President Grasso shares summer message with U-M community

Marking the start of his third month in office, President Domenico Grasso shared a summer message with the University of Michigan community. In the message delivered July 8, Grasso shared that a recent survey of registered voters in the state validated the impact of the University of Michigan, with voters recognizing the benefits U-M delivers, such as exceptional health care, economic impacts and a top-tier education for students. He also noted that, thanks to the Go Blue Guarantee, a UM-Ann Arbor degree is the least expensive among the state’s 15 public four-year institutions for resident undergraduates with family incomes under $75,000 who rely on financial aid for college. “Let’s seize this moment. These are challenging times for many essential institutions in our country, including higher education. There is skepticism and mistrust. While I believe much of it is without substance, I also think we must work harder than ever to show — not just tell — how we make a positive difference,” his message read. Read Grasso’s full message.

UM-Flint chancellor appointed to state Education Trust Board of Directors

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence Alexander to the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors. MET is a prepaid tuition savings program that allows families to pay for future education costs at today’s prices. The board is responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development and implementation. MET directors also serve as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program. “I am honored by this appointment and grateful to Governor Whitmer for the confidence she has placed in me,” Alexander said. “The work of the Michigan Education Trust Board plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education for families across our state. I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on the board as we help shape policies and programs that support Michigan students and their families in achieving their academic and career goals. It’s a privilege to be part of a shared commitment to building a stronger, more equitable future for all Michiganders.” Alexander has been appointed to represent the presidents of state institutions of higher education for a term commencing July 10, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.   

Applications sought for faculty-led education abroad grants

Applications are being accepted for Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program Grants, which are funded by the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning’s Global Engagement Strategic Plan. Launched in 2023, these grant programs aim to encourage the development of new faculty-led education abroad programs at U-M. In the 2025-26 academic year, 10 grants of up to $24,000 each (up to $4,000 to support the faculty leader and up to $20,000 in matching funding to support student participants) will be awarded in two categories: New Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs in Nearby International Locations and New Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs in Less-Traveled Destinations. Applicants must be a faculty or staff member employed on the Ann Arbor campus and must be leading a new education abroad program. The next deadline for submission is Sept. 26. Learn more about the grants and how to apply.

Nominations sought for disability advocates, accessibility leaders

Working toward policy change across key areas like voting rights, housing, health care and labor. Ensuring those with disabilities are not only heard but actively valued. Facilitating access to health care for deaf patients through the medical interpreters program. Designing architectural solutions to improve building access. Creating a youth summer camp where medical care and accessibility are built in. These are a few examples of the work celebrated by the University of Michigan’s James T. Neubacher Award, for which nominations are now being sought. The nominating deadline for the 35th annual award is Aug. 8. Established by the university’s Council for Disability Concerns in October 1990, the award is a memorial to James T. Neubacher, a university alumnus and columnist for the Detroit Free Press who advocated for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The James T. Neubacher Award is presented to a U-M faculty or staff member, student, or alumnus or alumna for significant achievements in empowering people with disabilities; advocating for or advancing disability rights or disability justice; and increasing the accessibility of programs and services to promote disability inclusion. The award is supported by the Office of the President, the U-M Council for Disability Concerns, University Human Resources, and Michigan Medicine. Learn more and make a nomination.

— Compiled by Jeff Bleiler, The University Record