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Seated: Sean Gallagher, Rebecca Gallagher, Melissa Gallagher
Standing: Nolan Muzzin, James Gallagher, Zach Muzzin

Seven first cousins attended UM-Dearborn during fall semester: Brendan Gallagher, James Gallagher, Sean Gallagher, sisters Melissa and Rebecca Gallagher, and brothers Nolan and Zach Muzzin.

“We’re lucky to be a part of a huge family. We’re even luckier to see each other at a place where we spend so much time,” said Brendan, who graduated Saturday.

And see each other they do. Rebecca learns the ins and outs of the university from Melissa. Brendan, Zach and James all served on Student Government together. They bump into each other in classes, in the University Center, walking across campus.

Brendan Gallagher delivered the student address during Saturday's morning commencement ceremony. Photo: Millard Berry

“My cousins mean everything to me,” Brendan said. “So seeing them on campus and being able to tell people that I am one of seven first cousins here is pretty awesome.”

The family’s connection to UM-Dearborn began a generation ago. Melissa and Rebecca’s dad, Larry, James’ mom, Catherine (Zakalowski), and Nolan and Zach’s mom, Lisa, all attended the university.

The sisters—who both transferred to UM-Dearborn from other universities—say family ties played a role in getting them here, but the campus environment made the choice easy.

“Because our dad went here he encouraged us,” Melissa said. “When I got here, I realized it was the college experience I was looking for. It felt like home.”

Home, family, community. They are sentiments the cousins can’t help but express when describing their experience at UM-Dearborn.

“I think it’s really interesting that we all chose to go to UM-Dearborn. This school has such a familial feel. It’s a community of higher education,” Zach said. “At the same time, it’s a place where you have to work hard to earn your degree. So the fact that we’re all choosing the challenging path is really cool.”