University of Michigan-Flint Launches $40 Million Fundraising Campaign

The University of Michigan-Flint today (Monday, Oct. 12) announced its Victors for Michigan campaign. The goal set for the campaign is $40 million—funding that will be invested in three priority areas:

Priority 1: Extraordinary Student Support to expand opportunities for students and provide a robust student-life experience

• Scholarships, both need- and merit-based
• Internships and study abroad opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students
• Expanded recreational facilities; robust student life on campus; and more living and learning opportunities at UM-Flint

Priority 2: Engaged Learning to apply a UM-Flint education to the real world

• Hands-on learning opportunities and undergraduate and graduate research experiences where students apply their classroom education in real-life environments
• Faculty support: Endowed faculty positions allow UM-Flint to integrate discovery and education, providing the resources for groundbreaking research as well as enhanced student experiences in the classroom and laboratories

Priority 3. Big, Bold Ideas to enhance our University and our community

• Urban Community Research Center: The proposed center is a multidisciplinary applied research center focused on the needs, problems, and solutions that arise in urban areas with a special focus on Genesee County. The center would focus on high quality research regarding urban change and social problems, providing faculty expertise to our region's community-based organizations, governments, and other entities, and creating opportunities for students to receive training through involvement in applied research projects.

• Frances Willson Thompson Library: a technology-enriched academic learning commons model while preserving the finishes and character of one of our campus' most iconic buildings.

"The Victors for Michigan campaign is about making an investment in our university, in our students, and in our community," said Chancellor Susan E. Borrego, who noted half of the campaign is dedicated to student support. "Together, we can—and together we will—make a difference. "

Although Monday marks the official launch of the $40 million campaign, donors already have stepped forward to commit nearly $17 million to the University of Michigan-Flint's Victors for Michigan campaign.

The University of Michigan-Flint campaign is focusing on the unique needs and strengths of its campus. It is part of an overall campaign operating throughout the University of Michigan system first announced in May 2013 with a combined goal of $4 billion.

A 24-member Volunteer Campaign Committee will help lead the Victors for Michigan-Flint campaign in its $40 million goal. Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman and Regent Emerita Olivia Maynard and Olaf Karlstrom are serving as the co-chairs for the team, which includes a diverse group of alumni and community leaders.

The Victors for Michigan campaign was announced at the Flint Farmers' Market. The emcee for the evening was David Luke Custer of WNEM, a Goodrich native and University of Michigan-Flint graduate.