Leaders & Best People (Summer 2015)

A VENTURE OF LEADERSHIP 1. Herb (BSECiv ’79, MSE ’80) and Kathryn Spence 2. President Emeritus James Duderstadt 3. Joanne and Edwin (DDS ’60) Rennell 4. Socrates Papageorgiou (College of Engineering Class of 2018), Edi and Tom Bletcher 5. Mary Law Baumgarten (AB ’80) and David Baumgarten (BSEMech ’80) 6. Robert Ernst (BS ’84), Alexis Wierenga (AB ’15) 7. Lila McMechan (ABEd ’52, TeachCert ’52, MA ’56), President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman, Donald McMechan 8. Bev and Dave (AB ’71, MD ’77) Verdier with a student 9. Darren Appel (BBA ’15), Jibran Ahmed (LSA Class of 2015) 10. Michael (AB ’96) and Christina Rosloniec 11. Cho-Yee and Patricia To 12. Bob (AB ’61, MD ’63) and Sue (BSD ’61, MPH ’64) Welke 13. Deb Canja, Kyle Petrovich (LSA Class of 2019), Mary Petrovich (BSE ’85), Kelly Creal (School of Nursing Class of 2018), Tess Canja (AB ’48), Colleen Creal 14. Provost Martha E. Pollack 15. Azima and Sameer Sikora 16. Jackie (BS ’52) and Bruce (BBA ’50, MBA ’51) Cook 17. William Lewis (BDes ’48), Isra Abdo (Stamps School of Art & Design Class of 2018) 18. Rahul Mehrotra 19. Sally Martin (TeachCert ’67, AM ’67) 20. William Kring (AB ’43) 21. Marty (MPH ’84) and Jim (BS ’77, MedRes ’84, MD ’80) Conrad with a student 22. Laura Perkins 23. Marilyn McKinney (AM ’75)

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SPRING COMMENCEMENT

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN, FLINT CAMPUSES | APRIL 25–MAY 15, 2015 At spring commencement on the Ann Arbor campus on Saturday, May 2, the university recognized seven outstanding U-M citizens with honorary degrees. President Mark Schlissel appears here with [from left]: Nobel Prize–winning economist and best-selling author Robert J. Shiller (AB ’67), who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and served as the speaker at the Rackham Graduate Exercises; pioneering venture capitalist Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54), a founding partner of Francisco Partners, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; award-winning journalist, author, and foreign correspondent Robin Wright (AB ’70, MA ’71), who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree; former United States Representative for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District John Dingell, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; the co-owners and founding partners of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Ari Weinzweig (AB ’78) and Paul Saginaw (BS ’76), who each received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and who co-delivered the commencement address for the Ann Arbor campus; and global health expert Dr. Tadataka Yamada, a former member of the U-M Medical School faculty, who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

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1. UM-Ann Arbor graduates serving in the U.S. Armed Forces 2. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 3. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 4. UM-Flint graduates 5. Weinzweig, Saginaw 6. UM-Dearborn graduates

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While building his career, Robertson consistently shared his expertise, knowledge, and connections with his alma mater, greatly benefiting the endowment and its investment program.

Robertson’s leadership reaches other areas of U-M. He is a longtime member of the President’s Advisory Group. He served

on the national leadership committee of the university’s Campaign for Michigan in the 1980s and co-chaired the Michigan Difference campaign, completed in 2008.

Robertson and his wife, Jeanne, currently serve on the Victors for Michigan national leadership board.

A CAUSE FOR JOY “Did you ever see The Big Chill?” Peter Benedek (AB ’70) asked during a recent phone call to his offices in Los Angeles.

Benedek is president and co-founder of the premier talent and literary agency United Talent Agency (UTA), and the 1983 film The Big Chill tells the story of a handful of Michigan grads—friends in college— who then come together in midlife for a weekend, leading to important “A-ha!” moments for all.

A former class president, Robertson remains active at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business as a member of its visiting committee, technology advisory board, and dean’s advisory board.

In addition to his extensive volunteer commitments, Robertson has been a generous donor to the university. He endowed the Sanford R. Robertson Assistant Professor in Business Administration position and the Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator post in the Athletic Department. The Robertsons also created the Jeanne and Sanford Robertson Scholarship fund for students in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

About five years after the film’s release, Benedek—who is married to Barbara Benedek, one of the film’s two screenwriters, and friends with the other, Larry Kasdan (AB ’70, AM ’72, TeachCert ’72)—had experienced a similar kind of midlife weekend. At the time, Benedek was turning 40, and nearly 20 years had passed since graduation. For the first time since receiving his diploma, he returned to Ann Arbor, for a birthday weekend with three of his closest college friends. But—in life, as in art—more came out of it, including developments that would define Benedek’s next chapter in life, right up to the present moment.

Robertson has inspired countless others to support U-M, and in 2010 he received U-M’s David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, the highest honor conferred by the university in this area.

A pioneer in investment banking, Robertson is a dedicated alumnus whose appreciation for U-M is reflected in his leadership and service to the university.

“Michigan gave me the tools to compete in a very competitive world,” Robertson has said. “I’ll always be grateful for that.”

First, “a lightbulb went off in my head about what a formative experience that was to attend the University of Michigan,” Benedek said. Second, when he returned to Los Angeles, he “worked up the courage to buy his first real piece of art, a David Hockney litho.” Ever since that weekend, Benedek has followed “twin paths: The university became my joyous cause, and art collecting became a commitment in joy,” said the now-celebrated art collector, whom The Hollywood Reporter recognized in 2013 as one of the industry’s Top 25.

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with the ezine!

For videos, slideshows, and more, visit: ldrsnb.st/LBpublications

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Benedek’s twin paths converged this year when the U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) honored him at UMMA Glow for his longtime leadership in the arts. Speaking at the event, Benedek credited U-M for shaping the instincts

— PE TER BENEDEK (A B ’ 70)

For nearly 15 years, the Benedeks have hosted an annual cocktail party welcoming Screen Arts & Cultures graduates new to Los Angeles. “This party is a launching pad for so many careers,” said Screen Arts & Cultures Director of Screenwriting Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74). “It’s amazing to watch. There’s this sense of belonging.” The popular event now also has a fundraising component, to support the department and instill a culture of giving among young alumni.

In 2011, U-M recognized Benedek with a David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. He serves on the LSA dean’s advisory council and chairs the Los Angeles Campaign Leadership Council.

Also an active member of UMMA’s national leadership council, Benedek called the museum “a physical manifestation of two things I love,” closing his remarks at UMMA Glow with the words: “I am grateful every day for my years here, for the opportunity I have had to give back, for the rewards it has brought me, and for the happiness I feel when I look at art I love.”

ANN ARBOR | APRIL 16, 2015 | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART

DETROIT | MAY 14, 2015 | DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Eminent U-M physicians joined forces with leading local and national artists for this fundraising auction in support of high-risk, high-reward medical research by scientists in the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute’s Emerging Scholars Program. The event celebrated the dual passions of the institute’s founder, the late Alfred Taubman (Taubman College ’48, LLD Hon ’91).

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U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) Director Joseph Rosa welcomed guests to UMMA Glow, the biennial fundraising event honoring a U-M alum who is deeply engaged in the art world. Peter Benedek (AB ’70) of Los Angeles was honored for his leadership in the arts. U-M regents, President Mark Schlissel, and other campus leaders mingled with distinguished alumni and guests, including screenwriter, director, and producer Lawrence Kasdan (AB ’70, TeachCert ’72, AM ’72); Ann Philbin, director of UCLA’s Hammer Museum; and artist, photographer, and filmmaker Laurie Simmons.

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CHAMPS FOR MOTT

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1. Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton and Denise Naughton 2. Richard Ohye, professor of cardiac surgery, head of pediatric cardiovascular surgery, surgical director of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Transplant Program, program director of the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Residency, and co-director of the Michigan Congenital Heart Center; John Charpie (MedFellowship ’95), the Amnon Rosenthal Collegiate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, U-M Medical School; Stefanie Peters; Bob Krause 3. Donna Criscuolo, Rosario Criscuolo, Jeff McLellan, Deanna (Criscuolo) McLellan 4. KT Maviglia (BFA ’14), Jordan Morgan (BSEIO ’13, MEng ’14) 5. Judge Warran Evans, Wayne County Executive

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT 3003 South State Street Ann Arbor MI 48109-1288

1. Edith Briskin; Eva Feldman (PhD ’79, MD ’83), the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology and director of the Taubman Institute; Charles Burant, the Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Professor of Metabolism and director of the U-M Metabolomics and Obesity Center 2. Steven Russman (BGS ’86), Ruth Taubman (BFA ’81) 3. Durga Singer, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System; Sung Won Choi, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System 4. Fiber artist Carole Harris 5. Parag Patil, associate professor of neurology, neurological surgery, and anesthesiology in the U-M Health System and of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO. 144

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SUMMER 2015

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A CAUSE FOR JOY

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Major sponsors Delta Air Lines and Lexus of Ann Arbor joined with countless other supporters, raising $250,000 for two programs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: the U-M Congenital Heart Center and the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund.

The event series offered a strolling gala in the Delta Air Lines hangar at Detroit Metro Airport; a golf tournament at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and a dinner at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Dexter, Michigan.

PETER BENEDEK, UMMA GLOW: LEISA THOMPSON

DETROIT AREA | MAY 16–18, 2015 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

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Together, the Benedeks passionately support multiple areas at U-M. Their wide-ranging support for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) makes an impact across numerous departments and initiatives, including the Department of Screen Arts & Cultures, the Department of History, the Honors Program, scholarships, and study abroad. Other areas of support include the Athletic Department; the School of Music, Theatre & Dance; and North Quad, where the Benedek Family Media Gateway was named in their honor.

UMMA GLOW

AN EVENING OF ART + SCIENCE

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that have led him both to collect art and to recognize talent. “This place gave me the confidence and the ability to believe in myself,” he said. “That is a true gift.”

© REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

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PHOTOGRAPHY—Peter Benedek, UMMA Glow: Leisa Thompson. Celebrating Donors and Their Scholars: Jeeheon Cho Photography. Student Day of Support: Michigan Photography—Scott C. Soderberg, Austin Thomason, Eric Bronson. Spring Game: Courtesy of the U-M Athletic Department. An Evening of Art + Science: Donna Terek; Lisa Vreede Photography. CHAMPs for Mott: Chris Amos Photography; Lisa Vreede Photography. Michigan Seminars in Florida: Mark Elias. Presidential Introduction Events: [Boston] Robert Castagna Photography; [Chicago] Joel Wintermantle; [Washington, D.C.] Jay Westcott; [Seattle] Amanda Dumouchelle. Congressional Breakfast: Freed Photography. Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion: Ted Chen, AB ’08. SXSW: Ben Armes. Blavin Dinner: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Food Allergy Center Naming Ceremony: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Tanner Lecture: Leisa Thompson.

Campaign Leadership Board Meeting: Renato Zacchia Photography. Commencement: [Ann Arbor] Michigan Photography—Eric Bronson, Scott C. Soderberg; [Flint] Courtesy of the University of Michigan-Flint; [Dearborn] Millard Berry.

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“I am grateful every day for my years here...”

Michael J. Behm, Grand Blanc Mark J. Bernstein, Ann Arbor Laurence B. Deitch, Bloomfield Hills Shauna Ryder Diggs, Grosse Pointe Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Andrea Fischer Newman, Ann Arbor Andrew C. Richner, Grosse Pointe Park Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio

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Originally from Chicago, Robertson studied business at U-M, served in the United States Navy, and then moved to California. There he founded several hightech investment firms, including Robertson Stephens, which financed more than 500 technology companies, such as Pixar Animation, America Online, and Dell Inc.

As one of the longest-serving members of the Investment Advisory Committee, Robertson shared early insights into the relatively little-known activities in Silicon Valley and introduced the university to venture capital investing opportunities in both the United States and abroad. Since his involvement began in the early ’90s, the university’s endowment has grown from $500 million to about $8 billion, the fastest growth of any major university endowment over the past two decades.

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SILICON VALLEY LEGEND and U-M alumnus Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54, LLD Hon ’15) received an honorary degree during Spring Commencement recognizing his longtime commitment to the university.

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1. Kasdan 2. Peter and Barbara Benedek 3. Stuart (BBA ’61) and Maxine (AB ’66) Frankel 4. Rosa, Catherine Forbes 5. Clifford (AB ’57, JD ’60) and Alice (AB ’62, TeachCert ’62, MA ’75) Hart, Irving Stenn (AB ’52, JD ’55) 6. Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74), director of screenwriting in the LSA Department of Screen Arts & Cultures 7. Regent Shauna Ryder Diggs (BS ’91, MD ’94, MedRes ’98) 8. Jennifer Gilbert 9. Brian Hermelin (BBA ’87) 10. Philbin 11. Alan Hergott (AB ’72), Christian Vincent, Peri Gilpin, Curt Shepard 12. President Schlissel, Benedek 13. Simmons

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MICHIGAN SEMINARS IN FLORIDA

MANALAPAN, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 9, 2015 EAU PALM BEACH RESORT

CELEBRATING DONORS AND THEIR SCHOLARS ANN ARBOR | MARCH 28, 2015 JAMES AND ANNE DUDERSTADT CENTER

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Scholarship donors and the students they support gathered for a strolling reception in the James and Anne Duderstadt Center, a faculty-led, student-run complex that opened in 1996 on North Campus as part of the U-M Library. Previously called the Media Union, it was named in 2003 to recognize the contributions of (11th) President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering James J. Duderstadt and his wife, Anne.

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SXSW INTERACTIVE

AUSTIN, TEXAS | MARCH 14–15, 2015 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Driverless cars...robotics for rehabilitation...the music of the Gershwin brothers... in a daylong exchange, U-M faculty, students, and leaders shared insights and inspiration across a wide range of subject areas based on their artistic creations, athletic endeavors, debating acumen, research discoveries, and engineering innovations. At lunch, U-M President Mark Schlissel—then at the midpoint of his first year as U-M’s 14th leader—shared learnings and observations.

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SPRING GAME & TRAIL TO THE VICTORS 5K

STUDENT DAY OF THANKS

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN | MARCH 18, 2015 | 24 SITES ON TWO CAMPUSES As part of an annual event begun in 2011, more than 5,000 students flocked to sites across the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses to learn about the impact of philanthropy on their U-M experience. They also took the time to compose hand-written postcards recognizing university donors with personal notes of thanks for their recent contributions.

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The 2015 Spring Game drew some 60,000 Michigan Football fans for a first glimpse of Team 136 under Jim Harbaugh (AB ’86), the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach at U-M. Together with the second annual Trail to the Victors 5K—which attracted more than 5,000 participants the following weekend—the game raised more than $110,000 to be shared among six community organizations: 826Michigan; Special Olympics of Michigan; the Ann Arbor YMCA; the U-M student-run Dance Marathon; and two components of the U-M Health System—Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and Project Healthy Schools.

1. Harbaugh 2. De’Veon Smith (LSA Class of 2017), Allen Gant (LSA Class of 2016) 3. Jennifer Krolewski, Lori Michell

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9 1. Carolyn and Eric Harthun 2. Heather Taylor (BS ’90), Scott (BBA ’86) and Ursula (BBA ’88) Steele 3. President Schlissel 4. David Glen (BBA ’78), Muriel I. Nichols (JD ’71) 5. Bill (BS ’72, MArch ’74) and Judy (BSN ’72) Waterston 6. Norma Shapiro (AB ’64) 7. Rackham Graduate School Dean Janet Weiss, Mary Ellen Colten (AB ’70, PhD ’78) 8. Jerome Kaplan (JD ’50), Ann Silverstein (AB ’47) 9. Paul (AB ’74) and Susan (BSN ’74 PhD ’82) Meister, David Walt (BS ’74) and Michele May (BBA ’74)

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1. Andrew Martin, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; Judy Chan (AB ’99) 2. Pei Ming Lee (BMus ’00, BMus ’00, MMus ’02, AMusD ’04) 3. Rich Rogel (BBA ’70, LLD Hon ’09); Ng; Singapore Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Lawrence Wong (AM ’95) 4. Richard Yang (JD ’99) 5. John Tanasijevich, George Tanasijevich (AB ’83) 6. Gunalan Nadarajan, dean and professor, the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design 7. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School; Lianggang Song

1. Alumni at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue 2. School of Information Dean Jeffrey MacKieMason (MPP ’82), the Arthur W. Burks Collegiate Professor of Information and Computer Science; Roger Ehrenberg (BBA ’87) 3. Janet Fisher; Associate Dean for Entrepreneurial Programs Thomas Zurbuchen, a professor in the College of Engineering and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business 4. George Pilko (BSEChE ’71, MBA ’73) 5. Philip Bishop (BSEEE ’84, BSEComp ’84) 6. Christian Guirnalda (MBA ‘12)

ANN ARBOR | MAY 1, 2015 HARLAN HATCHER GRADUATE LIBRARY REFERENCE ROOM

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1. Roberta Barnes (AM ’75, PhD ’77), Clark Chandler (AM ’77, PhD ’78) 2. Emily Cloyd (BS ’01), Alex Jaffe (AB ’07) 3. David (BArch ’68) and Carole (BS ’67) Metzger 4. President Schlissel, Cortney A. Robinson (BS ’00, MPP ’01) 5. Pankaj Duggal (MUP ’95, MArch ’95) 6. Elise Smith (AB ’54)

1. Amy and Paul Blavin (center) with Blavin Scholars Program Director Rachel Naasko (far left) and alumni 2. Billie Fierros (AB ’15) 3. Bobby Harnden (AB ’15) 4. Regent Mark Bernstein (AB ’93, MBA ’96, JD ’96), Kamille Tynes (AB ’15) 5. Paul Blavin 6. Pedro Cooper (AB ’15)

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CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 25, 2015 HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL

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At his first U-M Congressional Breakfast, President Mark Schlissel addressed more than 300 regents, alumni, lawmakers, friends, and students (who—as part of the Michigan in Washington program through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts—were doing coursework and internships in D.C.). Proceeds from this event, sponsored by the U-M Club of Greater Washington, support scholarships for D.C.-area U-M students. United States Senator Gary Peters of Michigan delivered the keynote address; in addition to those pictured, guests included Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Rep. Dave Trott.

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1. Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (AB ’79), Rep. Debbie Dingell 2. Michigan in Washington students with President Schlissel 3. Kevin Kraushaar (ABEd ’77, TeachCert ’77), Gov. Rick Snyder (BGS ’77, MBA ’79, JD ’82) 4. Rep. Dan Kildee 5. Rep. Dan Benishek (BS ’74) 6. Rep. Grace Meng (AB ’97) of New York 7. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (AB ’88, JD ’91) of Florida 8. Rep. Mike Bishop 9. Sen. Gary Peters

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1. Bobbe Bridge (AM ’68) 2. Aparna and Paul (AB ’93) Shimabukuro 3. Samuel Jones (AB ’70) 4. Herb Bowie (AB ’73) 5. Leon Grundstein (AB ’69) 6. Eric Brodersen (MBA ’94), James Lico (BSA ’88), Peter Harwood-Stamper (BSEAero ’96, MEng ’97) 7. Sharon Faricy, President Schlissel, Peter Faricy (MBA ’95)

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ANN ARBOR MAY 28, 2015 PALMER COMMONS

1. Ambassador Ron (BBA’66) and Eileen (MMus’75) Weiser, Mary and Marc (BSEAero ’95, MBA ’00) Weiser 2. Food Allergy Center Director James R. Baker, Jr. 3. U-M Medical School Dean James O. Woolliscroft (MedRes ’80), the Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine 4. Marschall Runge, executive vice president for medical affairs in the U-M Health System

YORK CITY VICTORS FOR MICHIGAN NEW JUNE 2, 2015 CAMPAIGN BOARD MEETING TIME WARNER CENTER

A CONVERSATION WITH JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG

Hosted by Campaign Chair Stephen M. Ross (BBA ’62, LLD Hon ’11), campaign volunteers convened to discuss the campaign priority of engaged learning. Students presented examples of engaged learning experiences important to their Michigan education; President Mark Schlissel and other university leaders invited guests to share ideas on advancing support for this priority. The goal is to transform the U-M education by extending academic excellence from the classroom into real-world experiences that develop students’ global purview and a creative, entrepreneurial mindset.

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ANN ARBOR | FEBRUARY 6, 2015 HILL AUDITORIUM

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for the 2015 Tanner Lecture on Human Values, featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Two of her former law clerks—now U-M faculty members—moderated: Kate Andrias, an assistant professor of law, and Scott Hershovitz, a professor of law and philosophy and the director of the Law and Ethics Program, which sponsored the lecture. While on campus, Justice Ginsburg interacted with students, faculty, staff, and U-M leaders in such settings as a classroom visit and a reception.

Philanthropist Obert Clark Tanner established the lecture series in 1978 at select institutions worldwide.

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Honoring a family committed to advancing the study and treatment of a growing health epidemic, the U-M Health System’s Food Allergy Center— now two-thirds of the way toward its $42 million campaign goal—was recently named the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center. The naming recognizes Fundraising Chair Mary H. Weiser and the Weiser family for their generous support.

When fully operational, the center is expected to be the best in the world for research in this area.

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Together with Paul (BBA ’86) and Amy Blavin— founders of U-M’s Blavin Scholars Program, benefiting U-M undergraduates who have experienced foster care—Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper welcomed guests to the annual commencement celebration for this year’s graduates.

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SEATTLE | APRIL 1, 2015 | CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

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BLAVIN SCHOLARS COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

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FOOD ALLERGY CENTER NAMING CEREMONY 1

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ANN ARBOR | APRIL 4 & 12, 2015 MICHIGAN STADIUM

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1. Bobbie Ross, Alison Wilbon (BBA ’84) 2. President Schlissel 3. Julie and Michael Eckert 4. Brian Jones (MBA ’93) 5. Verne Istock (AB ’62, MBA ’63) 6. Linda Miller (AB ’87), Lynn Singer (AB ’70, TeachCert ’70, MPH ’72), Robyn Parker (MPH ’02), Marta Stein (AB ’85) 7. Jay (BS ’88) and Stephanie (AB ’89) Sinder, Hamilton Chang (BGS ’89)

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A diverse group of U-M schools, colleges, and units had a presence at the annual weeklong South by Southwest conference. Participants included the School of Information, the College of Engineering, Innovate Blue, the School of Public Health, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Prior to the conference, the university hosted events for alumni on Friday evening at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue and on Saturday at the Josephine House.

Led by Choon-Peng Ng (MBA ’04), Sze-Yunn Pang (MBA ’02), and the Singapore reunion committee, 275 alumni and friends from 13 countries gathered with leading U-M faculty for the sixth annual Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion.

A reception, conference, and dinner took place at the Marina Bay Sands Conference Center and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Next May: Tokyo!

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President Mark Schlissel rang in 2015 with continuing visits across the country— to Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The president was greeted by alumni, friends, and Victors for Michigan campaign volunteers serving on leadership boards in those cities and the surrounding regions. President Schlissel’s visits will continue through the summer, expanding to include such international destinations as London, Beijing, and Shanghai.

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PRESIDENTIAL INTRODUCTION EVENTS

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 24, 2015 | THE HAY-ADAMS

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PAN-ASIA ALUMNI REUNION SINGAPORE | MAY 17–18, 2015

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CHICAGO | MARCH 4, 2015 | THE DRAKE

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BOSTON | FEBRUARY 26, 2015 | THE INTERCONTINENTAL

1. Keyana Thompson-Shaw (AB ’15, AB ’15), David Moore (BSE Mech ’14), Katherine Thompson (BS ’13) 2. President Schlissel, Paola Luptak (AB ’88) 3. Edith Briskin, Kathy Goldberg (MS ’94) 4. Chuck Hutchins (BSEMech ’57) 5. Ann Hutchins (BSDes ’57) 6. Gil Chapman (BFA ’13), Thomas Johnson (MSW ’80)

The Duderstadts were among the guests strolling the complex in small, intimate groups of 10 or 12 at a time throughout the evening as staff members and students demonstrated the power of the latest digital technologies. Dedicated to creative collaboration among faculty, students, and staff across a broad range of disciplines, the Duderstadt Center houses the Art, Architecture, and Engineering Library; the College of Engineering Computer-Aided Engineering Network; the Digital Media Commons; and the Millennium Project.

With 400-plus computers available 24/7, the center is the largest public computing site at the university. It provides students with access to 3D and virtual reality labs, a large video production studio (shown here), a state-of-the-art audio recording studio, two electronic music studios, and two teleconferencing rooms.

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1. Andrew Bernstein (AB ’96) 2. Eugene Grant (AB ’38) 3. Ross, President Schlissel 4. Nate Forbes (AB ’85), Jane Och (MAcc ’86, BBA ’86), Paul Schnell (AB ’85) 5. Parag Vora (AB ’96) 6. Valerie Wilpon (AB ’86)

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4 1. Monica Schwebs and husband President Mark Schlissel 2. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School 3.

Lauren DesRosiers (Law School Class of 2016) 4. Professor Andrias, Professor Hershovitz

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A VENTURE OF LEADERSHIP 1. Herb (BSECiv ’79, MSE ’80) and Kathryn Spence 2. President Emeritus James Duderstadt 3. Joanne and Edwin (DDS ’60) Rennell 4. Socrates Papageorgiou (College of Engineering Class of 2018), Edi and Tom Bletcher 5. Mary Law Baumgarten (AB ’80) and David Baumgarten (BSEMech ’80) 6. Robert Ernst (BS ’84), Alexis Wierenga (AB ’15) 7. Lila McMechan (ABEd ’52, TeachCert ’52, MA ’56), President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman, Donald McMechan 8. Bev and Dave (AB ’71, MD ’77) Verdier with a student 9. Darren Appel (BBA ’15), Jibran Ahmed (LSA Class of 2015) 10. Michael (AB ’96) and Christina Rosloniec 11. Cho-Yee and Patricia To 12. Bob (AB ’61, MD ’63) and Sue (BSD ’61, MPH ’64) Welke 13. Deb Canja, Kyle Petrovich (LSA Class of 2019), Mary Petrovich (BSE ’85), Kelly Creal (School of Nursing Class of 2018), Tess Canja (AB ’48), Colleen Creal 14. Provost Martha E. Pollack 15. Azima and Sameer Sikora 16. Jackie (BS ’52) and Bruce (BBA ’50, MBA ’51) Cook 17. William Lewis (BDes ’48), Isra Abdo (Stamps School of Art & Design Class of 2018) 18. Rahul Mehrotra 19. Sally Martin (TeachCert ’67, AM ’67) 20. William Kring (AB ’43) 21. Marty (MPH ’84) and Jim (BS ’77, MedRes ’84, MD ’80) Conrad with a student 22. Laura Perkins 23. Marilyn McKinney (AM ’75)

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SPRING COMMENCEMENT

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN, FLINT CAMPUSES | APRIL 25–MAY 15, 2015 At spring commencement on the Ann Arbor campus on Saturday, May 2, the university recognized seven outstanding U-M citizens with honorary degrees. President Mark Schlissel appears here with [from left]: Nobel Prize–winning economist and best-selling author Robert J. Shiller (AB ’67), who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and served as the speaker at the Rackham Graduate Exercises; pioneering venture capitalist Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54), a founding partner of Francisco Partners, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; award-winning journalist, author, and foreign correspondent Robin Wright (AB ’70, MA ’71), who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree; former United States Representative for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District John Dingell, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; the co-owners and founding partners of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Ari Weinzweig (AB ’78) and Paul Saginaw (BS ’76), who each received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and who co-delivered the commencement address for the Ann Arbor campus; and global health expert Dr. Tadataka Yamada, a former member of the U-M Medical School faculty, who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

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1. UM-Ann Arbor graduates serving in the U.S. Armed Forces 2. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 3. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 4. UM-Flint graduates 5. Weinzweig, Saginaw 6. UM-Dearborn graduates

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While building his career, Robertson consistently shared his expertise, knowledge, and connections with his alma mater, greatly benefiting the endowment and its investment program.

Robertson’s leadership reaches other areas of U-M. He is a longtime member of the President’s Advisory Group. He served

on the national leadership committee of the university’s Campaign for Michigan in the 1980s and co-chaired the Michigan Difference campaign, completed in 2008.

Robertson and his wife, Jeanne, currently serve on the Victors for Michigan national leadership board.

A CAUSE FOR JOY “Did you ever see The Big Chill?” Peter Benedek (AB ’70) asked during a recent phone call to his offices in Los Angeles.

Benedek is president and co-founder of the premier talent and literary agency United Talent Agency (UTA), and the 1983 film The Big Chill tells the story of a handful of Michigan grads—friends in college— who then come together in midlife for a weekend, leading to important “A-ha!” moments for all.

A former class president, Robertson remains active at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business as a member of its visiting committee, technology advisory board, and dean’s advisory board.

In addition to his extensive volunteer commitments, Robertson has been a generous donor to the university. He endowed the Sanford R. Robertson Assistant Professor in Business Administration position and the Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator post in the Athletic Department. The Robertsons also created the Jeanne and Sanford Robertson Scholarship fund for students in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

About five years after the film’s release, Benedek—who is married to Barbara Benedek, one of the film’s two screenwriters, and friends with the other, Larry Kasdan (AB ’70, AM ’72, TeachCert ’72)—had experienced a similar kind of midlife weekend. At the time, Benedek was turning 40, and nearly 20 years had passed since graduation. For the first time since receiving his diploma, he returned to Ann Arbor, for a birthday weekend with three of his closest college friends. But—in life, as in art—more came out of it, including developments that would define Benedek’s next chapter in life, right up to the present moment.

Robertson has inspired countless others to support U-M, and in 2010 he received U-M’s David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, the highest honor conferred by the university in this area.

A pioneer in investment banking, Robertson is a dedicated alumnus whose appreciation for U-M is reflected in his leadership and service to the university.

“Michigan gave me the tools to compete in a very competitive world,” Robertson has said. “I’ll always be grateful for that.”

First, “a lightbulb went off in my head about what a formative experience that was to attend the University of Michigan,” Benedek said. Second, when he returned to Los Angeles, he “worked up the courage to buy his first real piece of art, a David Hockney litho.” Ever since that weekend, Benedek has followed “twin paths: The university became my joyous cause, and art collecting became a commitment in joy,” said the now-celebrated art collector, whom The Hollywood Reporter recognized in 2013 as one of the industry’s Top 25.

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with the ezine!

For videos, slideshows, and more, visit: ldrsnb.st/LBpublications

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Benedek’s twin paths converged this year when the U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) honored him at UMMA Glow for his longtime leadership in the arts. Speaking at the event, Benedek credited U-M for shaping the instincts

— PE TER BENEDEK (A B ’ 70)

For nearly 15 years, the Benedeks have hosted an annual cocktail party welcoming Screen Arts & Cultures graduates new to Los Angeles. “This party is a launching pad for so many careers,” said Screen Arts & Cultures Director of Screenwriting Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74). “It’s amazing to watch. There’s this sense of belonging.” The popular event now also has a fundraising component, to support the department and instill a culture of giving among young alumni.

In 2011, U-M recognized Benedek with a David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. He serves on the LSA dean’s advisory council and chairs the Los Angeles Campaign Leadership Council.

Also an active member of UMMA’s national leadership council, Benedek called the museum “a physical manifestation of two things I love,” closing his remarks at UMMA Glow with the words: “I am grateful every day for my years here, for the opportunity I have had to give back, for the rewards it has brought me, and for the happiness I feel when I look at art I love.”

ANN ARBOR | APRIL 16, 2015 | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART

DETROIT | MAY 14, 2015 | DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Eminent U-M physicians joined forces with leading local and national artists for this fundraising auction in support of high-risk, high-reward medical research by scientists in the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute’s Emerging Scholars Program. The event celebrated the dual passions of the institute’s founder, the late Alfred Taubman (Taubman College ’48, LLD Hon ’91).

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U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) Director Joseph Rosa welcomed guests to UMMA Glow, the biennial fundraising event honoring a U-M alum who is deeply engaged in the art world. Peter Benedek (AB ’70) of Los Angeles was honored for his leadership in the arts. U-M regents, President Mark Schlissel, and other campus leaders mingled with distinguished alumni and guests, including screenwriter, director, and producer Lawrence Kasdan (AB ’70, TeachCert ’72, AM ’72); Ann Philbin, director of UCLA’s Hammer Museum; and artist, photographer, and filmmaker Laurie Simmons.

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CHAMPS FOR MOTT

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1. Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton and Denise Naughton 2. Richard Ohye, professor of cardiac surgery, head of pediatric cardiovascular surgery, surgical director of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Transplant Program, program director of the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Residency, and co-director of the Michigan Congenital Heart Center; John Charpie (MedFellowship ’95), the Amnon Rosenthal Collegiate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, U-M Medical School; Stefanie Peters; Bob Krause 3. Donna Criscuolo, Rosario Criscuolo, Jeff McLellan, Deanna (Criscuolo) McLellan 4. KT Maviglia (BFA ’14), Jordan Morgan (BSEIO ’13, MEng ’14) 5. Judge Warran Evans, Wayne County Executive

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT 3003 South State Street Ann Arbor MI 48109-1288

1. Edith Briskin; Eva Feldman (PhD ’79, MD ’83), the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology and director of the Taubman Institute; Charles Burant, the Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Professor of Metabolism and director of the U-M Metabolomics and Obesity Center 2. Steven Russman (BGS ’86), Ruth Taubman (BFA ’81) 3. Durga Singer, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System; Sung Won Choi, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System 4. Fiber artist Carole Harris 5. Parag Patil, associate professor of neurology, neurological surgery, and anesthesiology in the U-M Health System and of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO. 144

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SUMMER 2015

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A CAUSE FOR JOY

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Major sponsors Delta Air Lines and Lexus of Ann Arbor joined with countless other supporters, raising $250,000 for two programs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: the U-M Congenital Heart Center and the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund.

The event series offered a strolling gala in the Delta Air Lines hangar at Detroit Metro Airport; a golf tournament at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and a dinner at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Dexter, Michigan.

PETER BENEDEK, UMMA GLOW: LEISA THOMPSON

DETROIT AREA | MAY 16–18, 2015 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

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Together, the Benedeks passionately support multiple areas at U-M. Their wide-ranging support for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) makes an impact across numerous departments and initiatives, including the Department of Screen Arts & Cultures, the Department of History, the Honors Program, scholarships, and study abroad. Other areas of support include the Athletic Department; the School of Music, Theatre & Dance; and North Quad, where the Benedek Family Media Gateway was named in their honor.

UMMA GLOW

AN EVENING OF ART + SCIENCE

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that have led him both to collect art and to recognize talent. “This place gave me the confidence and the ability to believe in myself,” he said. “That is a true gift.”

© REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

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PHOTOGRAPHY—Peter Benedek, UMMA Glow: Leisa Thompson. Celebrating Donors and Their Scholars: Jeeheon Cho Photography. Student Day of Support: Michigan Photography—Scott C. Soderberg, Austin Thomason, Eric Bronson. Spring Game: Courtesy of the U-M Athletic Department. An Evening of Art + Science: Donna Terek; Lisa Vreede Photography. CHAMPs for Mott: Chris Amos Photography; Lisa Vreede Photography. Michigan Seminars in Florida: Mark Elias. Presidential Introduction Events: [Boston] Robert Castagna Photography; [Chicago] Joel Wintermantle; [Washington, D.C.] Jay Westcott; [Seattle] Amanda Dumouchelle. Congressional Breakfast: Freed Photography. Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion: Ted Chen, AB ’08. SXSW: Ben Armes. Blavin Dinner: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Food Allergy Center Naming Ceremony: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Tanner Lecture: Leisa Thompson.

Campaign Leadership Board Meeting: Renato Zacchia Photography. Commencement: [Ann Arbor] Michigan Photography—Eric Bronson, Scott C. Soderberg; [Flint] Courtesy of the University of Michigan-Flint; [Dearborn] Millard Berry.

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“I am grateful every day for my years here...”

Michael J. Behm, Grand Blanc Mark J. Bernstein, Ann Arbor Laurence B. Deitch, Bloomfield Hills Shauna Ryder Diggs, Grosse Pointe Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Andrea Fischer Newman, Ann Arbor Andrew C. Richner, Grosse Pointe Park Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio

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Originally from Chicago, Robertson studied business at U-M, served in the United States Navy, and then moved to California. There he founded several hightech investment firms, including Robertson Stephens, which financed more than 500 technology companies, such as Pixar Animation, America Online, and Dell Inc.

As one of the longest-serving members of the Investment Advisory Committee, Robertson shared early insights into the relatively little-known activities in Silicon Valley and introduced the university to venture capital investing opportunities in both the United States and abroad. Since his involvement began in the early ’90s, the university’s endowment has grown from $500 million to about $8 billion, the fastest growth of any major university endowment over the past two decades.

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SILICON VALLEY LEGEND and U-M alumnus Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54, LLD Hon ’15) received an honorary degree during Spring Commencement recognizing his longtime commitment to the university.

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1. Kasdan 2. Peter and Barbara Benedek 3. Stuart (BBA ’61) and Maxine (AB ’66) Frankel 4. Rosa, Catherine Forbes 5. Clifford (AB ’57, JD ’60) and Alice (AB ’62, TeachCert ’62, MA ’75) Hart, Irving Stenn (AB ’52, JD ’55) 6. Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74), director of screenwriting in the LSA Department of Screen Arts & Cultures 7. Regent Shauna Ryder Diggs (BS ’91, MD ’94, MedRes ’98) 8. Jennifer Gilbert 9. Brian Hermelin (BBA ’87) 10. Philbin 11. Alan Hergott (AB ’72), Christian Vincent, Peri Gilpin, Curt Shepard 12. President Schlissel, Benedek 13. Simmons

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MICHIGAN SEMINARS IN FLORIDA

MANALAPAN, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 9, 2015 EAU PALM BEACH RESORT

CELEBRATING DONORS AND THEIR SCHOLARS ANN ARBOR | MARCH 28, 2015 JAMES AND ANNE DUDERSTADT CENTER

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Scholarship donors and the students they support gathered for a strolling reception in the James and Anne Duderstadt Center, a faculty-led, student-run complex that opened in 1996 on North Campus as part of the U-M Library. Previously called the Media Union, it was named in 2003 to recognize the contributions of (11th) President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering James J. Duderstadt and his wife, Anne.

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SXSW INTERACTIVE

AUSTIN, TEXAS | MARCH 14–15, 2015 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Driverless cars...robotics for rehabilitation...the music of the Gershwin brothers... in a daylong exchange, U-M faculty, students, and leaders shared insights and inspiration across a wide range of subject areas based on their artistic creations, athletic endeavors, debating acumen, research discoveries, and engineering innovations. At lunch, U-M President Mark Schlissel—then at the midpoint of his first year as U-M’s 14th leader—shared learnings and observations.

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SPRING GAME & TRAIL TO THE VICTORS 5K

STUDENT DAY OF THANKS

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN | MARCH 18, 2015 | 24 SITES ON TWO CAMPUSES As part of an annual event begun in 2011, more than 5,000 students flocked to sites across the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses to learn about the impact of philanthropy on their U-M experience. They also took the time to compose hand-written postcards recognizing university donors with personal notes of thanks for their recent contributions.

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The 2015 Spring Game drew some 60,000 Michigan Football fans for a first glimpse of Team 136 under Jim Harbaugh (AB ’86), the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach at U-M. Together with the second annual Trail to the Victors 5K—which attracted more than 5,000 participants the following weekend—the game raised more than $110,000 to be shared among six community organizations: 826Michigan; Special Olympics of Michigan; the Ann Arbor YMCA; the U-M student-run Dance Marathon; and two components of the U-M Health System—Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and Project Healthy Schools.

1. Harbaugh 2. De’Veon Smith (LSA Class of 2017), Allen Gant (LSA Class of 2016) 3. Jennifer Krolewski, Lori Michell

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9 1. Carolyn and Eric Harthun 2. Heather Taylor (BS ’90), Scott (BBA ’86) and Ursula (BBA ’88) Steele 3. President Schlissel 4. David Glen (BBA ’78), Muriel I. Nichols (JD ’71) 5. Bill (BS ’72, MArch ’74) and Judy (BSN ’72) Waterston 6. Norma Shapiro (AB ’64) 7. Rackham Graduate School Dean Janet Weiss, Mary Ellen Colten (AB ’70, PhD ’78) 8. Jerome Kaplan (JD ’50), Ann Silverstein (AB ’47) 9. Paul (AB ’74) and Susan (BSN ’74 PhD ’82) Meister, David Walt (BS ’74) and Michele May (BBA ’74)

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1. Andrew Martin, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; Judy Chan (AB ’99) 2. Pei Ming Lee (BMus ’00, BMus ’00, MMus ’02, AMusD ’04) 3. Rich Rogel (BBA ’70, LLD Hon ’09); Ng; Singapore Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Lawrence Wong (AM ’95) 4. Richard Yang (JD ’99) 5. John Tanasijevich, George Tanasijevich (AB ’83) 6. Gunalan Nadarajan, dean and professor, the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design 7. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School; Lianggang Song

1. Alumni at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue 2. School of Information Dean Jeffrey MacKieMason (MPP ’82), the Arthur W. Burks Collegiate Professor of Information and Computer Science; Roger Ehrenberg (BBA ’87) 3. Janet Fisher; Associate Dean for Entrepreneurial Programs Thomas Zurbuchen, a professor in the College of Engineering and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business 4. George Pilko (BSEChE ’71, MBA ’73) 5. Philip Bishop (BSEEE ’84, BSEComp ’84) 6. Christian Guirnalda (MBA ‘12)

ANN ARBOR | MAY 1, 2015 HARLAN HATCHER GRADUATE LIBRARY REFERENCE ROOM

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1. Roberta Barnes (AM ’75, PhD ’77), Clark Chandler (AM ’77, PhD ’78) 2. Emily Cloyd (BS ’01), Alex Jaffe (AB ’07) 3. David (BArch ’68) and Carole (BS ’67) Metzger 4. President Schlissel, Cortney A. Robinson (BS ’00, MPP ’01) 5. Pankaj Duggal (MUP ’95, MArch ’95) 6. Elise Smith (AB ’54)

1. Amy and Paul Blavin (center) with Blavin Scholars Program Director Rachel Naasko (far left) and alumni 2. Billie Fierros (AB ’15) 3. Bobby Harnden (AB ’15) 4. Regent Mark Bernstein (AB ’93, MBA ’96, JD ’96), Kamille Tynes (AB ’15) 5. Paul Blavin 6. Pedro Cooper (AB ’15)

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CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 25, 2015 HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL

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At his first U-M Congressional Breakfast, President Mark Schlissel addressed more than 300 regents, alumni, lawmakers, friends, and students (who—as part of the Michigan in Washington program through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts—were doing coursework and internships in D.C.). Proceeds from this event, sponsored by the U-M Club of Greater Washington, support scholarships for D.C.-area U-M students. United States Senator Gary Peters of Michigan delivered the keynote address; in addition to those pictured, guests included Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Rep. Dave Trott.

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1. Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (AB ’79), Rep. Debbie Dingell 2. Michigan in Washington students with President Schlissel 3. Kevin Kraushaar (ABEd ’77, TeachCert ’77), Gov. Rick Snyder (BGS ’77, MBA ’79, JD ’82) 4. Rep. Dan Kildee 5. Rep. Dan Benishek (BS ’74) 6. Rep. Grace Meng (AB ’97) of New York 7. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (AB ’88, JD ’91) of Florida 8. Rep. Mike Bishop 9. Sen. Gary Peters

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1. Bobbe Bridge (AM ’68) 2. Aparna and Paul (AB ’93) Shimabukuro 3. Samuel Jones (AB ’70) 4. Herb Bowie (AB ’73) 5. Leon Grundstein (AB ’69) 6. Eric Brodersen (MBA ’94), James Lico (BSA ’88), Peter Harwood-Stamper (BSEAero ’96, MEng ’97) 7. Sharon Faricy, President Schlissel, Peter Faricy (MBA ’95)

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ANN ARBOR MAY 28, 2015 PALMER COMMONS

1. Ambassador Ron (BBA’66) and Eileen (MMus’75) Weiser, Mary and Marc (BSEAero ’95, MBA ’00) Weiser 2. Food Allergy Center Director James R. Baker, Jr. 3. U-M Medical School Dean James O. Woolliscroft (MedRes ’80), the Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine 4. Marschall Runge, executive vice president for medical affairs in the U-M Health System

YORK CITY VICTORS FOR MICHIGAN NEW JUNE 2, 2015 CAMPAIGN BOARD MEETING TIME WARNER CENTER

A CONVERSATION WITH JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG

Hosted by Campaign Chair Stephen M. Ross (BBA ’62, LLD Hon ’11), campaign volunteers convened to discuss the campaign priority of engaged learning. Students presented examples of engaged learning experiences important to their Michigan education; President Mark Schlissel and other university leaders invited guests to share ideas on advancing support for this priority. The goal is to transform the U-M education by extending academic excellence from the classroom into real-world experiences that develop students’ global purview and a creative, entrepreneurial mindset.

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ANN ARBOR | FEBRUARY 6, 2015 HILL AUDITORIUM

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for the 2015 Tanner Lecture on Human Values, featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Two of her former law clerks—now U-M faculty members—moderated: Kate Andrias, an assistant professor of law, and Scott Hershovitz, a professor of law and philosophy and the director of the Law and Ethics Program, which sponsored the lecture. While on campus, Justice Ginsburg interacted with students, faculty, staff, and U-M leaders in such settings as a classroom visit and a reception.

Philanthropist Obert Clark Tanner established the lecture series in 1978 at select institutions worldwide.

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Honoring a family committed to advancing the study and treatment of a growing health epidemic, the U-M Health System’s Food Allergy Center— now two-thirds of the way toward its $42 million campaign goal—was recently named the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center. The naming recognizes Fundraising Chair Mary H. Weiser and the Weiser family for their generous support.

When fully operational, the center is expected to be the best in the world for research in this area.

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Together with Paul (BBA ’86) and Amy Blavin— founders of U-M’s Blavin Scholars Program, benefiting U-M undergraduates who have experienced foster care—Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper welcomed guests to the annual commencement celebration for this year’s graduates.

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SEATTLE | APRIL 1, 2015 | CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

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BLAVIN SCHOLARS COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

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FOOD ALLERGY CENTER NAMING CEREMONY 1

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ANN ARBOR | APRIL 4 & 12, 2015 MICHIGAN STADIUM

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1. Bobbie Ross, Alison Wilbon (BBA ’84) 2. President Schlissel 3. Julie and Michael Eckert 4. Brian Jones (MBA ’93) 5. Verne Istock (AB ’62, MBA ’63) 6. Linda Miller (AB ’87), Lynn Singer (AB ’70, TeachCert ’70, MPH ’72), Robyn Parker (MPH ’02), Marta Stein (AB ’85) 7. Jay (BS ’88) and Stephanie (AB ’89) Sinder, Hamilton Chang (BGS ’89)

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A diverse group of U-M schools, colleges, and units had a presence at the annual weeklong South by Southwest conference. Participants included the School of Information, the College of Engineering, Innovate Blue, the School of Public Health, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Prior to the conference, the university hosted events for alumni on Friday evening at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue and on Saturday at the Josephine House.

Led by Choon-Peng Ng (MBA ’04), Sze-Yunn Pang (MBA ’02), and the Singapore reunion committee, 275 alumni and friends from 13 countries gathered with leading U-M faculty for the sixth annual Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion.

A reception, conference, and dinner took place at the Marina Bay Sands Conference Center and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Next May: Tokyo!

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President Mark Schlissel rang in 2015 with continuing visits across the country— to Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The president was greeted by alumni, friends, and Victors for Michigan campaign volunteers serving on leadership boards in those cities and the surrounding regions. President Schlissel’s visits will continue through the summer, expanding to include such international destinations as London, Beijing, and Shanghai.

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PRESIDENTIAL INTRODUCTION EVENTS

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 24, 2015 | THE HAY-ADAMS

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PAN-ASIA ALUMNI REUNION SINGAPORE | MAY 17–18, 2015

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CHICAGO | MARCH 4, 2015 | THE DRAKE

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BOSTON | FEBRUARY 26, 2015 | THE INTERCONTINENTAL

1. Keyana Thompson-Shaw (AB ’15, AB ’15), David Moore (BSE Mech ’14), Katherine Thompson (BS ’13) 2. President Schlissel, Paola Luptak (AB ’88) 3. Edith Briskin, Kathy Goldberg (MS ’94) 4. Chuck Hutchins (BSEMech ’57) 5. Ann Hutchins (BSDes ’57) 6. Gil Chapman (BFA ’13), Thomas Johnson (MSW ’80)

The Duderstadts were among the guests strolling the complex in small, intimate groups of 10 or 12 at a time throughout the evening as staff members and students demonstrated the power of the latest digital technologies. Dedicated to creative collaboration among faculty, students, and staff across a broad range of disciplines, the Duderstadt Center houses the Art, Architecture, and Engineering Library; the College of Engineering Computer-Aided Engineering Network; the Digital Media Commons; and the Millennium Project.

With 400-plus computers available 24/7, the center is the largest public computing site at the university. It provides students with access to 3D and virtual reality labs, a large video production studio (shown here), a state-of-the-art audio recording studio, two electronic music studios, and two teleconferencing rooms.

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1. Andrew Bernstein (AB ’96) 2. Eugene Grant (AB ’38) 3. Ross, President Schlissel 4. Nate Forbes (AB ’85), Jane Och (MAcc ’86, BBA ’86), Paul Schnell (AB ’85) 5. Parag Vora (AB ’96) 6. Valerie Wilpon (AB ’86)

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4 1. Monica Schwebs and husband President Mark Schlissel 2. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School 3.

Lauren DesRosiers (Law School Class of 2016) 4. Professor Andrias, Professor Hershovitz

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MICHIGAN SEMINARS IN FLORIDA

MANALAPAN, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 9, 2015 EAU PALM BEACH RESORT

CELEBRATING DONORS AND THEIR SCHOLARS ANN ARBOR | MARCH 28, 2015 JAMES AND ANNE DUDERSTADT CENTER

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Scholarship donors and the students they support gathered for a strolling reception in the James and Anne Duderstadt Center, a faculty-led, student-run complex that opened in 1996 on North Campus as part of the U-M Library. Previously called the Media Union, it was named in 2003 to recognize the contributions of (11th) President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering James J. Duderstadt and his wife, Anne.

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SXSW INTERACTIVE

AUSTIN, TEXAS | MARCH 14–15, 2015 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Driverless cars...robotics for rehabilitation...the music of the Gershwin brothers... in a daylong exchange, U-M faculty, students, and leaders shared insights and inspiration across a wide range of subject areas based on their artistic creations, athletic endeavors, debating acumen, research discoveries, and engineering innovations. At lunch, U-M President Mark Schlissel—then at the midpoint of his first year as U-M’s 14th leader—shared learnings and observations.

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SPRING GAME & TRAIL TO THE VICTORS 5K

STUDENT DAY OF THANKS

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN | MARCH 18, 2015 | 24 SITES ON TWO CAMPUSES As part of an annual event begun in 2011, more than 5,000 students flocked to sites across the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses to learn about the impact of philanthropy on their U-M experience. They also took the time to compose hand-written postcards recognizing university donors with personal notes of thanks for their recent contributions.

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The 2015 Spring Game drew some 60,000 Michigan Football fans for a first glimpse of Team 136 under Jim Harbaugh (AB ’86), the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach at U-M. Together with the second annual Trail to the Victors 5K—which attracted more than 5,000 participants the following weekend—the game raised more than $110,000 to be shared among six community organizations: 826Michigan; Special Olympics of Michigan; the Ann Arbor YMCA; the U-M student-run Dance Marathon; and two components of the U-M Health System—Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and Project Healthy Schools.

1. Harbaugh 2. De’Veon Smith (LSA Class of 2017), Allen Gant (LSA Class of 2016) 3. Jennifer Krolewski, Lori Michell

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9 1. Carolyn and Eric Harthun 2. Heather Taylor (BS ’90), Scott (BBA ’86) and Ursula (BBA ’88) Steele 3. President Schlissel 4. David Glen (BBA ’78), Muriel I. Nichols (JD ’71) 5. Bill (BS ’72, MArch ’74) and Judy (BSN ’72) Waterston 6. Norma Shapiro (AB ’64) 7. Rackham Graduate School Dean Janet Weiss, Mary Ellen Colten (AB ’70, PhD ’78) 8. Jerome Kaplan (JD ’50), Ann Silverstein (AB ’47) 9. Paul (AB ’74) and Susan (BSN ’74 PhD ’82) Meister, David Walt (BS ’74) and Michele May (BBA ’74)

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1. Andrew Martin, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; Judy Chan (AB ’99) 2. Pei Ming Lee (BMus ’00, BMus ’00, MMus ’02, AMusD ’04) 3. Rich Rogel (BBA ’70, LLD Hon ’09); Ng; Singapore Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Lawrence Wong (AM ’95) 4. Richard Yang (JD ’99) 5. John Tanasijevich, George Tanasijevich (AB ’83) 6. Gunalan Nadarajan, dean and professor, the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design 7. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School; Lianggang Song

1. Alumni at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue 2. School of Information Dean Jeffrey MacKieMason (MPP ’82), the Arthur W. Burks Collegiate Professor of Information and Computer Science; Roger Ehrenberg (BBA ’87) 3. Janet Fisher; Associate Dean for Entrepreneurial Programs Thomas Zurbuchen, a professor in the College of Engineering and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business 4. George Pilko (BSEChE ’71, MBA ’73) 5. Philip Bishop (BSEEE ’84, BSEComp ’84) 6. Christian Guirnalda (MBA ‘12)

ANN ARBOR | MAY 1, 2015 HARLAN HATCHER GRADUATE LIBRARY REFERENCE ROOM

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1. Roberta Barnes (AM ’75, PhD ’77), Clark Chandler (AM ’77, PhD ’78) 2. Emily Cloyd (BS ’01), Alex Jaffe (AB ’07) 3. David (BArch ’68) and Carole (BS ’67) Metzger 4. President Schlissel, Cortney A. Robinson (BS ’00, MPP ’01) 5. Pankaj Duggal (MUP ’95, MArch ’95) 6. Elise Smith (AB ’54)

1. Amy and Paul Blavin (center) with Blavin Scholars Program Director Rachel Naasko (far left) and alumni 2. Billie Fierros (AB ’15) 3. Bobby Harnden (AB ’15) 4. Regent Mark Bernstein (AB ’93, MBA ’96, JD ’96), Kamille Tynes (AB ’15) 5. Paul Blavin 6. Pedro Cooper (AB ’15)

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CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 25, 2015 HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL

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At his first U-M Congressional Breakfast, President Mark Schlissel addressed more than 300 regents, alumni, lawmakers, friends, and students (who—as part of the Michigan in Washington program through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts—were doing coursework and internships in D.C.). Proceeds from this event, sponsored by the U-M Club of Greater Washington, support scholarships for D.C.-area U-M students. United States Senator Gary Peters of Michigan delivered the keynote address; in addition to those pictured, guests included Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Rep. Dave Trott.

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1. Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (AB ’79), Rep. Debbie Dingell 2. Michigan in Washington students with President Schlissel 3. Kevin Kraushaar (ABEd ’77, TeachCert ’77), Gov. Rick Snyder (BGS ’77, MBA ’79, JD ’82) 4. Rep. Dan Kildee 5. Rep. Dan Benishek (BS ’74) 6. Rep. Grace Meng (AB ’97) of New York 7. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (AB ’88, JD ’91) of Florida 8. Rep. Mike Bishop 9. Sen. Gary Peters

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1. Bobbe Bridge (AM ’68) 2. Aparna and Paul (AB ’93) Shimabukuro 3. Samuel Jones (AB ’70) 4. Herb Bowie (AB ’73) 5. Leon Grundstein (AB ’69) 6. Eric Brodersen (MBA ’94), James Lico (BSA ’88), Peter Harwood-Stamper (BSEAero ’96, MEng ’97) 7. Sharon Faricy, President Schlissel, Peter Faricy (MBA ’95)

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ANN ARBOR MAY 28, 2015 PALMER COMMONS

1. Ambassador Ron (BBA’66) and Eileen (MMus’75) Weiser, Mary and Marc (BSEAero ’95, MBA ’00) Weiser 2. Food Allergy Center Director James R. Baker, Jr. 3. U-M Medical School Dean James O. Woolliscroft (MedRes ’80), the Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine 4. Marschall Runge, executive vice president for medical affairs in the U-M Health System

YORK CITY VICTORS FOR MICHIGAN NEW JUNE 2, 2015 CAMPAIGN BOARD MEETING TIME WARNER CENTER

A CONVERSATION WITH JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG

Hosted by Campaign Chair Stephen M. Ross (BBA ’62, LLD Hon ’11), campaign volunteers convened to discuss the campaign priority of engaged learning. Students presented examples of engaged learning experiences important to their Michigan education; President Mark Schlissel and other university leaders invited guests to share ideas on advancing support for this priority. The goal is to transform the U-M education by extending academic excellence from the classroom into real-world experiences that develop students’ global purview and a creative, entrepreneurial mindset.

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ANN ARBOR | FEBRUARY 6, 2015 HILL AUDITORIUM

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for the 2015 Tanner Lecture on Human Values, featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Two of her former law clerks—now U-M faculty members—moderated: Kate Andrias, an assistant professor of law, and Scott Hershovitz, a professor of law and philosophy and the director of the Law and Ethics Program, which sponsored the lecture. While on campus, Justice Ginsburg interacted with students, faculty, staff, and U-M leaders in such settings as a classroom visit and a reception.

Philanthropist Obert Clark Tanner established the lecture series in 1978 at select institutions worldwide.

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Honoring a family committed to advancing the study and treatment of a growing health epidemic, the U-M Health System’s Food Allergy Center— now two-thirds of the way toward its $42 million campaign goal—was recently named the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center. The naming recognizes Fundraising Chair Mary H. Weiser and the Weiser family for their generous support.

When fully operational, the center is expected to be the best in the world for research in this area.

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Together with Paul (BBA ’86) and Amy Blavin— founders of U-M’s Blavin Scholars Program, benefiting U-M undergraduates who have experienced foster care—Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper welcomed guests to the annual commencement celebration for this year’s graduates.

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SEATTLE | APRIL 1, 2015 | CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

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BLAVIN SCHOLARS COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

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FOOD ALLERGY CENTER NAMING CEREMONY 1

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ANN ARBOR | APRIL 4 & 12, 2015 MICHIGAN STADIUM

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1. Bobbie Ross, Alison Wilbon (BBA ’84) 2. President Schlissel 3. Julie and Michael Eckert 4. Brian Jones (MBA ’93) 5. Verne Istock (AB ’62, MBA ’63) 6. Linda Miller (AB ’87), Lynn Singer (AB ’70, TeachCert ’70, MPH ’72), Robyn Parker (MPH ’02), Marta Stein (AB ’85) 7. Jay (BS ’88) and Stephanie (AB ’89) Sinder, Hamilton Chang (BGS ’89)

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A diverse group of U-M schools, colleges, and units had a presence at the annual weeklong South by Southwest conference. Participants included the School of Information, the College of Engineering, Innovate Blue, the School of Public Health, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Prior to the conference, the university hosted events for alumni on Friday evening at Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue and on Saturday at the Josephine House.

Led by Choon-Peng Ng (MBA ’04), Sze-Yunn Pang (MBA ’02), and the Singapore reunion committee, 275 alumni and friends from 13 countries gathered with leading U-M faculty for the sixth annual Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion.

A reception, conference, and dinner took place at the Marina Bay Sands Conference Center and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Next May: Tokyo!

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President Mark Schlissel rang in 2015 with continuing visits across the country— to Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The president was greeted by alumni, friends, and Victors for Michigan campaign volunteers serving on leadership boards in those cities and the surrounding regions. President Schlissel’s visits will continue through the summer, expanding to include such international destinations as London, Beijing, and Shanghai.

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PRESIDENTIAL INTRODUCTION EVENTS

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WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARCH 24, 2015 | THE HAY-ADAMS

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PAN-ASIA ALUMNI REUNION SINGAPORE | MAY 17–18, 2015

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CHICAGO | MARCH 4, 2015 | THE DRAKE

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BOSTON | FEBRUARY 26, 2015 | THE INTERCONTINENTAL

1. Keyana Thompson-Shaw (AB ’15, AB ’15), David Moore (BSE Mech ’14), Katherine Thompson (BS ’13) 2. President Schlissel, Paola Luptak (AB ’88) 3. Edith Briskin, Kathy Goldberg (MS ’94) 4. Chuck Hutchins (BSEMech ’57) 5. Ann Hutchins (BSDes ’57) 6. Gil Chapman (BFA ’13), Thomas Johnson (MSW ’80)

The Duderstadts were among the guests strolling the complex in small, intimate groups of 10 or 12 at a time throughout the evening as staff members and students demonstrated the power of the latest digital technologies. Dedicated to creative collaboration among faculty, students, and staff across a broad range of disciplines, the Duderstadt Center houses the Art, Architecture, and Engineering Library; the College of Engineering Computer-Aided Engineering Network; the Digital Media Commons; and the Millennium Project.

With 400-plus computers available 24/7, the center is the largest public computing site at the university. It provides students with access to 3D and virtual reality labs, a large video production studio (shown here), a state-of-the-art audio recording studio, two electronic music studios, and two teleconferencing rooms.

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1. Andrew Bernstein (AB ’96) 2. Eugene Grant (AB ’38) 3. Ross, President Schlissel 4. Nate Forbes (AB ’85), Jane Och (MAcc ’86, BBA ’86), Paul Schnell (AB ’85) 5. Parag Vora (AB ’96) 6. Valerie Wilpon (AB ’86)

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4 1. Monica Schwebs and husband President Mark Schlissel 2. Mark West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and dean of the Law School 3.

Lauren DesRosiers (Law School Class of 2016) 4. Professor Andrias, Professor Hershovitz

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A VENTURE OF LEADERSHIP 1. Herb (BSECiv ’79, MSE ’80) and Kathryn Spence 2. President Emeritus James Duderstadt 3. Joanne and Edwin (DDS ’60) Rennell 4. Socrates Papageorgiou (College of Engineering Class of 2018), Edi and Tom Bletcher 5. Mary Law Baumgarten (AB ’80) and David Baumgarten (BSEMech ’80) 6. Robert Ernst (BS ’84), Alexis Wierenga (AB ’15) 7. Lila McMechan (ABEd ’52, TeachCert ’52, MA ’56), President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman, Donald McMechan 8. Bev and Dave (AB ’71, MD ’77) Verdier with a student 9. Darren Appel (BBA ’15), Jibran Ahmed (LSA Class of 2015) 10. Michael (AB ’96) and Christina Rosloniec 11. Cho-Yee and Patricia To 12. Bob (AB ’61, MD ’63) and Sue (BSD ’61, MPH ’64) Welke 13. Deb Canja, Kyle Petrovich (LSA Class of 2019), Mary Petrovich (BSE ’85), Kelly Creal (School of Nursing Class of 2018), Tess Canja (AB ’48), Colleen Creal 14. Provost Martha E. Pollack 15. Azima and Sameer Sikora 16. Jackie (BS ’52) and Bruce (BBA ’50, MBA ’51) Cook 17. William Lewis (BDes ’48), Isra Abdo (Stamps School of Art & Design Class of 2018) 18. Rahul Mehrotra 19. Sally Martin (TeachCert ’67, AM ’67) 20. William Kring (AB ’43) 21. Marty (MPH ’84) and Jim (BS ’77, MedRes ’84, MD ’80) Conrad with a student 22. Laura Perkins 23. Marilyn McKinney (AM ’75)

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SPRING COMMENCEMENT

ANN ARBOR, DEARBORN, FLINT CAMPUSES | APRIL 25–MAY 15, 2015 At spring commencement on the Ann Arbor campus on Saturday, May 2, the university recognized seven outstanding U-M citizens with honorary degrees. President Mark Schlissel appears here with [from left]: Nobel Prize–winning economist and best-selling author Robert J. Shiller (AB ’67), who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and served as the speaker at the Rackham Graduate Exercises; pioneering venture capitalist Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54), a founding partner of Francisco Partners, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; award-winning journalist, author, and foreign correspondent Robin Wright (AB ’70, MA ’71), who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree; former United States Representative for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District John Dingell, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; the co-owners and founding partners of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Ari Weinzweig (AB ’78) and Paul Saginaw (BS ’76), who each received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and who co-delivered the commencement address for the Ann Arbor campus; and global health expert Dr. Tadataka Yamada, a former member of the U-M Medical School faculty, who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

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1. UM-Ann Arbor graduates serving in the U.S. Armed Forces 2. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 3. UM-Ann Arbor graduates 4. UM-Flint graduates 5. Weinzweig, Saginaw 6. UM-Dearborn graduates

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Originally from Chicago, Robertson studied business at U-M, served in the United States Navy, and then moved to California. There he founded several hightech investment firms, including Robertson Stephens, which financed more than 500 technology companies, such as Pixar Animation, America Online, and Dell Inc. While building his career, Robertson consistently shared his expertise, knowledge, and connections with his alma mater, greatly benefiting the endowment and its investment program.

As one of the longest-serving members of the Investment Advisory Committee, Robertson shared early insights into the relatively little-known activities in Silicon Valley and introduced the university to venture capital investing opportunities in both the United States and abroad. Since his involvement began in the early ’90s, the university’s endowment has grown from $500 million to about $8 billion, the fastest growth of any major university endowment over the past two decades.

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SILICON VALLEY LEGEND and U-M alumnus Sanford R. Robertson (BBA ’53, MBA ’54, LLD Hon ’15) received an honorary degree during Spring Commencement recognizing his longtime commitment to the university.

Robertson’s leadership reaches other areas of U-M. He is a longtime member of the President’s Advisory Group. He served

on the national leadership committee of the university’s Campaign for Michigan in the 1980s and co-chaired the Michigan Difference campaign, completed in 2008.

Robertson and his wife, Jeanne, currently serve on the Victors for Michigan national leadership board.

A CAUSE FOR JOY “Did you ever see The Big Chill?” Peter Benedek (AB ’70) asked during a recent phone call to his offices in Los Angeles.

Benedek is president and co-founder of the premier talent and literary agency United Talent Agency (UTA), and the 1983 film The Big Chill tells the story of a handful of Michigan grads—friends in college— who then come together in midlife for a weekend, leading to important “A-ha!” moments for all.

A former class president, Robertson remains active at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business as a member of its visiting committee, technology advisory board, and dean’s advisory board.

In addition to his extensive volunteer commitments, Robertson has been a generous donor to the university. He endowed the Sanford R. Robertson Assistant Professor in Business Administration position and the Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator post in the Athletic Department. The Robertsons also created the Jeanne and Sanford Robertson Scholarship fund for students in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

About five years after the film’s release, Benedek—who is married to Barbara Benedek, one of the film’s two screenwriters, and friends with the other, Larry Kasdan (AB ’70, AM ’72, TeachCert ’72)—had experienced a similar kind of midlife weekend. At the time, Benedek was turning 40, and nearly 20 years had passed since graduation. For the first time since receiving his diploma, he returned to Ann Arbor, for a birthday weekend with three of his closest college friends. But—in life, as in art—more came out of it, including developments that would define Benedek’s next chapter in life, right up to the present moment.

Robertson has inspired countless others to support U-M, and in 2010 he received U-M’s David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, the highest honor conferred by the university in this area.

A pioneer in investment banking, Robertson is a dedicated alumnus whose appreciation for U-M is reflected in his leadership and service to the university.

“Michigan gave me the tools to compete in a very competitive world,” Robertson has said. “I’ll always be grateful for that.”

First, “a lightbulb went off in my head about what a formative experience that was to attend the University of Michigan,” Benedek said. Second, when he returned to Los Angeles, he “worked up the courage to buy his first real piece of art, a David Hockney litho.” Ever since that weekend, Benedek has followed “twin paths: The university became my joyous cause, and art collecting became a commitment in joy,” said the now-celebrated art collector, whom The Hollywood Reporter recognized in 2013 as one of the industry’s Top 25.

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OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT 3003 South State Street Ann Arbor MI 48109-1288

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Michael J. Behm, Grand Blanc Mark J. Bernstein, Ann Arbor Laurence B. Deitch, Bloomfield Hills Shauna Ryder Diggs, Grosse Pointe Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Andrea Fischer Newman, Ann Arbor Andrew C. Richner, Grosse Pointe Park Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio

“I am grateful every day for my years here...”

PHOTOGRAPHY—Peter Benedek, UMMA Glow: Leisa Thompson. Celebrating Donors and Their Scholars: Jeeheon Cho Photography. Student Day of Support: Michigan Photography—Scott C. Soderberg, Austin Thomason, Eric Bronson. Spring Game: Courtesy of the U-M Athletic Department. An Evening of Art + Science: Donna Terek; Lisa Vreede Photography. CHAMPs for Mott: Chris Amos Photography; Lisa Vreede Photography. Michigan Seminars in Florida: Mark Elias. Presidential Introduction Events: [Boston] Robert Castagna Photography; [Chicago] Joel Wintermantle; [Washington, D.C.] Jay Westcott; [Seattle] Amanda Dumouchelle. Congressional Breakfast: Freed Photography. Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion: Ted Chen, AB ’08. SXSW: Ben Armes. Blavin Dinner: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Food Allergy Center Naming Ceremony: Michigan Photography/Austin Thomason. Tanner Lecture: Leisa Thompson.

Campaign Leadership Board Meeting: Renato Zacchia Photography. Commencement: [Ann Arbor] Michigan Photography—Eric Bronson, Scott C. Soderberg; [Flint] Courtesy of the University of Michigan-Flint; [Dearborn] Millard Berry.

Benedek’s twin paths converged this year when the U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) honored him at UMMA Glow for his longtime leadership in the arts. Speaking at the event, Benedek credited U-M for shaping the instincts

— PE TER BENEDEK (A B ’ 70)

For nearly 15 years, the Benedeks have hosted an annual cocktail party welcoming Screen Arts & Cultures graduates new to Los Angeles. “This party is a launching pad for so many careers,” said Screen Arts & Cultures Director of Screenwriting Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74). “It’s amazing to watch. There’s this sense of belonging.” The popular event now also has a fundraising component, to support the department and instill a culture of giving among young alumni.

In 2011, U-M recognized Benedek with a David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. He serves on the LSA dean’s advisory council and chairs the Los Angeles Campaign Leadership Council.

Also an active member of UMMA’s national leadership council, Benedek called the museum “a physical manifestation of two things I love,” closing his remarks at UMMA Glow with the words: “I am grateful every day for my years here, for the opportunity I have had to give back, for the rewards it has brought me, and for the happiness I feel when I look at art I love.”

UMMA GLOW

ANN ARBOR | APRIL 16, 2015 | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART

DETROIT | MAY 14, 2015 | DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Eminent U-M physicians joined forces with leading local and national artists for this fundraising auction in support of high-risk, high-reward medical research by scientists in the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute’s Emerging Scholars Program. The event celebrated the dual passions of the institute’s founder, the late Alfred Taubman (Taubman College ’48, LLD Hon ’91).

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U-M Museum of Art (UMMA) Director Joseph Rosa welcomed guests to UMMA Glow, the biennial fundraising event honoring a U-M alum who is deeply engaged in the art world. Peter Benedek (AB ’70) of Los Angeles was honored for his leadership in the arts. U-M regents, President Mark Schlissel, and other campus leaders mingled with distinguished alumni and guests, including screenwriter, director, and producer Lawrence Kasdan (AB ’70, TeachCert ’72, AM ’72); Ann Philbin, director of UCLA’s Hammer Museum; and artist, photographer, and filmmaker Laurie Simmons.

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CHAMPS FOR MOTT

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1. Edith Briskin; Eva Feldman (PhD ’79, MD ’83), the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology and director of the Taubman Institute; Charles Burant, the Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Professor of Metabolism and director of the U-M Metabolomics and Obesity Center 2. Steven Russman (BGS ’86), Ruth Taubman (BFA ’81) 3. Durga Singer, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System; Sung Won Choi, assistant professor of pediatrics, U-M Health System 4. Fiber artist Carole Harris 5. Parag Patil, associate professor of neurology, neurological surgery, and anesthesiology in the U-M Health System and of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering

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Major sponsors Delta Air Lines and Lexus of Ann Arbor joined with countless other supporters, raising $250,000 for two programs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: the U-M Congenital Heart Center and the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund.

The event series offered a strolling gala in the Delta Air Lines hangar at Detroit Metro Airport; a golf tournament at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and a dinner at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Dexter, Michigan.

1. Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton and Denise Naughton 2. Richard Ohye, professor of cardiac surgery, head of pediatric cardiovascular surgery, surgical director of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Transplant Program, program director of the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Residency, and co-director of the Michigan Congenital Heart Center; John Charpie (MedFellowship ’95), the Amnon Rosenthal Collegiate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, U-M Medical School; Stefanie Peters; Bob Krause 3. Donna Criscuolo, Rosario Criscuolo, Jeff McLellan, Deanna (Criscuolo) McLellan 4. KT Maviglia (BFA ’14), Jordan Morgan (BSEIO ’13, MEng ’14) 5. Judge Warran Evans, Wayne County Executive

PETER BENEDEK, UMMA GLOW: LEISA THOMPSON

DETROIT AREA | MAY 16–18, 2015 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

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Together, the Benedeks passionately support multiple areas at U-M. Their wide-ranging support for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) makes an impact across numerous departments and initiatives, including the Department of Screen Arts & Cultures, the Department of History, the Honors Program, scholarships, and study abroad. Other areas of support include the Athletic Department; the School of Music, Theatre & Dance; and North Quad, where the Benedek Family Media Gateway was named in their honor.

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that have led him both to collect art and to recognize talent. “This place gave me the confidence and the ability to believe in myself,” he said. “That is a true gift.”

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1. Kasdan 2. Peter and Barbara Benedek 3. Stuart (BBA ’61) and Maxine (AB ’66) Frankel 4. Rosa, Catherine Forbes 5. Clifford (AB ’57, JD ’60) and Alice (AB ’62, TeachCert ’62, MA ’75) Hart, Irving Stenn (AB ’52, JD ’55) 6. Jim Burnstein (AB ’72, AM ’74), director of screenwriting in the LSA Department of Screen Arts & Cultures 7. Regent Shauna Ryder Diggs (BS ’91, MD ’94, MedRes ’98) 8. Jennifer Gilbert 9. Brian Hermelin (BBA ’87) 10. Philbin 11. Alan Hergott (AB ’72), Christian Vincent, Peri Gilpin, Curt Shepard 12. President Schlissel, Benedek 13. Simmons

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