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Fall 2023 Alumnx Newsletter

Hello, GSP Alumnx!

Welcome to the End-of-Fall 2023 Alumnx Newsletter! We're excited to provide you with highlights from the fall term, spotlights on alumnx around the world, and exciting program updates. As our GSP Alumnx Network grows every year, we hope this newsletter will serve to keep you in touch with GSP's expanding alumnx community. 

Join the Global Scholars LinkedIn

Please request access to our revived GSP LinkedIn Group where our community shares opportunities for professional development, international travel accommodations, and personal achievements in global awareness and travel. We would like to encourage you to ask your GSP friends to join the group if they have not already! 

Alumnx Spotlights

A few of our GSP alumnx share updates and meaningful GSP memories below! 

Louis Albertini '13

Louis, pictured third from the right with a group of GSP friends at a restaurant, graduated in 2013 and studied Russian and East European studies as well as International studies.  He has since advised tech companies across the globe, including in Kazakhstan and across Europe, and currently serves as Director of Product Marketing in Chicago.

While in GSP, Louis helped plan the first GSP Formal (now called the "GSP Gala") and organized many other events. Additionally, he served as an Academic Peer Leader (now known as "CG Facilitator") and as Alumnx Coordinator.  He shares how being a part of GSP shaped his cross-cultural understanding of the world that he still carries with him and applies to his work today.

In September, Louis and his close friend and fellow GSP alum, Gautam Korakavi, gave a guest presentation in one of GSP's leadership courses, ALA 470: Organizing for Global Social Justice. Gautam is first on the right in the photo.

Michaela Minnis '22

Michaela graduated from the Ford School of Public Policy in May 2022 and now works at the American Academy of Pediatrics, where she leads child health policy and advocacy work. She is pictured left on vacation in Martha's Vineyard – a trip she took in August 2023 with fellow GSP alum Arielle McEntyre.

While in GSP, Michaela served as a Resident Advisor and on the Advisory Council her senior year, where she enjoyed leading committees and planning the GSP Culture Show. Some of Michaela's favorite memories from GSP include participating in a GSP service trip to India and the overnight ALA 212 Rising Peer Facilitator Retreat.  And of course, Chai Chatter!

Emmanuel Orozco Castellanos '22

Emmanuel graduated in December 2022 with a degree in international studies and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies, and in critical translation studies. While in GSP, he served as a Dialogue Facilitator and as the Advisory Council president.

We are beyond thrilled to congratulate Emmanuel on being named a 2024 Rhodes Scholar! This honor includes a scholarship to Oxford University, where he will begin his two master’s degrees in refugee studies and in Latin American studies this fall.

Yueying Hu '23

Yueying, pictured third from the left with a group of GSP friends at the GSP Gala, studied Psychology and statistics as an undergraduate. She is now working towards her PhD in biostatistics. Her current research investigates the impact of social and environmental factors on Alzheimer's Disease.

As a member of GSP for three years, Yueying served as a member, a CG facilitator, and as a special project lead.  She shares how being a part of GSP was an incredibly enriching experience where she was able to meet some of her closest friends.

Program Updates

A New GSP Membership Structure

After years of advocacy from GSP students and staff, Peer Facilitators (PF) and Special Project Leads (SPL) are now paid positions!

This welcome, overdue, and necessary change was the catalyst for significant changes to GSP's membership structure. The 2022-2023 Advisory Council provided GSP staff with invaluable guidance on setting and meeting a few key goals:

GOAL 1: Now that budget constraints would limit the number of facilitators and SPLs we can accept, we wanted to offer alternative ways of returning to the program.

GOAL 2: We also wanted to ensure that third-year members, previously required to join the Advisory Council, remained eligible for student staff positions.

GOAL 3: Finally, we wanted to make sure that all signature programs were equitably compensated.

 

With these key goals in mind, GSP introduced a new membership structure this year. Major changes include:

  • Global Scholars can return to the program for a second or third year as a General Member, required to enroll in ALA 470, attend all Signature Events plus three community events each term, and author one GSP Blog post per term.
  • Third-year members are now eligible for PF and SPL positions.
  • A new SPL team of Signature Event Leads now coordinates the GSP Culture Show and the GSP Gala.
  • The Advisory Council, which always functioned as the E-board of the GSP Student Organization (GSPSO), is now simply called the GSPSO E-board and open to all second- and third-year members. It remains a volunteer position.
  • ALA 470: Organizing for Global Social Justice, previously open only to AC members, is now optional for all second-year members and required by the third year of GSP membership.

We offer our sincerest gratitude to the 2022-2023 AC for their sage advice, and to this year's GSPSO E-Board and General Members for bravely piloting new ways of organizing our community!

A chart showing GSP's current leadership structure.

Fall 2023 Semester Highlights

GSP Culture Show 2023

We held our annual GSP Culture Show this past November. The event included incredible student performances from organizations across campus as well as a wonderful meal full of international cuisines.  

This year's performance lineup featured the Amala Dancers (African dance), Cre8 (dance), Forever 17 (Chinese pop vocal performance and dance), Moli Dance Troupe (Chinese and fusion dance), Revolution (Chinese yo-yo), rXn (Chinese and fusion dance), Sara Oguntomilade (poetry), and Michigan Sahana (South Asian classical dance).

Between performances, students participated in various challenges that tested their understanding of different cultures, such as playing global charades and engaging in intense rounds of "Name That Tune"!

A variety of international cuisines available for students at the GSP Culture Show.
Cre8's dance trio included GSP member Mopelola Adigun, center.
GSP alum Sara Oguntomilade shared poetry centered on prison reform and women's experiences.
Moli Dance Troupe, performing Chinese fusion and Kpop dances, included GSP RA Sissi Chen, second from left.
Michigan Sahana showcased South Asian culture through traditional dance performances.
Revolution wowed the audience with incredible yo-yo stunts to the beat of Chinese pop tunes.

Annual Cider Mill Trip

This past October, GSP students had the opportunity to take part in the annual GSP cider mill trip.  Some native Michiganders were able to share this classic Midwest experience with students from across the country and globe who had never been before!

Eight GSPeeps sit around a picnic table in a tent, enjoying donuts and apple cider.
Three GSP students stand next to each other in front of the Animal Feeding Area at the Cider Mill.
About 30 Global Scholars pose at the cider mill entrance.

2023 Student Leader-Hosted Events

Throughout the semester, GSP student leaders organized many fun community-building events that serve GSP members and the broader community.  Since just the start of the fall semester, the GSP Student Organization (GSPSO), formerly AC, established a GSPals program where GSP members can seek mentorship from GSP leaders or alum. GSPSO also collaborated with SUNNY, a student organization that serves local foster youth, to organize a clothing drive.

Additionally, the Holiday and Tradition Leads brought the GSP community together to celebrate and learn about important global festivals, including Mid-Autumn Festival, Chuseok, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. 

The GSPals flyer, including a QR code to complete an interest form and encouraging readers to contact [email protected] with questions.
The Winter Clothing Drive flyer, calling upon the GSP community to drop unused winter clothing in the designated drop boxes on the GSP floors.
A group of GSP members at the Chuseok and Sukkot Study Celebration in October, hosted by the Holiday and Traditions Leads. Students not only studied at the event, but also had the opportunity to try different celebratory foods, including challah and mooncakes and to take part in crafts, including tote bag decorating.

Upcoming Events

The planning for exciting Winter 2024 events is already in full-swing! The Holiday and Tradition Leads are planning holiday festivals as well as a Buddhist meditation session. And of course, our Signature Events Lead will begin working on the wonderful GSP Gala!

Virtual GSP Alumnx Panel

Additionally, a virtual GSP Alumnx Panel Session is in the works, where current GSP students will have the opportunity to learn about post-grad life and see how GSP has impacted individuals even after graduation.

Feel free to RSVP here if you would like to share your interest in being a part of the upcoming Alumnx Panel!