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. Members of U-M's 2024 champion Solar Car team surround the vehicle, dressed in blue shirts and maize caps with fists in the air.

    National champs: U-Michigan Solar Car Team takes first in American Solar Challenge

    The team covered 2,120 miles before reclaiming U-M’s title as national champions. Michigan students had won six consecutive American Solar Challenges, held every other year, until finishing second in 2018. This is the first U.S. race they’ve competed in since then, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  2. Illustration shows ancient Olympians in a line using discus, doing wrestling, and racing in a chariot.

    5 myths about the ancient Olympic games

    LSA Prof. David Potter debunks some widely held beliefs about the ancient Olympics, including when they started and whether the athletes were truly amateurs.

  3. The US Men's Gymnastics team at Paris 2024 Olympics pose with the bronze medals they won on July 29. U-M's Paul Juda is second from left in the group of five athletes dressed in blue athletics wear. Fred Richard is on the far right.

    U-M’s Juda, Richard earn bronze in Olympics men’s gymnastics team finals

    Led by University of Michigan men’s gymnasts Paul Juda and Fred Richard, Team USA earned its first team medal in 16 years at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 29.

  4. Brain with block M logo

    When will cars drive themselves?

    As you think about your next vehicle purchase, you may be considering GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s BlueCruise. Perhaps you’ve got your eye on a Tesla. Before you head to the dealer, listen as Henry Liu, director of Mcity and the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation, explains your autonomous options.

  5. Courses and sections were listed by department on boards overhead. (Image courtesy of Bentley Historical Library)

    When everyone registered in Waterman Gym

    Long before online scheduling, U-M students gathered en masse to register for courses, often spending hours in line at Waterman Gym. The lucky ones might get their first choice and find a future spouse in the crowd. The less fortunate walked away dateless clutching a schedule filled with 8 o’clock classes.

  6. Graphic of hypodermic needle with two vials on a table.

    Young people are increasingly using Wegovy and Ozempic

    Public interest in weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic is surging, but national data on dispensing patterns in the United States are surprisingly scarce. Now, a national study from Michigan Medicine shows the use of these weight-loss drugs is increasing rapidly in adolescents and young adults 12-25 years, especially females.

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.