Office of the President

2019 Winter Commencement

In his address, President Schlissel emphasizes the importance of U-M’s global excellence and discusses the pioneering vision of U.S. Sen. William Fulbright: “To be a great university, we must be global — and we are. Class of 2019, it’s now your responsibility to exert your influence to bring enlightenment to all of our communities – here and all around the globe.”
2019 Wallenberg Medalist Safa Al Ahmad

President Schlissel presents this year's Wallenberg Medal to journalist and filmmaker Safa Al Ahmad, who has risked her life reporting on conflicts in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The medal honors the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, a U-M graduate credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands of Jews during World War II.
The Detroit Center for Innovation

U-M’s latest engagement with Detroit and its people will further the economic development of the city and region. The university will provide advanced educational programs tailored to the current and future needs of the local economy and a platform for research collaboration to help grow and attract businesses and entrepreneurs.
President’s Leadership Breakfast

At his annual Leadership Breakfast, President Mark Schlissel announced a campus-wide arts initiative, a firearm injury prevention research initiative, a Center for Academic Innovation, and a donor-supported fund to promote research toward carbon neutrality.
New Student Convocation

President Schlissel joined university leaders in welcoming the Class of 2023 to U-M. During his Convocation address, he told thousands of new students: "When you combine discovery with ambition, anything is possible. There is no more powerful recipe for human progress. Because despite the many disagreements, inequities and problems we face in our society, the need for progress is easy to identify and there for us to grasp."
Spring Commencement

“Your time at Michigan has provided a wonderful proving ground to develop your ability to create change. Where else can you seek solutions among such talented scholars, all pursuing knowledge and understanding to advance a quintessentially public mission? U-M is a place where data and evidence matter, where all voices can be heard, and where talented and hard-working students emerge as leaders and best.”
Unity, learning, reflection and hope

President Schlissel, Vice President for Student Life Royster Harper and current and former members of U-M's Black Student Union join community members to celebrate the opening of the new Trotter Multicultural Center on State Street. The center fosters intercultural engagement for all students and serves as a supportive home and environment to those committed to social justice and diversity.
Commission on Carbon Neutrality

The President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality will recommend how U-M will achieve its goal of carbon neutrality, as well as develop scalable and transferable strategies that can be used by other institutions and larger communities to achieve the same goal. It includes faculty, staff, students and regional partners.
A Transformational Gift

Richard and Susan Rogel have committed $150 million to the University of Michigan cancer center to boost innovative research and develop the next generation of cancer pioneers. The gift is the largest ever to Michigan Medicine and one of the largest in university history. To celebrate the Rogels' committment to U-M, the Board of Regents has approved changing the center's name to the Rogel Cancer Center.
Free Speech Teach-Outs

As part of the university's Speech & Inclusion series, the Office of Academic Innovation is presenting a teach-out series focusing on free speech on college campuses, in journalism and in sports. President Schlissel is participating in the Free Speech on Campus Teach-Out.
Third Century of Public Impact

President Schlissel addresses the Detroit Economic Club to discuss the University of Michigan’s exciting third century of public impact. He says, “A Michigan education doesn’t just prepare you for your first job, but rather for a dynamic career in a rapidly evolving and globalized economy.”