Victors for Michigan final results show $5.28B total
The University of Michigan has released the final results of its Victors for Michigan campaign, which closed Dec. 31, 2018, with more than 398,000 donors giving 2.4 million gifts over seven and a half years, totaling $5.28 billion. In October 2018, the university became the first public university to raise more than $5 billion in the most successful fundraising campaign in its history. The gift total includes: $1.22 billion for student support, $1.71 billion for innovative programs in areas such as engaged learning and patient care, $1.47 billion for distinguished faculty and research across all 19 schools and colleges, as well as UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint, and $676 million for world class facilities, including research laboratories and student housing.
‘We Challenge You’ blood battle runs through Feb. 27
This year’s first annual blood battle of the universities, We Challenge You, is running until Feb. 27. U-M, Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, Penn State and Oakland University are participating in the blood drive. The goal is to collect 1,650 units of blood, which could potentially save 4,950 lives. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “goblue.” The American Red Cross also has launched a new tool called Rapid Pass, which allows donors to complete their donation quicker by finishing some steps before arriving at the blood drive. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass. Donors are advised to eat iron-rich foods and drink plenty of water before donating blood. To learn more about blood donation requirements, visit redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements.
Biosciences Initiative to offer new funding opportunity
President Schlissel’s Biosciences Initiative is offering a new funding opportunity to improve core research resources across U-M. The Core Lab Funding Program is designed similarly to the National Institutes of Health S10 Equipment Grant, and aims to enhance technology at existing core laboratories or create new core laboratories to advance the research capabilities of U-M investigators. Core Lab Funding applications may be submitted beginning March 15 and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants may request funds for a new core or for additional equipment to supplement a core that already exists at U-M. Cores are centralized facilities or labs which offer shared services, shared equipment, resources or expertise to scientific researchers. Investigators may request support as a one-time capital investment for equipment purchases or upgrades, or may request support for equipment and personnel costs in cases where new cores or new services are being created. To submit an application, visit biosciences.umich.edu/funding-opportunties.
U-M works to support students with food allergies
The Office of the President has joined forces with the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center in its quest to improve the lives of individuals with food allergies. Under the direction of James Baker, director of the MHWFAC, and E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, U-M will initiate a program to help students with food allergies. Michigan Dining will be placing epinephrine auto-injectors into all dining facilities as well as on all public safety vehicles. In addition, training on the use of these devices will be initiated for dining room personnel and for all public safety officers. The Michigan Dining website has full food content and menus from all the dining halls across campus. University Housing is also implementing changes. All students who have a food allergy that they identify on their housing request will be assured that they have a roommate who understands the need to avoid specific foods in the presence of an individual with a food allergy. In addition, all resident advisors in dorms will be trained in food allergy response and the use of epinephrine auto injectors.
Applications sought for DEI Innovation Grant
U-M community members are invited to apply for the third round of the DEI Innovation Grant focused on enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. The grant is designed to reward the multiple ideas and innovations that people — including all faculty, staff and students — across U-M have either implemented already and wish to grow, or are seeking seed funding for a long-range, transformative change project. A description of the grant fund is included in the application. Applications are due March 15. Funds will be available immediately following review and approval of applications and must be expended by June 30, 2020. Anticipated average grant size will be $2,000 to $5,000. To access the grant application, visit myumi.ch/6Qlge.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
