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The Michigan Difference Campaign—A Rousing Success!

The Michigan Difference Campaign wrapped up on December 31, 2008, having raised $3.13 billion. More than 10,000 donors generously contributed $47.8 million to the Rackham Graduate School since the Campaign launched in July 2000. To those individuals, foundations, and corporations whose support has made a critical difference in the lives of our students—thank you!

Through their studies and experiences, Rackham students prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow and to fulfill the promise of science, the arts, and technology. Regardless of the path our students choose, the future needs their discoveries, their intellectual curiosity, their skills, and ultimately, their leadership.

Wherever Rackham students may be—whether studying in the stacks of the Graduate Library, facilitating an important discussion as a graduate student instructor, conducting field research—they are making a more significant difference in the world because our donors have made a difference in their lives.

President’s Challenge for Graduate Student Support

In September 2007 U-M President Mary Sue Coleman launched a challenge match to raise funds for graduate and professional student support across campus. More than 3,000 Rackham donors responded generously with gifts that will assist our students in their research endeavors. Special thanks go to the Mellon Foundation for their $4.5 million grant to support doctoral students in the humanities. Other major donors to the President’s Challenge were Jean Forrest, Ernest and Martha Hammel, Marsha Holmes, Tim Keilty, Marcy Maguire, Vivian Sangunett, and Robert Schwartz and Debbee Klein.

Thanks to the Rackham Dean’s Advisory Board

The volunteers on the Rackham Dean’s Advisory Board provided the counsel, creativity, and support necessary to make the Graduate School’s fundraising campaign a success. The RDAB members served with energy and enthusiasm, and we remain grateful for their efforts:

  • Dr. Gerald A. Anderson; Carlsbad, CA
  • Dr. Caren J. Deming; Tucson, AZ
  • Dr. Andrew G. De Rocco; Hartford, CT
  • Mr. Robert S. Grossman; Philadelphia, PA
  • Dr. Alfredo D. Gutierrez; Coconut Grove, FL
  • Ms. Cheryl Hurley; New York, NY
  • Dr. Joan B. Kessler; Los Angeles, CA
  • Ms. Marcy H. Maguire; Princeton, NJ
  • Dr. Cathleen May; Amarillo, TX
  • Ms. Vivian Fell Sangunett; Ann Arbor, MI
  • Ms. Karen Sikkema Van Weelden; Los Angeles, CA
  • Dr. Sean X. Zhang; Beijing, China

Make Your Gift Today

Contact Us

Please let us know how you would like to make the difference for a graduate student at the University of Michigan. Please contact us and we will be happy to answer questions and provide further information.