University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni

10/24/2026

As part of our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers spotlights, we're excited to recognize our final recipient Timothy Yerdon, '01 MSE, as the College of Engineering and Computer Science Alum of the Year.

Timothy Yerdon is executive director at SAE Industry Technologies Consortia, where he leads programs focused on advancing technical solutions throughout the mobility industry. He previously held leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and Visteon, helping shape connected and electric vehicle technologies. Tim remains closely involved with UM-Dearborn through the CECS Visiting Committee and by supporting stronger industry partnerships for students.

Congratulations, Tim! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Tim at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/23/2026

We're honored to celebrate another of our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers, Lamis Srour, '99 BA, recipient of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services Alum of the Year Award.

Lamis Srour is the executive director of student achievement for Dearborn Public Schools, where she oversees curriculum initiatives, early childhood programs and student achievement efforts. Throughout her career, she has led innovative educational programs and community partnerships that support students and families. A proud UM-Dearborn graduate, Lamis continues to make a lasting impact on education throughout the Dearborn community.

Congratulations, Lamis! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Lamis at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/21/2026

Our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers Awards recognize alumni whose achievements reflect the best of UM-Dearborn. Our next honoree is Jeffrey Cooper, '05 BBA, recipient of the College of Business Alum of the Year Award.

Jeffrey Cooper is a senior manager of international tax at Amazon, where he leads global tax reporting, transparency initiatives and OECD Pillar 2 compliance efforts. Prior to Amazon, he held leadership positions at Marriott International and Deloitte Tax. Jeff remains actively engaged with UM-Dearborn through the College of Business Board of Advisors and initiatives that help support student success.

Congratulations, Jeff! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Jeff at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

As we continue recognizing our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers, the next recipient is Michael Gillespie, '01 BA, who is the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters Alum of the Year.

Michael Gillespie serves as dean of student success, interim dean of Booth Library Services and professor of sociology at Eastern Illinois University. His research focuses on poverty, inequality and food insecurity, and he has published extensively on these topics. Michael continues to support UM-Dearborn through alumni leadership, advisory boards and initiatives that benefit current and future students.

Congratulations, Michael! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Michael at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/20/2026

2,231 students. Full tuition covered.

This fall, 46% of full-time, in-state undergraduates at the University of Michigan-Dearborn have their full tuition covered through the Go Blue Guarantee and other scholarships and grants.

That’s a 4% increase from last year, showing what’s possible when a community comes together to make college more affordable and invest in student success.

10/19/2026

For the next recipient in our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers series, we're proud to recognize Circadian Risk, Inc., led by Michael Martin, '96 MBA, as the Alumni Business of the Year.

Circadian Risk is an Ann Arbor-based software company focused on helping organizations identify, visualize and reduce security risks. Under the leadership of Michael Martin, the company has expanded its reach across industries and secured strategic partnerships while providing innovative security planning solutions. Michael continues to support UM-Dearborn through collaboration with the College of Business and programs that inspire future entrepreneurs.

Congratulations, Michael and Circadian Risk! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Circadian Risk and Michael’s accomplishments at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/16/2026

As we continue recognizing our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers, the next recipient is Jaime Martinez, '87 BS, who is the recipient of the Alumni Service Award.

Jaime Martinez is a cybersecurity leader, educator and public servant with expertise in IT management and enterprise security. In addition to his professional work, Jaime serves as an adjunct professor and contributes to public safety through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. His longstanding dedication to UM-Dearborn includes mentoring students, supporting career initiatives and volunteering with numerous university programs.

Congratulations, Jaime! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Jaime and his accomplishments at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/15/2026

Our 2026 Alumni Difference Makers celebration continues with Hassan Doghman, '17 BBA, '18 MBA, recipient of the Graduate of the Last Decade Alum of the Year Award.

Hassan Doghman is an associate in Alvarez & Marsal's North American Commercial Restructuring practice, where he advises companies, creditors and investors through financial restructuring and turnaround situations. Before joining the firm, he spent more than six years at PwC leading transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. Hassan remains actively involved with UM-Dearborn through the College of Business Advisory Board, alumni panels, career fairs and student mentorship.

Congratulations, Hassan! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Hassan and his accomplishments at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers

10/14/2026

We are excited to highlight the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Difference Makers Awards. First up is Marc Howze, ‘86 BA, recipient of the Distinguished Alum of the Year Award.

Marc Howze is the retired senior advisor to the chairman and former group president of Lifecycle Solutions and chief administrative officer at Deere & Company. During his career, he led global operations and business units generating more than $9 billion in revenue. A dedicated champion of UM-Dearborn, Marc serves in leadership roles supporting the university and, alongside his wife Paula, established funds that help students access and complete their education.

Congratulations, Marc! 🏆

The Award recipients were celebrated during the annual program, which occurred during Homecoming Week. Read more about Marc and his accomplishments at https://umdearborn.edu/alumni/celebrating-alumni/2026-alumni-difference-makers