As with most things in life, there is more to the Michigan Union than meets the eye. Its architectural style and embellishments, recently remodeled for a 21st-century community, represent the physical remnant of an early-1900s movement to forge a new ethos for the – ahem — “Michigan Man.”

Experts tend to dismiss the architect behind U-M’s most iconic buildings as ‘generic’ or ‘mediocre.’ They miss the point, says Claire Zimmerman, University of Michigan historian of art and architecture. To Albert Kahn, space was not a material to be sculpted but something to be occupied. Listen in, as she recounts Kahn’s impact on campus.

The Rockettes have flipped the switch at NYC’s iconic Empire State Building, officially lighting up the 2018 holidays. But there would be no switch to flip, if not for a certain U-M alum.

Racing fans: Cue the victory lap for architect Jim Renne, BS ’83/MArch ’86, as he reimagines the iconic birthplace of NASCAR.

The campus landmark that once led to Ferry Field today connects 150 years of athletics to academics, and past to present. Plus: First-known photos of U-M football.