Former U. S. Representative John Dingell to work with UM-Dearborn students

The partnership will provide UM-Dearborn faculty and students with unparalleled opportunities to work with Dingell to understand, document and share his legacy as the longest-serving member in the history of the U.S. Congress.

“UM-Dearborn’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) is honored Mr. Dingell has agreed to engage with our campus and students,” said Martin Hershock, dean, CASL. “To have a man of Mr. Dingell’s importance in shaping U.S. policies and laws share his experience with our students and the Dearborn community is invaluable."

Dingell will discuss his experiences with students in conjunction with regularly scheduled courses in CASL, course topics include labor, environmental and health policies as well as topics related to civil rights and urban agendas. Dingell will have an office on campus. Faculty and students will also have the opportunity to conduct research related to the issues Dingell confronted during his nearly six decades in the House of Representatives.

“I have always been impressed by the academic excellence and quality of students from the University of Michigan, both Dearborn and Ann Arbor,” said John Dingell, former U.S. representative. “I look forward to sharing my experiences with UM-Dearborn students in hopes of providing a better understanding of the complexities of government and inspiring future leaders in politics.”

Additionally, Dingell will work with CASL’s Department of Social Sciences to promote its longstanding Washington D.C.-based internship program. While in office, Dingell, a staunch supporter of internships on Capitol Hill, often met with students to talk about the legislative process.

Community members will also benefit from the partnership with the establishment of the John D. Dingell Speaker Series with notable speakers on key policy or political topics. These events will be open to the general public. Dingell will be on campus starting July 1.

Discussions are also underway with the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus for Dingell’s engagement opportunities with students and faculty.

Dingell’s papers will be held at the Bentley Historical Library.

Dingell, a Democrat, represented parts of southeast Michigan in the House from December 13, 1955, to January 3, 2015.

Dingell joins several members of the judicial branch who recently began serving UM-Dearborn. Upon his retirement from the bench Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Donald Shelton became associate professor and director of the university’s criminal justice program. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra and former US Attorney for the Eastern District Jeffrey Collins, have since begun teaching in the program.