The Impact of Mentorship Comes Full Circle as Alums Make Preparations to Honor Steve DesJardins

Although he knew the day was coming, the news that CSHPE faculty member Steve DesJardins was formally retiring still came as a surprise to Ozan Jaquette. It was also at that moment when Jaquette (PhD ’10) had the idea to bring folks together to celebrate his mentor’s career. The first stop in Jaquette’s plan involved his trusty CSHPE cohort. Enter fellow cohort member Molly Ott (PhD ’10.) Jaquette and Ott began formulating a plan and by August 2023 had devised the rough framework for a multi-day program featuring alumni whose careers have been shaped by DesJardins’ influence.

DesJardins served as a member on Jacquette’s dissertation committee. Now an Associate Professor at UCLA, Jaquette describes his relationship with DesJardins fondly. “Steve taught me what professional integrity means. He believed in me and made me believe in myself. So I took on challenges that I wouldn’t have otherwise. And that stretched me and made me more courageous as an aspiring researcher. I always felt like Steve gave a damn about me, as he did about all his students. We all knew that if anyone ever messed with us, they would have to answer to Steve.”  

About his inspiration for planning an event in DesJardins’ honor, Jaquette goes on to say, “Steve always tells us to ‘pay it forward’ but we wanna pay him back and tell him thank you for being a good mentor and having our back.”

During his 22-year stint at the Center, DesJardins was instrumental in strengthening the quantitative methods sequence required by all 1st-year doctoral students. He taught the Public Policy gateway, Institutional Research, as well as advanced methods coursework. DesJardins also served (2009-12) as program director, and has held the title of Marvin W. Peterson Collegiate Professor of Education since 2018. However, what many alumni might recall most about Steve is his personability.

Molly Ott, Associate Professor at Arizona State University, recollects, “I was pretty intimidated when I came to Michigan. Steve is brilliant but also super kind, down-to-earth, and approachable. He made me feel that I belonged and like I had something to contribute. He’s always been remarkably generous—with his time, his networks, co-authorship opportunities, funding, etc.—without expecting anything in return. Also Steve is a lot of fun, and we are gonna have a great time at this festschrift!”    

As a mentor, DesJardins’ willingness to advocate for students is something about which many alumni can attest.  

Rong Chen (PhD ’07), now Associate Professor at Seton Hall University, appreciates her continued ability to lean on DesJardins for advice. “I am very fortunate to have had Steve as my mentor. His exemplary scholarly work on financial aid policies and college student departure inspired me from my dissertation to my ongoing research today. During my graduate school, Steve provided me with unwavering support in all aspects of my academic pursuits. Sixteen years after graduation, I am still consulting with him on my professional development; his wisdom and inspiration has always helped me move forward with confidence and persistence. I am deeply grateful for his guidance and support in shaping my educational and career paths.”

DesJardins’ research on student transitions from high school to college, students’ financial experience while in college, and the economics of postsecondary education more broadly has advanced the field with his cutting-edge statistical techniques.  

Jaquette and Ott plan to feature the work of many of DesJardins’ former students and colleagues as part of a one and a half-day colloquium, scheduled for May 9-10, 2024 in Ann Arbor.

When asked about how they were able to reach out to so many invitees and what to expect, Jaquette commented, “We requested a list of colleagues and former students from Steve. So we emailed those folks and asked them if they wanted to attend. The response was overwhelming. We apologize if these original emails missed some folks (e.g., wrong addresses). Anyone who wants to attend is welcome! Whether Steve was your advisor, your instructor, or someone you knew personally. All are welcome. We have research sessions set up, some folks who have lined up to make individual tributes both virtually and in person. And we have some time slots for impromptu open-mic tributes.”

The opportunity to participate in this Ann Arbor-based celebration is something that Emily House (PhD ’17) is eagerly looking forward to.  House, a lecturer at Vanderbilt University and former Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, says, “I cannot overstate how influential and supportive Steve DesJardins has been in all aspects of my professional life. He is a cheerleader, a collaborator, and a thought partner—and has become a dear, dear friend. I am so excited to head back to Ann Arbor in May to celebrate Steve's exceptional career and reconnect with all those Steve has influenced over the course of his years at UM.”

Jaquette and Ott see this alumni-sponsored event as an opportunity for both master’s and doctoral alumni (and current students!) to be involved.  

Reuben Kapp (AM ’18, current doctoral candidate) first met DesJardins during his time in the master’s program. When he became a doctoral student, Kapp started working with DesJardins on research projects. Kapp carries that expertise into his role as a Program Officer at the Kresge Foundation. He shares, “Over the past eight years, Steve has been a trusted advisor, mentor, teacher, and friend. I cannot thank him enough for all the professional, educational, and life guidance. Even today, I turn to his advice and teachings in my professional work. Some of my favorites are ‘Explain it so that your grandparents can understand’ and ‘You won't ever know unless you ask.’ Steve has been instrumental in my growth as a student and as a professional. I am so grateful to have had him believe in me, encourage me, and to have had the opportunity to work with him.”

Many more alumni will come together May 9-10 to retell their own “Steve stories” and engage around the research that binds them together. CSHPE looks forward to welcoming folks back to campus.

Jaquette and Ott ask that if you plan to attend some or all of the in-person colloquium to kindly RSVP. The daytime activities will be free. There will be an expense for Thursday dinner. Donations from individuals are greatly appreciated and will be used to make Thursday’s dinner free for graduate students, with remaining funds used to offset costs for everyone. Anyone interested in donating please email [email protected] directly. Any money not spent on the event will be donated in Steve’s honor to a fund to provide conference travel for CSHPE students.