Thank you, Gabriella, for that warm introduction and for your steady leadership of UM-Dearborn. I’m delighted that you are our seventh chancellor.
I’m equally delighted to join in honoring Dearborn’s fifth chancellor, Dan Little.
For 18 years, Dan served UM-Dearborn with distinction and integrity. Those are the qualities we consider when determining whether to name a university building. With Dan, there was no debate. He has always embodied the best of UM-Dearborn and the University of Michigan overall.
Dan’s leadership was the longest tenure of any chancellor in this university’s history. To serve as a university leader for nearly two decades is extraordinary. As the chancellor who succeeded him, I can share that it can be a little daunting to follow someone who made such a difference over the years.
But Dan’s service made my transition to the chancellor’s position smooth.
He left the campus on very solid footing. In particular, he emphasized the importance – and value – of community engagement, transforming UM-Dearborn’s presence in southeast Michigan. And he committed the university to building a more inclusive campus, as reflected in today’s student body.
We often say UM-Dearborn is a campus of opportunity. We are here to help students achieve their dreams, transform their lives, and shape our broader community.
Blenda Wilson helped make this possible, and we’re grateful for her impact.
Gabriella has long been a champion of opportunity.
And Dan has been essential to this mission of welcoming students and helping them to cross the finish line.
He led the university into the 21st century and positioned it for prominence and impact.
Placing his name on the university’s administration building is not only our way of honoring his legacy but also a challenge to future leaders to serve at an equally extraordinary level.
Dan, thank you and congratulations.
Go Blue and Go Dearborn!
