November 2011

Greetings,
 
As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope that everyone will pause to reflect on the many reasons we have to give thanks this year.
 
We here at the university should be thankful that we have the opportunity to be of service to our students and that we have support and encouragement from our communities and our individual donors, officials, and leaders. We have the privilege of being able to truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and to positively influence the organizations and communities these individuals serve by providing them with a good education.
 
There has never been a time when education is more important than at the present moment. Now is the time that we truly need an educated citizenry – to help individuals understand the new world order; make balanced, rational, and informed decisions about a whole host of community issues ranging from matters of safety and security to economic development; and to make informed personal choices about how they lead their lives.
 
Sometimes, others can say thanks better than I can. Here are excerpts from two letters I received recently:
 
“I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know how impressed I was yesterday with the orientation program. I have NEVER been treated so kindly at a school! I wish that I would have been directed to U of M Flint when I first went to school after getting out of the Army in 1995. The other schools I looked into, and previously attended, usually treated me like I was a nuisance by asking about and applying for my benefits through the VA. I am very proud to be attending U of M Flint as a veteran returning to school after many years. YOU have been by far, the biggest help with my questions/concerns. I am sending sincere Thanks for all of you that helped with orientation yesterday.”
 
“Most of us find it easy to complain, especially when our needs are not met in some way, we all do it. However, I would like to take a little time to do the opposite… [Author provides a compliment about our grounds and flower beds]… There are several entrances to the U of M Flint. Our visitors get their first impression of the university when they enter these entrances for the first time. It gives an impression as to what kind of institution it is. Seeing nice landscaping and flowers makes people feel welcome and draws them in to the surroundings.”
 
Each and every person who works at UM-Flint and each and every supporter of the campus plays a very important role in helping to educate the members of our community. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, please take a moment to say “thank you” to someone who you feel has been especially involved in helping us fulfill our mission. To all of our employees and supporters, I offer my thanks for making higher education a reality for our students.
 
Ruth J. Person
Chancellor

Compete

The American Chemical Society student chapter on our campus was selected to receive an Outstanding Award (“Outstanding” is the highest award given by the ACS). The award-winning chapters will be honored in March. Faculty members Jessica Fischer and Monique Wilhelm were cited for special commendation.

In late October we learned that Dr. Maureen Thum, Professor of English, was selected as one of U-M’s ten “Work/Life Champion Awards for Supervisors” recipients. This is the first time such awards have been given by the university.

Our School of Management has recently been included in Princeton Review’s “Best 294 Business Schools: 2012 Edition."

Tim Barden, Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations, recently completed the U-M Business & Finance Leadership Academy, and I was pleased to attend his graduation. Beth Manning, Assistant Director of Human Resources, and Mike Lane, Manager of Environment, Health and Safety Department, will be attending the next Academy. Congratulations to all!

Convene

Student Government Dinner Celebration

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Libby & Friends

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