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.

Kudos to SOE/CEHHS Students

Please join me in applauding the accomplishments of our terrific students. Here are a few highlights that have come to my attention:

Several students enrolled in EXPS 250 (Visual and Performing Arts in the Elementary Classroom) in Winter 2013 joined the Ann Arbor Concert Band during a "New Frontiers" program on March 10 at Hill Auditorium on the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. Participating SOE students Hawraa Al-Busaid-Jwad, Heather Anthony, Shaqueline Bowery, Chante McClaine, Trevor Stoltz, Alex Tedesco, and Samantha Villareal joined the band on percussion instruments for the premiere performance of "Flash Mob," composed by EXPS 250 instructor and Concert Band Director, Dr. James Nissen. A video of their performance is available here.

Truman Hudson, a doctoral student who recently defended his dissertation, received the Detroit Detroit Public School District's Impact Teacher Award for work related to his dissertation. In addition, he was also one of 50 men selected to receive a Black Male Engagement Leadership Award from the Knight Foundation for his Community Economic Development Club initiative. The Knight Foundation award includes a grant that will allow him to extend for another year his work with Cody-Rouge students and community members focused on making economics instruction relevant to students in low-income communities by linking to community redevelopment initiatives.

Emily Bianchi, Jacquelyn Kennedy, and Melissa McKinney – three students majoring in elementary education – transformed their work in EXPS 420 into a published article with the help of Dr. Charlotte Otto, Professor of Chemistry and Science Education. Their article, “Introducing Models in lessons on Solids and Liquids,” appeared in the Spring 2013 issue of the MSTA Journal. This journal is published biannually by the Michigan Science Teachers Association. Please join me in congratulating Emily, Jacquelyn and Melissa on their accomplishment and in thanking Professor Otto for her skillful mentorship!

Stein Brunvand leads GIEU group to South Africa

Stein Brunvand, SOE associate professor, led a group of University of Michigan students to South Africa as part of the Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU) program. This study group, “Teaching Across Borders: Establishing a Virtual Tutoring Program in Johannesburg, South Africa,” laid the foundation for implementing a virtual tutoring program to provide academic support to students in Alexandra Township.

The GIEU South Africa group spent a week and a half in Johannesburg assisting with several different programs for children who have lost parents to Aids and other circumstances, such as the Rose Act Saturday school, which is designed to help students in grade 5-12 get additional tutoring across a wide range of subjects. The university students helped run classes in several different computer labs where sessions on keyboarding, Microsoft Office applications and other computer basics where being taught. While in Johannesburg the group also assisted in an after-school homework program also run by the Rose Act organization. Both the Saturday school and the after-school program are offered specifically to children living in Alexander Township, which is a squatter settlement that borders Johannesburg. Alex, as it is known locally, is an incredibly poor area and the schools there are overcrowded, understaffed and without adequate resources.

In addition to their work in Johannesburg, the GIEU group also spent time living and working at the Village of Joy, which is located about 30 kilometers northwest of the city. Milly Jarvis runs the village and she has adopted 21 children ranging in age from 3-21, most of whom were orphaned or abandoned, and many of whom had been abused or neglected. The GIEU group assisted Ms. Jarvis by working with the children after school on their homework and participating in a range of activities at the village. While at the village the group also worked in the classrooms of a local primary school called Riversands. Students who attend Riversands live in Diepsloot, which is another squatter settlement similar to Alex.

The GIEU visiting group has learned much about life in another country, especially for those whose basic needs are inadequately met, and they have infused some much-needed human resources in the form of energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Please join me in welcoming them home from their journey!

Martha Adler leads GIEU group to Mexico

Martha Adler, SOE associate professor, and Monica Porter, Director of the Office of International Affairs at UM-Dearborn, recently arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with a group of University of Michigan students as part of the Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU) program. A video of the arrival of Adler and the GIEU group taken during their first week is available on youtube.

This study group, “Summer Literacy Program: Children of the Dump,” is a three-week summer literacy program serving high-poverty youth. The program both addresses the needs of children living in dire poverty in Mexico and provides university students with a culturally immersive educative experience. The literacy program is sponsored by The Children of the Dump, a community organization that was founded in 1998. Through private donations, the organization feeds more than 2,300 children daily, operates nine day care centers and an after-school program for grades 3 through 6. The goal of the Children of the Dump is to ensure education through grade nine and to educate the children of Puerto Vallarta in the skills necessary to rise above poverty.

Please join me is wishing them viaje seguro!

SOE Alumna Wins Teacher of the Year Award

As reported in a recent Detroit Free Press article, Jennifer Bargardi has been selected as Teacher of the Year for 2012-2013 by the Educational Achievement Authority.

Ms. Bargardi is a double alumna of the UM-Dearborn School of Education. She was initially certified as a science teacher after completing our Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teaching Program, and she is a recent graduate of our Master of Science in Science Education program. Currently on the staff at Mumford High School in Detroit, Jennifer teaches Biology and Anatomy, and she also serves as chair of the science department and senior class advisor.

This is not Jennifer's first recognition for excellence. In 2012 she was a regional winner and a national finalist in the Shell Science Lab Challenge, a competition among science teachers sponsored by the Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to encourage and recognize innovation in to deliver high quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources.

Please join me in congratulating Jennifer Bargardi on this splendid recognition of her outstanding educational efforts on behalf of her students!

Farewell to Professor Belinda Lazarus

On June 20, 2013 a celebration was held to honor the career of Professor Belinda Lazarus on the occasion of her retirement from the University of Michigan-Dearborn after 22 years of service. Numerous friends and family members, professional colleagues from inside and outside the university, and former students joined in recounting Belinda’s many contributions and accomplishments.

Belinda Davis Lazarus graduated from The Ohio State University in 1973 with a B.S. in Education. She later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1981, and a doctorate in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Ohio State University in 1986.

Professor Lazarus taught special education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn for 22 years, serving as coordinator of the program for much of that time. During her time at UM-Dearborn she developed strong programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As the students who spoke at the retirement event attested Professor Lazarus has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding teacher and mentor.


Dr. Lazarus was also an accomplished researcher, with numerous refereed publications on many aspects of special education. Topics covered in her research included effective instructional practices, technology for persons with disabilities, virtual K-12 schools, and attitudes towards reading expressed by students with learning disabilities.

In addition to her teaching and research activities, Belinda played an important role on numerous campus committees and initiatives, generously sharing her time and expertise. She also contributed locally, regionally and nationally to professional organizations in the field of special education. With a sincere passion for special education, she  delivered numerous presentations at professional conferences at the international, national, regional and state levels. Dr. Lazarus was the recipient of the 2006 Foundation for Creative Dispute Resolutions Award.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Education is pleased to recognize Professor Belinda Davis Lazarus for 22 years of outstanding service as a member of the faculty; for her innovative contributions to the preparation and continuing education of special education teachers; and for her leadership and colleagueship in the school and university. We wish her bon voyage!