STATE UNIVERSITIES
MSU summit empowers Michigan economy
The Michigan State University Center for Regional Economic Innovation hosted the third annual “Innovate Michigan!” Summit on Sept. 4. Funded by a five-year, $915,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the REI summit brings together economic developers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, scholars and community leaders to develop new ways to help Michigan better compete in the global economy.
Oakland University completes $6.5 million construction
On Sept. 19, Oakland University held a dedication ceremony for the newly completed Elliot Tower in the heart of its campus. Oakland alumna Delia Rodi led the design team for the project, which consists of a 151-foot high carillon and clock tower and performance water feature. The $6.5-million project was made possible by benefactors Hugh and Nancy Elliot.
CMU scientists receive U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant
Scientists from Central Michigan University’s Institute for Great Lakes Research have received $274,157 in combined grant monies from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin Sea Grant. The funding will be used to enhance current research of a basin-wide Great Lakes coastal wetlands monitoring program, the first study of its kind.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
Northwestern hosts center for lifelong learning
Due to a multimillion-dollar gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation, Northwestern University will be the new headquarters for the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, effective Oct. 1. There are 119 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at academic institutions across the country; they provide non-credit courses and activities specifically for adults aged 50 or older.
UCLA alumnus donates $900,000 for Israel studies
The University of California, Los Angeles announced Sept. 9 that alumnus Harry C. Sigman has made a gift of $900,000 to UCLA’s Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Sigman’s gift will be invested in three endowment funds in his name, including a scholarship fund for undergraduates to study in Israel.
