May 6, 2025 | By Nick Pfost
The Program on Intergroup Relations recently honored 51 University of Michigan graduates completing degrees in programs across campus. Through IGR, they came together around their shared interests in intergroup dialogue, intergroup relations and social justice education, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. At the Michigan League on May 1, they and their families and friends came together in celebration of their growth and achievements.
IGR’s engaged, interdisciplinary approach blends classroom learning with real-world applications in social justice, dialogue, and intergroup relations education. In the course of completing their degrees, the program has guided those graduates in growing skills in critical analysis, problem-solving in groups, and intercultural leadership—preparing them to live and work in a diverse world and educating them in making choices that advance equity and justice. This is possible through a powerful joint partnership between Student Life and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
Among the graduates, 50 received the liberatory education cord. The cord recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who have made significant contributions to advance the mission of IGR and liberatory education. Students completed courses or service in facilitation, supported or led courses or CommonGround workshops, or were involved in the program’s paid learning opportunities.
Recipients included Isabella Basso, Aine Beale, Lillie Birnie, Paige Bost, Thea/”TJ” Bultman, Elizabeth Casey, Srilekha Cherukuvada, Nagash Clarke, Hope Cordes, Esme Dutta, Rachel Eisenstein, Eli Fabrick, Aisha Fayyaz, Annick Gardon, Sydney Gong, Anadelia Gonzalez, Tyae Grant, Haarika Gurivireddygari, Nadya Habib, Elsa Hall, Klaire Hamming, Nicholas Harriott, Alicia Jackson, Molly Jendryka, Haniyah Johnson, Emelia Johnston, Elayna Kash, Akil Kasubhai, LaKaylia Kea, Destiny Kerr, Liza Lachter, Ella Larsen, Laike Leatherwood, Neeka Mehran, Lilly Najor, Krishna Patel, Xavier Perry, Sophie Phillips, Emma Putti, Andrew Reno, Grace Russo, Sierra Schneidt, Alanna Schwartz, Sydney Shewsbury, Asa Sparks, Olivia Thompson, Isabella Wash, Amanda Webster, Amonya Woods, and Eva Yu.
Graduates also included the largest cohort those receiving IGR’s minor since it was established in 2015. Offered through LSA to U-M students in any major, the IGR minor offers focused study and skill-building in intergroup relations education. Twenty-nine students received the minor, four of whom also completed requirements for the joint certificate in dialogue for community change.
Recipients included Aine Beale, Lillie Birnie, Esme Dutta, Rachel Eisenstein, Eli Fabrick, Aisha Fayyaz, Annick Gardon, Sydney Gong, Tyae Grant, Nadya Habib, Elsa Hall, Klaire Hamming, Nicholas Harriott, Molly Jendryka, Haniyah Johnson, Emelia Johnston, Destiny Kerr, Liza Lachter, Ella Larsen, Laike Leatherwood, Xavier Perry, Sophie Phillips, Andrew Reno, Sierra Schneidt, Alanna Schwartz, Zahrria Smith, Asa Sparks, Olivia Thompson, and Amonya Woods. Grant, Hamming, Jendryka, and Thompson also received the joint certificate.
Nine outstanding graduating students also received the Patricia Gurin Certificate of Merit in Intergroup Relations. The certificate, honoring intergroup dialogue pioneer Dr. Patricia Gurin, is awarded to graduating undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated academic mastery in intergroup relations.
Recipients of the Gurin Certificate included Elsa Hall, Klaire Hamming, Molly Jendryka, Destiny Kerr, Ella Larsen, Xavier Perry, Sophie Phillips, Sierra Schneidt, and Olivia Thompson.
View more photos of the ceremony on Instagram, Flickr, and Facebook.
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