Brad Meltzer, BA ’92, tells Class of 2024: ‘Unleash your kindness’

Four men stand in a line opening their commencement gowns to reveal big Block M's in maize.

2024 commencement speaker Brad Meltzer shares how magic provides insight to shape lives, aligning with classmate Desmond Howard (far left), and 2023 national champions Blake Corum and J.J. McCarthy, to drive home the point.

  1. Students study outside

    Context counts: Holistic admissions boosts college success and diversity

    As college admissions officers adapt the Supreme Court’s ban on race-conscious admissions, U-M researchers find that contextualizing high school grades and test scores can help identify students from diverse backgrounds with strong academic achievement who will graduate.

  2. Graphic of map of the U.S. showcasing climate change impacts on water resources across borders

    U-M-based center awarded $5M to study climate change impacts on water resources across borders

    Funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation will establish the Global Center for Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Transboundary Waters. Partners include Cornell University, the College of Menominee Nation, the Red Lake Nation, and more.

  3. Graphic of person jogging with golden/yellow/red sunset.

    U-M, Samsung team up to bring advanced smartwatch tech to runners

    Researchers seek to provide insights and learnings around sweat loss and maximum oxygen consumption for runners by leveraging Galaxy Watch features.

  4. graphic with globes and people

    U-M receives CDC grant to establish center to help fight disease outbreaks, protect public health

    The University will receive a $17.5 million grant over five years to establish the Michigan Public Health Integrated Center for Outbreak Analytics and Modeling, or MICOM.

  5. Shown from behind, a man speaks into a microphone before a government committee.

    Senate testimony: AI risks to the financial sector

    COE Professor Michael Wellman recently testified in front of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to alert lawmakers to the potential dangers to security, safety, and equity posed by AI’s use in financial systems.

  6. A middle-aged caucasian couple wearing Michigan swag.

    U-M parents give $20M to advance new center for recreation and well-being

    Philip and Nicole Hadley’s commitment to the U-M student experience represents the largest gift to date from a member of the Parent & Family Leadership Council volunteer network, as well as the largest gift ever to support campus recreation.

‘Gateway for innovation’

The December groundbreaking at the U-M Center for Innovation (UMCI) in Detroit helped kick off Vision 2034, the University’s 10-year blueprint for the future. Preliminary site work has been ongoing with a projected opening in 2027. “The UMCI is a catalyst for positive change and, as such, presents itself along Grand River Avenue as a ‘gateway for innovation,’” said Hana Kassem, FAIA, design principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). The first two floors will house public programs, a cafe, and shared office space for the U-M Detroit Center, Admissions Office, School of Environment and Sustainability Clinic, and others. Levels three through six are planned for multidisciplinary graduate research. Watch: UMCI design approved, construction ramps up. (All images by Kohn Pedersen Fox.)

  • Engaging the passerby

    “The UMCI design proudly bears the University of Michigan spirit focusing on progress and inclusivity, which is embodied in its dynamic forward-leaning form and the portal that cuts through it, inviting access to all,” said KPF’s Kassem. “Its transparent facade at street level engages the passerby, showcasing innovation, by putting making and research on display.”

     

    Modern office building

  • Ground breaking

    The project broke ground in December at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and West Columbia Street. The proposed 200,000-gross-square-foot building will be the first of three buildings to be constructed on the site, with the other two — an incubator space and a residential building — developed at a future date.

    Aerial view of proposed UMCI

  • Mixed models

    UMCI will be a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and community development that will propel  job creation and inclusive economic growth. Programming at the UMCI will offer a mixed-model approach that includes both master’s degrees and workforce development programs that focus on technology and innovation.

    People sit at tables in modern courtyard

  • Open doors

    UMCI also will host a multitude of community engagement activities for the residents of Detroit, ranging from K-12 programs like the Michigan Engineering Zone to the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project and many more.

    Interactive, creative lab

  • Catalyst for growth

    “UMCI will bring together the best of the University of Michigan to catalyze economic development in the city of Detroit,” said U-M Provost Laurie McCauley. “It will house a robust portfolio of academic programs, including new interdisciplinary graduate degrees and certificate programs aligned to the skills of the future.” The ultimate goal is to attract startups as well as major employers to the region, she said. Read more about the UMCI.

    Atrium filled with people in a modern office building