Aerospace Engineering’s 2025 North Campus Deans’ MLK Spirit Award Recipients
Student and Professor recognized for commitment to their community
This year, we are proud to have two members of the Michigan Aerospace community receive awards in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Congratulations to Aerospace Engineering student Jardine Allen and Professor James Cutler.
Each year, the North Campus Deans’ MLK Spirit Awards are given to members of the North Campus community who exemplify the leadership and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to social justice. These awards are given to students, student organizations, staff and faculty in North Campus schools and colleges at the University of Michigan who stand as role models in their community.
Activism, Awareness & Organization Award
The Activism Awareness & Organizing category focuses on raising awareness, fostering dialogue and organizing communities to address pressing social justice challenges. This year’s Aerospace Engineering recipient is Jardine Allen.
Allen is a senior studying Aerospace Engineering and is the current President of the Black Students in Aerospace (BSA) student organization. “Winning the Activism, Awareness, and Organizing Award at the North Campus MLK Spirit Awards means a lot! Throughout my years in Michigan, I’ve had many mentors in the college atmosphere and outside of it who have advocated for me and who were actively invested in my success.”
Upon receiving the award, Allen highlighted that being president of BSA during its fifth year of existence has provided her the opportunity to contribute to an environment that ensures the next-generation of leaders and engineers have the power to succeed. Additionally, Allen has worked with the U-M College of Engineering’s Office of Student Affairs, stating that it has been an enlightening experience to engage with dedicated staff who recognize that the U-M community houses individuals from diverse backgrounds, and strives to make a difference in the climate around the University of Michigan and College of Engineering as a whole.
“In the past, I have felt a great level of imposter syndrome, and it is my continued goal to make sure that others feel secure in their accomplishments. It’s amazing to see everything coming full circle and I’m glad to have been able to leave a positive impact on campus.”
Along with these efforts, Allen has also assisted with the planning of events around the College of Engineering and the Department of Aerospace Engineering. These events included a financial wellness and wellbeing event during her junior year and the recent Elevating Unity: An Aero MLK Event, presented by BSA and other student organizations and departments from around campus.
Mentoring and Inspiration Award
The Mentoring and Inspiration category recognizes individuals who actively engage in mentorship, community-building and leadership that uplifts and empowers others through fostering a sense of belonging, providing guidance and demonstrating compassionate leadership. This year’s Aerospace Engineering recipient is Professor James Cutler.
Professor Cutler is the faculty mentor for the BSA student organization as well as leads the CubeSats Working Group in the U-M Space Institute and the Michigan Exploration Laboratory (MXL) within the Aerospace Engineering Department. Additionally he is a member of the Aerospace Engineering Community Success & Outreach Committee, working to advocate for success in the department among faculty, staff and students who are a part of the U-M community. Through his mentorship, students working within the labs excel in various aspects of the field and are highly sought after when going into careers after graduation.
Upon receiving the award, Professor Cutler commented, “I’m thankful to be working with a fantastic group of students who are excelling in their work to explore air and space while building community at the same time. They are inspiring!”