Photo courtesy of VP Communications, Regents of the University of Michigan

The recent relocation of U-M’s historic Raoul Wallenberg house is reminiscent of one of the conceptual problem-solving interview questions reportedly used over the years by Microsoft, Google, and other innovators: “How would you move Mt. Fuji?”

There are virtually endless factors that might define a thought process and approach to the problem – from strategy and planning to the physical and material acts involved, to consensus building and collaboration with people and communities at every level – but regardless of how one answers this hypothetical scenario, there’s little doubt that leading such a massive undertaking would change a person. The process itself would have transformed them.

Now, as the Wallenberg house sits next to the former home of fellow U-M alumnus and playwright Arthur Miller, the focus shifts to its preservation and restoration. The building’s finished form will be the product of historical reverence, meticulous planning, and careful coordination. What’s more, the skills of the many talented people involved with the project were likely molded and sharpened by the experience.

Combined, those outcomes are a distillation of our identity as a university: Our breadth and depth provide unparalleled opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to confront bold new challenges and move metaphorical mountains in the process.

Case in point: Our community of more than 1,200 lecturers has a daily, profound influence on students and our academic strength depends on their contributions. Each year, we award up to four lecturers with Collegiate Lecturer titles for distinction in the sphere of teaching and learning; one lecturer is honored with the Lecturer Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award. The letters of support for this year’s honorees recount the hundreds of classes, and thousands of students, that have benefited from their passion, engagement, and mentorship. Congratulations to Collegiate Lecturers Jennifer Cummings, Jeremy Edwards, Terence McGinn, and Lisa Young, and to Scott Beal for his outstanding record of inclusive education – learn more about them here.

Life-changing education is likewise a Michigan hallmark, and we can all take pride in being recognized as the top public university for study abroad, and second overall, in the latest Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education. As Vice Provost for Engaged Learning Valeria Bertacco has highlighted, this was our second consecutive year ranked No. 1, and we continue to expand our footprint to diversify student participation in global experiences.

Alongside accolades and recognition, the truest measure of our work is the meaningful impact we have on students — and their stories are the most rewarding indicator of our success. More than 5,400 participants traveling to 121 countries describe eye-opening explorations, bridging of language barriers, and other personal inspiration and growth. I am grateful for the efforts of all the teams supporting study abroad and helping make these moments possible.

As we near the close of the term and some of you prepare to embark on entirely new journeys following Winter Commencement, I hope that the memory of the mountains you moved here will be a continual source of confidence and inspiration.

I’m always eager to hear your success stories and feedback, and I can be reached at [email protected].

Warmly,

Laurie