Greetings from the Dean, October 2015

October 22, 2015

Greetings, alumni and friends:

We’re grateful that we benefit every day from having the most engaged alumni body at the University of Michigan.

What do we mean by “engaged”?

Ongoing career connections, for a start. I wager that a significant percentage of alumni reading this message have benefited professionally from connections within our alumni base—and so many of you have also been on the giving side of the equation, providing internships, jobs, and mentoring to students and fellow alumni. (On that note, request a resume book here!)

Our lively Alumni-in-Residence Program is another example of engagement. As of press time, we’ll be hosting an incredible eighteen sessions this fall, where alumni from around the world meet and speak with current graduate and undergraduate students about careers in their fields.

And alumni are often a top source of student recruiting leads. You all work with and know bright, committed people who could move mountains if armed with a degree from the Ford School. Let them know that we’re hosting a weekend graduate information session on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone interested in an MPP.

Here’s another opportunity to engage with and give back to the Ford School—this time in a leadership capacity: run for election to our Alumni Board.

Our outstanding, diverse Alumni Board supports the activities of the Ford School by leading alumni networking activities, supporting our career and recruiting efforts, and championing our development initiatives.

Self-nominations are being accepted through midnight on November 3rd. Read more here.

Finally, please save the date for the 2nd annual Giving Blueday, set for December 1, 2015. We’ll announce a number of University of Michigan matches that will amplify your generous support for educational opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.

There’s plenty of good news these days at the Ford School, and we’ve included some highlights in this edition of ‘the Ford School feed.’ The dynamic Sue Dynarski was recognized with the top NASPAA public service award and by Governor Rick Snyder. Barry Rabe’s latest poll finds that a majority of Republicans now believe in global warming. Outstanding new books are available from James House and Luke Shaefer. And much more.

My best wishes for a productive and happy fall season.

Go Blue!

Susan M. Collins
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy

View the entire October 2015 edition of "The Ford School Feed"