BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM

VOL IISPRING 2015BA YEARBOOK

“Inside 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 MacciniDirector, Ford School BA Degree Program

“It’s been another terrific year for

our undergraduate program. Our

BA students bring such life and

energy to our halls and classrooms. On

behalf of our faculty, I thank you for your

engagement, initiative, and leadership.

For our returning students, I

look forward to the fall, when

I’ll hear about what I hope

will be productive, enjoyable

summers. And to our Class

of 2015, please accept my

warmest best wishes as you

launch your careers. Don’t

forget that you always have a

home here at the corner of State and Hill.”

Susan M. CollinsJoan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy

Best wishes

BACK (L-R): Julie Ramus (BA ’15), Chelsea Davis (BA ’15), Laurel Ruza (BA ’15), Patrick Sier (BA ’15), Cameron Maisch (BA ’15), Najee Jones (BA ’15); MIDDLE (L-R): Marissa Solomon (BA ’15), Carly Manes (BA ’15), Abigail Orrick (BA ’15) FRONT (L-R): Raeesa Khan (BA ’15), Tracey Fu (BA ’15)

(L-R): Emma Bunin (BA ’15), Marissa Solomon (BA ’15), and Carly Manes (BA ’15)

Ethan Fitzgerald (BA ’15), Emily Viola (BA ’15), Molly Harris (BA ’15), Andrew Saturno (BA ’15), and Kimberly Goldman (BA ’15)

Jessie Sahakian (BA ’15) and Professor Kathryn Dominguez catch up at the Open House

Chelsea Davis (BA ’15) & Wajdi Mallat (BA ’15)Alexandra Corwin (BA ’15) and her family face everyone’s favorite dilemma: which props to use

Photo booth @ Graduation Open House

@fordschool

“So, as we graduate and begin the next chapter of our lives, I urge you to not just take what exists, but to use your seat at the table to challenge it. To lead through empowerment so that all voices are heard. Continue creating spaces and opportunities for yourself and others to wake up at 3 a.m. to question what ignites a culture shift, what voices aren’t included, and what even is public policy? This is how we will turn our frustrations and challenges into constructive action.”

Laurel Ruza, BA ’15Undergraduate commencement speaker

“I have spoken at a lot of graduations, but I am so glad to be here with you... because you are special. You have chosen to focus your time, intellect, and

energy on public policy... the process of making our communities, families, and country better. We need

you now more than ever.”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)Delivering the Charge to the Classes of 2015

Congratulations,

GRADUATES!

“Emma, Katie, Sam, Laurel, Jessie,

Emily, and Garrett are amazing;

they ask all the right questions, they

are thoughtful, and they are willing to deeply

engage in controversial and difficult policy

dilemmas. The policy world will be a much

better place with all of them in the mix!”

Kathryn DominguezProfessor of Public Policy

From the faculty

“Ialways enjoy PubPol

422 during the fall

semester. It’s fun

to discuss the “real world”

of legislative politics and to

end each session with some

great political trivia. Wishing

success and happiness to

the Class of 2015. You are an

outstanding group.”

John J.H. “Joe” Schwarz, M.D.Lecturer in Public Policy

“I had the pleasure of teaching 19

undergraduates last fall in the BA level

Pathways to Professional Success

course. I was impressed with the high level of

engagement and insight demonstrated by the

students as we explored their professional and

personal visions and how to achieve them. I

was especially impressed

with their willingness to be

on time (mostly) for an 8:30

a.m. start! These students

already demonstrate many

key leadership attributes,

and I wish them all the best

as they continue along

their own professional

development paths.”

Surry ScheererLecturer in Public Policy

In the fall, Craig Kaplan (BA ’15) spoke at a rally encouraging

President Schlissel to replace

then-AD Dave Brandon following

mismanagement of a student-

athlete injury and ongoing

concerns regarding unrelated

sexual assault investigations.

Kaplan’s involvement was noted

in reports by ESPN, the Detroit

Free Press, Michigan Daily,

Yahoo Sports, The Detroit News,

Bleacher Report, and more.

Kathryn Dominguez (LEFT) taught a section of PubPol 496

(Senior Colloquium) during Winter 2015

Ray Spencer Batra

Olivia Blanchette

Robert Brandon

James Martin Brennan, III

Emma Bunin

Kathleen Burke

Alexandra Corwin

Chelsea Alexandra Davis

Sam Dickstein

Robert William Dishell

Eric Ferguson

Ethan Robert Fitzgerald

Tracey Fu

Matthew Gold

Kimberly Goldman

Courtney Livingston Green

Molly Harris

Armani Minasian Hawes

Suzanne Midori Hunter

Hirasuna

Mackenzie Humble

Craig Thomas Kaplan

Maria Keller

Maxwell C. Kepes

Garrett Kessler

Raeesa Khan

Gabriel Klausner

Katie Koziara

Blake Alexander LaFuente

Cameron Rose Maisch

Wajdi Mallat

Meghan Kelly Maloney

Carly Manes

Maya Menlo

Daniel Alejandro Morales

Patrick O’Connor

Jake Offenhartz

Kyle O’Meara

Abigail Kaitlin McKinney

Orrick

Edwin Peart

Hannah Poulson

Michael Puskar

Julie Ramus

Abbey Roggenbuck

Laurel Ruza

Jessie Sahakian

Joia Sanders

Andrew Saturno

Daniel Schwaber

Paul Adam Sherman

Patrick Sier

Marissa Solomon

Martha Sorenson

Michael Stein

Richard Swoope

Kayla Ulrich

Tess Van Gorder

Emily Viola

Jon Vreede

Madeline Wheatley

Madeline McClain Wills

Garrett Wood

John Yim

Graduating seniors

In the spotlight

@fordschool

“The class of 2015 brought energy,

passion, and brainpower to

public policy from the first day

we sat down together for 320. Whether we

were talking about the Cuban missile crisis,

Obamacare, or immigration law, this group

was constantly engaged. That made our

lecture discussions and simulations on issues

like international development and climate

change lively, thoughtful, and fun. This class

has really left its mark on the Ford School and

will soon do great things in the world outside.”

John CiorciariAssistant Professor of Public Policy

“We can’t believe we’ve known

you all since 6th grade, but only

become close these last two

years. Who’d have thunk a school could feel so

small and big at the same time? The 2015-ers

are a class special to each of us. Beth began

her Ford School career at the same time as

you all. David has enjoyed disillusioning you

of your belief in Utopia even as you affirm his

own belief in the promise of today’s youth.

And Alex has been delighted to get to know

such compelling students involved with DiSC.

Many thanks to the entire Class of 2015 for

sharing with us your memos, applications

and good cheer. All the best in your future

endeavors. Do come back and visit us with

news of all you’ve done.”

Beth Chimera, David Morse, and Alex RalphWriting Center Instructors

(A.K.A. Your Writing Center BFFs)

From the faculty

“To paraphrase President Reagan,

‘Some people spend an entire

lifetime wondering if they made

a difference in the world…’ Ford School

graduates don’t have that problem. The

students in 423 were consistently engaged

in our discussions on politics; several have

already earned a place on campaigns. My

hope and prayer is that all of you run for office

or work in elections. Public service is a noble

calling. Just remember: Be Bold.”

Gerald “Rusty” HillsLecturer in Public Policy

January 21 was Squirrel Day, and a loving

Ford School staff member captured

this candid (RIGHT) of one of our furry

friends right outside Weill Hall

Gerald “Rusty” Hills (LEFT), the

director of public affairs for Michigan

Attorney General Bill Schuette,

is a former chair of the Michigan

Republican Party and a lecturer in

public policy at the Ford School.

He teaches PubPol 423: Political

Campaign Strategies and Tactics

Susan Waltz led the PubPol 495 policy seminar on Human Rights in fall 2014

Alex Ralph (LEFT), Beth Chimera

(CENTER), and David Morse (RIGHT) lead

the Ford School Writing Center, offer

writing tutorial appointments, and teach

undergraduate and graduate courses

centered on policy and expository writing

BACK: Daniel Morales (BA ’15), Danny Schwaber (BA ’15), Emily Rosenthal (BA ’16), Ashley Connelly (BA ’16); FRONT: Carly Manes (BA ’15), Hannah Lee (BA ’16), and Jacob Kornfeld (BA ’16)

Engagement abroad...

“Congratulations to the Class of

2015! Your accomplishments in

the classroom are rivaled only by

your contributions to the university and its

community. I am continuously impressed

by the breadth of your interests and your

abilities to convey your concerns and passions

without losing your respect for those who

might disagree. While you have already done

so much, I know each of you has so much

more you will accomplish and I look forward

to learning about your great achievements

in the years ahead. I will forever appreciate

the opportunity to have been your GSI and

to learn from your diverse experiences and

contributions. Good luck and Go Blue!”

Jon Tap (MPP ’15)Graduate Student Instructor

PubPol 422 & PubPol 481

“For me, study abroad has been a

whirlwind through the countries

of Vietnam and Morocco, and,

beginning this Saturday, through Bolivia too.

My program, Climate Change: The Politics of

Food, Water & Energy through the School for

International Training, is an experiential study

abroad and, therefore, much of my coursework

relies on site visits and local faculty guest

lecturers. Additionally, I get lectures from a

traveling faculty member on political economy,

international theory and research methods.

On Saturday, I head to Bolivia, where I spend

the month of May and wrap up the program,

as well as my independent study project,

which focuses on international funding and

foreign motives in decentralized energy system

implementation in Vietnam and Morocco.”

Andrea Paine (BA ’16) (LEFT)

“I’m studying abroad in Bariloche,

Argentina right now. I’ve been in South

America for 3 months now, have another

4 to go, and I’m loving it! I’ve had some great

experiences so far, but one of the strangest and

most interesting has been the last 24 hours.

Yesterday, Volcano Calbuco erupted 100 km

to the West of us, and I watched the sun set

behind its mushroom cloud over lake Nahuel

Huapi (photo attached). This morning, I woke

up to find that classes had been canceled due

to volcanic ash falling on the city. It feels and

looks like a snow-day, except we’re supposed

to stay inside as to not inhale the toxic ash.

Nothing like sitting by the window with a good

book and a cup of tea watching the ash fall!”

Jake Kornfeld (BA ’16), who also captured the

photo above while studying abroad in Argentina

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to teach

the class of 2015 as a GSI for Campaign

Management and Strategy. Every week,

I’m inspired by my students’ critical thinking,

leadership, open-mindedness, curiosity,

and passion to improve the world. They are

unafraid of a challenge. They pursue new and

exciting leadership opportunities in the Ford

School and across campus. I hope each of my

students considers running for public office

because each would be a strong city, state, or

national leader. I wish the class of 2015 the

best of luck in their future endeavors and look

forward to seeing their names on my ballot

someday! Go Blue!”

Noelle Polaski (MPP ’15)Graduate Student Instructor

PubPol 423

From yourGSIs

Isa Gaillard (BA ’16) (BELOW) on top of the

Museo de la Revolucion in Leon. Nicaragua

While in Paris, Paul Sherman (BA ’15) (BELOW)

snapped this photo of the Luxbembourg Gardens

@fordschool

Honors & Awards

...and at home

JAMES B. ANGELLSCHOLARS

Angell Scholars are undergraduate students

who earn all A’s for two or more consecutive

terms in a calendar year.

Robert Walter Brandon II, Emma Caslyn Bunin, Kathleen Gaughan Burke, Ashley, Lynne Connelly, Chelsea A. Davis, Sam Dickstein, Jill Lilyan Epstein, Eli Matthew Gerber, Kimberly Michelle Goldman, Samuel Harrison Gringlas, Mark Reinier Haidar, Thomas Doyle Hoyt, Armani Minasian Hawes, Marc Edward Jacome, Harry Quinn Kammerman, Grace Elizabeth Lutfy, Hannah Corinne Makowske, Cameron Rose Maisch, Meghan Kelly Maloney, Marjory Anne Henderson Marquardt, Lindsey Rose Martin, Maya Suzanne Menlo, Austin M. Raymond, Laurel Meredith Ruza, Joia Nattamon Sander, Julie Rachel Sarne, Andrew Edward Saturno, Kayla Lynn Ulrich, and Emily Julia Viola

PHI BETA KAPPAINDUCTEES

Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest scholastic honorary society in America.

Emma Bunin, Chelsea Davis, Sam Dick-stein, Eric Ferguson, Kimberly Goldman, Armani Hawes, Cameron Maisch , Marjory Marquardt, Maya Menlo, Laurel Ruza, and Jessie Sahakian

NAVAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The US Naval Academy Leadership Conference invites more than 200 participants annually to address leadership topics relevant to government, business,

academia, and military.

Richard Swoope (BA ’15) and Garrett Wood (BA ’15) (BOTH PICTURED BELOW)

“My favorite memories of the BA

program stem from my 475 class

on philanthropy. In 2014 and 2015,

I was privileged to be a part of a transformative

experience - for both the students and for me

- in giving away a total of $100,000 to charities

as part of this course, and in the process,

exploring values, engaging in deliberative

dialogue, challenging beliefs and reaching

consensus through some contentious and

difficult conversations. In both classes, these

experiences have shaped me as an educator

and brought me relationships with students

that I’m sure I’ll have for a long time. Thank you

for letting me be part of your undergraduate

journey and for teaching me so much - I won’t

soon forget any of you.”

Megan Tompkins-StangeAssistant Professor of Public Policy

“On more than one occasion [Ray] suggested

that we become a stand-up comedy duo and

another time he said something like, ‘if this

public policy thing doesn’t work out, you should just open

your own food truck and only serve your nachos.’ He was

always full of ‘helpful’ career advice.”

Hannah Poulson (BA ’15), reflecting on the Aziz Ansari

show that she and Ray Batra (BA ’15) (BOTH ABOVE)

attended during their time in DC with the Michigan in

Washington program

MIW

Fall 2014 Michigan in Washington participants

Micah Nelson (BA ’16) (ABOVE, CENTER) participated in the CIEE Arts and Sciences

Program at the University of Hyderbaad

Meghan Maloney (BA ’15), Tommy Hoyt (BA ’16), Ray Batra (BA ’15), Craig Kaplan (BA ’15), Courtney Green (BA ’15), and James Brennan (BA ’15) volunteering for Food Gatherers

Tracey Fu (BA ’15), Meghan Maloney (BA ’15), Mackenzie Humble (BA ’15), and Michael Spaeth

(BA, PoliSci) (ABOVE), presenting at the 2015 Gramlich

Showcase, helped launch the Michigan Partners Fund,

a student philanthropy project, as part of PubPol 475,

taught by Assistant Professor Megan Tompkins-Stange

Student reps

BA orgs

+ Peer AdvisorsEmily Viola (BA ’15) and Sam Dickstein (BA ’15)

+ International Policy Student Association RepsCourtney Green (BA ’15), Marc Cho (BA ’16), and Hannah Makowske (BA ’16)

+ Alumni BoardEdwin Peart (BA ’15)

+ Central Student GovernmentBobby Dishell, President (BA ’15) and

Laurel Ruza, Vice Speaker (BA ’15)

+ Diversity Student Coalition DiSC is an undergraduate-led org committed

to creating a more inclusive community

+ Undergraduate Council (UGC)UGC organizes different academic and social

events for the BA community. Initiatives have

included puppies at Ford, study engagement

events, study snacks, memo review nights,

mentorship, and student org funding.

+ Gamma Rho PhiNamed in honor of Gerald R. Ford, GRPhi

works to increase opportunities for

undergrads outside of class in the areas of

social bonding, professional development,

athletics, and community service.

Raeesa Khan (BA ’15) presents to Professor John

Chamberlin at the 2015 Gramlich Showcase

UGC coordinated therapy dogs during final exams

and Blake LaFuente (BA ’15) and Eric Ferguson (BA ’15) were not about to miss out on some

adorable pups

Wajdi Mallat (BA ’15) and Eric Riley (BA ’16) at

the 2015 Gramlich Showcase

... and neither was Eli Gerber (BA ’16)

Gamma Rho Phi members Courtney Green (BA ’15), Emma Bunin (BA ’15), Laurel Ruza (BA ’15), Craig Kaplan (BA ’15), Wajdi Mallat (BA ’15), Chelsea Davis (BA ’15), Ali Corwin (BA ’15), Katie Koziara (BA ’15), Julie Ramus (BA ’15), and Ethan Fitzgerald (BA ’15) at Dominick’s

Involvement

@fordschool

“I’m teaching a 495 Policy Seminar for

the first time this year (the Associate

Dean pressured me to do it), and I’m

enjoying it greatly. It is totally different from

any classroom teaching that I’ve ever done

in my longish career: based almost totally

on discussion and on writing, and getting to

know the students as I never have before.

As I’d been led to expect by colleagues who

have taught these seminars previously, the

students have really good ideas and are eager

to express them. It’s been more work than

I’ve done in years for a course, but it has

been very gratifying. “

Alan DeardorffAssociate Dean

“My PubPol 495 students were

ready for anything! From the

social construction of “the

poor” in the New Deal to CIA interventions in

the Soviet-Afghan War, they always brought

important insights to our discussions of policy

and history.”

Joy RohdeAssistant Professor

Policy seminarsFALL 2014

Dangerous Peacemaking

Yazier Henry

History of Policy

Joy Rohde

Human Rights

Susan Waltz

WINTER 2015

Uses and Abuses of International

Trade Policy

Alan Deardorff

Health and Environmental Policy

Shobita Parthasarathy

Carly Manes (BA ’15) at Beyond civil rights: The Moynihan Report and its legacy, featuring

author Daniel Geary

Courtney Green (BA ’15) at The Refugee Crisis: Who makes it to safety?, featuring 2013

Livingston Award Winner Luke Mogelson

Megan Tompkins-Stange, Ambassador Mel

Levitsky (ret.), Joy Rohde, Joe Schwarz, and

Emad Ansari (JD/MPP ‘15) delivered talks for The Last Lecture, hosted by Gamma Rho Phi

Mark Haidar (BA ’16) at Hybrid Justice: The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to celebrate the launch of John

Ciorciari’s new book of the same name

Through Policy Talks @ the Ford School, related luncheons, and other events, students are connected with

policymakers and thought leaders like Melody Barnes, Harold Ford Jr., Steven Levitt, and Janet Napolitano

Events @ the Ford School

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.

Gerald R. Ford School of Public PolicyUniversity of MichiganJoan and Sanford Weill Hall735 South State StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48109-3091

734 764 3490fordschool.umich.edu

Wordwide Ford School Spirit DayJULY 9, 2015U.S. and international locations TBAPlan to attend the 5th annual Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day, a series of alumni-led festivities, in

cities near and far, that let you meet and mingle with Ford School friends.

If you are interested in hosting a Spirit Day in your city, contact Elisabeth Johnston

(eajohnst@umich.edu) for more information.

In 2014-2015, 20 scholarships were offered for study abroad and internship opportunities.

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.

CONNECTED+INFORMEDComplete 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-RESIDENCEIf 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.

Stayconnected

Homecoming 2015FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9. 2-4 P.M.Ford School Open HouseRefreshments and student-led tours of Joan and Sanford Weill Hall

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10. TIME TBAWolverines v. Wildcats at the Big HouseCheck fordschool.umich.edu in the coming months for ticket and RSVP instructions