Ono highlights impact of state support on student success, affordability, economic growth

Santa Ono, 15th president of the University of Michigan

In testimony before the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing on April 30, President Santa J. Ono reinforced the vital role state funding plays in furthering the success of students, driving economic development, and maintaining affordable access to a world-class higher education experience for students across the state.

  1. Student in Peter Toogood's "Augmenting Reality in Medicinal Chemistry" class wears virtual reality goggles with gray sweatshirt and block M at the University of Michigan's Center for Academic Innovation.

    U-M faculty implementing extended reality technology in classes

    U-M has seen a boom in extended reality and virtual reality technology since launching its XR Initiative in the fall of 2019, with many faculty members using it in their classrooms. The Center for Academic Innovation offers more than 100 VR headsets for instructional use and access to a full virtual production studio.

  2. President Emeritus James J. Duderstadt (center), President Emeritus Harold T. Shapiro (left) and former president Lee C. Bollinger (right) were part of an April 6, 2017, panel discussion marking the university’s bicentennial celebration.

    President Emeritus James Duderstadt dies at age 81

    Duderstadt’s wide-ranging impact can be seen in many ways across the University. His vast teaching and research interests included diverse applications of physics and mathematics, nuclear systems, science policy, information technology, higher education policy, and engineering education.

  3. Fielding Yost observes construction of Michigan Stadium with foreman. Black and white. Two men wearing white straw skimmers.

    Yost builds the Big (bigger, and biggest) House

    When the gates at Michigan Stadium opened to fans on Oct. 1, 1927, the venue could seat 72,000 fans — though heavy rains kept the day’s attendance to under 40,000. Thanks to the expansive vision of coach Fielding Yost, 107,601 fans can gather in Michigan Stadium nearly a hundred years later.

  4. Two ancient gold coins with images of an archer.

    Archaeologist finds legit pot of gold at site of ancient Greek city in western Turkey

    A team of researchers led by a University of Michigan archaeologist has uncovered a hoard of gold coins, dating to the fifth century BC, that were likely used to pay mercenary troops. The discovery of such a valuable find in a controlled archaeological excavation is very rare … and incredibly cool.

  5. Cast photo from Fly Me to the Moon showcases actors, including U-M alumna Anna Garcia alongside Scarlett Johannson, dressed in period clothing circa 1969 in the film about the moon landing and NASA.

    Improv roots launched Anna Garcia ‘to the moon’

    Throughout her time as an improv performer at U-M and in Los Angeles, Anna Garcia, BFA ’17, learned to listen and react, two critical skills for any successful actor. Those skills launched Garcia to the silver screen this summer, where she starred with Scarlett Johannson in “Fly Me to the Moon.”

  6. Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for

    The poll shows that 61% of those providing care to family or friends with a health condition or disability don’t know about Area Agencies on Aging. AAAs are local or regional organizations that support caregivers, people with certain disabilities, and people over 65.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.