The background shows the sunlit interior atrium of the CASL building with large curved windows and beams of sunlight streaming in. A transparent Michigan blue overlay spans the center of the image. On the left is the UM-Dearborn CASL logo in maize and white. Large maize text reads “A VIEW FROM CASL,” with smaller white text underneath reading “Research, Community & Impact.” At the bottom, white text reads “Alumni + Donor Newsletter.
a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing glasses anda. black blazer, stands in front of the middle of the CASL building with brick walls on the right and a wall of windows on the left and a green tree in the background

Greetings from the Dean! 

Esteemed alumni, donors, and friends of CASL,

As we close another successful semester and academic year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the energy, dedication, and accomplishments of our CASL community. This year’s commencement was a joyful reminder of what your support makes possible - talented graduates prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities and beyond. 
I am also pleased to share our refreshed CASL Alumni and Donor Newsletter, designed with a fresh new look that more fully reflects our college’s identity, priorities, and points of pride while improving accessibility for all readers. In this issue, you will find stories that highlight the impact of our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters, along with opportunities to stay connected and celebrate those who continue to make CASL exceptional. As you read, I hope you will feel the same pride I do in this community, and I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful summer ahead filled with rest, rejuvenation, love, and good health.
With appreciation,
Dagmar Budikova
Two people working together in a science laboratory. A student wears a white lab coat and protective safety glasses while standing beside lab equipment and a microscope. A transparent Michigan blue overlay spans the center-left of the image with large maize text reading “IDEAS IN ACTION.” Smaller text underneath reads “Faculty Research, Innovation, Academic Programs, Thought Leadership.” The background includes lab shelving, scientific instruments, and large windows bringing natural light into the space.


Explore the research, programs, people and discoveries shaping CASL and our community.
  • New Programming: CASL is excited to introduce our new Chemistry Professional/Pre-Health BS program from the Department of Natural Sciences. Designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in healthcare, research and science-related fields, the program combines rigorous scientific training with hands-on laboratory experience and close faculty mentorship. With flexible Professional and Pre-Health pathways, students will build the technical, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving scientific and healthcare industries.
  • Anna Müller Named UM Institute for the Humanities Fellow: Professor of History Anna Müller was recently named a fellow of the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities for the 2026–27 academic year, a prestigious recognition supporting innovative interdisciplinary scholarship across the university. During her fellowship, Müller will continue her research project, “Knowledge Against Confinement: A Transnational History of Prisons as Spaces of Learning,” exploring the relationship between incarceration, education and global histories of knowledge. She joins a cohort of faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars selected to advance humanities research and collaboration across disciplines. 
  • Art Meets Advocacy in Rescue Dog Project: Students in ART 210: Beginning Digital Design partnered with Detroit-based Make a Difference Rescue to create a coloring book featuring adoptable dogs as a way to raise awareness and support for animal rescue efforts. The project combined digital illustration skills with community impact, with proceeds from coloring book sales directly supporting the rescue’s work caring for animals in need. To purchase a copy, contact Applied Art faculty member Sarah Nesbitt.
A group of students holds up coloring books they designed in their art class alongside professor in the middle. They are in a room with tables and coloring/drawing supplies. a photo of coloring books splayed out with one open that features a dog, it's name and different colored images
student being photographed or recorded at a University of Michigan-Dearborn event. In the foreground, a person holds up a smartphone capturing the student on screen, while the blurred background shows UM-Dearborn signage and the smiling student standing in front of a branded backdrop. A transparent Michigan blue overlay spans the center-left of the image with large maize text reading “STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS.” Smaller text underneath reads “Student Achievements, Experiential Learning, Internships, Research, Journeys.


Discover how CASL students are building skills, finding purpose and shaping what’s next.
  • Student Difference Makers: Five outstanding students from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters were selected as 2026 Michigan Difference Makers, a university-wide recognition celebrating students who are creating meaningful impact through leadership, service, research and community engagement. This year’s CASL honorees Mena Azzawi, Lili Hafezi, Peyton Henry, Kalaia Jackson, and Tawhid Khan exemplify the creativity, compassion and determination that define the Dearborn Difference. Through academic achievement, experiential learning and a commitment to their communities, these students reflect what it means to make a difference. 
  • How Our Community Supports Learning and Growth: International studies and economics double major Manuella Barbosa Braga graduated this spring with plans to pursue a career in international diplomacy, driven by a passion for economic empowerment and global engagement. During her time at UM-Dearborn CASL, Braga combined classroom learning with study abroad experiences in Europe, leadership opportunities, language study and internships that helped shape her global perspective. From Brazil to Dearborn to Lithuania, read more about her journey and the supportive community that helped turn ambitious goals into reality.
  • From the Classroom to Real-World Diplomacy: For CASL student Sabas Osorio Guzman, internships have become an opportunity to turn classroom learning into real-world experience. Through multiple internship experiences, including recent work with the Consulate of Mexico, Sabas has helped prepare communications, indexes, and reports sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City while working closely with Consul Daniel Aguado. "It has been a very meaningful experience and an important step in my personal and professional growth," said Sabas. Experiences like these are made possible through CASL's Internship Office, which helps students connect with organizations, explore career paths, and gain valuable professional experience before graduation. 
  • Medallion Recipients: Congratulations to CASL students Somtochukwu “Somie” Opara, Evelyn Diakiw and Peyton Henry who were recognized with prestigious Medallion Awards for their academic excellence, leadership and impact during commencement. Opara was also selected to receive the university’s highest student honor, the Chancellor’s Medallion, recognizing outstanding achievements in research, service and scholarship. Together, the recipients exemplify the power of experiential learning through undergraduate research, internships, community engagement and campus leadership. Hear their stories. 
graduation ceremony scene at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Silhouettes of graduates in caps and gowns are visible in the foreground, with blurred University of Michigan-Dearborn banners and stage décor in the background. A transparent Michigan blue overlay spans the center-left of the image with large maize text reading “COMMUNITY & IMPACT.” Smaller text underneath reads “Alumni Stories, Donor Support, Partnerships, Community Connections.”


Celebrating the alumni, supporters and partnerships helping shape the future of CASL.
  • We appreciate your continued support as alumni and donors of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. We are a strong community and your support throughout our Look to Michigan campaign has been instrumental in providing opportunities across the college - from research to study abroad, our SOAR program and more. See our top campaign and fundraising priorities and how your support impacts our CASL community. 
  • Be sure to stay connected with the incredible accomplishments of CASL alumni through the UM-Dearborn Alumni Engagement team. From career achievements and community impact to leadership, innovation and lifelong Wolverine connections, the alumni team regularly highlights the inspiring stories of graduates making a difference across industries and communities on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
students moving through the bright, modern interior atrium of the University of Michigan-Dearborn CASL building. Several students walk down a large staircase carrying books, backpacks and coffee while others study and gather in the open seating area below. A transparent Michigan blue overlay spans the center-left of the image with large maize text reading “LOOKING AHEAD.” Smaller text underneath reads “Upcoming Events, Opportunities to Connect, Get Involved.”


Explore upcoming opportunities, events and ways to stay connected with the CASL and campus community.



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"A View From CASL" is an e-newsletter for CASL alumni and donors.
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Contact Us: CASL Administration, 2002 CB, Dean's Office, UM-Dearborn 
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters | Office of the Dean
University of Michigan - Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48128
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