At the 2025 commencement ceremony, the University of Michigan School of Information honored five members of the class of 2025 with student awards. 

This year’s undergraduate and graduate program honorees were nominated by staff, faculty and peers. Collectively, they exemplify UMSI’s mission to create and share knowledge so that people will use information — with technology — to build a better world. 

Margaret Mann Award

The Margaret Mann Award is the first and oldest student award at UMSI. It was established in 1938 to honor associate professor Margaret Mann upon her retirement. Mann was the first external faculty member hired into the department of library science when it was created in 1926.

Each year, this award goes to one or more students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional promise. The Margaret Mann Award recognizes the heritage of UMSI and the deep roots of professional education in the information field at the University of Michigan. The award recognizes future promise through evidence of accomplishment at UMSI.

Honoree: Mila Ekaterina Filipof (Master of Science in Information)

Mila’s remarkable academic achievements are matched only by her desire to find meaningful solutions. In the UX research and design mastery course, Mila guided her team through the design of a digital literacy app for older adults, developing a research strategy and supporting teammates through challenges with care and clarity. According to one of her nominators,“Mila’s professionalism, empathy and commitment to inclusive research practices — and her ability to engage with community stakeholders — reflect a deep understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of information scholarship.”

Mila’s leadership extends well beyond the classroom. As a founding member of Michigan Open UX, she has helped connect students with real-world opportunities and mentored undergrads interested in the field. As she steps into a full-time UX research role, we feel confident that Mila will go on to make a significant impact in her field. She will be deeply missed.

Honoree: Rachael Zuppke (Master of Science in Information) 

Rachael uses her exceptional talents for one purpose above all: to ensure equity. She came to UMSI with 15 years of experience working for nonprofits, and with a vision for how UX could transform government systems to better meet people’s needs. 

At UMSI, she undertook an independent project to redesign Michigan’s eviction court forms, with the goal of reducing barriers for tenants who lack legal representation. Rachael involved the UMSI community and the broader U-M community in this work, hosting civic design workshops that brought students together with community partners. Her project has already influenced Michigan's approach to court form redesign. 

Rachael’s vision of integrating design principles with legal frameworks, according to one nominator, “represents important and meaningful new work in this field” and “demonstrates intellectual courage and creativity rarely seen at the master's level.” She shows us what is possible when information and technology are used for their highest purpose: to build a better world.  

Edmon Low Award

The Class of 1972 established the Edmon Low Award to honor professor Edmon Low upon his retirement. Nominations are solicited from master's students, and the award recipient is chosen by the executive officers of the School of Information Master's Association. Awardees embody the qualities valued by Low: dedication to service, empathy for others, confidence building, industry, interpersonal acuity, responsibility and humor.

Honoree: Chiao Lin (Master of Science in Information)

Chiao has no shortage of creativity and drive. During his time at UMSI, he has built an extended reality start-up, earning multiple prizes and joining the selective Zell Entrepreneurs Program. But his many nominations for this award focus on something even more impressive than those visible accomplishments: his commitment to collaboration, and his ability to inspire others. 

Chiao knows that innovation is most valuable when it serves people. One nominator wrote, “Beyond his technical prowess and leadership, Chiao is deeply committed to the community.” At UMSI, he has discovered new ways to use XR to improve education, increase access and create joy. He leads a large team of graduate and undergraduate students in his start-up venture. Together, they have partnered with local organizations including the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Mott Children’s Hospital, and the U-M Natural History Museum. 

He is that rare individual who takes an idea and makes it real. And for Chiao, it might be more accurate to say ideas — plural. We are so excited to see what comes next. 

John L. King Award

To honor the professor who devoted many years to the development of the Bachelor of Science in Information program, UMSI created the John L. King Award in 2015. The award recognizes an outstanding student in the undergraduate program. 

Honoree: Shantaisa King (Bachelor of Science in Information)

Throughout her time in the BSI program, Shantaisa has shown a passion for using data to solve social issues. This same passion drives her future plans. One nominator described how, when Shantaisa was picking her electives, she was intent on choosing courses that would prepare her to do research with real impact on communities. 

She has certainly made an impact on the UMSI community. Shantaisa is a proud first-generation college student, transfer student, and mother who has been a thought partner and advocate in creating resources to support her peers. She has been instrumental in strengthening campus partnerships and creating opportunities for students who are parents and caregivers.

One nominator wrote, “It has been incredible to witness all that Shantaisa is and brings to her work and life. I believe she is a shining example of what it means to be a BSI student — and how to pave your own path.” 

Nikki Candelore Roda Student Impact Award

The only award at UMSI named for a student was inspired by an exceptional student, Nikki Candelore Roda.

Roda had a significant impact on the school while she was here, showing leadership and initiative and inspiring her peers. Ultimately, Roda made UMSI a better place to be a student.

The Nikki Candelore Roda Student Impact Award celebrates a student who has shown initiative and dedication to service, influenced the culture and climate of the school in positive ways and been an insightful leader and good ambassador — a student who will leave a lasting legacy. 

Honoree: Charlotte Parent (Bachelor of Science in Information)

Charlotte has shown tremendous leadership and dedication to her peers, both inside and outside the classroom. As president of the School of Information Bachelor’s Association, co-president of Michigan Open UX, and a student leader for A2 Data Dive, she has championed fellow students’ involvement in the UMSI community. Charlotte invites others into the fold.

Across the board, her nominators praise not only her positivity but her authenticity. Charlotte is genuine in her kindness and earnest in her enthusiasm. She leads by example, with a willingness to take on big challenges and embrace the unknown. 

One nominator wrote, “Charlotte’s excitement for how she can use what she has learned in the BSI program to positively impact the world is so clear in everything she does.” While she will — without a doubt — go on to do great things, we aren’t ready to say goodbye to her just yet. It is our great fortune that Charlotte will be pursuing her master’s degree next year at UMSI. 

To watch the commencement ceremony, visit the School of Information’s 2025 graduation archive.