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LEAD Celebrates Seniors

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A highlight of the academic year at the Alumni Association is the LEAD Spring Celebration, the luncheon that celebrates the hard work of graduating LEAD Scholars. This year was no different, as 30 seniors gathered in the Michigan League ballroom on April 10, surrounded by parents, family, and friends, as well as LEAD alumni. Here are just a few highlights of the event.

Ayanna McConnell, Director of University Relations and Student Engagement — Ayanna McConnell, Alumni Association director of university relations and student engagement, warmly welcomed current, former, and graduating LEAD Scholars and their families.

President & CEO Steve Grafton — Steve Grafton, president and CEO of the Alumni Association, congratulated the graduating LEAD Scholars and then added, “And let’s hear it for their parents.”

Graduating LEAD Scholar Jordan Mizell, who studied biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience, said of the program, “They say it takes a village to raise a child. My village was LEAD.”

Phyllis Taylor, LEAD Coordinator — Phyllis Taylor, ’91, LEAD coordinator at the Alumni Association, spoke of the strong community and bonds created by the LEAD Scholars program.

Jill Rodriguez and Katie Andersen-Rodriguez, twin sisters and 2012 graduates of the College of Engineering, said “with the scholarship we were able to attend U-M without the burden of insurmountable debt for ourselves and our parents.”

Raymond Gist, DDS’66, former president of the American Dental Association, discussed the importance of his U-M education throughout his career.

Sylvia Escolero and Former U-M President Mary Sue Coleman — LEAD Scholar alumna Sylvia Escolero, ’14, engaged in an animated discussion with former U-M President Mary Sue Coleman.

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LEAD Celebrates Seniors

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