President Mark Schlissel told a Washington, D.C., audience Wednesday that the university is working hard to assure access for students, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Speaking at the annual University of Michigan Congressional Breakfast, Schlissel touted the Go Blue Guarantee and other programs designed to help students achieve a Michigan education.
“We remain deeply committed to ensuring that a University of Michigan education is accessible to every qualified student within our state, no matter their financial background, ZIP code, educational attainment of their parents, or demographic characteristics,” he said.
Schlissel also paid homage to the late Rep. John Dingell, who died last month. Dingell was formerly Ann Arbor’s congressman and served more than five decades in Congress.
“He proved that upholding important values could go hand-in-hand with a willingness to compromise, leading to better policy for all,” Schlissel said.
Keynote speaker Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, called the university “a special place” and a “thought leader.” He praised U-M for being “an elite institution that works to make sure it is not limited to the elites.”
Kildee also thanked the university for its help during the Flint water crisis and in helping him in efforts to re-build his city.
“The role that U-M played will not be forgotten,” Kildee added.
More than 300 alumni, friends and others attended the event, including 10 other members of Congress: Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan; and Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn; John Moolenaar, R-Midland; Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly; Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills; Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit; Grace Meng, D-New York; Ted Deutch, D-Florida; Greg Stanton, D-Arizona; and Lauren Underwood, D-Illinois.
Proceeds from the event go toward the U-M D.C. Club’s scholarship efforts.
