Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has showcased its involvement in the Welcome Corps on Campus project and a halftime show featuring The Temptations in the latest episode of EMU Today TV. The program, produced by EMU's Division of Communications, highlights various initiatives at the university.

The Welcome Corps on Campus initiative saw EMU become the first U.S. university to participate. This program, launched by the U.S. State Department with six national non-governmental organizations, supports students from refugee camps worldwide whose education has been disrupted. This fall, students from Syria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived at EMU as part of this effort.

Lauren London, EMU’s general counsel who played a key role in guiding the university's participation, emphasized the program's significance: “This program is a transformative initiative, not just for the refugee students but for our entire university community,” said London. “By offering these students a safe and supportive environment, we empower them to pursue their academic dreams while enriching our campus with diverse perspectives and experiences."

Funding for this initiative relies heavily on charitable contributions. Those interested can visit the "New Future Fund" on the EMU Foundation website for more information or to donate.

In addition to its educational initiatives, EMU hosted an impressive halftime show during a football game on October 12. The performance featured The Temptations alongside the EMU Marching Band. Jawan M. Jackson, an alumnus and Detroit native who joined The Temptations in 2022, returned for this special event.

J. Nick Smith, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at EMU, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Hosting The Temptations in collaboration with students in the 130th Anniversary Season of the EMU Marching Band doubles down on the vision that guides us all at Eastern Michigan University: to provide student-centered, high-quality academic programs with significant community impact,” said Smith.

The episode includes an excerpt from this memorable performance where The Temptations performed "My Girl" with the band.

Mark S. Lee hosts EMU Today TV; he is an alum and part-time marketing lecturer at Eastern Michigan University. Lee also hosts "In the Conference Room," a podcast and appears regularly on CBS News Detroit's business segment "Strictly Business."

Viewers can watch this episode along with previous ones on EMU's YouTube channel.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university, Eastern Michigan University serves nearly 13,000 students across various degree programs through its multiple colleges. Recognized nationally for excellence and diversity in applied education offerings spanning over 300 majors/minors/concentrations within arts/sciences/business/education/engineering/technology/health/human services disciplines—further details about rankings or points-of-pride are available via their official website along with news updates via 'EMU Today.'