The University of Michigan, established in 1817, has a rich history that can inspire students to develop an appreciation for higher learning. Start by sharing with students significant milestones like U-M’s relocation from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837 and the role it played in the growth of both the university and the city. Encourage students to delve into primary sources like historical documents, photos, and newspaper articles that capture these defining moments.
Exploring Icons: Campus Landmarks and Traditions
The University of Michigan’s campus is filled with architectural marvels and iconic locations that hold unique stories. Introduce your students to famous landmarks like the Thompson Street entrance portal, Hill Auditorium which has hosted names such as Martin Luther King Jr., and Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Share with them U-M’s great traditions like painting the Rock, a campus spot since the 1950s where individuals and groups express their creativity on a limestone boulder. These topics can build students’ interest in collegiate life and university culture.
Trailblazers: Notable Alumni Who Shaped the World
Prominent U-M graduates have impacted society locally, nationally, and globally through their work in various fields. Encourage your students to learn about extraordinary alumni like Gerald Ford, who attended U-M as both an undergraduate student and football star before becoming a US President; or Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of lives during World War II as a Swedish diplomat in Hungary. Help your students recognize how education empowers individuals to make lasting contributions to our world.
Innovative Spirit: The Impact of U-M’s Research
The University of Michigan is not just steeped in history but also committed to pushing boundaries through critical research. Share with your students about U-M’s role during World War II, when it was one of 131 colleges involved in the Manhattan Project, a research initiative that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. Discuss current research projects on campus, such as the development of alternative fuels and the battle against diseases, to demonstrate how institutions like U-M persist as driving forces for positive change.
Final Thoughts
Teaching students about the history of the University of Michigan offers opportunities to showcase the long-lasting impact our educational institutions can have on society. By exploring U-M’s rich past, icons, alumni, and innovative spirit, you can inspire students to view higher education as a path toward personal growth and making a difference in the world around them.
