Louise Missome-Engohang will be attending Harvard University in the fall, in pursuit of a Masters degree in Public Policy. Louise has been offered a full scholarship and stipend.  She plans to specialize in the intersection of social, urban, and immigration policy to help document the experiences of black foreign-born immigrants and people from marginalized communities. After she completes her Masters program, she plans to obtain a law degree and hopes to build a career in helping those who feel voiceless.  

Louise is graduating with Highest Honors. She has a double major in Philosophy and Political Science and is writing her Honors Thesis, “The Effects of Racial Gaslighting on Community Policing: An Exploration of Contemporary Hermeneutical Injustice within Marginalized Communities,” in Philosophy with Professor Jill Dieterle.  

Louise has received numerous awards and accolades during her undergraduate career, including a 2025 EMU Women of Excellence Award, the 2024 Philosophy Undergraduate Essay Prize, and the 2024 Esther Walker Barnard Philosophy Scholarship. Louise was a 2024 Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow, for which she attended the Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. She is also a three-time National Speech and Debate runner-up.  

Louise also has extensive service to the university and surrounding community. She served as a Senator and Senate Parliamentarian in Student Government in 2022 – 2023. During her service, she led an initiative that dispersed over 100 free OZZI box containers to students so they could have access to meals after the Commons and Eateries were closed. She is currently Secretary of EMU’s National Black Pre-Law Student Association chapter (which she helped to bring back to life last year). She served on EMU’s public safety oversight board, and is currently a TRIO mentor, helping low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities navigate higher education.  Finally, Louise volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Ypsilanti, delivering food to those in need every Monday and Friday.  

Louise is a first-generation African immigrant. She helped to found her father’s non-profit organization, EKAZA, which is dedicated to bridging educational gaps. EKAZA hosts STEM camps and after-school programs, and mentors students from low-income backgrounds.  

Junior Political Science major and Honors student Jeanne Sandouno is the second EMU student to be awarded a $12,500 Ford Motor Company John Dingell Fellowship to attend The Washington Center (TWC) program in summer 2025. The Dingell Fellows and Scholars program allows students from Southeast Michigan to come to D.C. and have a front seat view and experience their government in action. As a Dingell Fellow, Jeanne's TWC program and housing fees will be fully covered while she pursues an internship in government. The Fellowship honors the legacy and leadership of Congressman John Dingell Jr.

EMU Honors College student Jaime Williams, a Chemistry major and Presidential Scholar, has been awarded a prestigious 2025 Goldwater Scholarship—one of just 441 recipients selected from over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors nationwide. This marks the third time in four years an EMU student has earned the competitive national honor. 

Established in 1986, the Goldwater Scholarship provides students pursuing research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. The scholarship has a monetary value of $7,500. 

“This isn't my first time applying; it's my second. It's affirming to know that hard work pays off if you keep trying,” stated Williams. “I’m excited because this scholarship will allow me to focus solely on my classes and research, instead of financial stress.”

Williams is a Pennsylvania native who has made EMU their home for the past three years. They have made every second on campus count, expanding their network and making connections with both students and staff. 

Chemistry professor Dr. Ruth Ann Armitage has served as Williams’ mentor for the past two years. After joining the McNair Scholars program, Williams reached out to Armitage because of their research focus on archaeological chemistry. 

As a Chemistry major and Art History minor, Williams was a fit for Armitage’s lab. Armitage and Williams apply methods of analytical chemistry to archaeological materials, including fibers from southern Peruvian mortuary bundles predicted to be about 2,000 years old. Williams' research will have an impact on the fields of chemistry and humanities. 

“Archaeologists and anthropologists, including many in Peru, want to know more about these ancient peoples, so studying the techniques and materials provides insight into their culture, technology, and even interactions across time and place,” noted Armitage. 

Armitage described Williams as a passionate, driven, creative leader to the Goldwater Scholarship committee. 

“Jaime is the student who has been the most motivated and excited by the opportunity to bring together the arts and humanities with the highly technical analytical measurement scientists use. They bring unique perspectives to the field, which needs young, diverse voices to grow stronger into the future,” explained Armitage. 

Williams also received guidance from Dr. Aaron Liepman, a professor of Biology and EMU’s Goldwater campus representative. Liepman coached Williams through the application process in 2024 and again in 2025. 

“It’s been fun to learn about and witness firsthand Jaime's scientific development over the two years we've worked together to prepare Goldwater applications,” commented Liepman. 

Ultimately, Williams plans to earn a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry to prepare themselves to work in heritage artifact preservation, conservation, and research at a museum like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. 

Williams thanks their family, girlfriend, friends, and cat study buddy BooBerry for their continued support.  

Read the full EMU Today story.

Eastern Michigan University international student Treasure Affia defied traditional career paths in her home country of Nigeria to pursue a double major in Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies—driven by a passion to change lives. However, her journey to a foreign land was met with unexpected challenges, including severe depression and suicidal ideation, before she found the strength to rebuild her life through community and advocacy.

Affia’s decision to move to Michigan was initially fueled by an invitation from her aunt, who hoped to strengthen their relationship. The first month was promising, but soon, Affia found herself in a difficult living situation. Her aunt began exhibiting controlling behaviors, subtly discouraging her from forming close connections with other international students from her home country, while also expressing discontent over Affia’s bond with her stepfather. Eventually, she was asked to leave, leading to deep isolation and loneliness.

“It was overwhelming, and I became mentally ill,” said Affia. “I was scared to go anywhere, and when I saw someone who resembled my aunt, I would have a panic attack. After this happened, my family finally believed in mental health.”

Struggling with loneliness, Affia began experiencing suicidal ideation—a spectrum of thoughts that range from passive contemplation to active planning.

“I was hoping to be in a dangerous situation like a car swiping me off the road,” she shared. “But I didn’t want to feel the pain, and I didn’t want my family to think I had done something to myself.”

According to Aesha Mustapha, resident therapist for Enlighten U, the ideation exists on a spectrum of intensity, where some people have passive thoughts that can move into active and progress to planning.

Mustafa said that suicidal thoughts aren’t always as direct as “I want to die.” “They can also sound like I feel trapped, I need a way out, or I am a burden,” she added.

“It’s important to understand that these thoughts are complex,” Mustafa said. “It’s not just about not wanting to live—it’s about finding something worth living for.”

Mustafa urges people not to judge themselves or feel ashamed for experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. These thoughts can be frightening, but support is available. Instead of struggling alone, she encourages reaching out to a mental health professional for help.

For Affia, that “something” was community.

“Having people around to visit and someone to talk to—other than my mom back home—was life-changing,” she said. “I tell international students all the time: find your community. You can learn about a new culture, but don’t lose sight of your own—because I paid the price for that.”

Affia believes attending EMU was a great choice because it provided the academic foundation for her advocacy work. She has since founded two nonprofit organizations, The Feminist Code and BloomSphere Foundation for Mental Health Awareness, dedicated to education and empowerment in Nigeria.

“My Feminist Theory class, in particular, inspired me to start my women’s community from a feminist perspective,” she said. “In our (Feminist Code) book club program, I’ve introduced books I studied in class or worked on for assignments. Additionally, my clinical psychology and psychology of sex classes have informed the outreach programs for my BloomSphere Foundation, combining classroom knowledge with the extra work I’ve done beyond academics,” said Affia. “Outside academics, EMU provided a super welcoming environment for me, especially as an international student,” Affia added.

Read the full EMU Today story.

The College of Arts and Sciences has awarded scholarships to 20 undergraduate students for the 2025-26 academic year. The 20 awardees are:

• Sultan Al Sousi

• Keeva Baker

• Benjamin Bertrand

• Ambrose Cook

• Elena Davis

• Ethan Delaney

• Aimee Fisher

• Jessica Greubel

• Raina Hammitte

• Jonah Huskey-Wright

• Chanuth Jayatissa

• Gabe Karras

• Rosemary Kendall

• Megan Marquardt

• Morgyn Morel

• Hallie Mulderink

• Mia Robinson

• Sydney Schimmel

• Elizabeth Sobocinski

• Jade Traska

The College’s most prestigious scholarship, the Father Bernard J. O'Connor Endowed Scholarship in Civic Engagement, was awarded to Chanuth Jayatissa, a sophomore Honors student majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Mathematics. In fall 2023–his first semester of college–Jayatissa organized an EMU team to compete in the IEEEXtreme 17.0 virtual 24-hour hackathon. Jayatissa and his teammates finished 9th among 127 U.S. teams, and 521st among 7,091 international teams. Jayatissa is Vice President of the EMU chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and he volunteers for the Digital Divas and Digital Dudes program, Circle K International’s programming competition for local high school students, and the Honors College. He also presented at the Faculty Development Center’s first “Flipping the Script” conference.

“I am extremely grateful and honored to receive this award,” said Chanuth. “As an international student, it not only helps ease the financial stress of college but also motivates me to keep pushing forward in my academic and professional journey in computer science.”

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Office of the Dean awards more than $80,000 in scholarships annually, and CAS departments and schools award more than $625,000 in scholarships. Application forms for 2026-27 scholarships will be posted on the CAS website in late fall 2025. Persons interested in establishing a new scholarship to support CAS students are invited to contact CAS Director of Development Julaine LeDuc or CAS Dean Dana Heller.

Eastern Michigan University honored outstanding students, student organizations, and advisors at the 29th annual Student Gold Medallion Awards on March 25. These prestigious awards recognize individuals and groups that contribute to the vibrancy of campus life, making EMU an exceptional place to learn, work, and grow.

This year, the committee received 198 nominations with 98 unique individual and student organization nominees. 

The 2025 honorees exemplify excellence in leadership, service, and campus involvement. Below are this year’s recipients, along with brief excerpts from their nominators:

Rising Star Award

• Brandon Brown, a freshman from Southfield majoring in Computer Science

From nominator: "Brandon lights up campus with his sense of humor and interpersonal skills, making him a natural leader, enhancing every environment he engages in." 

• Caroline Buxton, a freshman from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, majoring in Communication, Media & Theatre Arts

From nominator: "Caroline has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and commitment to enhancing campus culture and connectedness." 

• Ryen Padilla, a sophomore from Bryon majoring in Biology

From nominator: "Ryen has excelled in research, has worked to establish a Presidential Scholars chapter of the Alumni Association, and has a remarkable ability to manage multiple responsibilities."

Community Engagement Award

• Jason Folk, a sophomore from Munroe Falls, Ohio, majoring in Philosophy
  From nominator: "Jason is deeply committed to promoting civic engagement and advancing social justice, particularly through his leadership in efforts to increase voter turnout among college-age students."

Exemplary Workplace Integrity Award

• Hannah Ihrig, a senior from Wadsworth, Ohio, majoring in Arts and Entertainment Management

From nominator: "Hannah's ability to foster an inclusive, accountable environmentwhile maintaining a high standard of excellence has left a lasting impact." 

• Christina Trotta, a senior from Chesterfield with majors in Data Science and Spanish Language

From nominator: "Her leadership, commitment to excellence, and ability to create lasting change demonstrate her dedication to improving the student experience." 

Mentorship Award

• Sara Rayan, a junior from Tehran majoring in Biochemistry 

From nominator: "Sara identified a cap in support for international students and successfully presented a plan to advocate for more direct assistance and support." 

Leadership Award

• Jesse John, a senior from Macomb majoring in Psychology

From nominator: "Jesse has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication across multiple areas at EMU, including research in substance abuse and intimate partner violence, as well as initiating and leading impactful student organizations." 

• Naomi Barbour, a senior from Adrian majoring in Political Science

From nominator: "Naomi's commitment to public service, advocacy, and community organizing is unmatched, as they consistently inspire and train others to take meaningful action."  

• Trinity Perkins, Criminology and Criminal Justice major

From nominator: "Trinity played a vital role in the development of mini grants to support student wellness, contributing as a judge, helping refine the proposal process, and advocating for student perspectives in committee discussions."  

Read the full EMU Today article.

The Eastern Michigan University Voice Area sent two voice area students to Wayne State University this past weekend to compete for voice scholarships for the Great Lakes Regional competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. The NATS Great Lakes Region includes Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario.

Kymiah Glass and Dr. Heather Shouldice, both students of Professor Carol Perry, each placed in the top three of their categories. They received prize money, a commemorative certificate, and the chance to advance to the next round of the National Student Auditions, taking place in Philadelphia this summer. Congratulations to them both! 

The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is a 75 year old organization dedicated to “advancing excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research.” (Mission Statement, nats.org) and all of the EMU Voice Area faculty are active members. 

Professor Perry was there to support her students in their very first regional competition, and also to participate as an adjudicator. She shared, “NATS is amazing because it gives performance opportunities for singers at so all different ages, experience levels, genres, and identities. There are categories for everyone to perform in their preferred genre and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback. Plus, there’s prize money and the potential to compete at the National Level! I’ve had a few first place winners in past National Student Auditions, and they had such great experiences all the way through to the final round. I hope the same is true for Heather and Kymiah! My students and I were honored to be representing Eastern at this event, and we are so lucky it was hosted so nearby at Wayne State University. Everyone involved worked really hard to make the day run smoothly.” 

Eastern Michigan University celebrated the achievements and service of its exceptional faculty and lecturers at the 2025 Distinguished Faculty and Lecturer Awards Celebration on March 25. These are EMU’s most prestigious awards for faculty and lecturers, recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and service that has a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader EMU community.

“Through their unwavering dedication to students, their departments, and EMU as a whole, each of these honorees has inspired colleagues and students alike,” said Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs. “Many received multiple nominations, a testament to the far-reaching impact of their work. EMU would not be what it is without the passion and commitment they bring to their roles. It is an honor to celebrate them today.”

The Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty Awards and the EMU-FT Full-Time and Part-Time Lecturer Teaching Awards represent the highest recognition faculty and lecturers can receive from the university. A rigorous selection process conducted by the respective awards committees ensures that only the most dedicated and impactful educators are honored.

Below are this year’s CAS recipients, along with brief excerpts from their nominators:

EMUFT Lecturer Distinguished Teaching Awards

Maria Goodrich, Biology (Watch video interview)
From nominator: "Maria has significantly improved courses by refining writing assignments and designing hands-on research experiences that connect students to their community. She mentors graduate assistants, ensuring high-quality instruction, and is instrumental in integrating effective and cost-conscious teaching materials."

Jennifer Felts, Communication, Media & Theatre Arts (Watch video interview)
From nominator: "Jennifer's inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment has made her a sought-after instructor in the Honors College." Another nominator wrote: "She integrates research, collaboration, and problem-solving into her teaching and directing, ensuring students gain real-world experience in performance. 

Ronald Collins Distinguished Faculty Awards

Distinguished Teaching Award I (one to five years at EMU)
Lon Mitchell, Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Statistics (Watch video interview)
From nominator: "One of the things that sets Lon apart from other great teachers is the sustained effort and dedication he gives to continuously improving his teaching effectiveness." One student nominator wrote: "He has a beautiful talent for breaking down complex concepts and making them not only understandable but enjoyable."

Distinguished Teaching Award II (six or more years at EMU)
Chris Gellasch, Professor, Geology and Geography (Watch video interview)
From student nominator: "He engages his students in course content and gives them situations to apply the lessons to real-world situations that we may encounter in our future careers." Another nominator noted his dedication as ENVI internship coordinator, his organizing and teaching during trips to the Rocky Mountains, and his work as an advisor to GeoClub. 

Distinguished Faculty Award – Research II (six or more years at EMU)
John McCurdy, Professor, History and Philosophy (Watch video interview)
From nominator: "Colleagues describe him as an exceptional researcher, integrating societal norms and political contexts into his work. His ability to communicate complex historical analysis to both scholarly and general audiences, as seen in his CSPAN lecture, underscores his influence as a historian, writer, and educator. 

Distinguished Faculty Award for Creativity
Jeromy Hopgood, Professor, Communication, Media & Theatre Arts (Watch video interview)
From nominator: "He is a dedicated mentor, and his leadership was instrumental in establishing the Entertainment Design Major at EMU. His meticulous attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and ability to craft compelling theatrical worlds make him a standout figure in the industry."

Read the full EMU Today story.

Eastern Michigan University honored exceptional staff members at the 2025 Staff Distinguished Achievement Recognition Awards Celebration on March 27. The annual awards recognize staff whose dedication and contributions exemplify EMU’s mission, vision, and core values.

“We celebrate those whose tireless dedication, conscientious efforts, and commitment have made a lasting impact within and beyond our institution,” said Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs. “Their unwavering support for our students, their departments, and the broader EMU community continues to inspire admiration and respect.”

Each year, EMU staff are invited to nominate colleagues for consideration by a campus-wide selection committee. 

Kristian Burns, Academic Advisor, Francine Parker Center (Watch video interview)

From nominator: "Kristian is the glue that holds our office together. As an advisor, she is thorough, kind, and knowledgeable, providing students with the support they need to succeed."

Read the full EMU Today story.

A new study led by Dr. Eric W. Portenga, Associate Professor of Geography and Geology, was recently accepted for publication in the international journal Geomorphology. The study took advantage of rainfall-driven erosion in the Santa Monica Mountains, southern California, after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire to assess how reproducible measurements of the isotope beryllium-10 (10Be) are following extreme erosion events. This work is important because measurements of 10Be are used by geologists around the world for many objectives and quantifying data reproducibility is one step to ensure scientific interpretations can be made with a higher degree of confidence. Three recent graduates of the EMU Geology program analyzed new data produced in this study, presented findings at conferences, and are co-authors on this paper: Collin Bogoski, '21; Colin O'Neill, '23; and Samantha Skora, '23.

EMU Music Therapy faculty Dr. Debra Gombert, Prof. Laura Pawuk, and Dr. Jody Stark co-authored chapters in the newly released book, Music Therapy Educators: Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources. This comprehensive publication, which explores the intersection of music therapy and academia, is now available through Barcelona Publishers, one of the most esteemed publishing houses in the field.

Dr. Gombert and Prof. Pawuk collaborated on the chapter titled "Collegial Relationships," while Dr. Stark teamed up with Eileen Garwood to write "The Journey to Academia." Both chapters provide valuable insights into the evolving roles of music therapy educators, offering unique perspectives on fostering professional relationships and navigating the path to academia.

This book is a significant milestone, as it is the first comprehensive resource dedicated to all aspects of music therapy and academia. The editors of the publication personally invited these music therapy educators to contribute their expertise, an honor they are deeply grateful for.

The release of Music Therapy Educators: Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources marks a pivotal moment for educators, students, and professionals in the music therapy field, offering an essential guide to advancing academic knowledge and practice.

Governor Whitmer has reappointed Milton Mack, Jr. (BS 1972, History and Political Science) as member and chair of the Mental Health Diversion Council, a state board charged with reducing the number of people with mental illness or intellectual or developmental disabilities entering the corrections system. Judge Mack represents the State Court Administrative Office on the council.

A longtime advocate for mentally ill persons in the criminal justice system, Mack served as Chief Judge of the Wayne County Probate Court from 1990 to 2015, and as Michigan State Court Administrator from 2015 to 2020. He is a former president of the Michigan Probate Judges Association and a past chair of both the State Bar of Michigan’s Judicial Conference and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. He has been awarded the William W. Treat Award for Excellence (National College of Probate Judges, 2010), the Frank J. Kelly Public Service Award (Michigan State Bar, 2011), and the Judge Stephen Goss Lifetime Achievement Award (Judges and Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative of the Council of State Governments, 2022). 

Mack’s 2017 policy paper, “Decriminalization of Mental Illness: Fixing a Broken System,” led to the creation of the National Initiative Advisory Committee, which he co-chaired from 2019 to 2020 and resulted in the establishment of the National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness.

“Judges across Michigan take on the challenge of serving because they want to make a difference, and Milt Mack is a perfect example of that commitment to making a difference in the lives of families at the most difficult times in their lives,” said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “Milt is an extraordinary difference maker.”

A loyal Eastern alum, Mack also chairs the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation. In April 2023 he spoke at the College of Health and Human Services about interventions that can reduce hospitalization and incarceration of persons with mental illness.

Stephan Hogan (BS 2016, Mathematics Education; MA 2021, Educational Leadership and Administration) has been appointed Principal of Abbot Elementary School in Ann Arbor.

Hogan joined the district in 2016 as a mathematics teacher at Tappan Middle School, where he also led the department teaching and learning network and served as a grade-level team leader. He became Assistant Principal at Tappan Middle School in 2021 and has served as the Middle School Summer Challenge principal for several years. Hogan earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to continue serving the Abbot community as the permanent principal!” Hogan stated. “Abbot is an incredible community filled with amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families—and I’m proud to be part of it. I look forward to building on the great work we’ve started together and continuing to make Abbot a place where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow!”

Eastern Michigan University alum Courtney Smith (BS 2014, Sociology), has worked to enrich her community for nearly 10 years. Smith founded the Detroit Phoenix Center in 2016, the first Detroit drop-in location that serves youth struggling with housing insecurity. Ultimately, the center aims to break the cycle of generational poverty and homelessness. Smith’s work is driven by her education, experience, and personal dedication to youth ages 12 to 24 in her community.

“It is a safe place built by young people, for young people,” said Smith. “At Detroit Phoenix Center, we focus on using the strengths and talents of youth to help them create stable and successful futures.”

Smith graduated from EMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2014. During her time on campus, she felt inspired by former EMU professors Cynthia Gabriel, Betty Brown Chappel, and Heather Neff to pursue her passions. After experiencing housing insecurity as a teenager, she knew she wanted to uplift those who found themselves in her situation. 

Now, Smith has established a safe space where youth can express themselves freely. The center features a Youth Action Board composed of young community members who routinely provide feedback and suggestions towards policy making and strategies to reach youth effectively. “It's about respecting and nurturing their power,” said Smith. 

Beyond the Youth Action Board, the Detroit Phoenix Center runs the following programs to help youth achieve success:

• SOAR Afterschool Enrichment: Academic support and enrichment activities to promote personal growth.

• ROOTS Rapid Rehousing: Aiding homeless or at-risk youth in finding stable housing.

• Blair Memorial Scholarship Fund: Financial support for youth pursuing higher education or vocational training.

• Summer Leadership Academy: Developing leadership skills through workshops and community service projects.

• Beyond The Ashes: A social enterprise offering job training and employment opportunities.

• Life Skills Program: Teaching youth financial literacy, cooking, and job readiness.

Smith recently launched Youth Up Mobile, a mobile drop-in center that meets youth where they are, providing resources and support directly in the communities where it's needed most.

Smith hopes that all aspiring entrepreneurs feel empowered to pursue their dreams. “Building anything from the ground up can be challenging, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Stick to your goals and be willing to adapt to what your community needs.”

Read the full EMU Today article.

At the annual Brick Bash this year, an Eastern alum displayed a Lego model of Eastern’s campus. Emily Langbehn (BS 2007, Electronic Media and Film) built the model without instructions with pieces she sourced from other sets. The model includes Best Hall, Halle Library, the Student Center, and Pray-Harrold.

Langbehn has been a Lego builder since childhood, playing with the sets handed down from her brother. At 10 years old she got a new set of her very own complete with her first girl mini figure, a character she still has in her collection. Two years ago, Langbehn started building models of her own creation, (mocs, as their known in the Lego building community). She broke down existing sets and organized the bricks by color and shape,creating her own workshop in her basement.

“I’ve loved Lego all my life.” Langbehn said.

At first, Langbehn started building small scenes from movies she liked, such as Saw, The Ring, and The Exorcist, that she liked but that Lego had no official sets for. Then Langbehn started branching out, making whole buildings. She’s made models of EMU’s campus, Depot Town, and the water tower. Her system of choosing what to build is “Just stuff I like," she said.

In order to create these complex displays,sometimes she needs more pieces. For instance, the model of the water tower needed over 2,000 pieces. To get those bricks, Langbehn ordered custom pieces from Brick Link, a global marketplace for Lego builders to buy and sell materials.

After Langbehn’s first Brick Bash, her Lego building hobby took off. She found a community of people that she really enjoyed being around and talking with. Creating with bricks is a great outlet for everyone of all ages, not just kids. It’s a renewable art form; every mistake can be fixed, and there have been mistakes. Langbehn learns as she goes, and when things break and fall apart, she builds them back up better than before.

Langbehn’s process involves engineering specifications, some calculations for scale, and miniature sample models. She spends hours in her basement workshop, with The Office playing in the background, using reference photos she’s taken to make her creations. It can take months to finish one project, and when she gets stuck on one, she jumps to work on something else. With no instructions, Langbehn’s technique is just trial and error, tinkering around to see what works. Her advice to new builders is to just start, and learn as you go.

Langbehn views Lego building as her escape. She wouldn’t consider herself an artist in any other regard, but in Lego, her creativity blossoms.

“I find myself looking at buildings and thinking about how I could make them in Lego.” Langbehn said.

Building EMU’s campus was a project near and dear to Langbehn’s heart. Eastern was the first place she felt like home; she loved her time in college. So, she decided to combine her love of Eastern with her love of Lego. The display is complete with building signs in the exact font that she made herself and a mini version of The Eastern Echo. Langbehn also added personal details like mini figures of herself and her old roommate.

For Langbehn, Lego building is not just an individual task. She frequently employs the help of her husband for fresh eyes and a new perspective. Langbehn’s niece Alyosha also played a pivotal role in the EMU project, coming up with new creative ideas.

“Everybody thinks differently.” Langbehn said.

Lego is not just a hobby for Langbehn, it’s a part of her life. It’s an escape, a way to destress and a creative outlet. Her love of Lego is expressed through her Lego shark keychain and her Lego shark tattoo.

Langbehn’s next project will be to make a Lego model of the Literati bookstore in Ann Arbor. Her model of EMU will continue its rounds, first to be displayed at the upcoming Student Media Gala on March 27th, then to Brickworld in Chicago in June.

Read the full Eastern Echo story.

On Saturday March 8th more than 200 Scouts BSA youth and adults attended the EMU Merit Badge College event sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. Scouts earned merit badges across a wide range of topics, with some taught by EMU faculty and lecturers:  Astronomy (Ernie Behringer and Tom Kasper), Chemistry (Steven Backues), and Geology (Chris Gellasch). EMU student volunteers from the Honors College and GeoClub at EMU also participated. The event was primarily held in Strong Hall and Mark Jefferson and many of the Scouts and parents left with a positive impression of EMU.  

Plans are underway for the 2026 iteration of this annual event with the goal to increase the number of EMU personnel teaching merit badges to showcase our programs and facilities. Anyone who is interested should contact Dr. Chris Gellasch at chris.gellasch@emich.edu 

Eastern Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences will host a public celebration of three new art installations on Wednesday, April 16, at the Windgate Arts Complex on EMU’s campus. The works, which engage with the university’s history and environment, are part of the yearlong Marking Place Project led by 2024-25 McAndless Distinguished Professor Joey Quiñones.

This project has been about expanding the definition of monumentality and giving space for new narratives to take root on campus,” said Quiñones. “It’s been incredible to see how these students responded to that challenge with thoughtfulness, creativity and heart.”

The installations are by Quiñones, EMU graduate student Lydia Vollavanh, and Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate student Maddie Gordon. Each was selected through a juried competition for Master of Fine Arts students at EMU and Cranbrook. The pieces will be installed across campus beginning in April.

The public is invited to attend a series of free events throughout the day, beginning with participatory seed bomb-making from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of Vollavanh’s installation, Growing Home, located on the former route of Forest Avenue through south campus. The activity, held on the final day of the Lao New Year (Pi Mai), invites participants to reflect on the question: “What seeds in our lives do we wish to grow, and how do we create an environment for them to bloom?” Seed bombs will be made using native Michigan seeds, clay and compost and can be planted to extend the installation’s impact.

At 2:30 p.m., Vollavanh will introduce Growing Home, a sculptural work featuring abstracted ceramic dok champa flowers—the national flower of Laos—suspended from a tree in the pedestrian circle. The installation honors the Lao refugee experience and evokes the anti-Vietnam War protests at EMU in 1970. It invites reflection on personal and ancestral journeys and how individuals put down roots in new communities.

Beginning at 3:15 p.m., Gordon will present Reflections of the Past, a stained-glass-inspired fabric tapestries installed in the Student Center’s first-floor south lounge.  The pieces are made from hand-dyed organza and inspired by architectural details throughout EMU’s campus. As sunlight filters through the windowpanes, the tapestries cast colorful light into the space, creating a vibrant environment for students and visitors.

The final event will happen from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Kaufman Critique Atrium at the Windgate Arts Complex. Quiñones will introduce their sculpture, Trans Plant, followed by an ekphrastic poetry reading by community members. The event will explore the role of monuments and memorials in representing diverse narratives. 

“The Marking Place project considers the role of statues, monuments and memorials in representing diverse narratives,” Quiñones said. “We invite students from all disciplines to ask: What should we, as a community, remember? How can we honor multiple histories in shared spaces, and what are alternative forms of monumentality?”

Refreshments will be served during the closing reception. Guests are welcome to attend any or all of the day’s events. A Google Map of event locations is available online. Parking is available in front of the Windgate Arts Complex. Visitors without an EMU parking pass should capture their license plate number and use the QR code on the tall light post near the entrance to pay for guest parking.

Read the full EMU Today article.

Eastern Michigan University hosted its 45th annual Undergraduate Symposium inside the campus’ student center on Friday, March 28, 2025.

The event, which when first started in 1980 was the first of its kind in the country, allows undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue further knowledge of their studies and present research and projects. This is much like how PhD or graduate students might present their theses at the end of their program.

Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Symposium allows students in all five of the university’s colleges to present.

Throughout the day, students gave oral and poster presentations to visitors. Topics ranged anywhere from research on the relationship between the production of one of the peptides responsible for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders against an enzyme found in non-small cell lung cancer cells, to a scalable cybersecurity program utilizing AI developed by a student.

The Symposium also displayed many students in the School of Art and Design's capstone projects as part of the Crossing Lines Design Expo and Gallery in room 300 of the Student Center. All of the presentations and projects at the event represented the culmination of students’ and their faculty mentors’ work throughout the year. 

Eastern Michigan University President James Smith stated in his luncheon address, “I run into people when we’re doing visits around the country and around the world, and I ask, ‘What was your most memorable moment [at Eastern]? It often will be ‘my Symposium presentation’ or ‘the friendship I developed as a result of the work that I did for the Symposium.”

Presenting for the first time was Eastern Michigan’s College in Prison Program, which is partnered with the Women’s Huron Correctional Facility. Eastern Michigan University is making history as the first university in Michigan to provide incarcerated students with a platform to present research projects at the university’s 45th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. The event featured a range of student-led presentations, covering topics such as improvisation in education, the impact of poetry, and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, among others, from 12 incarcerated students enrolled in EMU’s College in Prison program at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. 

Their research was showcased through pre-recorded presentations, with faculty sponsors introducing each speaker. The final presentation was delivered in person by a student who began college while incarcerated and is now completing her degree on EMU’s main campus after her release.

“This opportunity is monumental for our students and a reflection of the commitment EMU has made to providing equitable access to higher education,” said Meghan Lechner, director of the College in Prison program. “These presentations not only highlight our students' incredible work and resilience but, also challenge perceptions about higher education and incarceration.”

EMU’s College in Prison program serves 50 incarcerated students at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti. The program offers in-person instruction from EMU faculty, mirroring the same expectations and curriculum as courses taught on the University’s main campus. Through this initiative, EMU empowers incarcerated students to engage in academic research, contribute to scholarly discourse, and develop skills that will support them beyond prison.

“Our participation in the Undergraduate Research Symposium gives us a voice and allows us to demonstrate that our ideas and contributions matter,” said CiP student Jacara Moore. “Although I am incarcerated, I feel liberated. I hope the audience walks away with a deeper understanding of the power of improvisation and how it can enhance real-life experiences in meaningful ways.”

For more information about the College in Prison program and the symposium, visit the website.

President Smith was in attendance for program intern Jenelle Yarmoluk’s presentation, which gave a multi-level examination of the effects of the program. The program, which has offered credited courses to women in the correctional facility since 2023, had its first student presentations played through videos recorded by the students for family and other visitors in the audience.

Read the full EMU Today Article and the full Eastern Echo article.

June 12, 1959 - February 13, 2025

The Department of History and Philosophy is saddened to announce that Professor of History Mark David Higbee died February 13, 2025. Dr. Higbee was a specialist in African American history, but he taught a wide variety of classes, including Constitutional history, Native American history, Michigan history, and LGQBT+ history.

Dr Higbee was born June 12, 1959 in Indianapolis, the son of the late John Higbee and the late Judith Lord Higbee. He attended Warren Central High School, Antioch College, and Columbia University, where he received his Ph.D. in 1995. He joined Eastern Michigan University in 1994.

Dr. Higbee is survived by his wife, Kate Levin, of Ypsilanti, and sons, Marley, of Ypsilanti, and Jonas, of Lansing, as well as his siblings Michael Higbee and Mary Forbes, both of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dorotha Rachael Tamaran-Garcia.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Superior Land Conservancy, World Central Kitchen, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, or the Student Advocacy Center.