STUDENT WORK

LUCY - Detroit Initiative GIEU Summer Program 2005

We would all like to dedicate this project and our work in Detroit to Stella Raudenbush. This project was dreamed of, realized and inspired by her. She was not only our mentor but a friend who guided us through our immersion into Detroit . Stella's like work was dedicated to the inner-city youth of Detroit and the lessons passed down by the elders of the community. This project exemplifies her goal for her students to experience learning from the bonds and relationships they make outside the classroom. Halfway through this project, Stella passed when this group was at its most venerable and unsure. Dealing with her death was not only a personal loss for everyone but a loss of guidance and leadership of a project that was only just starting to come together. This groups efforts, dedication and sublime work ethic was enough to put forth our own leadership that Stella unwillingly endowed to us. In the end we all saw the importance of such a project and the reasons behind the sometimes vague guidance she gave us. Despite how painful her passing was for all of us, the experience of loss brought us new and closer relationships between us and the people of Detroit . We are all privileged to be a part of Stella's last project and a project that will always be remembered in her honor. -Will Gressman

LUCY's First Campus Day a Success!

On Thursday, March 14, LUCY invited 18 sixth grade students from University Preparatory Academy (UPA) to the University of Michigan for an introduction to campus life and viewing of the Michigan Prison Art exhibition. The UPA students were met when they arrived by La Shanda Welson, Boatemma Ntiri, and Devin, all active members in the Michigan Community Scholars Program(MCSP).

After a brief fueling of bagels and juice, the students were taken to the field on the Hill for an introductory ice-breaker. Bo led the students through an activity where each member identifies themselves to the group with a dance move. This is done in a circular pattern with each person responsible for remembering the moves before them. In the end, one student from UPA was able to go through the entire dance set with names. This activity began the campus tour.

From the field, students were led though campus including a stop at 1800 Chemistry for a look at the largest campus lecture hall, the center of the Diag, the Graduate and Undergraduate libraries, the Schools of Education and Social Work, the Law Quad, the Union, the Cube, and finally past the Bell Tower, MLB and League. The students were amazed by the number of students walking around, the size of the libraries, the football players and food in the Union and the fact that they could move the Cube. And, while their guides were worn out by all of the walking, the students had enough energy to run back to Couzens Hall for lunch.

After lunch, the students experienced the challenges of navigating the campus shuttles to North Campus. Finally, after deciding on the Northwood bus, the whole group made it to Pierpont Commons for the Prison Artist exhibit. Here the students were impressed by the wide range of talent and the scope of inspiration. Some of the favorite pieces were depictions of 9/11 and Aliyah. Some of the students spent time recording the names of their favorite artists and pieces. Others spent the time writing reflections or discussing individual pieces with their peers.

At 2:00 the bus pulled up and it was time to hit the road. As a final test, Bo and Shanda asked students trivia about campus from the tour, "When was the University founded," "What does MCSP stand for?" Prizes (candy, highlighters, stickers, OAMI buttons, etc.) were given and the students loaded onto the bus.

LUCY hopes to continue to offer Campus Day for community school partners in the months to come.

Click here to view the Campus Day Gallery.

MCSP Poster Session

Students from our Fall UC151 class created this poster to represent the issues, challenges, hopes, and success during the term. Visual connections include photos from Detroit's history, urban educational items, and lots and lots of color represeting diversity and energy. Our students worked cooperatively to incorporate images from each site and discuss larger themes and issues associated with their service.

Stella stops by to check out the final product.