Celebrate 200 years of the Leaders and Best

A classic look at the Old Main Hospital on the UMHS campus. This year, the university is celebrating its bicentennial.

It truly is a happy new year at U-M!

Now that 2017 has arrived, the university’s bicentennial celebration is officially underway.

The year will be full of exciting events and festivities as the university and health system work together to commemorate U-M’s achievements of the past while examining the complex challenges of the future.

Planned activities range from academic colloquia and museum exhibits to live entertainment and outdoor festivals.

The first major event, a colloquium, opens with two of the world’s most prominent judges. Justice Susanne Baer of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany will join Justice Sonia Sotomayor — the first Latina appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court — in a conversation at Hill Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 30. Their talk will focus on “The Future University Community” and will be open to all UMHS employees and the public, with details forthcoming about free tickets.

Another special event early in the calendar year is a spring festival to be held April 6-8, featuring a “Community of Cultures” celebration of diversity on campus and a “True Blue! Tribute to Michigan” that will include distinguished guests such as world-renowned actor and U-M alumnus James Earl Jones.

A summer festival is also scheduled for June 26-27, which will include the MStaff200 celebration. Held on the Diag and Ingalls Mall, MStaff200 will honor both the university and UMHS staff’s contributions to university history and will feature exhibits, giveaways, refreshments, entertainment and more.

In addition to the commemorative events, the university is creating a special award to be given to recent alumni who embody the breadth and excellence of the university. Winners will be announced at both the winter and summer commencement ceremonies.

Visit the U-M Bicentennial website to learn more about all upcoming festivities and stay tuned to Headlines for updates about important bicentennial events.