University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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University student and HISO mem- ber, Adam Miller, dines with HISO advisor Joan Smith. Miller, who received a B.A. and an M.A. in Journalism, is the namesake of a fund for hearing impaired students. photo courtesy of Hearing Impaired Students Organization LAUSHTRAGK As a part of the University Activi- ties Center (UAC), Laughtrack pro- duced and scheduled many of the co- medic events that took place on cam- pus this year. Though Laughtrack was still a relatively new organization, Christopher Wilson, a senior biochem- istry major and Laughtrack ' s commit- tee chair, emphasized, We strive to put on the best darn comedic show this University has ever seen. In order to do so, Laughtrack scheduled a variety of comics to cater to the diversity of the student body, as well as to the various types of audiences that attended Laughtrack productions. Due to the nature of the organiza- tion, Laughtrack consisted of only a few members who helped schedule and prepare for the various comedy shows, though all students were wel- come to join. In past years, Laughtrack was not well known around campus, but after the organization programmed performances by Ellen DeGeneres and Adam Sandier, among others, students became more aware of Laughtrack ' s presence and purpose on campus. This year, the organization spon- sored a comedian from Chicago, Peter Lipsey, and planned on scheduling a show featuring Jon Stewart during the winter semester. In addition, Laughtrack, along with Black Vibes and the Black Student Union, co- sponsored the All-Star Comedy Tour; proceeds from that event went to a scholarship fund chosen by Black Vibes. Laughtrack also planned to get involved in the community on its own, possibly by holding a Com- athon, at which a few comedians would perform and the proceeds from ticket sales would help raise money for a scholarship fund or local chari- table organization. The members of Laughtrack were interested in or involved with other aspects of comedy. Wilson performed with UAC ' s Comedy Company be- fore he became involved with Laughtrack. Comedy has been part of my life for years; I think that the power to make people laugh is essen- tial to many social situations, said Wilson, and I take great pride in trying to provide the student body, through programming a variety of comedians for campus events, with opportunities to laugh. Laughtrack member Jeffrey Wank, a senior in religion and sports management, was also involved with the Comedy Com- pany before he joined Laughtrack. Both Wilson and Wank felt that hav- ing ties to comedy was important in analyzing which potential acts were funny enough to schedule for a cam- pus performance. As a result of their efforts, the students who were involved with Laughtrack eagerly shared something they loved with the rest of the campus and Ann Arbor communities. 1 nt Row: Andrew Grove, Jonathon Grech, Dan 1 ines p courtesy of Benjamin Kaufman n O Front Row: Nikhil Rajpal, Raya Miranda Prabhu, Sid Mangharam, Murli Nagwani, Vivek Tannan Row 2: Ratan Borkar, Vishal Mehta, Aradhana Khaitan, Seshasdri Raghavan, Harsha Parwardhan, Ramkey Anantha Krishnan Row 3: Ramanan Kartik, Suresh Vontivillu, Dev Rudra, Tushar Narsana photo by David Wolfe . J m Front Row: Jeffrey Wank, Christopher Wilson photo by Liz I . u- i Organizations 369

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icting on me steps ot Angc Hall, rwo students cake a break from a long schedule of classes. ] he- outdoors was a peaceful place for studying, ralkingand resting. i hom br Ashley Rtcc RADUATES We stepped onto campus with the confi- dence that our last year would be our best. But as we watched our last season of football, we realized it was all coming; to an end. We com- pleted our required classes and spent our spare time with friends reminiscing about ur experience at the ersity. After we received job offers and graduate school cceptances, we anxiously awaited stepping into Michigan Stadium for the last time. Amidst the support of our friends and relatives, we stepped out into the real world as alumni. t graduation, students anx- iously await the finale of their time at the University. The day included many feelings and emo- tions as their college years came to an end. photo by Mira Dontchcva n cy Totnm.. i zyV ,qna.n (Lmiitiam n Graduates + 371