Honors QuarterlyVolume 4: Issue 1, October 2016

In This Issue:• A Message from the Director• Henry Hakamäki Becomes a Force in the Finnish

Soccer Media• Dara Walker Receives Ford Dissertation Fellowship• Baylee Kinkade Represents EMU at Annual CAR

Conference• Meet our New Presidential Scholars• Summer 2016 Graduates• Jesse Smith Conducts Research at the University of

Pennsylvania• Emily Hoffer Teaches in South Korea• Brock Foster Hired at International Company• Taylor Lash Begins Looking at Professional Life

The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University

Just take a look around campus and you may find yourself as shocked as I am! It seems only yesterday that welcome tents were up around campus as we welcomed back a record number of students! Now, the leaves are turning and the beginning of chilly mornings makes it clear that our march toward fall and winter is underway.

The Honors College has been off to a very busy first couple of months! We opened this fall with nearly 1800 Honors students—an historic

A Message from the Director

Dr. Rebecca Sipe

record for the college. Already we’ve celebrated first year students with our Common Read and sessions at First Four. Many of our students joined us for the annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Social and the Honors Picnic. On September 20th, we kicked off our Star Lecture Series with a stellar presentation by Dr. Jeff Bernstein, who was followed by Dr. Ramona Caponegro on October 18th. This year’s series is housed in The Honors College auditorium and builds upon the 2016 MLK theme, “With Justice for All?”

Honors students are busy people! From service projects at Growing Hope, to coffee hours and yoga lessons, to our two day trip to Stratford, Ontario where a group of 25 saw three plays in two days, these students are on the move! If you are in the area and have a bit of time, check out The Honors College website for a full calendar of events

for the month of November. Most importantly, if you are interested in supporting our recruiting efforts for 2017, we would love to have additional volunteers for our interview teams during the November 5th or 12th Presidential Scholarship Competition.

It’s a great year for us at EMU, and you are encouraged to join us often for events and celebrations. We love to draw upon the talents of our friends, colleagues, and supporters. To all of the extended Honors College community, thank you for all you do to be supportive of the college and our students!

As always, soar higher! Becky

Henry Hakamäki Becomes a Force in the Finnish Soccer Media

Henry Hakamäki, a senior biology student with a minor in chemistry, is re-defining what it means to be a soccer fan. Going beyond simply watching the sport, Hakamäki decided he wanted to get involved with his favorite Finnish league, Veikkausliiga.After reaching out to the league’s marketing department, he was directed to the website Escape to Suomi. While it isn’t formally associated with Veikkausliiga, it is the website’s main focus.“It is the only consistent English language resource for people that are trying to learn more or connect with Veikkausliiga,” he said.In addition to writing for Escape to Suomi, Hakamäki has also been published on the website The Football Experience and has been featured on the podcast Finnish Football Shorts, a

supplemental podcast to The Finnish Football Show. He has taken part in the main Finnish Football Show as well. He has also writen for ConIFA, an international organization that hosts the World Cup.Hakamäki writes both long-form features and shorter interview pieces. “It’s fun to be able to talk to the people who are playing professional football [or soccer] overseas, especially at the championship level,” he said.In one of his early articles, he was able to contact and interview at least 1 player from 11 out of the 12 teams in the top league in Finland.“Interview articles are really fun to make,” he said. “Just because, at least within the United States, you don’t have the opportunity to talk with professional sports players. Here I’m talking to 20 players on the championship team from last year [...] they are Finnish football.”

Hakamäki was able to use his passion for the game and his Finnish heritage to seek out this opportunity. His work is now filling a void in sports journalism.“There’s not a lot of coverage for [Finnish football],” he said. “Even within Finland, there’s almost no coverage for it.”However, the sport is gaining popularity, Hakamäki said. More people play football recreationally than ice hockey, the country’s most popular professional sport.In addition to the opportunity to engage with a sport he loves, Hakamäki is also making his resume distinct by sharpening his writing skills. While his current work might be misleading, Hakamäki is on a pre-med track in the hopes of specializing in infectious diseases.“I like to be a diverse individual,” he said. “I don’t want to be a person who is stuck [...]. I want to be an individual who specializes in infectious diseases. But, I also have the capacity and the experience within a variety of different fields.”Hakamäki exemplifies this attitude through his other campus engagements, including his position as President of the United Nationals Association at Eastern Michigan University.“I try to find different ways to diversify not just my resume, but who I am, so that I can connect with more people on different topics,” he said.

Dara Walker Receives Ford Dissertation Fellowship

Baylee Kinkade Represents EMU at Annual CAR Conference

Baylee Kinkade, right

Sophomore Baylee Kinkade attended the annual Conference of Automotive Remarketing, CAR, in Traverse City, MI this past August. CAR provides students with the opportunity to both learn about the automotive industry and network with insiders.The conference, held at the Grand Traverse Resort, was comprised of workshops during the day and social activities in the evenings.“I benefited from going to the conference because I got to meet a lot of new people, both industry executives and students, and form connections with them,” Kinkade said. “I also got offered several internships, not to mention the

wealth of knowledge I gained from attending the daily seminars.”Kinkade had the opportunity to attend seminars on topics including automotive cybersecurity or organizational culture.“I think this experience was important to my academic experience because it deepened my knowledge of the automotive industry and gave me access to top professionals which could pay off later in my career,” Kinkade said.Kinkade is leaning toward either an engineering physics or mechanical engineering major. After she completes her undergraduate degree, she hopes to attend graduate school.

She said The Honors College aided her in attending the conference by bringing the opportunity to her attention.“Being able to attend the conference as a student was a unique experience I will cherish forever,” Kinkade said.

Dara Walker, a 2009 Honors graduate, received a Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship.In addition to providing students with a monthly stipend, the fellowship provides awardees with access to a national network for past fellows who will serve as mentors. Walker also has the opportunity to attend the annual Ford Fellows Conference, which includes publication workshops and in-person meetings with university and academic presses.Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies; her classes focused on the diverse histories and cultures of the African Diaspora. She said the program was student-centered, instilling the notion that each student mattered.“This experience has profoundly shaped my vision of the roles and

responsibilities of scholars and educators of the 21st century.”Walker said her experiences at EMU gave her the foundation for her dissertation research and future book, They Dared to Fight: Black High School Student Activism in Detroit during the Black Power Movement, 1966-1972.Walker’s time in The Honors College helped her see all of the possibilities she had available. “Early in my academic career, The Honors College provided key opportunities and supportive networks that continue to shape my professional development and commitment to transformative scholarship.” Walker received the Undergraduate Research Fellowship and presented at the Undergraduate Symposium. She was also a McNair Scholar.

“By democratizing professional development for first-generation students, and others on the margins of the academy, The Honors College provided me with the skills, the network, and the confidence to thrive as a future scholar and educator who is committed to social change.”Walker is currently studying African American and U.S. History at Rutgers University. She works as a fellowship advisor, runs a workshop, and teaches.“I’ve found a vibrant intellectual community and a great support system,” Walker said.

Presidential Scholars, 2016-2017The Honors College welcomes our newest

Presidential Scholarship recipients!

Presidential Scholar Statistics

Average GPA3.9695

Average ACT Score29.2

Total Community Service Hours3,738+

Hajer Abuzir, Westland, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Abuzir plans to pursue a degree in biology with a concentration in pre-medicine. Her goal is to become a physician working with Doctors Without Borders.

Gwenyth Andrusiak, Willis, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Andrusiak plans to pursue a degree in Japanese and economics. Her goal is to graduate with Highest Honors and intern overseas following graduation.

Amber Brenton, Jackson, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Brenton plans to pursue a degree in psychology. Her goal is to obtain her Ph.D.

Casey Day, Ypsilanti, MichiganDuring his time at EMU, Day plans to pursue a degree in nursing. His goal is to become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.

Carolyn Lammers, Allendale, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Lammers plans to earn a degree in clinical laboratory sciences. After graduating from EMU, she plans to attend graduate school at Johns Hopkins and become an epidemic intelligence service officer.

Dylan Kearney, Dublin, OhioDuring his time at EMU, he plans to pursue a degree in Spanish and international affairs, with a minor in Japanese. His goal is to work with the international community through missions work or a department of the federal government.

Claire Hunter, Riverview, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Hunter plans to pursue a degree in Spanish and nursing. Her goal is to become a bilingual pediatric nurse practitioner.

Andrew Glaza, Haslett, MichiganDuring his time at EMU, Glaza plans to pursue a degree in clinical laboratory sciences. His goal is to attend medical school at an accredited university, earn his MD, and specialize in pediatric oncology.

Alyssa Douglass, Jenison, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Douglass plans to pursue occupational therapy. Her goal is to change the lives of kids with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Summer 2016 Graduates

Ilkhomjon AmanovChloe Bilderback

Kimberly CousinoMichael CornishNatalie Douma

Nina FarahMichelle Good

Kelly KaiserAlyssa Keefer

Matthew KempferCharles Kuder Jr.Forrest LaPointe

Taylor LashGannon LeBlancCaroline Manley

Ellen O’NeilHannah Przeslawski

Emily ReifertJoy Schollmeier

Jaylon SimmsAlissa SneedJack Takesian

Jasmine Winzeler

John Lothringer, Carleton, MichiganDuring his time at EMU, he plans to pursue a double major in marketing and management. His goal is to become a marketing manager for the automotive industry.

Faith Salsbury, Toledo, OhioDuring her time at EMU, Salsbury plans to pursue a degree in social work. She is interested in the welfare of children, and would like to help children in protective services as a social worker.

Sarah Schmidt, Clinton Township, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Schmidt plans to pursue a degree in both biology and chemistry. Her goal for the future is to become a successful veterinarian.

Pallas Schuster, Cadillac, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, she plans to pursue a degree in social work. Her goal is to specialize in a field of social work in order to improve the lives of those who are oppressed.

Madeleine Wolfe, Glendale, MissouriDuring her time at EMU, Wolfe plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. Her goal is to work as a pediatric occupational therapist.

Olivia Wash, Saline, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Wash plans to pursue a degree in marketing. Her goal is to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a buyer for a fashion company or become a fashion marketer.

Hope Vaughan, South Lyon, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Vaughan plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry, with a concentration in pre-medicine. One of her goals is to attend medical or graduate school.

Jaylen E. Taylor, Grand Blanc, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Taylor plans to pursue a degree in professional biochemistry. Her goal is to contribute to the science, technology, engineering and math community through research.

Ethan Smith, Olivet, MichiganDuring his time at EMU, Smith plans to pursue a degree in political science. His goal is to obtain as much formal education as feasible, and pursue a career in politics.

Sarah Yaw, Commerce Township, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Yaw plans to pursue a degree in computer science. Her goal is to design programs and interfaces that can help people.

Hannah Zwolensky, Owosso, MichiganDuring her time at EMU, Zwolensky plans to pursue a degree in international affairs. Her goal is to work with the United Nations.

Jesse Smith Conducts Research at the University of Pennsylvania

Jesse Smith, a senior biochemistry student, spent his summer vacation conducting research in cell and molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania through its Summer Internship Program. His research was done in the Leonard and Madlyn Pediatric Research Center as part of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.His research project, “Does Protein Targeting to Lysosome Related

Organelles Employ a Universal Code?” is focused on the biogenesis of lysosome related organelles. He conducted his research under the guidance of Dr. Michael Marks, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.Smith said the laboratory techniques he learned will aid him with his goal of earning a Ph.D. in a chemistry related field. Smith said The Honors College has also helped him in reaching his goals.“The Honors College has provided me with a community at EMU,” he said. “I surround myself with excellent people through The Honors College. The positive influence of all my friends and peers I have met through The Honors College has allowed me to surpass so many of my goals.”

He noted that Dr. Rebecca Sipe, Assistant Vice President of The Honors College, and John Feldkamp, Associate Director, know how to bring the best out of Honors students.In addition to being an Honors student, Smith is also a McNair Scholar. He said the program and the director, Dr. Heather Neff, keep him on track.“Through McNair I have had my eyes opened to so many opportunities, most notably the fact that I am a competitive applicant to Ph.D. programs in chemistry, and that I can have a career dedicated to scholarly research. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Neff, Kimberly Freeman, and the McNair Scholars Program.”

Emily Hoffer Teaches in South KoreaEmily Hoffer, senior International Affairs student, spent 6 months teaching English at an elementary school in Jeollanam-do, South Korea.Hoffer said she became involved in the program in the hopes of developing her teaching, professional, and intercultural skills.“I was just really happy for the opportunity to spend time with kids for a while and support their education and development,” she said. “I tried to make learning English fun with interactive activities and personalized projects.”Hoffer completed her experience through the TaLK, Teach and Learn in Korea, program, an English teaching internship run by the

Korean government. The program places native English speakers in rural elementary schools in South Korea. TaLK scholars can also participate in educational cultural

programs on topics including history, culture, and language.Hoffer said she is now more self aware, adaptable, and independent.

“I learned to think on my feet and how to create or adjust an activity quickly,” she said. “I also feel like I have a greater understanding and love for South Korea.”She said the program has also helped her feel like a professional.“Because I study international affairs, I felt that it was so valuable to live in another country where I could view the world from a different angle, and challenge my personal bias,” she said.When she was not working, Hoffer had the opportunity for siteseeing and trying new foods.Hoffer said in the future she would like to be involved with humanitarian work or pursue a teaching or advising position in a university setting.

Brock Foster Hired at International

Company

Taylor Lash Begins Post-

Graduation LifeBrock Foster graduated from The Honors College in April, 2015, with a degree in International Business with a concentration in management. He is now working as a sales coordinator at one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, ZF.

Foster is responsible for order processing and business inquires for ZF Test Systems North America.“I think the most important thing for future graduates is to learn a broad base of skills that are both applicable in the workplace and in their personal lives.”While at EMU, Foster was given the opportunity to study abroad with financial support from The Honors College. He said he was also given an outlet to explore his field of study through resources like his Senior Thesis.“My advice is to make your time correspond to your interests,” he said. “If you don’t know what you truly like, explore. If you know what you like, dive in.”In the future, Foster would like to continue with his education by earning an engineering degree. He would also like to sharpen his German and Spanish language skills. From a professional standpoint, he would like to become a business leader and work and live in another country.

Taylor Lash, an August 2016 graduate, is turning her attention toward her professional life.After graduating from Eastern Michigan University’s Occupational Therapy program, Lash spent time traveling, visiting her family, and studying for the National Registration Exam for Occupational Therapy, NBCOT. She has since passed the exam and is now a Registered Occupational Therapist.“I’m enjoying my time off and the process of transitioning into my professional career,” she said. “It’s a slow transition with national and state certification and licensing, but it also gives me time to adequately prepare for my first job. I’m used to maintaining a busy schedule so I look forward to getting back into the swing of things with working full time.”During her time at EMU, Lash was not only a member of The Honors College, she also worked as a Student Fellow on the Recruiting Team and moved up as a Graduate Assistant, managing the Communications and Programing Teams. “The Honors College really was at the forefront of my personal and professional development through my college years,” she said. “Transitioning from an Honors student to an Honors staff member, my level of responsibility grew as I grew, continuing to challenge me and prepare me for a professional career.”She also worked as a Tutor, Supplemental Instructor, and

Resource Consultant through the Holman Success Center.“The Honors College taught me how to juggle and maintain balance between work, professional life, and, at the time, my college career.”In addition to earning University Honors through The Honors College and serving as the Historian to the Student Occupational Therapy Association, Lash also earned the Student Gold Medallion Award for Outstanding Mentorship in March, 2014. The award recognizes a student “who has fostered a spirit of mentoring, by aiding in the development of another student’s leadership skills, social integration, and scholarly achievement.”“The level of professionalism I developed through experience with The Honors College was invaluable in preparing me for my occupational therapy career,” she said.She said she now has an understanding of her capabilities, allowing her to hold herself to high expectations.Lash said her advice to current students is to get involved at EMU, which will help build a community.“In that community you develop relationships, build memories, and ultimately, what you remember most are the memories you made with the people you met.”

The Honors College MissionThe Honors College at Eastern Michigan University serves the university community by empowering academically talented and motivated students to reach their full personal, scholastic, service and leadership potential through challenging coursework with engaged peers and faculty and through extra-curricular activities that foster interna-tional and diversity awareness and a commitment to civic engagement.

Support The Honors CollegeAlumni and community supporters are invited to contribute their time or make a financial contribution to support The Honors College. To learn about opportunities to give to The Honors College, visit: www.emich.edu/honors/giving

Honors Quarterly MissionThe mission of The Honors Quarterly is to develop active relationships with individuals both inside and outside of the university, and to promote students’ academic success through recognition of their achievements. Please send us news updates for upcoming editions at emuhonors_alumni@emich.edu. We welcome your ideas and input.

Stay in touch in touch with The Honors College.511 W. ForestPhone: 734.487.0341emuhonors@emich.edu

We’re connected!