In This Issue

• The JMC Research Showcase will take place in Case Hall on Friday

• More upcoming events

• Next Monday (April 27) is the last day for CAPS Connect in Case Hall this semester

• Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court, is JMC's April Alumnus in Residence

• Student org events

• Madisonian Mention: JMC Student Senate President, Sammy Leggett

JMC Research Showcase

JMC students will present their research during the college’s annual Research Showcase on April 24. All students are invited to attend as participants. Sessions will run throughout the day (full schedule and locations forthcoming):

• 9 to 10:15 a.m.

• 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

• 1 to 2:15 p.m.

• 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Upcoming Events

“Peace is Possible” with Yossi Beilin and Hiba Husseini
April 21, 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Veteran peace negotiators Yossi Beilin and Hiba Husseini will discuss their plan for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, a path forward for the future and their activities around the globe to promote a peaceful future. Learn more and register via Zoom.

JMC De-stresser Event
April 22, 4 to 6 p.m. in Club Spartan (338 Case Hall). JMC students are invited to celebrate the end of the semester and de-stress in preparation for finals week. Stop by Club Spartan for activities and pizza, plus a visit from therapy dogs.

From Ruins to Reels: Polish Holocaust Survivors and the Foundations of Israeli Cinema
April 23, 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in JMC Library, 332 Case Hall. The 2026 Rabin/Brill Lecture, “From Ruins to Reels: Polish Holocaust Survivors and the Foundations of Israeli Cinema,” will explore the critical role Polish Holocaust survivors played in shaping the Israeli film industry in the 1950s and 1960s. Featured speaker: Dr. Rachel S. Harris, the Elaine and Herbert Gimelstob Eminent Scholar Chair in Judaic Studies and Director of the Jewish Studies Program at Florida Atlantic University. Learn more via JMC Events.

Student Org Events

Refugee Outreach Collective at MSU
On April 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., join a presentation and Q&A featuring Saudi Arabian Spokesperson Fahad Nazer. Nazer will discuss international Middle East diplomacy, Arab relations and Saudi Arabia’s strategic transformation. Hosted by ROC MSU. Learn more on Instagram.

Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony

JMC will celebrate the Class of 2026 at the college’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 2, at 12:30 p.m. in the Wharton Center. Graduates are asked to arrive and assemble by 11:30 a.m. Doors will open for guests at the same time. The ceremony typically lasts around two hours.

We are honored to have United States Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cummings (an ’84 Madison alumnus) serve as our commencement speaker. Sam Wright (IR ’26) will be JMC’s student speaker.
 
Immediately following the ceremony until 4 p.m., there will be a reception for JMC graduates, friends and families in South Pointe inside Case Hall.

CAPS Connect

A representative  from CAPS Connect, Victor Léon, is available weekly for drop-in counseling in Case Hall. Victor is available for free, confidential drop-in counseling on Monday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. in S363 Case Hall. His last day in Case Hall for the Spring 2026 Semester will be April 27.

Alumnus in Residence: Tom Boyd

Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court, is JMC's April Alumnus in Residence. Current JMC students are invited to schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with Boyd to discuss their career journeys and life after Madison.

Schedule a virtual 15-meeting with Tom Boyd via Calendly.

Madisonian Mention: Sammy Leggett

Learn more about Sammy, the next JMC Student Senate President for the 2026-2027 academic year!

“My name is Sammy Leggett, and I am a junior double-majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy here at JMC! During my time at JMC, I have been involved with various student organizations, such as the W.E.B.  DuBois Society, where I have served as President for the past year and was recently re-elected for the coming year. I have also recently been elected President of the 33rd session of the JMC Student Senate. With my time in Senate, I have had the opportunity to serve in the capacity of SRP Caucus Chair and, this past year, as Treasurer. In each position, I have been able to build connections with faculty and fellow students.

“Some of my favorite events put on by Senate are the annual Gala and student vs. staff basketball game. I’m excited to continue the work of Senate and look at how we can better support and serve the JMC student body. I've always had a passion for helping others and serving as a role model for those who look like me. The quote ‘Everything Happens for a Reason’ plays a major role in my life. It serves as a reminder for me to live in the present and that no matter what happens, there is a reason, and I’m where I should be. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, go camping and explore new places.”

Favorite Movie: What’s Love Got to Do with It

Favorite Artists: Jill Scott, Tina Turner, Teddy Swims, Adele, Kendrick Lamar and Dennis Lloyd

Best study spot on campus: Student Senate Office 

Favorite Dining Hall: Snyder Philips 

Have questions or submissions for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).