The Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan is proud to announce the graduation of its Class of 2026. This year’s ceremony, featuring remarks by Associate Director Devi Mays and Interim Director Deborah Dash Moore, celebrates a diverse and highly accomplished group of students dedicated to the study of Jewish history, culture, and language.

Undergraduate Achievements

The undergraduate program currently supports 11 major and 31 minor students. The Class of 2026 includes 22 graduating students, all of whom have completed a minor in Judaic Studies alongside a wide array of primary majors including Psychology, Biomolecular Science, Industrial & Operations Engineering, and Public Policy.  


Several students were recognized for their exceptional academic contributions:

  • Gabrielle Taichman: Deborah Dash Moore Award for Academic Excellence
  • Gaya Pedersen: Jeffrey Veidlinger Award for Dedication to the Frankel Center
  • Samantha Caminker: Outstanding Undergraduate Essay Award
  • Noah Marks: Outstanding Yiddish Student Award

The Center distributed Judaic Studies minors to 22 students: 

  • Camila Baca Ante: Psychology major
  • Daniel Bernstein: Communication and Media major; Global Media Studies minor
  • Eitan Borenstein: Biomolecular Science major; Computer Science minor
  • Jordan Goldstein: International Studies major (International Security, Norms & Cooperation subplan); Entrepreneurship minor
  • Hannah Goldwin: Biology, Health, & Society major
  • Eli Greenberg: History major
  • Mitchell Greenberger: International Studies major (International Security, Norms & Cooperation subplan)
  • Ethan Grey: Biology, Health, & Society major
  • Elijah Hall: Composition major (Percussion subplan); Performance major (Percussion subplan)
  • Sydney Jacob: Organizational Studies major
  • Callie Mayer: Communication and Media major
  • Ella Neuwirth: Political Science major; Public Policy minor
  • Charles Niehaus: Industrial & Operations Engineering major
  • Alana Rosen: Communication and Media major; Business Administration minor
  • Philip Sayah: History major; Political Science minor
  • Isaiah Singer: Biology, Health, & Society major; Business Administration minor
  • Alexis Spector: Political Science major
  • Gabrielle Taichman: History major (Honors subplan); Political Science minor
  • Benjamin Tankel: Economics major; International Studies major (Political Economic & Development subplan)
  • Peter Wathen: History major; Political Science major
  • Andrew Weider: Public Policy major
  • Abigail Winner: International Studies major (International Security, Norms & Cooperation subplan); Political Science major
Gabrielle Taichman accepts the Deborah Dash Moore Award for Academic Excellence

Graduate Excellence

The Frankel Center also celebrates its 21 students currently enrolled in the Judaic Studies Graduate Certificate program. This year’s cohort includes PhD candidates from various disciplines, including: 

  • Emilie Duranceau-Lapointe (History)
  • Brittany Joyce (Greek & Roman History)
  • Pragya Kaul Guido (History)
  • Allen Kendall (Ancient History, Greek & Roman History)
Pragya Kaul Guido poses with Deborah Dash Moore

The Frankel Center remains a vibrant hub for academic excellence at the University of Michigan, and we look forward to the continued success of our 2026 graduates as they bring their expertise into the wider world.