UM-Dearborn kicked off the commemoration of its milestone 50th anniversary last week with a special event titled the “50th Anniversary Celebration” at the Henry Ford Estate on the university’s campus.
The event was designed to honor the 50 years of academic excellence the university has provided to the metropolitan Detroit community, with photos, video and remembrances of some of the more significant moments in the university’s history. Additionally, the occasion was used to assess the university’s present situation and look forward to where it will be heading in the future.
“There is so much to be proud of in our first 50 years, and all of you have played an important role in our history,” said Daniel Little, chancellor, UM-Dearborn. “We have a well-qualified and skilled faculty and staff, an energetic and capable alumni group, and an ambitious and motivated student body. Working together, side by side, we can continue to build a legacy of excellence and make our next 50 years even more exciting than our first half century.”
More than 500 people attended the event, including faculty, alumni, university staff, business and community partners, government officials and others. The program also featured remarks from keynote speaker Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Co. Fund and Community Services; Shirley Stancato, president and CEO, New Detroit; and other speakers representing faculty, alumni and students.
The evening included a strolling dinner, dancing — including a special presentation of “The Twist” by students — and other surprises.
“Celebrating 50 years is a significant milestone and we want everyone connected to the university community to be part of it,” Little said. “We plan to have events and activities through our 2009/2010 academic calendar year so that we can honor this momentous occasion properly.”
“I have deep pride in the accomplishments of this campus, a sense of genuine privilege at being part of it, and deep-seated excitement and optimism about the future,” Little said.
Vella noted the longstanding relationship between Ford and UM-Dearborn.
Not only has it “continued though the years, it’s thrived,” Vella said. “Even in difficult times, such as what we are experiencing today, the partnership between Ford and UM-Dearborn has grown.
“I’m proud to say that today, it’s stronger than ever, as Ford and the university continue to find new and innovative ways to work together.”
UM-Dearborn student Saba Kahn, a junior in the College of Business and vice president of the Muslim Students Association, said she was grateful to attend school with a “set of viewpoints from many different ethnic backgrounds.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of this campus community and perhaps wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have such an eclectic family elsewhere,” Kahn said.
For additional information on UM-Dearborn’s 50th anniversary, go to the Web site located at www.umd.umich.edu/50years.
