At the end of another memorable year, and nearing the end of the Victors for Michigan Campaign, I am pleased to share an update on the tremendous support of our donors across the university.

RAISING THE BAR

In 2013, we set out to raise $4 billion — the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of public higher education. On October 1, 2018, we surpassed $5 billion — the first public university to achieve that goal in a campaign. It is truly an honor to work with such incredible people who give to their passions and fuel the future of this great university.

Historically, fundraising campaigns drift into a quiet period in their final year. But thanks to Michigan’s loyal donors, support has continued to reverberate throughout the university, allowing for our second most productive year and the highest cash giving total in U-M history — $485 million. The year’s productivity also tipped the scale for many of our schools, colleges and units so that 28 of them have now reached their campaign goals.

Supporting our students remains the central priority of this campaign. I am especially proud that giving this year shattered the $1 billion goal for student support, with $406 million going specifically to students with financial need. Factoring in financial aid, the average cost of attendance is less today than it was 10 years ago for most in-state students. Two out of three undergraduate students receive financial aid support because of this kind of giving. Few universities can match that support.

“In 2013, we set out to raise $4 billion — the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of public higher education. On October 1, 2018, we surpassed $5 billion — the first public university to achieve that goal in a campaign.”

LEADING HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDRAISING

As many U-M donors can attest, fundraising has played an integral part in U-M’s history. In fact, we were the first public university to have a comprehensive fundraising campaign, which launched in the early 1960s. Few other major public institutions have completed more than two major comprehensive campaigns — and we are nearing completion of our fifth.

In some respects, U-M has been ahead of the curve in philanthropy out of necessity. Public funding for higher education in Michigan has been in decline for a number of years. In 1960, 78 percent of our general fund revenue came from state funding, but in the 2019 budget only 15 percent does. Raising support is a key way the university adds value to our high-quality programs.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Each and every gift plays a part in shaping the future of U-M. I would like to share a few ways donors are catalyzing the university’s impact.

This year, Rich and Susan Rogel made a record-breaking commitment of $150 million to the Rogel Cancer Center, named in their honor. This historic gift was the biggest in Michigan Medicine history, making the Rogels the second- largest individual donors to the University of Michigan. The gift will open doors for world-class researchers to work at the center, including a new suite of professorships in cancer research. It will also provide grants for major research projects and give scholarship support to advance the education and training of future medical leaders.

Mike and Sue Jandernoa, Grand Rapids business and community leaders, focused their attention on the current state of education across Michigan. By contributing a total of $4.3 million, the Jandernoas established a need-based scholarship at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, enhanced Gerald R. Ford fellowship opportunities at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and expanded and enriched a TeachingWorks partnership in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As part of U-M’s School of Education, TeachingWorks focuses on elevating the quality of entry-level educators in the classroom. It also affords the potential to increase test scores for elementary students, a critical need that Mike and Sue want to meet in the West Michigan community.

This year also marked an important step for Michigan Medicine’s pediatric research. Through the support of thousands, including a lead gift by U-M Regent Ron Weiser and Eileen Weiser along with vision and support from The ChadTough Foundation, $30 million was raised to establish the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center in memory of young Chad Carr, who lost his life to an incurable brain tumor in 2015.

The center will work to help advance the care, treatment and cure of pediatric brain tumors — a field where many of the standard methodologies have not changed in more than 40 years. With this funding, the Chad Carr Center will be able to better leverage the breadth and depth of expertise across the university, and, by 2021, establish its roots as a national center of excellence for pediatric brain cancer. These efforts are a testament to how collaboration allows the university to accomplish so much more than it could alone.

INTO THE THIRD CENTURY

The Victors for Michigan campaign set out to support the university’s mission to prepare tomorrow’s leaders and address the complex problems facing our world. With only a short time remaining, it is a joy to see the incredible impact of this giving at work, on our three campuses and around the world.

As I approach my final months serving as Vice President for Development, I am continually reminded of the incredible network of support from U-M’s many donors and volunteers. Through bold philanthropy, we can continue to challenge the present and enrich the future.

U-M’s third century is waiting. Let’s be forever valiant in our support of Michigan.

Go Blue and
With Gratitude,

Jerry A. May
Vice President for Development

National Campaign Leadership Board