It is so wonderful to be back on campus and to see things returning to a semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy. It is hard to believe but beyond the incoming freshman class and rising sophomore class (who primarily took courses remotely) we also have juniors who do not know our campus very well as they were only able to experience it for part of the academic year pre-pandemic. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending time roaming the CASL Building and helping the students orient themselves to their surroundings.
CASL faculty, students and alumni are involved in a variety of classes, research, activities and philanthropy, and are making an impact locally, regionally and nationally.
After a life-threatening childhood diagnosis, CASL alumnus Blake Hardin realized what he wanted to do when he grew up: be a doctor. Recently he took part in U-M Medical School's White Coat Ceremony. Read about his perseverance.
Gifts to the CASL Annual Fund make it possible for CASL students to participate in activities such as unpaid internships and study abroad programs that enhance their education. Financial support via scholarships is especially important for CASL students, many of whom could not otherwise afford to participate. Experiences like study abroad are often transformative for students, especially for our students, since some have never traveled outside of Michigan or flown on an airplane.
This past summer CASL students traveled to four countries on study abroad trips run by CASL faculty. Alumni gifts provided scholarships to help CASL students study in Canada, France, Iceland, and Poland. Programs lasted from one week to two months including CASL's first semester abroad (Summer Session I) program. Students studied history, culture, geology, politics, and more. These experiences expand students' world views and help them be more competitive when applying for jobs at global companies and/or applying to graduate school. To learn more and see photos of our students on the trips, click here.
Many thanks to those of you who help make this possible by giving to the CASL Annual Fund!
French Professor Gabriella Scarlatta and French Lecturer Jerilyn Mannion led the Sites of Memory Study Abroad course for students in France during May.
