The University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Communications started a new storytelling effort in 2018 called “This is Michigan — Stories of Our State.” The series shares how U-M students, faculty, alumni, donors, research and programs are helping to improve the quality of life across the state of Michigan. It features videos, social media posts and news stories. Some examples of the inspiring work featured include:

• An alumnus from the School for Environment and Sustainability, who runs his family’s fishery in Leland, Michigan, is using his education and connections to U-M to help preserve the Great Lakes.
• A professor from the College of Engineering is working with the Michigan Department of Transportation to test a new concrete formula that could save money and last longer on roads.
• The Blavin Scholars Program, started by a U-M donor and alumnus, is helping foster children earn a college degree and realize their dreams. One of the program’s alumna earned a master’s degree in social work and is now helping other foster children in Detroit.
• Students from the Dental School are providing free dental care to children with special needs at a camp in the Upper Peninsula every summer.
• A faculty member from the School of Nursing who is working with Michigan farmers and their families to raise awareness and prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
• Faculty and students from the School of Information are partnering with rural libraries to develop innovative new programming that creatively meets the needs of their communities.

All stories can be viewed at thisismichigan.umich.edu.