Dear Friends,

The University of Michigan’s strong partnerships throughout the state are a vital component of our mission to serve the people of Michigan. Top research and educational programs that produce a positive impact on society are the defining characteristics of our university.

For 60 years, UM-Flint has embraced our mission to serve the people of Michigan, and the campus has been an important partner with the Flint community during the city’s water crisis. Earlier this week, the UM-Flint Geographical Information Systems Center provided data indicating the locations of all known lead water pipes to the city. The research was led by UM-Flint Professor Marty Kaufman, chair of the campus’ Earth and Resource Science Department.

The U-M School of Public Health’s partnerships in Flint go back more than 20 years. The strength of the school’s relationships is helping during the crisis, as faculty, students and staff are working with community organizations and agencies, as well as UM-Flint, to focus on public health, advance and disseminate the science behind the issues, and provide education, training, expertise and perspective.

More of U-M’s work with community partners in Flint is detailed in this edition of Michigan Impact.

UM-Flint’s considerable efforts to ensure campus safety began more than a year ago, and because of their actions, drinking water on the campus is safe, filtered and tested. Led by UM-Flint Chancellor Susan E. Borrego, the campus has installed water filters for all drinking water, distributed filters for home use to students and community members, and continues to test drinking water and post the results.

One of U-M’s top ongoing economic partnerships is the University Research Corridor. With a $17.5 billion net annual impact on the state economy, the URC is an alliance that demonstrates the intellectual and innovative potential of Michigan’s public research universities. The URC’s latest economic impact report shows that every region in our state benefits from economic activity generated by the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.

The URC’s impact ranked second among the nation’s top university innovation clusters. We are ahead of the well-known research centers in Northern California, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Texas. Our number of enrolled students, total graduates produced, and medical degrees awarded each rank first in the nation.

This edition of Michigan Impact further highlights the work we do in Detroit, including the first graduates from an architecture prep program for talented high school students offered by our Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.

We cherish our partnership with all communities in Michigan. I thank you for your support of the University of Michigan’s three campuses.

Sincerely,

Mark Schlissel
President