Volume 24, Issue 2, The Summer Edition!
Published October 2024
Embedded Files
Table of Contents
I. Letter from the External Vice President
I. Letter from the External Vice President
Alvin Li, IOE '24/ MEng '25
Hello Everyone!
I hope the summer and beginning of the Fall has treated you and your loved ones well! My name is Alvin Li, and I am writing to you as the EVP for the EGL Student Society this year.
19 EGLs finished their Tauber summer strong, working between 11 projects in 11 different cities across the country. This year, EGLs demonstrated their leadership, technical, and business knowledge, taking on significant roles within their teams. EGL teams participated in Spotlight!, with impressive results: third place for Conagra (Ben Collins/Thomas Adelman) and American Industrial Partners (Annelise Lemaire/Danny Colón), and second place for Nestle Purina (Tori Caracciolo). In total, EGL students secured 4 of the 7 available scholarships, continuing the tradition of excellence within the program.
Our Volunteer Abroad Program also had a record year, with four trips to Ecuador, South Africa, Hawaii (a repeat trip from 2021), and Costa Rica. This was the first year we’ve had four separate trips, and EGL students once again embodied the program’s spirit of community service and global awareness. We continued the new components from last year like morning goal-setting, night-time journaling, and a full debrief after the trip. Participants were extremely engaged throughout the whole trip and many new friendships and experiences were made.
This summer, we held two alumni meet-ups in Seattle and Chicago. Seattle had a delicious picnic in the park while Chicago went bowling! Speaking of Chicago, the Chicago Trip will be happening from October 3rd-5th, so be sure to sign up for the Chicago Alumni Dinner! We’re excited to continue strengthening the bonds between alumni and current students through these gatherings.
At the start of the Fall, we welcomed six new students to EGL, all eager to get involved in the Society. We held the New Admit Orientation followed by the Welcome Back picnic and enjoyed Chick-fil-a and catching up on a cool Ann Arbor summer evening. As Winter is typically the higher enrollment time, we look forward to welcoming additional EGL students to the program in January!
The EGL community, both on campus and beyond, continually motivates me to put in my best effort for everyone. The unwavering support of our alumni plays a crucial role in sustaining our program, ensuring that current students can have meaningful experiences and make an impact both locally and globally. I was recently reflecting with a friend about how different my career path might have been had I not found EGL. The friendships I’ve built, the professional growth I’ve gained, and the unforgettable memories I’ve made through EGL have truly shaped who I am today. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our alumni, and we strive every day to honor your contributions by upholding our core values and pillars.
We truly appreciate every conversation, piece of advice, and contribution you share with us. If you'd like to hear more about the student experience or find new ways to get involved, feel free to reach out to me at lalvin@umich.edu. I would be more than happy to connect with you.
Best,
Alvin Li
II. Volunteer Abroad
II. Volunteer Abroad
Diving Deep into Marine Conservation - Cape Town, South Africa
Diving Deep into Marine Conservation - Cape Town, South Africa
EGL’s Volunteer Abroad trip to Cape Town, South Africa, provided an immensely enriching experience for our eleven participants. This week-long journey involved volunteering with Cape RADD in the Great African Kelp Forest, fostering bonds among the team, and gaining deep insights into pressing environmental issues affecting marine life off the coast of Cape Town. The opportunity to support Cape RADD's research projects through hands-on fieldwork, combined with educational workshops and data visualization tasks, made our contributions feel both substantial and impactful.
Cape RADD is a nonprofit organization committed to marine conservation in Cape Town, South Africa. The eleven students from EGL who volunteered at Cape RADD immersed themselves in direct marine field experiences, which expanded their understanding of underwater ecosystems. This blend of research, education, and adventure allowed them to support ongoing marine science initiatives while acquiring valuable skills and knowledge. By engaging with the marine environment, they improved their advocacy and protection efforts for marine ecosystems, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Our volunteer experience was rich with learning and hands-on activities. Mornings were spent absorbing knowledge on marine conservation, providing us a solid grounding in local marine life. Our days were a mix of fieldwork, including measuring and observing shark eggs and their growth stages, utilizing a BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) to study fish and shark activity, and assessing kelp densities using quadrants. Kelp is vital for marine life, acting similarly to coral reefs by maintaining balanced ecosystems. Afternoons and evenings focused on data analysis, allowing us to interpret our findings and contribute to ongoing research. An unforgettable part of our adventure included scuba diving and snorkeling, which deepened our connection to the underwater world.
Post-volunteering each day, the group explored various cultural and scenic locations around Cape Town. Highlights included visits to Boulders Beach to see penguins, exploring Simons Town, kayaking in False Bay, hiking along Cape Point, and dining at local restaurants. We also ventured into downtown Cape Town, discovering the city, the local farmers market, and hiking Lion's Head for spectacular views. Each day ended with journaling sessions, allowing us to reflect on our daily experiences and set intentions for the remainder of the trip.
This South African adventure was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impact on how we approach the world. We are profoundly grateful to the Seth Bonder Foundation for making this incredible journey possible!
Muddy Hands and Cultural Lands - Oahu, Hawaii
Muddy Hands and Cultural Lands - Oahu, Hawaii
EGL’s Volunteer Abroad trip to Oahu, Hawaii was an unforgettable experience, combining hands-on environmental conservation with deep cultural immersion. We arrived at Papahana Kuaola eager to contribute, knowing our work would support the restoration of the Kalo plant, a species vital to Hawaiian culture and history. What we didn't anticipate was how profoundly this experience would shape our understanding of environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and the power of collective action.
From the outset, we learned that the Kalo plant is not merely a crop but a symbol of life and identity for the Hawaiian people, deeply intertwined with the island's history, mythology, and daily life. Our primary mission at Papahana Kuaola was to help restore and sustain this critical plant by working in the lo’i, or Kalo farming areas. These lo’i are intricately designed to manage water flow and create the perfect environment for Kalo to thrive.
The week wasn't just about hard work; it was also about understanding and appreciating the cultural context of our efforts. We visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, where we explored the traditions and histories of various Polynesian islands. This visit enriched our understanding of how deeply connected the people of Hawaii and the broader Polynesian region are to their land and natural resources. One highlight was witnessing a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony, which underscored the values of commitment and unity—principles that resonated throughout our work at Papahana Kuaola.
Our visit to the Pearl Harbor memorial was another powerful experience. Walking onto the memorial and seeing the remnants of the USS Arizona, we were reminded of the tragic events of World War II and the unity it inspired across the United States. This sense of unity was a recurring theme throughout our week, both in the historical context and in our daily work as a team committed to a common goal.
Each morning, we set intentions for the day, guided by our leaders at Papahana Kuaola. We focused on being present, bringing positive energy, and giving our best effort. This practice of mindfulness helped us stay connected to our purpose and to each other, reinforcing the idea that every small action contributed to a larger, collective effort.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work was seeing the tangible results of our efforts. For example, while working to remove invasive species along a stream, we discovered two rare native snails—an encouraging sign that our conservation efforts were making a difference. These moments of discovery and progress reminded us that our work was not just about maintaining the land but about restoring the delicate balance of Hawaii's unique ecosystem.
Our time at Papahana Kuaola was more than just a volunteer trip; it was a transformative experience that taught us the importance of environmental conservation, cultural respect, and the power of working together towards a common goal. As we left Hawaii, we carried with us not only memories of the stunning landscapes and the warmth of the people but also a renewed sense of responsibility to protect and honor the natural and cultural heritage we had the privilege to be part of, even if just for a week. We extend a huge thank you to the Seth Bonder Foundation for making this trip possible!
Turtles, Teamwork, and "Pura Vida" - Ojochal, Costa Rica
Turtles, Teamwork, and "Pura Vida" - Ojochal, Costa Rica
EGL’s Volunteer Abroad trip to Ojochal, Costa Rica, was an inspiring adventure, where we worked with Reserva Playa Tortuga. We immersed ourselves in the "Pura Vida" lifestyle, connected with the local culture, participated in turtle conservation efforts, and strengthened our bonds with one another. Each day brought truly rewarding experiences as we supported an organization vital to protecting Costa Rica's precious ecosystems.
Reserva Playa Tortuga is a nonprofit research and education organization focused on biological research and conservation management. Their mission includes gaining a deeper understanding of coastal environments in the Térraba-Sierpe wetlands. Key efforts at the reserve involve monitoring beaches for sea turtle nests to protect them from poachers, releasing baby turtles to increase their survival odds, measuring local species to monitor environmental health, tracking bird populations, and observing monkey behavior. One of the most impactful experiences during our trip was releasing 77 baby sea turtles into the ocean, witnessing firsthand the culmination of the reserve’s tireless efforts. Under their protection, the odds of a sea turtle hatchling's survival improve from 1 in 1000 to 1 in 100. The diverse group of volunteers, including international staff, added to our experience by sharing different values, cultures, and life stories.
When not volunteering, we spent time baking cookies, bonding over home-cooked meals, and playing endless rounds of card games. These simple moments were pivotal in deepening our relationships. We also explored local spots and savored the delightful cuisine. Evening outings to nearby towns and Costa Rican restaurants allowed us to taste various dishes by sharing plates, further enriching our culinary adventure and camaraderie.
Our evenings were filled with exploring Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes, including Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, where we enjoyed surfing lessons, and Playa Ventanas, where we swam and played beach games. The adventurous spirit of the local people inspired us to step out of our comfort zones and encourage each other to do the same. A highlight was our trek to Catarata Uvita, where we slid down a waterfall—an initially intimidating but ultimately unforgettable experience that reinforced our support for one another.
Every night, we reflected on the day’s experiences and set goals for connecting more deeply with our volunteer work and the local culture in the days ahead. This routine helped us remain centered and enthusiastic for each new day of volunteering. The Costa Rica trip provided us with memorable and impactful experiences, forever altering our perspective on the world and its precious environments. We are profoundly grateful to the Seth Bonder Foundation for making this incredible experience possible.
Trails, Trees, and Traditions – Esperie, Ecuador
Trails, Trees, and Traditions – Esperie, Ecuador
EGL’s Volunteer Abroad trip to Esperie, Ecuador was a transformative blend of hands-on volunteering and cultural immersion at La Hesperia Reserve. Our days began with breathtaking wildlife hikes through the lush rainforest, offering stunning views and deepening our understanding of the reserve's unique and hyper-diverse ecosystem. Our primary projects were crucial for environmental conservation and community support, ranging from planting trees to restore native flora to working in the medicinal garden, harvesting crops vital for local health practices and meals.
In addition to our ecological efforts, we constructed two saunas for the community, which will serve as vital spaces for both health benefits and daily use. We also tackled invasive plant species to protect native vegetation, ensuring the continued health of the local habitat. Our immersion into local culture included making chocolate and coffee from scratch—a process that provided insight into traditional practices and the historical backbone of Ecuador’s economy. Each evening, we gathered to journal and reflect, enhancing our understanding of our impact and the area’s cultural richness.
Our excursions included visits to a natural waterslide at Tupi stream, short walks to the local town of Esperie to explore its culture, and night hikes in search of active wildlife.
Our presence at La Hesperia Reserve significantly benefited the community. Tree planting and invasive species eradication efforts improved the reserve's ecosystem, preserving native plant species and biodiversity, and providing vegetation and shade for local wildlife. The saunas we built will enhance community health and cultural practices for years to come. Our work in the medicinal garden and the production of chocolate and coffee supported local agriculture and traditional methods, fostering greater appreciation for the community's heritage and self-sufficiency. The week was a rewarding testament to the positive change that dedicated volunteer work can bring to both the environment and the local community.
Overall, the experience was a blend of hard work, cultural immersion, and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated. We are eternally grateful to the Seth Bonder Foundation for making this trip possible and allowing us to contribute meaningfully to the La Hesperia Reserve and its community.
III. Summer Highlights
III. Summer Highlights
Alumni Meetups
Alumni Meetups
This year EGL held meet-ups in Chicago and Seattle. Please update the Alumni Map if you have moved recently (linked at the bottom of the EGLink)!
Chicago
Our EGL Chicagoans hit a “lucky” spot at Wrigleyville’s Lucky Strike for a meetup that was a total 'strike' of fun! One brave current student, Reese, challenged four seasoned alumni bowlers: Celia, Daniel, Kat, and Noah. Instead of sparing their stories, they dove right into the gutter of deep conversations about their passions The invite went out via email to the Chicago Alumni listserv.
Pictured (left to right), Reese Liebman ‘26, Noah Zaatar ‘22, Celia Osman ‘22, Kat Siavelis ‘23, Daniel Adsit ‘16
Seattle
Our EGL Seattleites gathered for a delightful picnic at Greenlake this summer, and it was a breath of fresh air! Current student (Madeleine) spread out her blanket alongside five wise alumni: Haley, Leila, Martha, Venkat, and Zackary while enjoying the beautiful Seattle sunset. They spilled the beans about their experiences and passions while soaking in the beautiful Seattle sunset. The invite went out via email to the Seattle Alumni listserv.
Pictured (left to right): Leila Syal ‘19, Zackary Simmons ‘22, Venkat Subramaniam ‘22, Martha Neubauer ‘16, Madeleine Shinder ‘26, Haley Clafton ‘21
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Prague - Matthew Sinanis, Current Junior and TiL 2
What did you do in your program?
Over this past summer, I spent 8 weeks studying abroad in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. During the program, I took two courses pertaining to Engineering Statistics and Cross Cultural Communication and Management. Outside of the classes, I had the opportunity to take weekend trips to many cities across the entirety of Europe while experiencing the drastically different cultural nuances in these places.
What did you learn about Praguian culture?
Prague by far hosts one of the most interesting cultures that I’ve ever experienced. The former nation of Czechoslovakia was under the iron curtain up until the end of the Cold War when the Czech Republic finally became an independent nation. With this complicated history, the local Czechs were very wary for tourists and developed something called the “Czech Smile”. This mannerism describes how, typically, Czechs are very neutral and rarely smile. The shockwaves from the Cold War can be seen all throughout the capital city, through architecture, mannerisms, and general way of life. The Czech Republic, is an extremely anti-Russia and progressive nation which chooses to speak out against inequalities in the world. Prague is home to the headquarters of an organization called Radio Free Europe, which allows journalists to freely speak out against the hostilities of governments across Europe. The NPO hopes to educate everyone across Europe through breaking down mass censorship and reaching all corners of Europe. The pride and resilience of the Czech Republic has had a massive impact in my understanding of the world around me and truly shaped my experience in Prague.
How did studying/working abroad enhance your EGL experience?
This is my second time studying abroad, and even though I’ve been through the process before, I’ve had an absolutely different and equally eye opening experience. Living in a city without knowing any of the language has shown me how I can relate to people from different backgrounds and work to understand their perspectives. With these experiences and my coursework, I feel like I have continued to develop my knowledge of the world around me and worked to become a better global citizen, both of which will allow me to enhance my EGL experience. Through my experiences studying abroad, it has only motivated me further to get closer with my fellow EGLs and continue to get involved in activities like volunteering abroad.
Rome - Gabriel Lamey, Current Junior and TiL 2
What did you do in your program?
This past summer, I spent 8 weeks in Rome taking a thermodynamics class and an art and archaeology of Ancient Rome class. I had classes Monday through Thursday and spent my weekends traveling around different parts of Italy and europe. With CEA CAPA, the school program I was with, I took two weekend trips to Florence and Naples. CEA also hosted several cultural events where we learned how to make homemade pasta and had an aperitivo with local Roman students our age.
What did you learn about Roman culture?
Italians have a famous saying, “Dolce far Niente”, which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” When compared to the United States, Romans live a slower paced life, slowing down to enjoy meals, nature, art, and aperitivo. Aperitivo is a large part of Roman culture where friends and family will come together after work and school to have drinks and snacks before dinner. It's sort of a happy hour before a late 9 pm dinner that every Roman enjoys doing.
How did studying/working abroad enhance your EGL experience?
Studying abroad enabled me to visit and take in a wealth of cultures and change my vision on what's truly important in life. During my eight weeks abroad, I was able to visit nine different countries, trying all types of different foods, listening to all kinds of different music, and seeing all kinds of different architecture. Studying abroad enhanced my EGL experience by broadening my cultural understanding and knowledge, and giving me new perspectives that I will take with me the rest of my life.
Japan - Vikram Raghu, EGL Community Chair
What did you do in your program?
This summer, I worked as an Analyst in the Technology Division of Morgan Stanley’s Tokyo office. I worked on pricing engines to support government bond traders. After work and on weekends, I visited restaurants, museums, and explored everything else the city had to offer.
What did you learn about Japanese culture?
Working in Tokyo, I was exposed to areas of Japanese culture that are not taught in classrooms, including corporate Japanese and nomikai culture. I also learned about Japanese financial markets, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the country’s economic policy.
Through my excursions outside of the office, I gained a deeper appreciation for the vibrant culture of modern Tokyo and the significance of its rich history. Each ward had a unique cultural significance, and the effort that was used to preserve pieces of the old city was apparent.
How did studying/working abroad enhance your EGL experience?
Through this experience, I came to understand how difficult it can be to communicate with others in a language that I am not a native speaker of, and how critical it is to be patient when overcoming those language barriers. I also gained a newfound appreciation for the challenges that arise from cultural differences in a workplace, and the effort that is needed to meet halfway to overcome them. I believe this new perspective will help me be a more effective communicator and enable me to succeed both in EGL and in my future career.
Internships
Internships
This summer, EGL students engaged in a variety of roles at different companies worldwide. We invite you to take a closer look at the diverse positions they embraced, the organizations they contributed to, and the global locations they experienced.
IV. 2024 Spotlight! Results
IV. 2024 Spotlight! Results
5 EGLs Win Awards At This Year’s Competition
The 2024 Spotlight! Team Project Showcase and Scholarship Competition took place on Friday, September 13th. During this event, student teams presented innovative solutions to complex operations challenges in collaboration with the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. Notably, the 2024 Tauber Team Project recommendations have generated a remarkable $820 million in savings and cost optimization over a three-year span for participating sponsor companies. Let's highlight the EGL winners from this year's competition!
Second Place: Nestlé Purina
User-Driven Application Design to Optimize Bulk Ingredient Inventory in the Dry Pet Food
This project focused on creating real-time inventory data for dry material bins, addressing issues such as material availability and delivery delays. The Tauber team developed a user-friendly digital solution that integrates with Purina’s broader inventory management systems, enhancing visibility and enabling trend analysis of raw material inventories. The project was spearheaded by Alex Maxwell and Tori Caracciolo. They each received a scholarship award of $4,000.
Alex Maxwell (MBA)
Tori Caracciolo – EGL (BSE / MSE Industrial and Operations Engineering)
TIE Third Place: American Industrial Partners -- ADDMAN
Revolutionizing Operations with AI Integration
The project integrated artificial intelligence into operational frameworks, catering to sectors like defense, aerospace, and medical technology. This initiative promises to substantially enhance ADDMAN's operational performance and efficiency. The project was led by Danny Colón and Annelise Lemaire. They each received a scholarship award of $3,000.
Danny Colón – EGL (BSE / MSE Industrial and Operations Engineering)
Annelise Lemaire – EGL (BSE Chem / MSE Industrial and Operations Engineering)
TIE Third Place: Conagra Brands
Journey to One Percent Yield Loss
The team developed a real-time visualization tool using connected line data to assist on-floor associates with waste reduction. They also identified optimal practices and instrumentation strategies to promote future investments and shape the Connected Shop Floor, while quantifying sustainability impacts through a productivity-based calculator tool. The project was managed by Thomas Adelman, Breanna Allen, and Ben Collins. They each received a scholarship award of $3,000.
Thomas Adelman – EGL (BSE / MSE Industrial and Operations Engineering)
Breanna Allen – BTS (BBA and Master of Supply Chain Management)
Ben Collins – EGL (BSE DS / MSE Industrial & Operations Engineering)
Alumni Scholarship Winners
Tauber Alumni Board Member Andrew Burgess presented the 2024 Tauber Alumni Scholarships to Student Advisory Board members Thomas Adelman (EGL — BSE / MSE Industrial and Operations Engineering), Alexandra Maxwell (MBA), and Breanna Allen (BTS) in recognition of their significant contributions to the Tauber Institute student experience.
What is the Alumni Advisory Board?
The EGL Student Society encourages our alumni to remain actively engaged with the EGL community by advising current students and expanding the off-campus EGL network globally. To bolster the connections within the EGL alumni community, the Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) has redrafted its charter. This new version places a stronger emphasis on fostering both alumni-to-alumni and alumni-to-student relationships. Among the many updates, we have introduced a new position to better serve our community.
President
Fundraising Chair
Events and Marketing Chair
Industry Chair
General Member
General Member
General Member
General Member
Geographical Leads
Texas
Los Angeles
Ann Arbor
Chicago
New York
San Francisco/Bay Area
Seattle
Dan Adsit (2021)
Dan Kiefer (2013)
Erik Knapp (2017)
Cassie Walls (2007)
Amit Shah (2006)
Katie Bevier (2012)
Jonathon Morof (2016)
Jonathan Opdyke (2000)
**Currently Open**
**Currently Open**
Shannon Brewer (2000)
Kat Siavelis (2024)
Max Boykin (2017)
Noah Barr (2003)
Leila Syal (2023)
Questions or comments about EGL or the EGLink? Email us at egl.board@umich.edu
Published by Justin Wong, 2024 EGL Alumni Chair
EGL Honors Program
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