Immersion.
That sums up Abbeygail Epelman and her experience at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
“I immerse myself in all kinds of things at UM-Dearborn and take leadership roles in all that I’m involved in,” she said.
And that’s a lot. She’s involved in various student organizations and clubs that promote interfaith, community service, Greek life and academic honors.
Her campus involvement is why she’s a “Difference Maker.”
“Abbeygail has been an active leader in working toward more interfaith action on campus and in the community,” said Kris Day, director of student activities. “Abbey deserves to be recognized as a ‘Difference Maker’ for the important work she is doing by raising awareness and working to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.”
Abbeygail works tirelessly to establish a strong presence among Jewish students at UM-Dearborn. And it all starts with her role as president of the Jewish Student Organization (JSO).
“Abbey has done a tremendous job of blazing trails for students of the Jewish faith, and with her at the leadership of JSO, I am excited to see where the organization will be at the end of her tenure,” Kris said.
And although Abbeygail embodies interfaith at UM-Dearborn, her other passion lies with archaeology.
When asked about her educational interests, “her face just lights up and she becomes very animated talking about the amazing experiences that she has had through studying at UM-Dearborn,” Kris said.
After graduation, Abbeygail hopes to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in forensic anthropology.
“I would like to be able to do research, but also plan on becoming a professor at a university because I think being a teacher is one of the most important things you can do as a contributing citizen and humanitarian,” Abbeygail said. “And when you have something good to teach or say, you’ve got to say it.”