December 2025
Earlier this week, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause for violating University policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
When the findings of a University investigation into Coach Moore’s behavior were presented on Dec. 10, we immediately terminated his employment.
There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None.
I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right.
This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation. Yet our swift and decisive action reflects the University’s staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity, and accountability. All of the facts here must be known, so the University’s investigation will continue. I encourage anyone with information about this matter to confidentially contact UMconcerns@jenner.com.
Our community has worked diligently in recent years to strengthen a safe and respectful environment for all. We must remain steadfast with those efforts.
Each of us shares an obligation to uphold our values. If you become aware of any violation of U-M policies, I strongly encourage you to report it through the University’s compliance hotline.
I have tremendous faith in the University of Michigan and the principled work our faculty, staff, and students carry out every day. Together, we will move forward with integrity and excellence, and reaffirm our dedication to serving the public good.
Final State of the University presentation
My time as University of Michigan president is finite. But the University of Michigan endures. Our legacy of impact and service is not defined by individuals, but by the long and devoted line of staff, students, and faculty who advance humanity through their intellect, passion, and skills.
I’m grateful to the Board of Regents for entrusting me with leading our great University. It has caused me to reflect on a Michigan president I’ve long admired: James Angell.
Angell and I both came from the University of Vermont to U-M. My wife, Susan, and I now live in the same home he once occupied.
His residency there was the longest of any U-M president. Ours will be among the shortest. Yet we love living at the heart of campus.
When Angell accepted the U-M presidency, he privately worried the job would be too overwhelming. I understand that apprehension, particularly given the magnitude of the position today.
But Angell relied on some sound engineering advice offered by a friend: “If you have a long lever it is as easy to raise a large load as to lift a small weight with a short lever.”
For me, that long lever is this exceptional community, one of unparalleled breadth and excellence that inspires me every day.
I have committed to rebuilding trust and pride, and our community exemplifies both through our strength and leadership.
Our University’s progress is impressive, and our ambitions bold.
More students than ever want to attend Michigan. This year, we received nearly 116,000 applications from students eager to join the best university in the world.
They want to engage with internationally renowned faculty who will enlighten them. They’re prepared to explore remarkable libraries and museums. They’re ready to experience moments that unite us, like cultural performances and football Saturdays.
And they’ll soon enjoy our newest exceptional facilities, from our Central Campus Residential Development and College of Pharmacy to the Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center opening this winter.
The long lever
Expenditures and expertise
Our vast research enterprise has surpassed $2 billion in expenditures, spanning laboratories, clinics, and fieldwork across Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.
Our health care professionals are expanding their expertise through the state-of-the-art D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion (pictured above), and through new clinics and statewide partnerships.
This progress and promise are why we are asking society to Look to Michigan — to see a university that serves as a beacon of hope.
Through a $1 billion investment over the next decade, we will take calculated risks, deliver revolutionary solutions, and enhance lives worldwide.
We are sharing our stories through a nationwide media campaign reaching hundreds of millions of people. Our impact — from the arts to technology to medicine — is transforming society for the better.
Two new initiatives particularly capture our momentum.
The first is a $50 million commitment for a center devoted to civil discourse and dialogue aimed at bridging today’s divisions and strengthening our social fabric.
Some may find it ironic that a university, already the marketplace of ideas, would establish such a center.
But at this moment in history, when division too often drowns out discourse, Michigan must lead.
This center will reach out to the broader society and model how to listen deeply, communicate effectively, and connect with empathy across our differences. We will solicit many voices to find common ground to improve the common good.
We may not always succeed. But we will always strive for mutual respect, humility, and a commitment to consequential outcomes.
We’ll begin with campus town halls in January and February, leading to an April preview event that will showcase what true dialogue can achieve.
Bridging societal chasms today is essential to democracy tomorrow.
Look to Michigan to lead this vital effort.
Medical innovations
Our second bold initiative will advance the frontiers of science and health care.
We are establishing a biomedical innovation institute that will be one of our most ambitious investments in years. We will merge our research strengths with entrepreneurial speed to bring discoveries from the laboratory to patients faster than ever before.
It will be high-risk, high-reward work grounded in bio-AI, clinical trials, and commercialization.
The result will be serving humanity more effectively with faster and more advanced health care.
We know how to do this.
Years ago, U-M researchers pioneered a non-invasive method to destroy cancer tumors using ultrasound pulses. Their technology — histotripsy — grew into the company HistoSonics. Two years ago, it received FDA approval to treat liver tumors.This summer, it sold for $2.25 billion. HistoSonics now plans to apply its technology to other cancers.
This is a powerful example of Michigan saving lives. We aim to replicate this success, but at a significantly faster pace.
The promise is immense.
We will invest $250 million over five years to launch this institute and recruit top scientists and entrepreneurial talent from across the disciplines, the campus, and throughout the world.
Some 80 years ago, Michigan graduate Kelly Johnson established Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. This was a freestanding enterprise that worked swiftly to develop innovative aircraft at the end of World War II, and it redefined rapid innovation.
Our new institute will carry that same revolutionary spirit forward, advancing health sciences, supercomputing, and innovation for the public good.
Capital ideas
Progress demands investment — both human and physical capital.
Our $1 billion Look to Michigan commitment is unprecedented. I have been a department chair, a dean, and a provost, and some may wonder how we can make these vast investments while also addressing budget challenges.
The answer is thinking differently.We must not compromise the potential of the future for the exigency of the present. We will call for proposals from you, our community, for your best ideas. The world’s brightest minds surround us on all three campuses, and together we can be more strategic and disciplined than ever.
My goal over this year of service is to position the University for lasting impact. This is Michigan’s moment to invest in our future and move into the passing lane while others idle.
Our donors share our enthusiasm and set us apart from other universities. We just closed out the second-highest fundraising year ever, which has helped us surpass $4.2 billion toward our $7 billion campaign goal.
Our generous and visionary supporters leverage our collective power to make a difference in the world.
Our expertly curated endowment provides additional strength, funding student ambition, faculty excellence, and cutting-edge facilities.
And Moody’s recent AAA stable rating confirms what we already know: Michigan stands on solid ground. It is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to the common good.
It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine
When I earned my doctorate here in 1987, I was beyond proud to call myself a Michigan graduate.
When I returned in 2018 to lead the University of Michigan-Dearborn, that pride only deepened.
But nothing compares to these past six months leading the world’s greatest university. Every day, on all our campuses, I see the brilliance, compassion, and drive that define Michigan.
Our people embody the ideal of public service, and remind me why the University of Michigan matters – and why it will continue to matter for centuries to come.
This is who we are.
This is what we do.
This is why we say: Look to Michigan.
Thank you for all that you do — for our university and for the world.
And forever, Go Blue!
Domenico Grasso, PhD
President
(Lead image: D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion.)
John Ludlow - 1981
I’m thoroughly disappointed with the events of this week at the University of Michigan and I hope that Coach Moore gets the help he needs. But….where was our university’s leadership for the past few years? I’m amazed at how the University of Michigan, top to bottom, has bumbled what has been an ongoing saga for the past 2 years. Someone needs to step up and be a leader. The ‘Leaders and Best’? Personally I’m having some trouble believing this and am hopeful for change.
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James Stahl - 1984
I concur. Investigation should go all the way to the job. Maybe an entirely new set of eyes? It’s a nice piece by Grasso. But, bottom line is his record is 0-1 against OSU.
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Robert Domine - Class of 1980
You can thank diversity, equity and inclusion for the way many things have been handled (or not) over the past decade. It’s quite an accomplishment… in the name of dumbing down the entire world. Fortunately, it is largely over.
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Steven Thorne - 1976
Dr. Grasso’s comments make me proud to call myself a Michigan alumni. Electing to pursue my MBA at U-M after my undergraduate studies was one of the best and most important decisions of my life. It allowed me to fulfill my dreams and become the person I am today. Retired now, I reflect on how blessed I have been in this life. My beautiful wife and the mother of my children, my successful and happy children, amazing grandchildren, financial success and immeasurable happiness. It would not have been possible without my U-M experience which taught me not only business skills, but how to live my life, treat others and make positive contributions to mankind. The University should be proud of what it is accomplishing, and I for one will always be proud to be a Wolverine. I will never forget the life lessons my education gave me and the opportunities I had as a result. Go Blue indeed!
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Gray Davis - 1981
I am an Alumni life member. I’ve spread the Michigan story around the world for 44 years. I wore a Michigan jersey under my flak jacket in combat. I wave the flag every Saturday afternoon. Half of my wardrobe is maize and blue. Family members have graduated from, worked for and protected the interests of Michigan in the court room. I’m disgusted with the behaviors of so many prominent U of M employees over the years and the lack of action on the part of U of M to clean house. The key word in that last sentence is ’employees.’ Employees who don’t perform, fail in their mission, fail to uphold the principles, standards and code of conduct of the school and bring serious and long-lasting reputational harm to the school – need to be terminated immediately. This includes not only coaches, but athletic directors, regents, professors, administrators, department chairs, provosts and anyone else who draws a Michigan salary. Apparently, the jobs they hold are indeed overwhelming and beyond their scope. Clean up your act. No more interim hires. Terminate the AD today. Improve your pre-hire vetting process. If you want to maintain the world class reputation of the school, take action and create meaningful change. GO BLUE!
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Dennis Kavanagh - 1987
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Davis…. Warde Manuel is rotten to the core. He needs to go, too.
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PATRICK MCENANEY - 1999
I echo this sentiment; in any contentious and high conflict situation, the responsibility of this stops at the top with the AD. The situation is a spectacular embarrassment for University of Michigan. The Athletic department management, and the administration have to do better.
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Barbara Hale - 1976
I would like to ditto your comments Steve as a proud member of the MBA class of 1976 – and our path through our undergraduate studies to become Michigan Wolverines. I have been retired for almost 10 years with 3 sons and 3 granddaughters. I really appreciated Dr. Grasso’s comments especially the Michigan “campus culture of respect, integrity, and accountability” – that is the Michigan way. I have been telling all my Michigan friends for 2 years now that Moore was not the right fit and should never have been given the opportunity to coach at Michigan. Now I can certainly say “I told you so” although it is all so sad. I will always remember attending the National Championship game at NRG in Houston – just a few miles from my home.
Will you be attending our 50th Michigan reunion next year? GO BLUE!
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Randall Smith - M’71
Dear President Grasso,
Though we moved far from home to California, we have remained close to UM. Our family has been graduating at UM for five generations. The distressing news from Coach Moore has hurt everyone. Losing three university presidents in quick succession is cause for worry.
William K. Hamilton, MD, the late long time Professor and Chairman University of California San Francisco Department of Anesthesia, once told me, “The health of any organization or institution is not determined by those who leave for whatever reason. The way you know of this quality is by the people making replacement.”
This new chapter in Ann Arbor will have worldwide impact. Our interest is keen and we appreciate being informed. Our hearts are True Blue waiting word of what is to come at a great university.
Very truly yours,
Randall R. Smith
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Joyce Ziegler - 1977
I appreciate Dr. Grasso’s words that give us hope in this difficult time. The University of Michigan is a leader that is sorely needed now. He addressed the latest scandal but went on to share great plans and initiatives for future generations. As a proud graduate of our Michigan School of Nursing I feel hope in Michigan’s focus on science. Thank you for bringing us back to do what Michigan does best, investing in people’ lives. Go Blue Forever!
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stan chingo - 1976
Pres. Grasso inherited a terrible position that the former M Presidents and Regents created over the past 15 years. There’s one task remaining however and that is fire Warde Manuel or force him to resign. Manuel lost all credibility during his watch and allowed the big ten to throw Jimmy H under the bus. He has no guts as a Michigan man. In the immortal words of Bo, “Only a Michigan man will run this program.” Aside, Moore looks pretty good trading in his Maize & Blue attire for an all-white uniform.
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Ian Fitzgerald - 2014
The ongoing issues surrounding Michigan athletics point to a troubling lack of clear, decisive leadership from Warde Manuel. Repeated controversies and reactive decision-making have eroded confidence in the athletic department’s direction and accountability. As stewards of the university’s reputation and long-term success, the Board of Regents should seriously reconsider whether Manuel is the right person to lead Michigan athletics forward, or whether new leadership is needed to restore trust, stability, and a clear vision for the future.
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Judy Williams - 1964
Thank you for your service. And, I appreciate your thoughtful comments and messages.
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j charney - 72--SNR
I have to agree with John’s comment and I know it reflects a lot of my M friends. This football episode is now starting to resemble a Sophocles Greek Tragedy (no, I was a science major). The missteps of the Athletic Department that are now coming out, particularly of the guy who leads it are egregious and not representative of one of the most storied sports programs. This better be corrected before the transfer portal opens or you will hear the whoosh.
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David Krause - BS 1962, PhD 1986
I’m with both Thorne and Ludlow above. In particular, even given the recent national title, something is wrong in Michigan football, and the common factor is the present athletic director. Is he not up to the job? Do we need a change at that level?
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Robert Wilensky - 1962, 1966, 1975
Apparently there were rumors or suspicions around Coach Moore for a long time. It is difficult to understand why it took so long to have this fully disclosed and dealt with. It does not reflect well on the University’s ability to deal with problems. While the resolution is unfortunate, it was inevitable and necessary. I believe there must be a long hard look at the entire athletic program and administration, as too much has occurred there which has sullied the name of our beloved university. Success on the athletic fields is not the only consideration that we must have,
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David Kessel - PhD 1959
In a place where the head football coach is paid more than the President or any member of the faculty, it is discovered that something went wrong. Is this supposed to be a surprise? The priorities have somehow got confused.
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Cletus Bost - 1971,1978
Welcome to the new President. UofM needs your leadership.
Michigan needs leadership similar to that provided by James Duderstadt many years ago. Welcome. Mel Bost
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Edward A. Childs - 1969
What has happened to “Leaders and Best”?
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David Ketterer - 1979
Coach Moore’s behavior is horrific and saddening.
My deepest condolences go out to all those involved and I pray the student body, the athletes and coaches overcome this latest incident in good time. I know they will.
We have had entirely too many issues within our Michigan and Wolverine family. I challenge our administrative leaders to make some changes.
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Margaret Taylor - PhD Rackham Graduate Studies
The University has been owned and operated for decades by the Athletic Department’s footballers money machine. I never played a college sport but did eventually win a settlement as part of a class action lawsuit against the Regents, who coddled for four decades a well-known sexual abuser, Dr. Anderson. Sexual abuse is a felony.
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William Deubel - 1971
What are current students learning about themselves from the status of the football team? I remember when the Big 10 university in Evanston refused to fund a competitive football program.
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jerry Longcore - 1961, 1963
I was saddened to learn the news about Coach Moore. His personal failures have cast a bad light on our great University of Michigan. I send my positive thoughts to those who do not deserve to be in this negative situation, his wife and daughters. The UofM has served me, my wife, my brother, and my son with educations that provided the knowledge and experience to be successful. I will always be grateful to the Michigan faculty who were outstanding mentors. I trust the administration will do the right things for the right reasons, it should do no less.
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Susan Bonfield - Jan. 1962
The university seems to have lost sight of the word balance. There is far too much emphasis on sports. We are here to learn. I am appalled that our football coach makes a great deal more money than our president.
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Luann Davis - 1973, 1975
With outrageous coach salaries, even more outrageous NIL money for teenagers, large athletic donors, transfer portals, extensive sports betting, TV networks running the games … college sports “ain’t what they used to be”. I’m afraid Integrity and squeaky clean programs are sadly a thing of the past. Good luck to any new coaches and/or athletic directors.
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Jim Jacobson - 1974
Nice comments about Michigan traditions and ambitions to hold ourselves to high standards. While I agree that certain leaders in athletic positions have shown poor leadership and judgment and caused embarrassment, those are individual actions not endorsed by U of M. U of M should do their best to supervise the athletic dept and others, but bad choices by U of M employees cannot be 100% prevented. Despite U of M critics, there have been many great leaders and employees at U of M, both at the top and otherwise, and the bad actions by certain employees do not detract from the many good actions by most U of M employees. We need to find replacements that are expected to uphold the high standards of U of M. It is not the first or last improper action that U of M needs to fix, unfortunately. We need to try to find a replacement who we think will have the integrity to act properly and bring us pride again.
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Margaret Taylor - PhD 1983
The Athletic Department in general sets a very poor legal, ethical and moral example. Money malfeasance and sexy al misconduct remain rampant problems therein. When money and sexual misconduct are allowed to persist for decades, the University (at many levels up to and including the Regents) repeatedly flunk the most basic of morality examinations.
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Nancy Sherk - 1960
I totally agree with Gray Davis, who says it better than I ever could. With the mounting scandals occurring throughout the University I find it increasingly difficult to wave my UM flag in Spartan territory. Michigan is more than athletics, which have too long dominated the scene. Please tout our academics and research excellence which benefit our country. The money made by the favored few in the athletic department is obscene, and better used for the good of mankind. Our family has 3 generations of Michigan grads who enjoy watching football and basketball, but realize that in the end it is just entertainment.
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Richard Von Luhrte - 1968 B-arch
In the past few weeks I have been browbeaten by the constant banner of Michigan losing to OSU and the recent firing of our coach for the same transgressions as our past past president. But through it all I remind everyone that I went to Michigan for education, not for football and the success I have received in professional life has never left. They say you become obsolete just a few years after graduation. What I got at Michigan was the sense of the world as the first time tour of the Men’s Glee Club around the planet, with constant recognition as the finest choral group on the planet. That was my first experience overseas and the first in my extended family to go to college, and it was such an honor to be accepted into the architecture school to one of the top 5 programs in the country. I realize that Michigan did not just teach architecture skills, but rather a broad sense of problem seeking-problem solving with deep thinking that has supported me in over 50 years in practice. I have never lost my respect and involvement at Michigan serving as Alumni Club Present here in Denver, the board of governors in the Taubman college and and sponsoring Glee Club tours here to Denver for several engagements. Most recently I was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Taubman, which I say not to brag, but rather to stress that as you give to Michigan so Michigan gives back to you. For me the greatness of U of M is it constant ranking in virtually every field as one of the greatest academic institutions in the world, and a day does not go by where I am not the receipt of a friendly “Go Blue” on the streets of Denver. Now about football, I am still a fan but I am terribly dismayed by the recent chase for money in the NIL programs and shared revenue mandates where athletes are getting totally out of touch demands for 10s of millions for playing as “student” athletes. I understand there is big money at stake but college sports are broken and the portal has destroyed the loyalty that made great teams. No in the “what’s in it for me” era, we can have a 5 star player who signs on for millions and then after one year goes shopping again with the ability to leverage his paycheck over and over again. The portal must be fixed; college “pay to play” player rental system must be solved. Until then I am done with the major sports, though I am thrilled to see our BB program now 1st in the country, due of course to the portal. But I will continue to wear my Michigan Hockey cap in a city that is crazy with hockey fandom and I will proudly watch our women’s sports when they are on TV. I just wish more people people would see the big picture of college football and how it has been ruined, but why Michigan is more than a football school” but much more a great academic institutes that provides public education to students from local and afar who are willing to work hard and achieve the mindset to succeed in a high rigorous academic environment. I love Ann Arbor and more so U of M and I will shout out near and far to the greatest academic institution in the world, better than any Ivy and better than even the finest schools in in the world. But one word of warning. China is eating our lunch and we must double down on our academics and our drive for innovation to stay in the game against a system that sees to topside to its ability to outspend and out achieve the schools in the US. Michigan must remain the “champions of the west” in the real sense of a country that is being challenged in every way at this very difficult time, and where the value of higher education is being threatened by high cost, a loss of the value proposition, and the lack of support politically and socially for the worth of a college degree. Michigan, don’t let that happen/don’t let the chase of money drive poor decisions on the athethic gridiron in favor of true academic freedom and a drive for excellence in the classroom. I was at Michigan when the peace corps was started on the steps of the Graduate Library, where Eugene McCarthy declared his resistance candidacy and where the first “teach in” was held, setting a model replicated around the country leading in part to the end of the Vietnam war. While the “liberal” educational model is being threatened everywhere, Michigan needs to stand out with bipartisan dialogue and consensus politics. Liberal education does not mean wokism. In fact it is just the opposite. Liberal education is the backbone of open mindedness, of tough conversations, and good listening skills. It breaks down bias and opens the door to dialogue, from which innovation comes bursting through. This has been where Michigan excels, and where it will continue to excel. It cannot give in to immediate pressures because the University will outlast the current attacks on higher education. In fact it is higher education that will lead us through this current mess. So I applaud the master plan for Michigan’s future and I say again GO Blue now and well into the future when we will continue to be “ The Champions of the West- not the western US, but rather Western Civilization world over,
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Harold Felty - 1964, A.B., L.S.&A.
Mr. von Luhrte is mistaken about the founding of the Peace Corps; it was not introduced on the steps of the graduate library, but on the steps of the Michigan Union by JFK in 1960.
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Faith Williams - 1983
I pray for my school that I love and will continue to honor for what it did for me and how it transformed my life. This too shall pass! Let us continue to hold fast to the race that has been set before us, knowing that God is with us as we travel this road. (Hebrews 12:1) We shall overcome! Reverend Faith Williams
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Lynn Schier, BSN - 1991
Clean the slate and start over from the AD down. What kind of example are you setting? All the BIG conference cares about is money. Maybe it’s time to focus on the University of Michigan’s reputation and academics.
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