Dear Friends,

As a great public research university, the University of Michigan embraces our responsibility to focus our academic strength on the challenges and opportunities that face the public we serve. For an institution with more than 200 years of driving growth and opportunity in our state, there is no place we’ve been doing this longer than in our birthplace of Detroit.

Today, we are proud to announce that U-M will add to and enhance our legacy of service by accepting Mayor Mike Duggan’s invitation to partner on the Detroit Center for Innovation to be built in downtown Detroit. The center will make our work in Detroit even more comprehensive, aligned to our mission, and responsive to local needs.

The Detroit Center for Innovation will further the economic development of the city and region. U-M’s role as the center’s anchor is to provide a pipeline of talent and platform for research collaboration to help grow and attract businesses and entrepreneurs to Detroit, while positioning the future workforce for success in a dynamic and diversified economy.

Another great project that can benefit all Michiganders is a new adult hospital that will give more people access to world-class health care. The 12-story hospital to be built on our medical campus in Ann Arbor will include state-of-the-art technology and bring many important specialties together to help us better care for patients with complex needs.

We’re projecting an economic benefit, too, as we estimate 370 on-site construction jobs and 1,600 new full-time jobs once the hospital opens.

Earlier this month during my annual Leadership Breakfast, I shared additional highlights and announcements that show how U-M is confronting the challenges of its third century through transformative innovation and a deep commitment to solving problems.

New endeavors include a comprehensive arts initiative at the University of Michigan, a Firearm Injury Prevention Research Initiative to study the problem of injuries caused by guns from a public health perspective, and a new investment in our Center for Academic Innovation.

Everything we do at U-M is made possible by the support and partnership of friends throughout our great state. You help us make Michigan ever more impactful, and as always, I thank you for your engagement with our university.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Schlissel
President