Michigan Today

U-M leaders hail Mary Sue Coleman’s service at LSI building dedication

President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman speaks from the podium

Mary Sue Coleman broke ground as U-M’s first woman president. She marked another milestone Sept. 9 as the University named its first academic building on the Ann Arbor campus after a woman.

Campus Life

Wallenberg Fellowship celebrates a decade of making a difference

In its 10 years of existence, the Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship at U-M has become one of the most prestigious self-designed, independent study-abroad projects for students.
- Campus Life
- Education & Society
Thurnau Professor behind weather data tools wins U-M innovation award

Perry Samson, professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, has pioneered a series of learning and weather-related tools and technologies, and has launched companies around them that serve millions.
First-responder robots could team with wildfire fighters

A three-year project funded by a $1 million grant aims to equip bipedal walking robots with the technology to trek in areas that are too dangerous for humans, including collapsed buildings and other disaster areas.
Joe Levickas exhibits impactful art on a small scale

When the pandemic shut down his options for curating art, this painter created a “micro” exhibition space in front of his home. The Creal Microgallery debuted in June, complete with interior lights so visitors could enjoy it in the evening as well.
- Arts & Culture
Alum Howard Bragman creates million-dollar ‘coming out’ fund

The $1 million bequest will fund emergency financial assistance to students through the Spectrum Center, including help for mental and physical health services, short- and long-term, housing, transportation, and tuition.
- Campus Life
First-year medical student wins gold at Paralympics

Sam Grewe recently won his first gold medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo. He competed in the men’s T63 high jump shortly after starting his path forward as an aspiring physician.
- Athletics

Columns

President's Message
Let’s take care of maize and blue

Thanks to COVID-19’s Delta variant, U-M campuses are requiring masks inside University buildings and transportation.
Editor's Blog
There is a season

Pete Seeger's nod to the Bible's book of Ecclesiastes resonates as the vaxxed and masked return to campus.
Climate Blue
Sweet emotion

Ricky Rood ponders the emotions of a changing climate.

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In the news

We’re getting the band back together!

It’s that glorious time of year when a cruise past Elbel Field delivers the ultimate Wolverine playlist. Yes, it’s true. The Michigan Marching Band has taken the field once again. Enjoy these images, provided by Isabel Jasperse, digital communications manager for the MMB.

Case closed

After a year in virtual purgatory, members of the Michigan Marching Band have put Zoom behind them for the moment. The only thing better than seeing their gear strewn across the grass is hearing that metronome as John Pasquale puts them through their paces. Pasquale is director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands.
Groovin’ on Hoover

The history of the Michigan Marching Band began in the fall of 1896 when 17-year-old Harry dePont of Ann Arbor invited all musicians on campus to attend a meeting for the purpose of organizing a band for the University. In fall 2021, the streets are alive — Hoover Street at least — with the rhythmic stylings of the MMB’s talented drummers.
So happy together

The MMB technically is a performing arts course offered within the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The band comprises 400 members from all levels and majors.
Baaaaaaand, pay attention!

Carl Grapentine (with his back to the camera) has been “The Voice of the Michigan Band” since 1970 when he was appointed to the post by Dr. William D. Revelli. An alumnus of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Grapentine visited MMB practice in August to inspire the 2021 lineup. He played oboe in the Symphony Band and Symphony Orchestra, and was baritone soloist with the Men’s Glee Club during his student years.
Revelli Hall

Outdoor rehearsals are open to the public at Elbel Field, located at the corner of South Division and Hill St., Monday-Thursday from 4:45-6:15 pm. Here, members of the drum section sneak in a little practice outside Revelli Hall.
Can we play?

During home games, every student in the MMB performs during the game day rehearsal, parade to the stadium, performance in the stands, and postgame performance. Then, 235 students perform during pregame and 276 students perform during halftime. All students perform during the annual Homecoming halftime show. Which of the kids in this crew will be joining them one day?
Stylin’

The U-M Band gave its first public performance in 1897 at old University Hall for the Law School’s annual observance of Washington’s birthday. The first appearance on a football field was in the fall of 1898. The first appearance of these socks came in 2021.
Teamwork makes the dream work

Michigan’s Swimming and Diving Coach Mike Bottom attended a recent MMB practice in Michigan Stadium. He’s pictured here with the band’s director, John Pasquale, after inspiring the musicians with a pep talk about teamwork.
Wave it high

The MMB’s flag section describes itself as a tight-knit family of people who thrive on positive energy. Four rank leaders and one section leader make up the student leaders of the flag section.
The beat goes on

An aspiring member of the drumline visualizes his future from the sidewalk near Elbel Field. There are 38 members in the drumline today.
Camaraderie is key

After a recent Saturday rehearsal, generous donor Gail Stout provided members of the MMB with snow cones in honor of her husband, John. John’s last wish was to have an ice cream truck interrupt rehearsal because “it’s always time for fun!” True that.