News | Devon Akmon

Honoring the Legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye

March 17, 2025 News

Last Friday, we gathered at the Japanese American National Museum to honor the legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye. The evening program featured a community reception and the inaugural event for the Irene Hirano Inouye Distinguished Lecture Series at JANM’s Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. The program featured Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in conversation with Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects at the Smithsonian Institution. It was aRead More

Discovering Oahu: A Journey Through Beauty, Flavor, and Adventure

December 8, 2024 Adventure

There’s a unique magic to Oahu that lingers long after you leave its shores. For Dharma and me, our recent one-week vacation to this Hawaiian island was not just a holiday—it was a celebration of family milestones, Thanksgiving, and our first-ever visit to Hawaii. The trip left us utterly captivated by the island’s charm, its vibrant culture, and its breathtaking natural beauty. A Culinary Tour de Force Oahu’s culinary scene was a feast for the senses. Among our standout experiencesRead More

MSU Museum Reveals Monumentum and Launches Bold New Era

October 9, 2024 News

Last Friday, MSU Museum celebrated three significant milestones: the opening of a pop-up gallery at 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing, as the museum’s facility is currently closed for renovations; the debut of the Monumentum exhibition, created by Abel Korinsky of Berlin-based Studio Korinsky as part of the inaugural MSUFCU Arts Power Up residency program; and the launch of Ascent, the MSU Museum’s $28 million capital campaign aimed at reimagining the museum’s galleries with an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. The eveningRead More

Shaping the Future: National Youth Summit on Elections & Politics

September 27, 2024 News

The Michigan State University Museum was proud to collaborate on the 11th Annual Smithsonian National Youth Summit on September 20, 2024, focusing on “Elections & Politics.” As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian, we had the incredible opportunity to bring young adults together to discuss the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Engaging young adults in voting and civic life is critical for a vibrant democracy. Events like this help empower the next generation to understand the importance ofRead More

Addressing Partisan Tensions in Museums: Continuing the Conversation

September 20, 2024 News

I am pleased to share a follow-up to last year’s inaugural Future of Museums Summit, where we hosted a panel discussion on Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums. The session received exceptionally positive feedback, demonstrating the relevance and importance of these issues within our field. While we were unable to address all of the thoughtful questions posed during the event, Christy Coleman and I have provided written responses to some of the most pressing inquiries in a recent blog post publishedRead More

MSU Museum: A Year of Innovation, Community, and Inclusive Growth

September 13, 2024 News

I’m happy to share the Michigan State University Museum’s Annual Report for the 2023-2024 academic year, showcasing a year filled with innovation, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to both our campus and broader communities. Our commitment to advancing student and faculty success, research, and community engagement remains stronger than ever. Empowering Learning through Experience At MSU Museum, we take pride in being a catalyst for creativity and learning. As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and an accredited member ofRead More

Montreal: A Journey Through Culture, Cuisine, and History

July 13, 2024 Adventure

Montreal, a vibrant hub of Quebec’s cultural scene, welcomed us after our four-day adventure pedaling the P’tit Train du Nord across Quebec’s Laurentian region, from Mont-Laurier to Saint-Jérôme. Here’s an overview of some of the sites and activities from our trip. Day One:Upon arriving in Montreal, we spent a couple of hours exploring the Little Italy and Mile End neighborhoods. We visited places such as Marché Jean-Talon, the Drawn & Quarterly bookshop, and the original St. Viateur Bagel store. MarchéRead More

Cycling Adventure on the P’tit Train du Nord

July 5, 2024 Adventure

Recently, Dharma and I embarked on a four-day cycling adventure along the P’tit Train du Nord, a picturesque rail trail that winds through the heart of Quebec’s Laurentian region. This 200-kilometer (124-mile) trail, once a railway, has been transformed into a cyclist’s paradise, offering breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and unique accommodations. Over the course of four days, we experienced the best that this trail has to offer, from tranquil forest paths to vibrant town centers. Here’s an account of ourRead More

Museums Navigating Partisan Divides at the CAJM Conference

May 22, 2024 News

I was privileged to moderate a plenary discussion titled “Museums Navigating Partisan Divides” at the recent Council of American Jewish Museums’ annual conference, themed “Museums and Democracy: Elevating Civic Engagement.” This dialogue brought together distinguished leaders, including Jorge Zamanillo, the Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino; Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America; and Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Executive Director of the Association of African American Museums. Navigating partisan divides is a critical, yet challenging issueRead More

Insights on University Museum Renovations: Featured in The New York Times

April 29, 2024 News

I’m excited to share a recent feature in The New York Times, where I had the honor of discussing the evolving role of university museums in today’s educational landscape. — “Upgraded Museums Add New Value to College Campuses: Educational institutions across the United States are spending more money to renovate museums and make them a more integral part of learning.“