Current and former U-M student-athletes—including many from LSA—made their mark at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad with nine medals. Charlie Swanson (A.B. ’20), an LSA economics alum, earned gold and silver medals in swimming relays. Siobhán Haughey (A.B. ’19), an LSA psychology alum, earned a bronze medal in swimming for Hong Kong. Senior LSA student Abigail Dent rowed to a silver medal for Canada. Alena Olsen (A.B. ’18), a biology alum, became the first rugby player in school history to claim an Olympic medal, earning bronze with Team USA.
Led by gymnasts Paul Juda (A.B. ’23), a psychology alum, and LSA student Frederick Richard, Team USA earned its first team medal in 16 years. Juda and Richard were the team’s representatives in the all-around final as well. Juda attributed much of his success to his time at U-M: “I’m so proud to join such a legacy of Michigan athletes,” he said in an Instagram post. “Michigan has turned me into everything that I am. ... Go Blue, forever.”
Their U-M gymnastics teammate, LSA computer science major Lais Najjar, competed for Syria, while former U-M gymnast and economics alum Kevin Penev (A.B. ’22) competed for Bulgaria. And several Team USA men’s gymnastics coaches came from U-M, including some assistant coaches who are LSA alums: Sam Mikulak (A.B.’15), Syque Caesar (A.B. ’13), and Jordan Gaarenstroom (A.B. ’14).
Meanwhile, Andrea Joyce covered the Olympics for NBC, marking her 17th time reporting from the global event. Joyce (A.B. 1976) was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame last December.
It’s easy to get caught up in doom and gloom, but glimmers of hope abound. LSA alums, faculty, students, and staff are creating positive change in the lives of people, animals, and the planet.
Two LSA-led research teams have set out to protect frogs, bats, and bees in innovative ways—to preserve their species, the planet, and even our own lives.
Rosario (Rosie) Ceballo began a five-year term as dean of LSA in August, drawn back to U-M by “the incredible caliber of the people who are part of the LSA community.”
A bright future shouldn’t be limited by financial barriers. LSA is committed to making it possible for every admitted student to afford an education here. Donor support helps create access while supporting tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and doers in their hopes to make a difference in our world.
| Release Date: | 11/12/2024 |
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| Category: | Alumni; Students |
| Tags: | LSA; Katie Vloet |
