LETTER FROM THE
DIRECTOR
WELCOME to the 2019 edition of the Organizational Studies Newsletter. OS is a remarkable program. We have a world-class faculty, a fantastic staff, two incredible cohorts of students, and an engaged, dedicated group of alumni. As we complete our second year in our beautiful new space on the 8th floor of Weiser Hall, it is a good time for me to thank everyone who contributes to making our program the gem that it is. Here are just a few of the things we accomplished this year:
On the personnel front, we have hired a new tenured faculty member, Elizabeth Popp Berman, who comes to us from the State University of New York at Albany. Beth, who will join us in the fall, will provide crucial coverage for our macro-level courses, as well as mentorship for our younger faculty and leadership for the department. Lisa Fein, who joined us last fall, allowed us to offer four new courses, provided important help with our student advising, and did an outstanding job running our honors program. On the staff side, we hired a new Student Services Coordinator, Rachel McTavish, and a new Events and Publicity Coordinator, Chelsea Williams, both of whom hit the ground running. We hope to hire two additional faculty members next year, which, if we are successful, will allow us to embark on our planned expansion of the program!
Our faculty, staff, and students continue to rack up honors and awards. Elizabeth Armstrong received an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, one of 32 scholars nationally to achieve this honor. Sara Soderstrom received the first annual Services for Students with Disabilities Faculty and Staff Appreciation Award. Our Executive Secretary, Jennifer Feneley, received the Rising Star Award, which recognizes “outstanding contributions that go beyond the ordinary fulfillment of the position’s duties.” Melissa Eljamal, our Chief Administrator, was selected to serve as a partner in this summer’s Campus Connection Program, which helps students in the College’s Summer Bridge Program adapt to life at the UM. And our advisor, Cathy Philbin, was selected by this year’s seniors as the featured speaker at our graduation ceremony. Our students also continued their extraordinary achievements. Twenty-one members of this year’s senior class, an incredible 40 percent of the class, were nominated for membership in Phi Beta Kappa
Speaking of students, we admitted another stellar class of 50 OSers for the Fall 2019 term, selected from nearly 200 applicants, in a pool that may have been our strongest ever! The incoming cohort will be among the most diverse in our history; 16 percent of the students are members of historically underrepresented groups. This class will be the second to experience our latest curricular innovation: Our entire incoming cohort now takes our two core courses in organizational theory, OS 305 and OS 310, in their first semester. Not only will this encourage greater bonding among our students, but it will also allow us to more clearly integrate the two approaches, and to ensure that all of our students gain a theoretical foundation in the field at the beginning of the program (in the past at least one-third of our students took OS 305 in winter of their senior year).
I cannot conclude without mentioning the group that pioneered, developed, and continues to sustain the Organizational Studies Program: our alumni! We are of course proud of all that you have accomplished. But even more, we are grateful for the support you have given us in so many ways, from mentoring our current students, to hosting them at your workplaces through the Malkin Shadowing Program, and your willingness to help the program in general.
Thank you, and GO BLUE!
WHO WE
WE ARE
WE ARE RESEARCHERS
OS students and faculty teamed up to investigate important topics and examine processes for improvement. Check out the highlights of their research!
JEREMY LEVINE led a team of research assistants that explored how state and federal lawmakers introduced a new public benefit in the 1960s and 1970s—financial compensation for victims of violent crime—financed by what was at the time an innovative budgetary tool—statutory increases to criminal fees and fines. These incredibly important laws pay for medical expenses and lost wages incurred by innocent victims of violent crime. The team collected and reviewed historical newspaper articles from the era to see how lawmakers pitched the new benefit to the public. They also started the process of creating 50 state legislative histories— essentially, a full reporting of every bill proposed and passed with respect to crime victim compensation.
STEVE SAMFORD worked with a student research team on a project focused on the consequences of small farmers’ integration into global markets. OS students on the research team have worked to understand the nature of global markets for agriculture as well as conditions in Mexico. They have been gathering quantitative data from a variety of Mexican census programs reflecting rates of industrialized agriculture and wellbeing. This data will make it possible to assess the consequences of shifting forms of agriculture – and the organizations and enterprises making that shift possible – by comparing across hundreds of Mexican counties. Working on this research project helps OS students acquire and practice qualitative and quantitative skills and learn about organizational and economic dynamics in an industry that they have not considered before.
OS WELCOMES
ELIZABETH POPP
BERMAN
Will be joining the department this fall as an Associate Professor!
WE ARE GROWING
ELIZABETH is a sociologist whose work is at the intersection of organizations, economic sociology, and the sociology of science and knowledge. Much of her work focuses on recent U.S. history and emphasizes the role of public policy.
Currently, she is completing a book manuscript titled, Thinking Like an Economist: How Economics Became the Language of U.S. Public Policy, under contract with Princeton University Press. Her first book, Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine won several awards from the American Sociological Association and the Social Science History Association. She also has ongoing interests in higher education and quantification processes, and is developing a project on disciplinary responses to the reproducibility crisis in social science.
Beth is joining Michigan from the State University of New York at Albany, where she was associate professor of sociology. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and her MA and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.
WE ARE MOTIVATED
OS majors are preparing for a wide variety of post-graduation activities. The Organizational Studies Honors Option is focused solely on research skills and activities. OS students must show the capability and desire to complete a prolonged independent study project culminating in a major empirical research paper, along with a formal defense of their research.
Top Image - OS Honors Thesis Students (left to right); Vivian Hu, Lilah Kalfus, Nadia Finkel, Jenna Weberman Bottom Image – OS Honors Coordinator Lisa Fein and students
2019 OS HONORS
“Through reviewing literature on the subject of energy maintenance, I found that energy management is multidimensional and can be impacted by several different variables. Proper energy management affects individuals in all aspects of life. Through understanding how to utilize energypromoting habits and practices, one can work to thrive in daily life.”
“When we care and take the time to seek out socially responsible businesses to incorporate into our everyday lives, we live better, more meaningful lives, knowing our money goes towards investing in companies that treat their workers, communities, and the environment well. And in doing so, we will be the leaders in the movement of using business as a force for good.”
“My research aimed to expand the current conversation on burgeoning CEO compensation. With the new median employee compensation made available by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act of 2010, it has become evident that the wage gap in the United States is heavily tilted towards executive suite compensation.”
“Through my honors thesis, I have not only gained a high-level of understanding of University responses to sexual misconduct and a more nuanced view of campus climate, but I have evolved into an informed student, a relentless advocate and, above all, a survivor.”
JENNA WEBERMAN
LILAH KALFUS
VIVIAN HU
NADIA FINKEL
KELLY KELLY BERTONI BERTONI
There’s not blessed I am support me “
WE ARE MULTI-TALENTED
Hi, my name is Kelly! I am a rising senior double-majoring in Organizational Studies and Communication Studies with a minor in Music through the school of LSA.
In addition to my academics, I am involved in various student organizations across campus. Most of my time outside the classroom is devoted toward the Michigan Marching Band where I had the honor of serving as the Drum Major this past season.
The friends, life lessons, and experiences that I have gained through the Organizational Studies and band communities have allowed me to grow as a student and leader on Michigan’s campus, and have helped direct my interests in a career of service for the betterment of others.
a day that goes by that I don’t consider how am to have the OS and band communities to me in all I do. “
WE ARE ADVENTURERS BLACK PARIS
Organizational Studies
Daijha Morrow and traveled to Paris this to share their experiences
“Studying abroad in Paris was an eye-opening experience. I learned an abundant amount of information about Paris’s culture and history, but more importantly, I learned about Race in Paris. I was able to garner a better understanding of the role race plays in France, or lack thereof. In addition, we visited historical sites and ladmarks, engaged with the Parisians, and tried our fair share of unique food items. I highly encourage more OS students to apply and immerse themselves in the Center for Global and Intercultural Study’s Black Paris Program, and explore the role race plays in their society.”
ADVENTURERS
PROGRAM
Studies 2020 seniors, and D’Andre Simpson this spring and want experiences with you!
DAIJHA
“I am so grateful to have had the ability to immerse myself in the Parisian culture, and to study the cultural influences people of color have had, while examining the overall significance of race on a global scale. I have had the opportunity to walk in the same locations and learn of the untold stories of black artists ranging from the great French entertainer and activist Josephine Baker to musical artist Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. I am thankful for the opportunity the OS Study Abroad Scholarship has given me to experience and learn about other cultures.
is grateful to the Malkin Family Foundation for the funding that is helping our students experience what a day in the life of a thriving OS alum is like!
MALKIN SHADOWING
WE ARE NEAR + FAR
ROXANNE BLANCHETTE
Shadowed ANNA MALONEY (2015) Marketing Director, Wisr CLEVELAND, OH
“This experience allowed me to learn more about the higher education industry while also seeing the day to day culture of a startup.”
NA’KIA CHANNEY
Shadowed HUONG NGYUYEN (2017) Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft SEATTLE, WA
“With my new awareness of marketing‘s link to inclusive organizations, I am excited to learn more about an additional outlet for my passions.”
SANDRA CHARIPPER
Shadowed BRITTANI KAGAN (2010) Head of Talent, Portal A LOS ANGELES, CA
“This opportunity affirmed my interest in working within a startup and focusing on the management of human capital, all while showing me new and effective management strategies and exposing me to the entertainment industry in the process.”
CHRISTIANA CROMER
Shadowed GINA VALO (2005) Executive, Virtru WASHINGTON, DC
“This experience impacted my job search in that I realized that I do want to work in a human-centric and customer-facing role within a technology company.”
EMILY FURTADO
Shadowed LAUREN MOLONEY-EGNATIOS (2007) Organizational Lead Specialist, International House BERKELEY, CA
“This opportunity helped me to learn not to limit myself based on what the corporate world has to offer but rather let my interests and passions drive my career.”
KATHERINE GRISSIM
Shadowed JENNA LEVIN (2008) Brand Manager, Unilever ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ
“This experience has affected my job search because it helped me realize that I can see myself working in marketing in the future.”
MITCHELL HOFFMAN
Shadowed EMILY FELDMAN (2007) Head of Human Resources, Gotham Greens NEW YORK, NY
“During this experience, I was able to learn a great deal about a career in HR and what it is like to work for a startup company.”
DAIJHA MORROW
Shadowed HALEY PRASAD (2014) Product Marketing Manager,YouTube TV SAN FRANCISCO, CA
“Teamwork is essential for creating a successful product... it is not only one idea that creates success, but rather a cumulation of different ideas and departments that collaborate in making sure a product is successfully marketed and branded.”
DAVID PIROG
Shadowed KATIE COOK (2013) Digital Marketing Strategist, Adobe NEW YORK, NY
“The Malkin Shadowing experience was one of the highlights of my junior year. It was an incredibly exciting and educational experience.”
KYLE ROBERTSON
Shadowed DANI STOPPELMANN (2015) New Markets Manager, Fundera NEW YORK, NY
“The relaxed and open workplace environment of a startup was very impressive to me.”
EMILY STILLMAN
Shadowed DRAGANA SPASEVSKA (2015) Bahavioral Sciences Fellow, Henry Ford Hospital DETROIT, MI
“The experience was an eye-opening look into the health care industry.”
JENNA VARCAK
Shadowed MELISSA GOODMAN (2008) Director of Sales Development, Inspirato DENVER, CO
“I was able to observe and learn about the position, and the ways in which Melissa’s Organizational Studies degree has helped her in this position.”
2019 WE ARE GRADUATES
Organizational Studies 2019 Graduates and OS Advisor Catherine Philbin
2019 Student Leadership Team (left to right): Jenna Weberman, Zoe Mankes, Jessica St. George, Sandra Charipper, Danielle Epstein, (missing) Clare Shafer
2019 Graduation Committee (left to right): Zoe Mankes, Rina Steinberg, Rachel Samitt
WE ARE AWARD WINNERS
Andy and Ellyn Lansing LEADER-SCHOLAR AWARD
JESSICA ST. GEORGE was an active member of the OS community from the moment she entered the program. As early as her sophomore year, she began attending OS’s student advisory board meetings. She also participated in the OS student organization Organizational Diversity Initiative (ODI) activities. She served as one of this year’s peer mentors, advising prospective students who are considering applying to OS.
Jessica’s leadership activities went beyond OS, from helping her fellow students as a Resident Assistant in UM’s North Campus Family Housing, to mentoring transfer students in the Office of New Student Programs. She was also a +Lab Lead Fellow in the Ross School’s Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship. As a Magnify student consultant through the Center, she analyzed how employees at a local nonprofit connected their work to the company’sx mission.
Jessica’s academic record, her engagement in the program, in student life, and in her cocurricular activities made her a clear winner of the OS program’s most prestigious award.
JENNA WEBERMAN showed her commitment to sharing all the wonderful things about the OS program in many ways! As part of the recruitment team, she visited first-year seminars, giving a brief description of the major and opening students’ eyes to the great opportunities for customizing the OS degree and having a whole network of alumni who are eager to help our students understand how to utilize the skills they take away from the program. Jenna’s weekly posts as social media coordinator helped boost publicity of our important events, but more importantly, highlighted the richness of the OS community.
Jenna posted words of encouragement as students headed into exams, cheered on our honors students presenting at our honors symposium and led one of our student organizations, Women in Leadership.
It is quite fitting that Jenna chose to focus her own honors thesis on “The Relationship Between Physical and Non-Physical Variables and Overall Energy”, because energy is what she brought to every hour that she spent on the 8th floor of Weiser.
NADIA FINKEL’S pathway statement clearly demonstrated why so many of her peers nominated her for this award...
“I want to optimize institutions so that they are as inclusive as possible. This includes an emphasis on minority groups, especially women. I am extremely passionate about making work and social spaces places that women can grow, thrive and feel safe.”
Nadia chose courses in nonprofit management and prosocial leadership, and then decided to top off her degree with an honors thesis examining the “Legal Underpinnings and Implications of Sexual Assault on College Campuses.” She did not rest with simply doing the research, however. She created an infographic that familiarizes students with the resources available on campus in the event of a sexual assault. Her findings were published in The Michigan Daily.
Nadia plans on pursuing a career in women’s law where she hopes to reform laws and systems that restrict rather than promote the livelihood of women.
Suzanne M. Jones SPIRIT AWARD
Jordan Harris SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
ALUMNI WE ARE
2004
LEANNE WINTRODE received the first promotion to Director of Corporate Innovation Services after her company was acquired by Cumberland Healthcare Solutions.
2006
REBECCA EISEN worked with an amazing team who pioneered the use of AI in food and flavor development to launch McCormick’s new ONE seasoning mix line, which hit grocery stores across the nation in April 2019.
TARA THOMAS is expecting a little girl in July to keep their 2.5 year old boy (Jonah) company!
2007
PERRY TEICHER is leading global impact finance and investment practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP.
MEGAN MOORE recently started a new job as the Marketing Director at Fidelity Investments. She also got engaged to a fellow UM alum, and is planning a Detroit wedding in October 2019.
2008
JUSTIN BENSON and his wife welcomed a baby boy, Jacob Benson, in December 2018.
2009
MEGAN MITROVICH in January, became the Head of School at BASIS Scottsdale, ranked the #1 Charter High School, #2 STEM High School and #3 High School in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
2010
ALYSSA (JACOBSON) SILVESTER and her husband Nick welcomed their first child, Ethan Jacobson Silvester, in April 2019. “We are smitten!”
2013
2014
MARGHERITA SANTELIA started the Evening MBA program at the Kellogg School of Management.
SAMANTHA EISLER is headed to Harvard Business School in the fall!
BEN WEINSTEIN started a real estate property and asset management company, Boost Management. They mainly focus on properties in Brooklyn and Queens, NY, and are rapidly growing since their launch.
2015
KELLIE RONG was recently married, and will be transitioning roles at Google, from People Operations to Financial Operations, leading new program implementations.
JACOB MINKUS will be opening his first restaurant in the summer of 2019.
KATIE LARIN will be starting her Masters of Healthcare Administration at the University of Minnesota this fall.
2016
BREAH DEAN will be attending Georgetown University in the Fall for her MPP.
2017
OS
MICHELLE RUBINSTEIN earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is a couple of months away from sitting for the RD exam.
Have an announcement to share? Email OS - org.studies@umich.edu and we will include it here next year!
GABRIELLE DOMPIERRE is moving to Norway this summer, and will be closer to her boyfriend. They met during her exchange semester in Singapore, which was made possible by the OS Carson Family Scholarship. She will be attending BI Norwegian Business School for a 2 year Master of Science program in Business Analytics.
GRETCHEN MASON will be pursuing a Masters in Public Health- Health Policy and Management at UNC-Chapel Hill this Fall.
HUONG NGUYEN is engaged and will be getting married in July of 2019!
2018
SPENCER BARTOK had the opportunity to work with a fellow OS alum, Jaclyn Kolbert, in Silicon Valley on project engagement for a high tech client.
KEVIN CORBETT will be in Chicago’s production of Newsies in Fall 2019, at the Paramount Theatre.
WE ARE GRATEFUL GIFTS & PLEDGES TO THE OS PROGRAM
We deeply appreciate the gifts and pledges made this year by our donors. Gifts made this year have helped to secure the existence of the Program by sustaining the Director’s Strategic Fund. Other gifts provided many internship and study abroad opportunities, made the difference in helping students in need, or honored those who have demonstrated leadership. Donations from alumni and friends of the program provide funding for numerous talks and workshops, and help to fund graduation and other community-building events between students and alumni. The Program could not offer any of these exciting opportunities for students without the generosity and support of our donors.
ANDY AND ELLYN LANSING FAMILY GIFT FUND
KATE L. BALZER
LAUREN BENZIE
DAVID BLUMENFELD
BROADRIDGE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
RACHEL L. BRODY
GRACE A. CHEN
DELOITTE FOUNDATION
DELOITTE LLP
DOUGLAS & WENDI
DESCHUTTER
WILLIAM & AMY DRUCKER
FREDERIC & JULIE FRIEDMAN
SARI E. GOLDBERG
DANA & ALEX GORODETSKY
JOHN & LINDA GRISSIM
KATHRYN & JUSTIN HEINZE
HEATH S. IZENSON
DAVID & ROBIN JACOBS
FRANK & LESLIE JAFFE
BEATRICE L. KELLY-ANDREWS
CHARLES & ANGELA KENNEDY
ZACHARY B. LAINER
ANDREW & ELLYN LANSING
KATHERINE Q. LARIN
LINDA LEE
FRANK & MONICA MARICS
KIMBERLY A. MCCRAW
JOHN M. MCNAMARA
ADAM & MICHELLE MESH
BRENDAN & PAMELA NEDZI
JASON OH
PETER & CORINNE PIROG
ADAM H. RUBENFIRE
DAVID & BARBARA RUDINI
RUSSELL SAGE FOUNDATION
MATTHEW SAMAAN
LINDA H. SCHENKER
LAUREN A. SCHMIDT
RACHEL B. SCHWAB
EVAN & ILYSSA SCHWARTZBERG
ALYSSA C. SETTING
ZACHARY & SUZANNE SHERMAN
ADAM C. SIMON
MEGAN E. SPILLANE
ANDREA P. STEINHOFF
ROBIN S. TRYLOFF
TODD & SHANNON UFKES
BRIAN & JENNIFER WEICH
TIMOTHY B. WILLIAMS
LEANNE A. WINTRODE
JEFFREY A. WOJCIK
NELLIE A. YERETSIAN
ZACHARY LAINER CHARITABLE FUND OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES
THANK YOU!
WE ARE OS ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
DAVID BARGER
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals Boards of Directors, Operating Partner at Connor Capital SB
DAVID BLUMENFELD Vice President, Blumenfeld Development Group
DAN DENISON
Professor Emeritus, International Institute for Management Development
DOUG DESCHUTTER President, Broadridge Customer Communications
FREDERIC M. FRIEDMAN CEO, w5 Creative, LLC/RTSP, LLC
JULIE ROSENFIELD FRIEDMAN Philanthropist
ROBIN JACOBS Philanthropist
ANDREW LANSING President and CEO, Levy Restaurants
BRENDAN NEDZI Managing Director, GE Capital
EVAN SCHWARTZBERG Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Odeon Capital Group LLC
STAFF
CHELSEA WILLIAMS Communication and Events Coordinator
MELISSA ELJAMAL Chief Administrator
JENNIFER FENELEY Executive Assistant
RACHEL MCTAVISH Student Services Coordinator
CATHERINE PHILBIN Advisor
FACULTY
ELIZABETH ARMSTRONG
Professor, Sociology, Organizational Studies and Women’s Studies
ELIZABETH POPP BERMAN
Associate Professor, Organizational Studies
LISA FEIN Lecturer, Organizational Studies
STEPHEN GARCIA Professor, Organizational Studies and Psychology
ARNOLD HO
Assistant Professor, Organizational Studies and Psychology
JEREMY LEVINE
Assistant Professor, Organizational Studies
MARK MIZRUCHI
Director, Organizational Studies and Professor, Sociology and Ross School of Business
STEVEN SAMFORD
Assistant Professor, Organizational Studies
SARA SODERSTROM
Assistant Professor, Organizational Studies and Program in the Environment
DAVID SWEETMAN Lecturer, Organizational Studies
UNIVERSITY REGENTS
JORDAN B. ACKER
MICHAEL J. BEHM
MARK J. BERNSTEIN
PAUL W. BROWN
SHAUNA RYDER DIGGS
DENISE ILITCH
MARK S. SCHLISSEL (EX-OFFICIO)
RON WEISER
KATHERINE E. WHITE
AFFILIATED FACULTY
WAYNE BAKER
Professor, Ross School of Business and Sociology
MICHAEL BASTEDO
Professor, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
GERALD DAVIS
Professor, Ross School of Business and Sociology
RICHARD GONZALEZ
Professor, Psychology and Statistics
KATHRYN HEINZE
Associate Professor, Kinesiology
ANDREW HOFFMAN
Professor, School of Natural Resources and Ross School of Business
RAMASWAMI MAHALINGAM Professor, Psychology
JASON OWEN-SMITH Professor, Sociology
SHOBITA PARTHASARATHY
Professor, Ford School of Public Policy and Women’s Studies
RICHARD H. PRICE
Professor Emeritus, Psychology
LANCE SANDELANDS
Professor, Psychology and Ross School of Business
DENISE SEKAQUAPTEWA Professor, Psychology
CARL SIMON
Professor, Complex Systems, Mathematics, and Ford School of Public Policy
GRETCHEN SPREITZER Professor, Ross School of Business
JAMES WALSH Professor, Ross School of Business
OSCAR YBARRA Professor, Psychology
