Haidar (BA ‘17) (ABOVE). NOT PICTURED: Dominic Clolinger (BA ‘17) and Ryan Tactac (BA ‘17)
“I read incoming emails from the American people to President Obama and selected the appropriate policy letters to send back to them.” If Ryan Bartholomew (BA ‘15) (ABOVE) can describe this task so diplomatically, we can only imagine the professionalism he brought to the job itself.
Alexis Farmer (BA ‘16) Isa Gaillard (BA ‘15) Eric Riley (BA ‘16)
HOPWOOD AWA RD & DANIELS PRIZ E Sam Gringlas (BA ‘16) received an Avery and Jule Hopwood Award and a Helen J. Daniels Prize for “Substratum,” a threeessay portfolio including “In Flint, lead contamination spurs fight for clean water.”
Student reps
Student life
Alumni Board Julie Sarne (BA ‘16)
Black Student Union Hattie McKinney, Vice President (BA ’16)
Central Student Government Joe Ambrose (BA ’17)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Eric Riley (BA ‘16)
Fordies 4 Inclusion Madeline Hartleib (BA ’16) Alexis Farmer (BA ’16) Claire Taigman (BA ’17) Fatematuz Chamak (BA ’16) Eric Riley (BA ’16)
James Hendrickson (BA ‘17), Victoria Noble (BA ‘17) and Carson Smith (BA ‘17) (ABOVE), the only undergraduate team to participate in this year’s Ford Case Competition, bested their MPP competitors to win the the event. Their client was the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.
International Policy Student Association Reps Marc Cho (BA ’16) Hannah Makowske (BA ’16)
Peer Advisors (BOTH PICTURED BELOW) Marjory Marquardt (BA ’16) Eric Riley (BA ’16)
BA orgs Diversity Student Coalition Undergraduate Council (UGC) Gamma Rho Phi
@fordschool
The BA skits at this winter’s holiday party (ABOVE) may have been wanting, but that didn’t stop the laughter or the fun.
Representing the undergrads at Charity Auction
BOTTOM—BACK (L-R): Connor Rubin (BA ‘17),
TOP—BACK (L-R): Marjory Marquardt (BA
Eli Gerber (BA ‘16), Hattie McKinney (BA ‘16), Ray Batra (BA ‘15); FRONT (L-R): Claire Taigman (BA ‘17), Jenn Arnold (BA ‘16), Jessica Eller (BA ‘16)
‘16), Jessica Eller (BA ‘16), Jenn Arnold (BA ‘16), Jill Epstein (BA ‘16), Madeline Hartlieb (BA ‘16); FRONT (L-R): Hannah Lee (BA ‘16), Grace Lutfy (BA ‘16), Austin Raymond (BA
INSET—(L-R): Jessie Johanson-Kubin (BA ‘16), Madeline Hartlieb (BA ‘16), Eric Riley (BA ‘16), Caroline Baron (BA ‘16), Max Lerner (BA ‘16)
‘16) INSET—(L-R): Marjory Marquardt (BA ‘16), Harry Kammerman (BA ‘16), Nick Boyd (BA ‘16), Matt Rosenthal (BA ‘16)
Engaging leaders
We attended NAVAL LEAD E RSH IP CONFERENC E
Elizabeth Oliva (BA ‘16) and Connor Rubin (BA ’16) ask questions of panelists at The Detroit Grand Bargain.
Julie Sarne (BA ‘16) & Marc Cho (BA ’16) moderate Q&A with Amb. Tom Miller at The nexus between diplomacy and development.
U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez steps closer to answer Max Lerner’s (BA ‘16) question at Creating shared prosperity.
The J. Ira Harris Lecture. 1: Hattie McKinney (BA ‘16); 2: Hon. Penny Pritzker; 3: Joe Shea (BA ’17); 4: Fatematuz Chamak (BA ‘16); 5: Group photo; 6: Oliver Harfield (BA ’17) (Harris event photos: AE Fletcher) Click on the photos above to view the complete Ford School Flickr albums. To tune-in for future live webstreams, visit the event listing at fordschool.umich.edu/events an hour before its start time.
From the Diag to Detroit
The US Naval Academy Leadership Conference invites more than 200 participants annually to address leadership topics relevant to government, business, academia, and military. Grace Lufty (BA ’16) and Hannah Lee (BA ’16) (BOTH PICTURED BELOW)
J. IRA HARRIS LECTURE IN NYC When the Ford School hosted the J. Ira Harris Lecture in New York City, feauring U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Mr. Harris made a generous gift to support student travel. Fatematuz Chamak, Sloane Forbush, Oliver Harfield, Ian Hecker, Hattie McKinney, Julie Sarne, Joe Shea, and Graham Steffens.
POLICY SEMINA RS Immigration Policy Ann Lin Apology, Reconciliation, Reparations, and Public Policy Yazier Henry
Drugs, Crime, and Terrorism Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky
Blair Sucher (BA ’16) and Thomas Hislop (BA ’17) hit the Diag to spread the word about Detroit Week, an annual celebration of the Motor City’s culture and energy. (Photo: Haley McLaughlin/The Michigan Daily)
Biotech, Social Justice, and Public Policy Shobita Parthasarathy
Psychology of Environmental Behavior Kaitlin Raimi
Stay connected CONNECTED+INFORMED Complete your graduation survey with your preferred email address. Join the Ford School’s LinkedIn and Facebook groups, and follow us on social media.
NEW JOB? PROMOTION? Update your information at fordschool.umich.edu/stay-connected/update
BE AN ALUM-IN-RESIDENCE If you will be visiting Ann Arbor, consider making a stop at the Ford School to share your post-graduation experiences with current students through a career conversation and/ or office hours. Virtual sessions can also be coordinated if you can’t make it to Ann Arbor.
Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day JULY 14, 2016 U.S. and international locations TBA Cool off this summer at a watering hole near you. Join us at the sixth annual Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day on Thursday, July 14. It’s a great opportunity to socialize and network with Ford School alumni, students, and friends who live and work in your region. Check out fordschool. umich.edu for a location near you!
All Spirit Day gatherings are free to attend; food and drinks are available for purchase. If your city is not on the list, contact Elisabeth Johnston, alumni relations manager (eajohnst@umich.edu or 734-615-5760), to learn how you can organize a Spirit Day gathering in your city.
Homecoming 2016 FR IDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2- 4 P.M . Ford School Open House Come back for Homecoming weekend! Refreshments, student-led tours, and a chance to connect with fellow Fordies. RSVP at fordschool.umich.edu.
S ATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, TIM E TBA Wolverines v. Fighting Illini at the Big House Check fordschool.umich.edu for information on purchasing tailgate tickets for the M Go Blue tailgate and football tickets in the Ford School section.
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy University of Michigan Joan and Sanford Weill Hall 735 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3091 734 764 3490 fordschool.umich.edu
In 2015-16, 20 scholarships were offered for unpaid internship opportunities, and 9 need-based scholarships helped defray the cost of attendance. Thank you to the 101 students who gave to the 2016 Class Gift, which will help support the Student Emergency Fund for classmates experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Fordies support the Ford School! We rely on your support to provide scholarships and enhance programming. Make a gift online or by calling 734-615-3892.