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. Zachary Petroni (center), U-M’s first Wallenberg Fellow, is shown with team members from Peach, an automotive marketplace he founded in Nairobi, Kenya, following his 2013 fellowship. (Photo courtesy of Zachary Petroni)

    Wallenberg Fellowship celebrates a decade of making a difference

    In its 10 years of existence, the Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship at U-M has become one of the most prestigious self-designed, independent study-abroad projects for students.

  2. Perry Samson at Angell Hall

    Thurnau Professor behind weather data tools wins U-M innovation award

    Perry Samson, professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, has pioneered a series of learning and weather-related tools and technologies, and has launched companies around them that serve millions.

  3. A Mini-Cheetah robot at The University of Michigan

    First-responder robots could team with wildfire fighters

    A three-year project funded by a $1 million grant aims to equip bipedal walking robots with the technology to trek in areas that are too dangerous for humans, including collapsed buildings and other disaster areas.

  4. Joe Levickas stands with his tiny gallery.

    Joe Levickas exhibits impactful art on a small scale

    When the pandemic shut down his options for curating art, this painter created a “micro” exhibition space in front of his home. The Creal Microgallery debuted in June, complete with interior lights so visitors could enjoy it in the evening as well.

  5. Rainbow drawn in chalk on the cement

    Alum Howard Bragman creates million-dollar ‘coming out’ fund

    The $1 million bequest will fund emergency financial assistance to students through the Spectrum Center, including help for mental and physical health services, short- and long-term, housing, transportation, and tuition.

  6. President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman speaks from the podium

    U-M leaders hail Mary Sue Coleman’s service at LSI building dedication

    Mary Sue Coleman broke ground as U-M’s first woman president. She marked another milestone Sept. 9 as the University named its first academic building on the Ann Arbor campus after a woman.

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.