University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni

Congratulations to UM-Dearborn alumni Matthew Frank ('00 BA, CASL) and Sean Sant ('92 BBA, COB) for their recent recognition on the 2026 list of Crain's Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting, and Law. Read more about them below.

Matthew Frank handles mergers and acquisitions, aviation, real estate and corporate law. He advises privately held businesses on structuring deals, negotiating contracts and managing complex transactions, collaborating with internal and external parties to achieve strategic goals.

Sean Sant advises family-owned businesses and high-net-worth individuals on estate, retirement, financial and tax planning. He also counsels on IRS procedures and controversy, dispute resolution, entity planning, accounting methods, international structuring and other complex tax matters.

Read more about the 2026 Crain's Notable Leaders list.>> https://www.crainsnewyork.com/recognitions/notables/cny-meet-leaders-accounting-consulting-law-2026/

Congratulations, Matthew and Sean!

So grateful to everyone who came back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of iLabs. Your continued connection to UM-Dearborn means so much, and it is what will help carry this work forward into its next chapter.

A very special thank you to Tim Davis and Kari Kowalski for putting together such an incredible event!

iLabs, established in 2006, is a research institute focused on creating meaningful impact on campus and beyond by connecting students, businesses, and the community through project based learning, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

As iLabs moves into its new home, continued support will help build on that impact for years to come. Right now, new monthly gifts are matched dollar for dollar up to $100, so your support can go even further: https://giving.umich.edu/um/make-a-gift #!um%2Ddearborn

Go Blue, Go Dearborn!

This week is full of alumni news! Today, we highlight two COB alumni for their achievements - Lynn McGuire ('93 BBA) and Kevin Stempin ('99 BBA). Learn more about these Dearborn Wolverines below.

Butzel attorney and shareholder Lynn McGuire has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 “Influential Women of Law” list. The awards program honors women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, commitment to their communities and service to the profession. Honorees will be recognized during a luncheon on September 18 and profiled in a future edition of Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Read the complete announcement.>> https://www.butzel.com/news-butzel-attorney-lynn-mcguire-named-a-2026-honoree-for-influential-women-of-law-by-michigan-lawyers-weekly

Kevin Stempin has recently started a new position as managing director at UHY Wealth Management. Prior to this role at UHY, Kevin was regional vice president at John Hancock Financial Services for 18 years. After his graduation from UM-Dearborn, Kevin worked as regional director of retirement plans at Voya Financial for almost 10 years. Learn a bit more about Kevin.>> https://www.crainsdetroit.com/people-on-the-move/cdb-kevin-stempin/

Congratulations, Lynn and Kevin!

It's another and today we highlight CECS grad, Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi ('00 BS and '02 MS) for his recent professional accomplishment.

Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi has just been promoted to associate professor with tenure at Kettering University. Alhiyafi, a faculty member in Kettering University's Department of Computer Science, has developed a research portfolio spanning machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, and health informatics. His scholarship includes research exploring the use of machine learning and computational intelligence in medical applications.

Read more about Alhiyafi's, and other faculty, promotions at Kettering.>> https://www.kettering.edu/kettering-university-announces-faculty-promotions-and-tenure

Congratulations, Jamal!

The Dearborn Difference means learning by doing. 🚀 Through hands-on research and real-world experiences, University of Michigan-Dearborn students are preparing to solve tomorrow's biggest challenges. Congratulations to computer science student Christian Nwobu on earning a spot on a NASA-linked research team! 💙💛

Read more: https://umdearborn.edu/news/computer-science-undergrad-lands-spot-nasa-linked-research-team

We have three CASL alumni to highlight today - Julia Evasic ('23 BA), Dr. Carina Dagher Fadel ('14 BS), and Dr. Maya Hammoud ('92 BS). Read more about each alumna below.

Julia Evasic ('23 BA) has been promoted to deputy director of advance in the executive office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She first joined the executive office in 2022 as an advance associate and worked on the Governor’s re-election campaign. Read more about Julia's promotion and the other promotions in the executive office.>> https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/07/17/governor-whitmer-bids-farewell-to-chief-of-staff-joanne-huls

Dr. Carina Dagher Fadel was named to the Women We Admire's Top Women Leaders of Detroit list for 2026. Dr. Carina Fadel is Medical Director of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital. A general cardiologist with Henry Ford Consultants in Cardiology, she provides cardiovascular care to adults and has particular interests in preventing initial and recurrent heart disease, women’s cardiovascular health, cardio-obstetrics, and complex lipid disorders. Learn more about Carina's recognition.>> https://thewomenweadmire.com/2026/07/the-top-women-leaders-of-detroit-for-2026/

Dr. Maya Hammoud was named to the Crain's list of 2026 Healthcare Heroes. Dr. Maya Hammoud believes that how physicians are trained today directly shapes patient care tomorrow. In addition to her work as an obstetrician-gynecologist, Hammoud has spent her career reimagining the systems that shape how care is delivered. Read more about Maya's recognition.>> https://www.crainsdetroit.com/recognitions/health-care-heroes/2026/cdb-dr-maya-hammoud/

Congratulations, Julia, Carina, and Maya!

We enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces at the annual Alumni and Family Picnic this weekend! Thank you to all alumni and guests who were able to attend.

A special recognition to the Wolverine Media Network - , , , and - as our featured spotlight.

We also thank the Office of TRiO Programs and the UM Credit Union for their participation.

Today, we highlight two Dearborn Wolverines for their recent accomplishments: CEHHS grad, Kyle Johnson ('22 MA), and COB grad Lina Hourani-Harajli ('94 BSA). Learn more about Kyle and Lina below.

The Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education voted 6-0 to appoint Kyle Johnson to the vacant seat on the Board. Johnson is in familiar territory because he had already served on the school board from November 2022 to September 2025. Read more about Kyle's appointment.>> https://www.candgnews.com/articles/schools/former-school-board-member-returns-to-public-service/

Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the ACCESS Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Lina Hourani-Harajli, current Chief Operating Officer, as President & CEO effective October 1, 2026. Read more about ACCESS and Lina's appointment.>> https://yemeniamerican.com/en/access-announces-maha-freijs-planned-leadership-transition-and-appointment-of-lina-hourani-harajli-as-next-president-ceo/

Congratulations, Kyle and Lina!

The recent renovation of the Renick University Center (RUC) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn has brought START Academic Advising and Career Services together under one roof, making it easier than ever for students to access personalized guidance from their first day on campus through graduation and beyond.

By connecting academic advising with career planning, UM-Dearborn is helping students build confidence, discover opportunities, and prepare for what's next.

⬆️ That's the Dearborn Difference. Learn more: https://umdearborn.edu/news/new-space-student-success