News from other Michigan public universities and U-M peer institutions across the nation.
STATE UNIVERSITIES
WSU improves Student Center
More than $26.5 million in renovations are underway at Wayne State University’s Student Center. The two-phase project, slated to conclude in July 2015, will feature improvements including a new food court and additional dining venues, and new gaming and student recreation destinations. Large sections of multi-story windows also will be installed, filling the building’s interior with natural light.
WMU business, medical schools offer dual degree
Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business and the new WMU School of Medicine have designed a dual-degree program allowing medical students to complete both a medical degree and master’s in business administration with a concentration in healthcare in five years. The program is geared to offer a competitive advantage to medical students as they encounter changes in health care laws that affect clinical services. It also prepares future physicians for future administrative roles.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
$150 million gift supports Harvard financial aid
Harvard University announced last month that alumnus Kenneth Griffin, founder and chief executive officer of Citadel, made the largest gift in Harvard College history. The $150 million gift is principally focused on supporting Harvard’s financial aid program, which Griffin described as “an investment in the next generation of leaders as we continue to break down barriers to an outstanding education.” The gift will impact as many as 800 undergraduates every year.
UT Austin will help build world’s largest telescope
The University of Texas System board of regents recently authorized UT Austin to spend $50 million in research reserves to participate in building the Giant Magellan Telescope, which will be the world’s largest telescope when completed in 2020. The project will give students, researchers and faculty the opportunity to make groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. To be built in Chile, the telescope’s seven mirrors will comprise about 3,900 square feet, about the size of a basketball court.
