News

Devon Akmon’s professional updates and news on adventure and travel.

A Conversation with Craig Fahle on WDET

August 1, 2013 News

A New Chapter For the Arab American National Museum via the Craig Fahle Show on WDET-FM.

A New Role at the Museum

July 1, 2013 News

Today marks the beginning of a new journey. I was just promoted to director of the Arab American National Museum. Here we go (via Crane’s Detroit Business: Arab American Museum names deputy as new director).

One Day Ride Across Michigan

August 20, 2012 Adventure

On Saturday I completed my first One Day Ride Across Michigan (ODRAM). The ride started near the Lake Michigan coast in Montague and traversed the state to the Lake Huron coast in Bay City. The self-supported ride was approximately 150 miles, which now marks the farthest I’ve ridden in one day. Bring on the randonneuring! The weather was perfect for the long ride; sunny skies and temps in the mid-70s. Big love to Dharma for providing S.A.G. along the route.Read More

Mad Anthony River Rally Century Ride

August 12, 2012 Adventure

Last weekend I participated in the Mad Anthony River Rally century ride. This was my first time riding in Ohio. All in all, it was a fun event. There were a few hundred riders, good weather, decent support, and a scenic route. The course was incredibly flat, but the headwinds for approximately twenty miles were a real pain. In fact, my only complaint is that the pancake breakfast at mile 17 was poorly marked; I completely missed it! The M.A.R.R.Read More

iPhonegraphy: The Vatican

May 12, 2012 Adventure

iPhoneography: Pantheon

May 10, 2012 Adventure

Minneapolis, Minnesota

April 30, 2012 Adventure

Highlights from my first day in Minneapolis. I spent a few hours exploring the Walker Art Center. This was my first visit to the museum. The Walker has served as a huge source of inspiration over the years due to their leadership within the museum field. I’ve been especially inspired and challenged by their new media initiatives. The museum lived up to my expectations. Several great exhibits were on display, including Lifelike (“a close examination of artworks based on commonplaceRead More

George Takei and Bothaina Kamel Visit the AANM

March 10, 2012 News

I love finishing the work week on a positive note. Yesterday, in addition to hosting students from the University of Michigan’s graduate program in Museum Studies, the AANM received a pair of prominent visitors. First, a dear friend of the AANM brought Bothaina Kamel – Egyptian television anchor, activist, and politician – to the museum for a tour. Kamel, a celebrity in her homeland, is the first woman to run for the presidency of Egypt. She was pleased with herRead More

Travelogue: Beirut, Lebanon

February 17, 2012 Adventure

I just finished a four-day trip to Beirut, Lebanon for work. It was such an intense experience. My family immigrated from Lebanon about 100 years ago and this was my first time visiting the “homeland.” So, you can imagine my excitement leading up to the trip. This excitement grew tenfold during the plane’s descent into the city, which offered stunning views of snowcapped mountains and a beautiful Mediterranean shoreline. Despite the short stay, I explored and experienced many great thingsRead More

“Little Syria” featured on PRI’s The World

January 21, 2012 News

The AANM’s Little Syria project is picking up steam. We’re wrapping up the RFP process with exhibit designers, our curatorial staff is conducting research and collecting objects for the forthcoming exhibit, and the media is covering the story. We’re off to a good start. Be sure to like the Little Syria Exhibit