By Laurel Thomas Gnagey
The new 178,000 square foot William S. White building on the campus of U-M–Flint will formally be dedicated at 4 p.m. June 5.
Named in honor of White, president and chief executive officer of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the four-story structure houses departmental offices of the School of Management, School of Health Professions and Studies, Art, Communication, U-M Public Television (WFUM) and Information Technology Services.
The building also serves the community through a unique partnership with the city of Flint.
“In addition to its educational value, the White Building has great symbolic significance for the neighboring community,” says U-M–Flint Chancellor Juan E. Mestas. “It sends a message of hope and trust in the future of Flint.”
An Urban Health and Wellness Center located within in the building provides important services to local residents as well as offering educational opportunities for students. The center emphasizes physical therapy, wellness and prevention, and it addresses health concerns of underserved area residents, including infant mortality, respiratory ailments and health maintenance.
Also included in the building is an Early Childhood Development Center that offers a campus daycare for up to 65 children of University students, faculty, staff and members of the community. The center will provide observational opportunities for students studying education and related fields.
Much of the funding for the $36 million building came from the Mott Foundation. “Through the leadership of Bill White, the C.S. Mott Foundation has been the most constant friend and benefactor of the U-M–Flint campus through the years,” Mestas says. “We are deeply grateful to him and to the foundation’s board and staff for their unwavering support of our educational mission.”
Furnishings in the atrium and student lounges were purchased with donations from alumni and other friends of U-M–Flint. Artwork is courtesy of The Highland Foundation, Regent Olivia Maynard, Olef Karlstrom and Mr. and Mrs. Vajakumar Vemulappalli.
William White will be present at the dedication ceremony and reception that follows. The public is invited to the event, which will include a tour of the building and the opportunity to view a display featuring the history of the U-M–Flint campus.
Architects for the White building were SSOE Inc. of Troy and the contractor was Sorensen Gross Construction Co. of Flint.
