The Art in the Legislature Program displays and celebrates the work of excellent student artists from Michigan’s 15 public universities each year, and their respective works are displayed in the Anderson House Office Building, or the Binsfeld Senate Building, for one year.

State Relations Officers, university art department representatives, student-artists, their families, and the public at large are invited to attend the reception, at which time the new pieces of art will be unveiled and the students will be recognized.

Kyler Alexis Luna

Kyler Alexis Luna

“Infrared” is meant to allude to something beyond skin-deep: the colors of the boy’s face are blue and yellow watercolor while the background features acrylic strokes of orange and red. Each of these colors are meant to mirror how a person looks when you view them through an infrared scanner, reinforcing the overall message that no matter the color of your skin, we all look the same underneath.

Infrared

My piece is meant to shine light on the ongoing racial injustice in America faced by black Americans. As a white-Hispanic, I recognize the privilege I have with just the color of my skin. I do not have to worry about racial bias within the justice system influencing my right to a fair trial, but neither should anyone else. While this painting is one of the more prominent additions to my portfolio, the name “Infrared” alludes to something a bit more intricate: the colors of the boy’s face are blue and yellow watercolor while the background features acrylic strokes of orange and red. Each of these colors are seen when you view someone under an infrared scanner, reinforcing the overall message that no matter the color of your skin, we all look the same underneath.

On June 9th, Paula Nas, Director of the office of Economic Development at UM-Flint, testified before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology‘s Subcommittee on Research and Technology. The hearing, entitled “Building Regional Innovation Economies” focused on understanding how all Americans can participate in the innovation economy, with a particular emphasis on providing equal opportunities for historically underrepresented groups and rural communities.

In her testimony, Nas highlighted the work of the UM-Flint Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, noting that “as a trusted partner in the community, our EDA University Center often serves as the entry point for innovators who might not otherwise attempt to move their ideas forward.” Nas’ testimony explained the benefits of providing opportunities to potential innovators in marginalized communities. Nas highlighted the impact of the UM-Flint’s EDA University Center on a community member who developed a technology to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. With the Center’s support, the individual plans to launch an emerging technology company. Nas also emphasized the importance of introducing innovation education at an early age in order to mold future innovators, giving particular praise to programs like Young Sharks, a program run by UM-Flint that helps elementary students develop entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, Nas testified that universities should serve an important role in the development of innovation economies through removing barriers to access and participation.

A recording of the hearing can be found here.

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The Umich Alumni Association catches up with one of our former LEAD Scholars, Jamie Thompson:

Following graduation, I returned to my hometown of Detroit to teach kindergarten in the Detroit Public Schools. While working full time, I returned to U-M to earn my teaching certificate and a master’s degree in education policy. In 2020, I worked on U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s reelection campaign, registering voters in Detroit while delivering absentee ballots and personal protective equipment, and assisting families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, I am a legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in Washington, D.C., focusing on education and issues related to women, children, and families, such as early childcare and college affordability. I attend congressional briefings and hearings, take meetings with organizations and constituents from our district, conduct research on current events and policy, and provide input on legislation that Rep. Stevens should support.

In 2006, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which banned, among other things, preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity in college admissions. In addition, universities could no longer accept donations for race- or gender-specific programs.

The following fall, one of the least diverse freshman classes in recent history enrolled on the Ann Arbor campus.

For these reasons, the Alumni Association established the LEAD Scholars program for those who embody leadership, excellence, achievement, and diversity. The scholarship is available to accepted students to help the best and brightest make their way to Michigan. The Alumni Association — independent from the University — takes full financial and administrative responsibility for this program.