LSA Staff Affinity Groups

This group is for employees who have ADD/ADHD and are looking to connect with others for the purposes of mutual support and sharing resources/techniques/strategies. We could meet monthly, or however often members feel would be worthwhile. In addition, we could have an email group to connect electronically between meetings.

Point of Contact: Jesse Miller (he/they)

Do you love to bake or want to learn? Let's share recipes, troubleshoot baking issues, show off our creations, and more! 

Point of Contact: Alyssa Longo (she/her) 

Share recommendations, meet up for lunch, and swap games with other members from respective collections. A chance to get to know fellow board game enthusiasts at the university and give us all another opportunity to play - we all know how difficult it can be to find the time or folks to sit down and play that game you've been so excited to try!

Point of Contact: Patrick Franklin

For those who are directly or indirectly involved in caring for their elderly parents. This includes delegating care among siblings/caregivers, making arrangements for food/travel/medical appointments, memory care, estate planning, socialization, and more. A place for shared experiences, laughter, tears and stress release. No one is an expert, we are all on this journey together.

Point of Contact: Mary Schlitt (she/her)

This  group is for LSA employees who are interested in the art of ceramics/pottery. Members get together to work on ceramics projects in an informal and encouraging environment. Also, members who are currently taking pottery classes at the Ann Arbor Art Center might consider attending classes or studio hours together.

Seeking a leader.

This is a group for anybody interested in writing. All genres are welcome. We are a supportive community that shares our ideas and gives constructive feedback to grow as writers.

Point of Contact: Ana Lucena (she/her)

Join this group if you enjoy learning about and discovering any aspect of diversity. Anyone can propose a book, and we will all vote on which ones to read and discuss. This is not a speed-reading club by any means.

Point of Contact: Solaire Finkenstaedt-Quinn (she/her)

We invite anyone who is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University to join our group. If you want a place to be able to reminisce about your time at EMU or to help organize possible events between the two universities to help further collaborative efforts, please consider joining the group.

Seeking a leader.

This is a book discussion group (fantasy/general fiction/sci-fi) that will meet on a recurring monthly basis to discuss a book that is proposed by one of the members. If you are a fan of Murakami, have simply read and enjoyed one of his books, or are interested in discovering a new author, then this could be the book group for you. Please note that books that will be read/discussed in the group aren't limited to Murakami's writings.

Point of Contact: Sean Williams (he/him)

Whether you're a seasoned folder or just starting, The Fold Blue group offers a welcoming space to explore various paper-folding styles and connect with fellow origami enthusiasts.

Origami is a fun, creative outlet and has been found to reduce stress, improve dexterity, and help practice concentration! Not only that, but it brings together the worlds of art, math, and sciences–creating amazing things like space telescopes, beetle wings, and more!

Join us for folding sessions, collaborative projects, and connections that celebrate the tranquility and creativity of origami.

Point of Contact: Willow Davis (she/her)

A social group for social dogs and their humans! An opportunity to talk about our dogs and also get together with our dogs who want dog and human friends.

Seeking a leader

A group to test new games regularly and follow up with conversations around it. Members suggest / vote on new games to test. We can discuss gamification, game design, games and learning and other game related topics.

Point of Contact: Alfonso Sintjago

A place for gardeners and native plant enthusiasts to gather share their love of all things plants. We can share knowledge and plants amongst each other.

Point of Contact: Ben Firestine (he/him)

Tied into the LSA Values of “common good, inclusion, and well being." We are looking to create a culture of giving back to our surrounding communities. This may come in the form of volunteering our time, talents, or other personal resources at our disposal. Help us make a difference to those who need our help in a variety of ways.

We view this affinity group as an extension of our Weeks of Service planning committee. We are hopeful that we will be able to develop and offer a variety of activities over the course of the next year. This group will involve monthly meetings which will be optional for participants. Agenda/materials will be shared in advance.

Points of Contact: Mark Bacon (he/him), Courtney Kliss (she/her)

For those working within UofM who are interested in connecting socially with other graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Activities could include planning gatherings for 1 or 2 times per month around Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, depending on the size of the group. Please reach out to Karla Renee if you are interested in connecting and making a plan. Please also feel free to invite other HBCU grads to join!

Point of Contact: Karla Renee Williams (she/her) 

While juggling work, family, and any other responsibilities it is often that an individual may let their health take the backseat. In order to live a long and healthy life, it is important to play a proactive role in your health. This group hopes to provide tips on the lifestyle changes you can make that align with your goals and fit within your ability.

Point of Contact: Marwa Hassan (she/her)

Do you brew your own beer or want to learn how? Do you enjoy drinking and talking about different beer? Then this group is for you. Come join a monthly meeting and bring along some of your favorite or most recent brew. This group does not discriminate, feel free to bring any fermented products you are willing share (i.e. wine, kombucha, kefir, etc).

Point of Contact: Russell Bornschein (he/him)

Remember playing kickball as a kid? It's even more fun as an adult! LSA could create a kickball team and complete through the Ann Arbor Rec & Ed program.

Point of Contact: Sean Williams (he/him)

Offering a safe place for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ Community to discuss obstacles impacting our community in efforts to build more of a sense of community through tolerance and curiosity.

Point of Contact: Logan Long (they/them)

LSA Young Professionals is committed to establishing, promoting, and encouraging opportunities that support LSA staff who are starting off in their career. This group does not discriminate by age, and seeks to encourage social activities, networking, & career development among individuals who are new to the workforce.

Point of Contact: Joseph Agosta (he/him) 

This group will provide an open and informal gathering space for those who identify as men and/or fathers to discuss the issues that we face and to share resources and provide mutual support. 

Points of Contact: Neal McKenna (he/him)

We flash two fingers down when we pass each other. And we work in the same place. Let’s get to know who we are and dedicate time to explore our passion for riding. Activities could include group driven happy hours or social gatherings, along with some group rides if people are interested.

Point of Contact: Luke Tracy (he/him)

An affinity group for first-time parents. Chat with other new parents and navigate unfamiliar waters together. Anything (work-appropriate) is game for this discussion group!

Point of contact: Seeking a leader

This group discusses the technical and creative aspects of photography, along with sharing photos with each other.

Point of Contact: Seeking a Leader

A group to talk about everything tabletop role playing games, listen, and provide strategies and advice. Other possibilities include starting a Google Chat space or SLACK group to chat and share ideas, questions, and exciting things we find related to DnD and TTRPGs. 

Point of Contact: Phill Cameron (he/him) and Shawn Jackson (he/him)

Crafting has been scientifically proven to have significant health benefits. It is a way to quiet the mind, and make connections with other people. The Woolverines group welcomes all needle crafters, from those very (VERY) beginners to those with many (MANY) years of experience. We are an open and supportive group that enjoys sharing projects, tips, and ideas. 

Point of Contact: Corrin Leverton (she/her) and Jenna Steele (she/her). 

U-M Friends of Bigfoot and other Cryptid Creatures seeks to bring together all who are interested in learning, discussing, and exploring the paranormal/cryptozoological world. This is an inclusive group in every sense of the word. Skeptics, believers, and those who are curious are all welcome. While we take the topics discussed seriously, we do so in a lighthearted and fun manner!

Point of Contact: Frankie Quasarano (he/him)