VP for Development's Report

As we work toward building a better world, our community’s investment in the future is evident in the transformative gifts we receive from generous donors.

Last year, more than 100,000 donors gave a total of $665 million, our highest cash total ever. We received gifts of all sizes from our loyal donors, who have supported a wide range of areas, including advancements in innovation, health and well-being, global health equity and education.

U-M’s new recreation center was named the Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center in recognition of a $20 million total commitment from Philip and Nicole Hadley—members of the Parent & Family Leadership Council—the largest gift from a member of that group, and the largest gift ever to support campus recreation at U-M. The gift will broaden opportunities for students, faculty and staff to improve their overall health.

Additionally, the university has broken ground on the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit, thanks to a $100 million gift from Stephen M. Ross. UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to drive city, regional and statewide job creation and foster inclusive economic growth.

Earlier this year, the Center for Global Health Equity (CGHE) announced a $10 million gift from Leslie Yamada and her family to advance global health equity. With this newest commitment, the Yamada family has now pledged $20 million to the CGHE to strengthen interdisciplinary solutions to health challenges in low- and middle-income countries through equitable partnerships, research and education. The CGHE Directorship was named in honor of Leslie Yamada and her late husband, Tachi Yamada.

Every gift has set the stage for the public launch of the Look to Michigan campaign, our most ambitious and innovative fundraising campaign to date. Supporting the university’s Vision 2034 and Campus 2050 plans, the campaign, launched to the public fall 2024, prioritizes four areas where U-M is uniquely positioned to impact global challenges: life-changing education, health and well-being, democracy, civic and global engagement and sustainability and climate action.

The support of our donors is crucial to fulfilling U-M’s mission of serving the public good, and we are beyond grateful for their unwavering commitment to our institution and passion for various causes. I look forward to what’s next in this new era of impact.

Go Blue!

Thomas A. Baird
Vice President for Development