CEHHS Co-sponsors Young Authors' Festival

UM-Dearborn will be the site of the Young Authors' Festival on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Mardigian Library. The event is sponsored by the College of Education, Health, and Human Services and the Mardigian Library.

As part of a year-long celebration of Henry Ford's 150th birthday, Carol Hagen and Matt Faulkner, author and illustrator of "The Night Henry Ford Met Santa," will talk to children about writing and illustrating a book. Faculty and pre-service teachers will lead break-out sessions with activities, along with tips and techniques for writing and supporting children in their writing. Danielle DeFauw, CEHHS assistant professor of education, has assisted in planning the program. The festival's theme is "Henry's Dream."

An associated Young Authors’ Writing Contest for children in grades 4, 5, and 6 is underway, and the winners will be announced at the Festival. The writing contest theme is: "What are your dreams for your future? How do you plan to reach your dreams?" One winner from each grade will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, and the grand-prize winner will receive a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Original artwork from Matt Faulkner, along with artwork from other illustrators, will be on display in the Berkowitz Gallery. In addition, Ms. Hagen (UM-Dearborn alumna) and Mr. Faulkner (local illustrator) will be available for autographs. Copies of "The Night Henry Ford Met Santa" will be available for purchase.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Details and registration can be found here

Colleagues and Friends Gather to Honor Professor Leslie Thornton

On October 23, 2013 a celebration was held to honor the career of Dr. Leslie James Thornton II. Earlier this year, Professor Thornton retired from the University of Michigan-Dearborn after more than 20 years of service. Numerous friends and family members, professional colleagues from inside and outside the university, and former students joined in recounting his contributions and accomplishments.

Les has deep educational roots in the state of Michigan. He earned his baccalaureate degree at Michigan State University, after which he obtained three graduate degrees on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus. He earned an MSW from the School of Social Work, concentrating in Administration and Social Policy, and a Master of Arts degree and a PhD in Education from the School of Education. Prior to his arrival at UM-Dearborn, Les served as a visiting professor of social work at Saginaw Valley State University.

Professor Thornton has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding teacher and mentor. His engaging teaching style, often featuring creative use of simulations, has received high praise from students. In 1995 Les received the prestigious UM-Dearborn Distinguished Teaching Award. During his 21 years at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Professor Thornton’s focus and passion has been in the area of multicultural education. As the students and colleagues who spoke at the retirement event attested, his deep commitment to social justice infused all that he did and influenced those with whom he interacted. His insistence that students confront and try to understand how circumstances of social power and privilege—often invisible to the advantaged—can contribute to conditions of disadvantage confronting disempowered members of society left a lasting impression on numerous students who were lucky enough to attend his classes.

Along with his work teaching and advising students, Les was an active contributor to faculty governance and student activities on campus, and also to national and international academic professional organizations.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Education, Health, and Human Services is pleased to recognize Professor Leslie James Thornton II Moyer for more than 20 years of outstanding service as a member of the faculty; for his commitment to social justice and his contributions to the preparation and continuing education of Michigan’s teachers; and for his service and mentorship. Bravo and bon voyage!

Donovan Rowe Named 2013 CEHHS Alumnus of the Year

For more than 30 years, UM-Dearborn has honored outstanding alumni for their contributions to the University and community. These men and women are "difference makers" who have continued the University's legacy of leadership in their lives and careers. They are making a positive impact in their workplaces and communities, and serve as strong role models for a new generation of UM-Dearborn student leaders. Among the Alumni Difference Makers for 2013 is Donovan Rowe, who was named Alumnus of the Year in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.

Mr. Rowe has had a distinguished career with the Huron School District. He was selected as principal of Huron High School in 2007, after having served the district as a classroom teacher and an assistant principal. During his time as principal, Donovan has spearheaded change, initiated quality educational programs, nurtured and developed strong relationships, and contributed to the success of Huron High School.

Donovan holds two degrees from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, including a Bachelor of Arts degree, with emphases in English and French Studies, in 1999, and a Masters of Public Administration degree, with an emphasis on educational leadership, in 2004. He also completed the requirements for his secondary school teaching credential through UM-Dearborn in 1999.

Donovan has also given back to UM-Dearborn in many ways. He currently serves as chair of the CEHHS Alumni Affiliate. He has helped to reignite the affiliate, grow its membership, and launch activities that enrich the lives of current students and faculty, alums, and the local community. His accomplishments last year included a celebratory event to mark the 25th anniversary of the formation of the UM-Dearborn School of Education and a Quiz Bowl tournament that featured accomplished youngsters from area high schools.

The Alumni Association Award was presented to Mr. Rowe, and the corresponding award winners from other units on the UM-Dearborn campus, at a ceremony on October 4. Please join me in congratulating Donovan Rowe on his distinctive accomplishment and in thanking him for his dedication to the education profession and to the education enterprise at UM-Dearbprn.