In her annual fall address, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman unveiled the Third Century Initiative, a bold plan to use $50 million in existing funds during the next five years to develop innovative, multidisciplinary teaching and scholarship approaches to such topics as climate change, poverty and malnutrition, energy storage, affordable health care and social justice challenges. It will encompass teaching, research and service efforts.

Mixed news for Michigan’s economy; a groundbreaking alum keeps on trucking; football player Craig Roh fights through trouble; how U-M radio guys made NPR possible; a word about failure from Groupon’s Brad Keywell; U-M’s Al-Hashimi named one of the “Brilliant 10”; and not one but two bolts of lightning.

The inspiring story of an unlikely friendship between an American anthropologist and a Mexican artist who rediscovered an ancient way to make pottery. University of Michigan graduate Scott Petersen’s remarkable documentary describes how the men and the art saved a whole town from extinction.

The Spectrum Center, which serves and advocates for students of various sexual orientations, was the first of its kind on any American campus. This fall it is celebrating its 40th anniversary. How times have changed.

How do you create a ‘culture of college’ in disadvantaged high schools?

Banks that received federal bailout money ended up approving riskier loans and shifting capital toward risky investments after getting government help, say U-M researchers. Further, these banks were no more likely to issue loans, overall, than non-TARP banks, in contrast to the declared objective of the federal program to increase lending.

President Coleman announced new goals and new funding for sustainability both on campus and in U-M research, including a cut in carbon emissions of 25%, a 40% reduction of waste sent to landfills and new stormwater controls to protect the Huron River.

Related: First geothermal facility opening on campus

When the new golf practice facility opens its doors this fall, it will be the first geothermal facility at the University of Michigan, using the earth’s natural energy to heat and cool the space.

The university could inject up to $25 million during the next decade into select venture-funded U-M startups—new companies built around inventions born in faculty members’ labs.