UMCU donates $1.5M to UMMA, UMS for arts adventures program

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The University of Michigan Credit Union has invested $1.5 million to create the University of Michigan Credit Union Arts Adventures Program at the University Musical Society and the U-M Museum of Art.

The gift ensures that UMS and UMMA will provide thousands of Southeast Michigan community members and U-M students and faculty with access to a diverse array of arts offerings, including performances by world-renowned artists, hands-on art-making workshops, and engaging events each year.

The donation is the largest corporate gift to the arts in U-M’s Victors for Michigan Campaign to date and will deeply affect both the community and campus — enabling compelling encounters with the arts for students and providing grants that extend the availability of arts programs to underserved communities.

The UMCU Arts Adventures Program provides funding for these programs in perpetuity, while allowing the organizations to enhance and expand upon programs as needs evolve.

“The University of Michigan Credit Union is proud to establish the first corporate endowment for UMS and UMMA, helping to ensure access to extraordinary arts experiences and exceptional learning opportunities for students and families for years to come,” said Tiffany Ford, UMCU CEO and president.

“We know that involvement in the arts helps to develop important life skills such as creative thinking and the ability to work collaboratively, and we’re thrilled that we can help to foster these skills in young people by creating the UMCU Arts Adventures Program.”

UMMA was recently recognized as the No. 1 public university art museum in the country by Best College Reviews, and UMS was awarded the 2014 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest public arts honor.

The UMCU Arts Adventures Program will solidify the university’s standing as a world-class destination for the cultural and performing arts.

“We are thrilled and honored to have the University of Michigan Credit Union’s support as we work to enrich the lives of students, educators and our community by connecting them with world-class artists in profound and engaging ways,” said Kenneth C. Fischer, UMS president.

“Because of their support, UMS and UMMA can continue to contribute to the outstanding artistic and cultural tradition upheld by the university and our great city of Ann Arbor.”

UMMA Director Joseph Rosa added, “The University of Michigan Credit Union’s Arts Adventures Program is a game-changer for UMMA. With this first corporate endowed gift to the museum and UMS, UMCU distinguishes itself as a philanthropic leader committed to the power of arts experiences for students and families. We look forward to celebrating UMCU’s legacy in the arts long into the future.”

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Comments

  1. E. LaPorte
    on September 21, 2016 at 9:03 am

    Nice to read that the UMCU is giving back to the U-M community in ways that will benefit many in the Ann Arbor area community. — UMCU member since 1979

    • Helen Baker
      on October 3, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      I agree that it is good to support the local community, the arts and education. However, my dividends have been paultry. Do we really need to contribute $1.5 mil? Half of that amount should be returned to the members of the UMCU who invest their savings with the UMCU. Also, will UMCU members get a charitable tax deduction for the gift of our money? No.
      —Also, a member since 1979!!!.

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