Living Into Hopeful Action
Who & Where Are ICAs
ICAs build community in teams of 10 across campus. Currently, ICAs reside in Brody, South, River Trail and East Neighborhoods, while supporting students campus-wide along with those who live off campus.
Our Professional Staff
Please reach out to our professional staff for collaborations or questions. Our small and mighty team currently consists of:
Dr. Jeanne Gazel, Program Co-Director, gazeljea@msu.edu
Maggie Chen-Hernandez, Program Co-Director, chenma@msu.edu
Tiffany Gridiron, Brody Neighborhood ICA Supervisor, gridiro1@msu.edu
Chloe Grigsby, South Neighborhood ICA Supervisor, grigsby1@msu.edu
Karla Forrest-Hewitt, River Trail & East Neighborhood ICA Supervisor, forresth@msu.edu
Program History
Dating back to 1969 and 1996, the ICA and MRULE Programs, respectively, have a remarkable history of social action at Michigan State University.
The programs have evolved over time, merging in 2013 from the magnified impact of ICAs building community and facilitating communal roundtable discussions (RTD), a key practice of former MRULE student leaders, as a feature of community life. Both programs have merged as one, yet remain rooted in the power of student action, mutual care, solidarity, hope and relationships which formed and sustained them.
Alumni Voices
"MRULE was where I found community during my college years and gave me a chance to meet people that became lifelong friends. This program is an incredible opportunity for students to really learn what it means to build, maintain, care for and live in community." - MRULE/ICA Alum, 2022-2024
"I'm so grateful for my time in MRULE because it sharpened my ability to build relationships... I met so many people who inspired me with their altruism and efforts to make the world a better place; they continue to be part of my community. MRULE was an invaluable part of my experience at MSU." - MRULE/ICA Alum, 2017-2019
"Now, I work in health care & volunteer in many aspects as a youth leader in my community (sports, scouts, robotics, church). It is my job to make it a welcoming community for all and stand up when that’s not happening. I embrace differences for myself and my kids - because it makes us all better" - MRULE Student Leader, 2001-2005
“The program was transformative to my undergrad experience. I was learning about [key topics], issues, and resistances and then applying them in my day-to-day life within my own community. There was nothing more rewarding than doing powerful work and blossoming alongside your community!” - MRULE ICA Alum, 2022-2024
