It’s time for our annual Year in Review! As we look back on each month of the academic year, the MSP community can reflect on the changes and growth we have experienced since September, both individually and as a community.
Racism Pandemic
Already reeling from the social isolation and pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd on May 25 sparked outrage at MSP – and in American culture at large – about the pandemic of racism that has existed for centuries in our country.
On June 1, President Fran Brown hosted a virtual discussion on the Pandemic of Racism. More than 50 faculty, staff, and students participated in this virtual meeting, which marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue where we, as a community, will grapple with our pain, outrage and loss.
Vice President Diane Zalapi wrote to the community on June 15, after the murder of Rayshard Brooks.
President Brown and Alum and Adjunct Faculty member Michael Wallace, PsyD co-facilitated a second Community Conversation on June 22. In her invitation to the community, President Brown wrote, “Since our last gathering, more despicable actions have occurred. That this continues within the backdrop of continued protests is an indicator of the deeply ingrained behavior against BIPOC that must be stopped. I hope you will join us to further the conversation and explore ways in which all of us — as individuals and an institution — can demonstrate our commitment to anti-racism.”
On June 25, President Brown shared MSP’s Anti-Racism and Equity Resources gathered by us for mental health professionals and the local community.
Other June activities:
Career Services Month continued with an Alumni Panel and a Post-Degree Certification Panel on June 1.
On June 2 we welcomed back John Langlois, Psychology Manager at MORC, Inc., for a seminar on Compelling Cover Letters & Resumes.
And on Friday, June 5 we hosted a Virtual Career Fair to connect our soon to be grads with local employers.
We welcomed Alum Maxine Pegram, PsyD (’19) for a “Lessons from our Alumni” seminar on June 12.
Student Engagement rallied to host a Virtual Spirit Week (June 15-19) for students. Socially distanced events included a “Find a Mug” contest at parks around Metro Detroit (see photos below), community service recommendations for students to do as individuals, and a Virtual Trivia Night.
Blogs: We announced the Michigan School Psychological Clinic was accepting referrals, we wrote about the Community Conversations, we highlighted MSP Spring Research, and we posted a blog by Alum Troy Piwowarski, PsyD (’14) on Lifting the Barricade: White Engagement in Racial Dialogue.
During MSP Virtual Spirit Week, students hunted for MSP mugs in parks all around Metro Detroit! In total, 12 mugs were found by students! Pictured: Kella Hayward (MA) and Eric Samson (MA).
