HFC alumna earns UM-Dearborn Dean’s Medallion; aspires to social work career
HFC alumna Chaymaa Nehme was recognized with the Dean’s Medallion at the University of Michigan-Dearborn commencement ceremony in April 2025.
Nehme was one of three students from the UM-Dearborn College of Education, Health and Human Services who won the Dean’s Medallion. Each winner is chosen through a thorough process that examines their academic achievements and honors, their leadership on campus, and their contributions to the community.
“Winning the Dean’s Medallion was a tremendous honor and felt like a true accomplishment,” said Nehme. “Balancing work, school, and family life has been challenging. Receiving this recognition made all the hard work – the late nights, the long hours, and the limited social time – feel worthwhile. It was a validating and emotional moment for me.”
Nehme is an administrative assistant at a private school. She was at work when she learned that she was a recipient of the Dean’s Medallion.
“I squeaked with excitement and immediately shared the news with my teammates,” she said. “Let’s just say the whole school heard about it – for weeks! Everyone was supportive and proud.”
The right place to start her academic journey
Born in Lebanon, Nehme is the youngest of 10 and speaks fluent English and Arabic. She lives in Dearborn Heights with her husband and two children, ages 9 and 6.
“My husband has been incredibly supportive throughout my academic and professional pursuits,” said Nehme.
A graduate of Fordson High School, Nehme earned her associate degree in general studies from HFC with a focus on public health.
“HFC was a natural choice for me,” she said. “Two of my sisters and many of my friends attended HFC and spoke highly of their experiences, so the College holds a special place in our family’s educational journey. The College’s location in the community was very convenient, and I had always heard positive feedback from friends and family. It felt like the right place to start my higher education journey.”
Nehme recently earned her bachelor’s degree in health and human services with a concentration in social work. She was on the Dean’s List every semester during her time at UM-Dearborn. Nehme plans to take a short break before pursuing graduate studies in social work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“I’m incredibly proud of maintaining a strong GPA while balancing full-time work and raising a family,” she said. “One of the highlights of my academic journey was receiving the Dean’s Medallion, which recognized my dedication and perseverance. I was also consistently named to the Dean’s List throughout my semesters at HFC and UM-Dearborn, which affirmed my commitment to academic excellence even with a busy personal and professional life.”
Social work allows her to use her natural strengths
Nehme has always been drawn to the health field, but she realized that the clinical side and the medical side of patient care wasn’t the right path. She couldn’t see herself working in a setting with charts, procedures, or clinical routines.
“What I truly love and where I thrive is in building connections with people. Whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting, I find so much meaning in offering support, encouragement, and comfort to those around me,” she explained. “What really excites me is being able to take what I’ve learned – especially around health, wellness, and human development – and apply it in practical, engaging, and even playful ways. I especially enjoy working with children and families, and I find creative ways to use my background in public health and social work to support their growth and well-being. Whether it's through conversation, play, or simply being present, I love helping people feel seen, supported, and capable.”
To Nehme, social work and public health represent a calling.
“This career will allow me to use my natural strengths while also giving back to the community in a way that’s authentic to who I am,” she said.
Being a resource to those in need
Nehme partnered with the Dearborn Department of Public Health on a tree equity project through one of her courses at UM-Dearborn, focusing on environmental justice and sustainability. Through this initiative, she engaged with the community in meaningful ways, addressing disparities in tree coverage and advocating for greener, healthier neighborhoods. Her efforts were publicized on social media and all social media posts were subsequently translated into Arabic to increase the reach of the posts to target communities.
“My ultimate goal is to give back to the community and be a resource for those in need,” said Nehme. “Whether through education, advocacy, or direct support, I hope to make a lasting impact.”
UM-Dearborn Assistant Professor of Health and Human Services Dr. Finn Bell had Nehme in two of his classes.
“Chaymaa is consistently one of the most engaged students who regularly makes connections for how the materials connect to ‘the real world,’” said Bell. “Chaymaa is an exemplar of what it means to be a good academic citizen with curiosity and impeccable integrity.”
Balancing the demands of being a parent and a student
Nehme credits her “strong, well-rounded education” at HFC to her success at UM-Dearborn. Many of the courses at HFC aligned closely with those in her bachelor’s program, serving as a solid foundation before digging deeper into more advanced content.
HFC also helped Nehme grow professionally in many meaningful ways. She developed foundational skills such as writing formal emails and letters, engaging with professors in a respectful and productive manner, conducting academic research, and properly citing sources.
“These skills gave me a strong start and continue to support me in my academic and professional journey,” she explained. “More importantly, HFC provided a learning environment that felt both challenging and supportive. I had the chance to work on group projects, participate in thoughtful discussions, and learn how to navigate professional expectations. The College’s emphasis on real-world application helped me understand what professionalism looks like.”
Through HFC, Nehme learned how to balance the demands of being a student and a parent. This taught her resilience, time management, and the importance of staying committed even when things get overwhelming.
“I felt supported by professors who believed in me and by classmates who brought their own stories, cultures, and strengths into the classroom,” she said.
Peers with diverse backgrounds support enhanced learning
One of the most valuable aspects of her time at HFC was interacting with classmates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. These experiences expanded her perspective, deepened her empathy, and sharpened her communication skills. Learning to collaborate with people who have different life experiences taught Nehme how to adapt, listen actively, and respond with cultural sensitivity.
“HFC paved the way for everything I’ve accomplished since. It opened doors, introduced me to new ideas, and helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. It was a place where I gained confidence in myself and discovered what I was capable of,” she said. “The environment at HFC encouraged me to think about the kind of impact I wanted to have on my community. It gave me the academic foundation I needed to succeed at UM-Dearborn, but it also gave me the motivation to dream bigger: To pursue social work, aim for grad school, and use my education to serve others. I will always look back at HFC as the place my journey truly began.”