University of Michigan-Dearborn announces $50 million Victors for Michigan Campaign

The campaign is part of the $4 billion campaign announced by the University of Michigan in 2013.

The campaign will focus on four funding priorities:

• Expand student access to the academic excellence and career preparedness that a UM-Dearborn degree provides.
• Develop new programs and interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance learning and equip students to succeed in today’s global economy.
• Create innovative environments for learning, research, study, collaboration and research.
• Attract and retain top educators and researchers, and support them as they explore new ways to challenge and inspire students to achieve their full potential.

“For more than 50 years, UM-Dearborn has worked for the greater good—transforming lives, creating victors 
to help shape the region,” said Daniel Little, chancellor, UM-Dearborn. “Looking ahead, we see a UM-Dearborn that continues to play a vital role in developing the leaders of tomorrow—men
 and women able to address the complex challenges of southeast Michigan and other metropolitan areas across the nation. Our vision will be achieved
 with the committed and 
generous support of alumni, business partners and 
friends who share our goals, and who are willing to invest in the future of our region and the success of our future graduates.”

A campus festival on Friday celebrated the campaign and drew hundreds of enthusiastic students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and community members. The festivities brought excitement across campus with food trucks, music and live performances, as well as traditional homecoming activities.

The evening culminated with the Celebrating Victors: Announcing the Campaign for UM-Dearborn event, which featured four student speakers, celebrity emcee Roop Raj from Fox 2 News and a special surprise performance from the Michigan Fanfare Band.

The university already has received gifts totaling $23.8 million during the silent phase of the campaign.

Last week, UM-Dearborn announced an endowment gift of an estimated $12.5 million from the estate of Arthur Kochoff in support of student access to higher education. The bequest is the largest single gift in university history. Kochoff and his late wife, Mary, were longtime supporters of the university who believed education had the power to transform lives. The bequest will be used to create the Kochoff Pathway to Success Scholarship Program, which will support nearly 600 students with financial need in its first four years alone.

To learn more about the Victors for UM-Dearborn campaign, its priorities and to meet our campaign steering committee, visit umdearborn.edu/victors.