50 UM-Dearborn students named as 2011 'Difference Makers'

UM-Dearborn has named 50 students as 2011 "Difference Makers," a designation that identifies a student as one of the most significant contributors to the campus community

Visit www.michigandifferencemakers.com to explore photos and biographies of this year's students.

"Difference Makers" offer exceptional contributions to the campus as well as local community. Some are scholars with publications and national conference presentations. Some have held offices in campus organizations, changing the course of the group's history. Some make a difference in the larger community.

This is the second year UM-Dearborn has named students as "Difference Makers" in recognition of their academic achievements, integrity, leadership and creative contributions. The program was created as part the campus's 50th anniversary celebration and established as an annual recognition award as a result of the campus's overwhelming support for the program.

The 50 students were selected from nearly 100 nominees submitted by UM-Dearborn faculty and staff members. Nominations were based on leadership, creativity and contributions in the classroom, on campus and/or in the broader community. Academic achievement and integrity were important factors, as was demonstrated leadership on and off campus. A small panel of faculty and staff members reviewed the nominations and selected the "Difference Makers."

The 2011 "Difference Makers" will be honored at the campus's annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony on April 13 and the campus community is welcome to attend the event, which will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Kochoff Hall. The students will receive a specially-designed "Difference Makers" fleece jacket and be recognized in a full-page advertisement in Crain's Detroit Business. In addition, they will be honored at the Crain's "20 in their 20s" event next month.

Visit the "Difference Makers" website to discover the extraordinary academic, service and leadership achievements of this year's students.