After six and a half years at Michigan Today, this will be my last issue as editor. I’m moving on to another position at the university (with the Development office), and I’m excited about the new challenge, but the change is bittersweet. I love this magazine, and it’s been wonderful to be able to talk in depth with so many people across the university community: faculty who are performing jaw-dropping research and changing lives in the classroom; dazzlingly gifted students who really will change the world; talented colleagues who work incredibly hard for this school. And I’ve flat-out loved being able to chat and email every day with alumni. My work has confirmed what I knew when I arrived here, and what all alums know: this university is an incredible place. I’m an alum myself, and a winding career brought me in 2005 to Michigan Today—a magazine with a heritage going back to 1968. (The second issue mentions anti-war protests and the hiring of a new football coach named Glenn Schembechler.) I replaced John Woodford, a campus legend who was retiring after 20 years. While that was daunting, even more intimidating—and exciting—was the chance to prospect for stories across the entire global breadth of the U-M community. The privilege to hear these stories! The opportunity to write them! For a writer, every day here is a feast of tales to learn and tell.
My favorite stories
A few of those stories have been life-changing. For my first issue, in spring 2006, I interviewed dozens of scientists across the university to get the latest findings on climate change, thinking I’d write a story about where the scientific debate over global warming stood. I was shocked to find, even then, that among the scientists, there simply was no debate. It was stunning to hear one after another after another of some of the world’s top climatologists, paleontologists, meteorologists, botanists, biologists, space scientists, engineers and even business experts say they had no question that global warming was already upon us, and that humans caused it.
Just as powerful was the time I spent with alum Emanuel Tanay, a forensic psychologist and one of the last generation of Holocaust survivors. A Polish Jew, he survived the War on wit and luck, eventually made his way to U-M, and is now an author and expert on the psychology of mass murderers.
Geri Allen
Another highlight was the chance to interview the great jazz pianist Geri Allen, a phenomenal teacher and a professor at the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, and one of my own favorite musicians. Seeing her work with students—and watching them thrive under her—was inspiring in its own right, but also reminded me of the teachers and mentors I had as a student.
Michigan Today’s Top Ten
The stories above were my favorite to write, but from the beginning Michigan Today has attracted outstanding reporters who are a pleasure to edit and read. Here in no particular order are the stories I’ve been most happy about publishing:
JFK at the Union by James Tobin (Jan 2008). This article, by our wonderful U-M Heritage writer, wasn’t just a great story about John F. Kennedy’s 1960 visit to Ann Arbor (where he proposed the idea that became the Peace Corps), it showed us the power of the new online format to bring readers into the conversation. Dozens of alumni shared their stories about that night, and their love for the university shone through all of them.
The Doors perform in the IM Building, 1967.
The Doors’ disaster at Michigan by Alan Glenn (Nov, 2010.) With an online publication, you can track which stories are most popular. When we first started doing so, we were surprised to find that articles about bad behavior tended to get a lot of readers. We’ve posted a few of those stories, but there was no worse behavior than Jim Morrison’s drunken debacle at a homecoming concert in 1967.
What I learned from Bo by John U. Bacon (May, 2009). Not long after Bacon wrote “Bo’s Lasting Lessons” with coach Schembechler, he won the Golden Apple Award, given by students to outstanding U-M teachers. In his acceptance speech, excerpted here on video, Bacon shared some of the lessons he learned from Bo—and offered up his spot-on impersonation of the man.
A different Diag? by James Tobin (Oct. 2009). The fascinating story of where U-M might have been located.
Great Lakes: “Amazing Change” by Jim Erickson (July 2009). The challenges to the Great Lakes are legion, but one of the worst is a tiny invasive mollusk called a quagga mussel, which threatens the lakes’ ecosystem and the fisheries that depend on it. This piece by U-M News Service writer Jim Erickson is a case study in outstanding science writing.
“We’ve all been taught this doesn’t happen” by Nicole Casal Moore (April 2011). This story was one of MToday’s most popular of all time, a truly mind-blowing story about the magnetic properties of light(!) and how U-M researchers discovered that 50 years of physics was wrong. As a bonus, the discovery makes possible some leaps forward in solar technology.
Last words by Richard Bailey (Apr. 2011). Richard Bailey was brilliant, opinionated and astringent. He wrote Michigan Today’s language column, Talking About Words, from 2003 until his death last spring. Prolific to the end, he was the anti-pedant, refusing to police people’s grammar but instead celebrating language as it’s found. This was his final essay, a short exploration of Famous Last Words. Typically unsentimental, it still breaks my heart.
Watching movies: A few tips by Frank Beaver (Mar. 2010). Longtime Michigan Today movie maven Frank Beaver offered up a mini-film class in this column, which offered insights into the ways films get made and how an educated viewer can get more out of watching them.
Paul is dead, said Fred by Alan Glenn (Nov. 2009). The bizarre, hilarious tale of how an impish writer for the Michigan Daily heard a vague rumor that Paul McCartney had died, invented a score of crazy “proofs” that it was true, and created an international hysteria that had kids listening to their Beatles records backwards and searching for clues in album-cover art.
Philip Gingerich with one of his finds.
Whales of the desert by Nancy Ross-Flanigan (June 2011). More great science writing, this time about the evolution of whales from dog-like land animals to ocean-going behemoths. It’s also the fascinating story of a decades-long, global detective search by U-M archaeologist Philip Gingrich, and a glimpse at the way science works in the real world.
And an extra: Photos of the month archive. One of my favorite regular features is our monthly collection of campus pictures. I couldn’t choose any single slideshow, so here’s a place you can browse the award-winning work of the U-M Photo Services photographers.
So that’s it for me. It’s been a pleasure and honor to steward Michigan Today the past six years, and I’m excited to see where the next editor takes it in the future. To those of you who have emailed or called or commented on articles, whether it’s with praise or anecdotes or criticism: thank you! You make this university great, and you’ve brought vitality, insight, and fun to Michigan Today. Go Blue!
Eric Grant - 1985 (BSEE)
Congrats on a job well done. I live an ocean away from UM now but always enjoy reading the MT stories that arrive by email. Thank you. I look forward to more from your successor.
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Lewis (Bill) Dickens - 1964
Your grace and elegance, John, have shown through to create an ultra-magnificent magazine that does Michigan very proud.
And I am saddened.
So if you are in the development Office, make sure that the U gets no more 3rd rate architecture. The Art Museum showed how to do it.
Bill
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Judy Birk - 1983
Best wishes in your new role and thank you for your work on this wonderful publication.
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Elizabeth LaPorte - 1981
I wish you the best of luck in the new position. I have enjoyed the photos, writing and focus of the Michigan Today with your leadership. Hopefully, the next editor will be of the same high caliber.
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Char Coquillard - 58, 60, 64
Great work John, I’ve enjoyed so many of the articles & appreciate the high level Journalism.
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Nan Perez - 2005, 2006
John, yours is the only name I’ve ever known to come to my inbox since my graduation in 2005, and I truly appreciate your dedication. I have loved Michigan Today for updates on current research, gorgeous photos of campus, and the rich historical narratives of campus events gone by. Best wishes in your future endeavors!
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Jens Zorn - faculty (since 1962)
John: As others have already remarked, Michigan Today under your guidance has enabled students, faculty, staff and alumni to understand the many facets of our wonderful University. Your balanced, imaginative editorship has been a worthy continuation of the John Woodford tradition. Our good wishes for the future extend not only to you but also to the publication you led so well.
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Rainey Lamey - \'85, JD \'90, MS \'90
Thank you so much for your efforts and excellence in what you do, Mr. Lofy. I love the information and M pick-me-ups I receive in reading the great stories and poring over the great pictures in MT. Lucky for us you\’re staying with the U. Best wishes in your new position!
Rainey
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Joseph Dowling - 1975
John, all the best to you and thanks for putting together a fine collection of articles. I enjoyed so many articles.
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Francisco Martinez - 2006
John,
Thank you very much for keeping us updated with the amazing stories happening at the University of Michigan and for reviving some of the old stories that predate my time at the U of M.
Thanks for keeping me as a proud Michigan alumnus.
Well done and congratulations!
Best wishes!
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Len Lillard - 1978, 1987
You have done a tremendous job with Michigan Today. I have enjoyed reading the wide variety of very interesting articles provided by the magazine.
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Lynn Swanson - 1976
Development is LUCKY to be welcoming you as we bow to your shining exit. Perhaps you will contribute an article in the future about your new work? (\”Inside the Greenstuff\”)….
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Susan Lederman - 1958
We will miss you, John Lofy! I am glad that you will remain at U of M. The reprise of your ten “best” stories allowed me to read some wonderful articles that I had not seen before (crush of work?) – thanks!
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John Biltgen - 1969
Great job, John. Thanks for the memories. I don’t even remember the Jim Morrison and Doors incident in 1967, must have been studying at the UGLI. Warm wishes.
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Deborah Gordon - 1972
Of all the stuff that appears in my inbox, Michigan Today is one I never fail to open. And it never disappoints. I always find something fascinating, and one or two things to send along to my daughters (’10 and ’13). The entire publication is first rate. You will be missed! Best to you and thanks.
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Katharine White - 2010
Good Luck John!
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Chris Campbell
It’s always a happy moment when Michigan Today shows up in my e-mail because I know I’ll be elevated in some way by what I read. Good work, and thank you. My favorite article, the one I knew by name, is “Professor White’s Trees” (April 15, 2008).
Thanks so much! You can get to that story (I agree, a great one) here: michigantoday.umichsites.org/2008/04/trees.php –Editor
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Cheri Govier - 1999
I always enjoy reading Michigan Today. Thank you so much for your contributions and good luck to you on your new endeavors.
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Stephen P. Mayka - 1968
Well done lad. It seems but yesterday we bid you Hail & too soon to bid you a Victors farewell. Over your term you brought smiles to Mayka contingent of Alumni (MD – 44, LSA – 68 & 98) & wonder our would be Wolverines (anticipated class of 2016 & 20). We can think of no greater achievement than the desire you have helped us kindle in our sons to join the leaders & the best. You have already succeeded in developing what we hope will be another generation to contribute to the achievements of the Maize & Blue.
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Sandy Kendall - 1983
Dear Mr. Lofy,
Just want to add my thanks to those above… this is one of the few e-newsletters I do regularly open and click on thru…. You and your team deserve congratulations: The transition from paper to online was done really wonderfully. I’m in a similar line of work, although at a small liberal arts college, and take some inspiration from U-M’s creative endeavors. Best of luck with all that’s next.
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Tom Patterson - 1960
John,
Thank you for your engaging efforts. Good luck in the new assignment and I hope to meet you in your development activities. This issue’s history of the UM zoo failed to capture the rapture (?) created by the odor of the place.
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Earnest Thompson - 1977
You did well and I join those above in thanking our for your efforts and skill. All the best in your new position.
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Betty Anne Stone - 1954
I have enjoyed MT and especially your “take” and style in all of the editions of MT, John Lofy. Continue on with much good luck and the best wishes of your readers in your new position.
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Laura Sparrow
Reading MT has been such a pleasure in your tenure—and writing for it, under your patient guidance, was a revelation. We learned things about our trip down the Mississippi River that neither of us had ever consciously identified. I suspect that everyone who has written with and for you has had the same remarkable experience. The very best of luck over with the folks in Development!
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