Michigan Impact

Message from University Leadership

Building a bright future for Michigan

Dear Alumni and Friends,President Santa J. Ono standing headshot with arms crossed

I recently had the opportunity to share an update on the future of the University of Michigan during my 2023 State of the University address. I’m proud to say that the future is bright. Shaped by shared aspirations and commitments, we are building a future that reflects our enduring values of excellence, integrity, and innovation. You can watch the entire address here, which includes updates from our three executive vice presidents.

Our journey ahead includes work at the forefront of environmental stewardship. U-M is dedicated to procuring 100% of our purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and eliminating campus greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. These goals are not just milestones but represent our resolve to be a leader in sustainable practices and education, setting a standard for universities globally.

The continued development of the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion, set to open in 2025, is a landmark in our quest to provide world-class patient care. And in Detroit, we will break ground soon on the U-M Center for Innovation, a research, education and entrepreneurship center that will drive economic development and job creation in the region.

As our student body grows, now exceeding 52,000, our commitment to diversity and accessibility remains at the heart of our mission. Our fall class consists of more first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds, as well as a greater number of students of color. More than half of our class hails from the State of Michigan, with nearly every county represented. Those students are joining a university that is even better prepared, and even more committed, to fostering the best possible environment for their education.

Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism and pride. Together, we are not only shaping the future of the University of Michigan but also making an indelible impact on the world. Your continued support and engagement are vital to our success, and I am grateful for your commitment to our shared vision.

With warm regards
President Santa J. Ono

U-M will grow workforce with statewide semiconductor training
The new program will include a series of hands-on, publicly available short courses in U-M’s advanced labs as a part of a $3.6M initiative led by MEDC.

Huda Akil, U-M neuroscientist, wins National Medal of Science
Huda Akil was awarded the nation’s highest scientific honor at a White House ceremony for her contributions to the understanding of depression, anxiety, addiction and more.

Researchers examine mistreatment of Michigan farmworkers
The Michigan Farmworker Project’s study, led by U-M School of Public Health researchers, reports a range of unsafe and unhealthy workplace and living conditions of farmworkers in Michigan crop fields.

U-M SEAS students transform vacant land in Detroit
U-M School for Environment and Sustainability Assistant Professor Lisa DuRussel, students and community collaborators empower Detroit residents to reimagine the future uses of vacant land.

UM-Dearborn grads make difference in Detroit community
Four UM-Dearborn alumni are making a positive impact working at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives in Detroit’s Springwells neighborhood.

UM-Flint to host labor discussion with former U.S. rep, NYT columnist
Former Rep. Andy Levin and New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie will discuss democracy, labor and the future of work in a moderated conversation at UM-Flint.

Engineering bright futures
University of Michigan alum and renowned video game engineer Leon Pryor (BS EE 1997) co-founded The Motor City Alliance, a 501(c)(3) that works with over 70 Metro Detroit elementary and middle school teams annually to help them compete and win national robotics competitions.

Michigan in the News

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