Message from University Leadership

Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments and looking toward the future

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on the University of Michigan’s remarkable journey, a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence in academics, research, and healthcare.

Our mission, rooted in expanding knowledge and developing the next generation of leaders, continually drives us to serve Michigan and the wider world.

This year, we’ve tackled significant challenges and seized opportunities in areas ranging from climate change to cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and precision medicine. The collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff, and students have amplified our impact and contributed significantly to U-M’s two-century legacy.

More than 66,000 students are actively pursuing their educational goals across our three campuses. The increasing number of students at our Ann Arbor campus means we are now the largest and most sought-after public university in the state. In healthcare, the University of Michigan’s hospitals were named among the nation’s finest in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2023–24 Best Hospitals Honor Roll.

U-M’s research accomplishments this year have been remarkable, highlighted by a record $1.86 billion in expenditures. Our Innovation Partnerships unit has been instrumental in translating research into societal benefits, generating 580 new invention reports, executing 311 commercialization agreements and helping to launch 25 new startups.

Major projects like the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion and the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit are set to expand our reach and impact, enhancing economic development and healthcare innovation. The support from the U-M family has been pivotal in these achievements, ensuring our strong financial foundation and enabling us to serve many.

As we look towards the future, our mission remains our guiding light, inspiring us to reach new heights of excellence and make a meaningful difference in our region and beyond.

Happy holidays, and Go Blue!

President Santa J. Ono

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