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Yom Ha’Shoah at Flint’s Temple Beth El April 30, 2008

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30 April 2008, Temple Beth El, Flint Township, Michigan:

I had the honor of serving as guest speaker for a Community Holocaust Remembrance Program, “Yom Ha’Shoah Day of Remembrance” Commemoration and Candle Lighting, held at Temple Beth El. Sponosoring the program was the Flint Jewish Federation, along with Jewish Community Services, Congregation Beth Israel, the Ivriah, Temple Beth El, and Chabad House of Eastern Michigan.

“Yom HaZikaran laShoah ve-laGvura” is “Remembrance Day for the Holocaust and Heroism.” I shared with the audience the experiences of Leibish Kamerfuks, a survivor of the Holocaust. Tonight was the first time I publicly shared this story, revealing that Leibish Kamerfuks became Leon Kay, my father. I told about how my father, born on 14 November 1914, or perhaps ten years earlier, in Grodzik-Mazowiecki, Poland, lost his home, business, and possessions when the Nazis took over his town. I chronicled his experience in the Warsaw ghetto, where his father, mother, wife, and child were murdered while he was restrained by SS troopers. I recounted his experience in the Buchenwald concentration camp and his heroism in feeding others and helping others escape. Telling this story was hard for me, but I am convinced that my father’s story must be told–that the world must be reminded of the Holocaust so that such evil never happens again. Despite the unthinkable evil my father experienced, he continued to do good and to value life. My father was indeed a hero.

ABC12 covered the ceremony. Click here for video (commercial comes first).

Catching Up April 30, 2008

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30 April 2008, Flint, Michigan:

Th last seven days have kept me so busy that I have not been able to keep up with the 15 minute a day blog commitment. I will put in some extra time to get caught up and bring readers details of the wonderful commencement week that it has been. Be patient: entries will occur soon, using the event dates for the blog entries rather than the post date.

Congratulations Graduates April 27, 2008

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27 April 2008, Perani Arena and Event Center, Flint, Michigan:

The day was perfect to honor the first members of the University of Michigan-Flint class of 2008. I was thrilled to shake the hand or greet every one of the approximately 525 graduates. All students receiving graduate degrees were hooded as they crossed the stage. All undergraduate students were called to the stage to receive their diploma tubes. One of the little but great benefits of the University of Michigan-Flint is the personal attention students receive at commencement, having their name announced as they cross the stage. I sure saw a lot of smiles as I extended my hand and said, “congratulations, great job!”

Commencement is a special time to say congratulations and thank you to many people. The graduates are, of course, the focus of attention. But we also expressed thanks to the faculty for their commitment to excellence and their commitment to student learning and success. Thanks were also given to our staff for their important assistance. Another thank you was issued to the parents, families, friends, and other supporters of the graduates. To all, I express my thanks and to the graduates I again offer my congratulations. I am proud of you.

Graduates had a special treat. Jim Abbott, a Flint native who was graduated from Flint Central High School in 1985, gave an inspirational commencement address, calling upon all to “never give up, never miss an opportunity.” Jim played baseball for the University of Michigan and went on to play professional ball. Remarkably, Jim was born with only one hand. Despite this physical challenge he persevered and succeeded, making the most of his abilities rather than letting his disability get in the way. Jim was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws. At a special ceremony in Ann Arbor, Ernie Harwell, also receiving an honorary degree, stated, “Jim Abbott is my hero.” Shown below from left to right is Regent Olivia Maynard, Jim Abbott, Regent Julia Donovan Darlow, and yours truly.

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A special congratulations goes to our Winter 2008 Maize and Blue Scholars:

Brian Wice was selected as the Student Speaker and gave a moving speech.

Blog Stats Update, Major Blog Change Coming April 23, 2008

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23 April 2008, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan:

My “Great Times at the University of Michigan-Flint” blog is now 4 months old. I have been having a lot of fun with it and have greatly enjoyed sharing the many wonderful things happening on campus and in Flint. As I transition from Interim Chancellor back to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs over the next several months, my blog name will change as will its focus. The Provost is the chief academic officer of the university. Therefore my revised blog will highlight the academic achievements of our faculty, students, and staff. I am seeking a name for the new blog and would appreciate your suggestions. Please use the “add a comment” above or email me at jackay@umflint.edu.

Today I celebrate over 4,000 unique visitors to my blog. The blog has been visited by 4,033 unique individuals from 41 countries who have viewed 11,501 pages and have left 77 comments. The blog has received visitors from:

Celebrating Academic Success April 22, 2008

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22 April 2008, Michigan Rooms, Harding Mott University Center Building, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan:

Commencement week is the second most enjoyable week I spend on campus (the first most enjoyable week is the first week of classes in the fall when we welcome students back to campus). I enjoy commencement week because during it we celebrate the academic success of our students. Academic success comes from hard work on the part of students, faculty, and staff, and often comes from that special bond that forms between a student and his or her faculty mentor.

Tonight I gave congratulations to students in the College of Arts and Sciences at their Academic Honors Recognition. A very special part of this ceremony was when Dean DJ Trela called students to the stage by department and a faculty member from each department shared with the audience a glimpse of the success of each honoree.

Congratulations to each of the honorees. I look forward to seeing you at commencement on Sunday.

Michigan Flag Raised on New Residence Hall April 21, 2008

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21 April 2008, Murchie Science Building, University of Michigan-Flint campus, Flint, Michigan:

Drum roll. Eyes go to the maize and blue M-Flint flag unfurling in the wind on top of the new four-story University of Michigan-Flint residence hall. The University of Michigan-Flint Wind Symphony, under the direction of Professor Lois Alexander, plays a rousing rendition of “Hail to the Victors.”

Today’s press conference celebrated substantial completion of the exterior of the building, introduced the theme of the community that will begin on the August 24, 2008 move in day, allowed us to meet the RAs who will be nurturing the new community, and gave the media and the public an inside peak at the first floor of the building.

I had the pleasure of introducing Jeanine Bessette, our new Director of Housing and Residential Life, Quiana Smith, our Residence Hall Director, Deb Beattie, assistant in the Office of Housing and Residence Life, and Dr, Mary Jo Sekelsky, Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Enrollment Management. I thanked them for the great job they have been doing in preparing for a great residential life experience for our new 24/7 residents.

I also was proud to introduce Tim Herman, CEO of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Art Hurrand, Honorary Chair of Partners for Progress.

We were all pleasantly surprised to be joined by Chancellor Emeritus Juan Mestas, the inspiration and relentless proponent of student housing for the University of Michigan-Flint.

President’s Ball 2008—Oh What a Night! April 18, 2008

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18 April 2008, Northbank Center, University of Michigan-Flint campus, Flint, Michigan:

I felt I was at the Academy Awards as I watched the presenters call out the accomplishments of our students, staff, and faculty. Our students were stunning, dressed to the nines. I was so proud of our students for the incredible event they put together.

Congratulations to all for a spectacular year of student life.

Awardees:

Dr. Charlie Nelms Community Contribution for a Student Award: Joshua Glitz

Dr. Charlie Nelms Community Contribution for a Student Organization Award: Beta Alpha Psi

Virginia M. July University Contribution for a Student Award: Jonathan Ettinger

Virginia M. July University Contribution for an Organization Award: Student Athletic Association

Emerging Leader Award: Lielte Estifanos

Campus Activities Board Award: Students Moving the UCEN Forward

Lillian B. Wright Citizenship Award: Charity Cooper

Dr. Renate McLaughlin Academic Achievement Award: Jacqueline Zerka

Greek Excellence Award: Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Brian D. Proffer Student Excellence Award: Allen Mortimer

Dr. Juan E. Mestas Excellence Award: Social Work Club

Distinguished Professor Award: Dr. Keith Moreland

Dr. Mary Jo Sekelsky Staff Appreciation Award: Gregory Storms

Congratulations to outgoing Student Government Council President Candace Sharon and her officers, representatives, and fellows for a great year.

Congratulations also to Vice Chancellor for Student Services Mary Jo Sekelsky, Assistant Vice Chancellor Johnny Young, Coordinator Jessie Hurse, and all other SSEM staff for the incredible year in campus life.

Finally, congratulations to the co-chairs of the President’s Ball Committee and the President’s Ball Awards Committee, Ashley McQuarters and Krystal Long, and their committee members for putting together the incredible evening.

Testimony to Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education April 18, 2008

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18 April 2008, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan:

Today I had the honor of joining Oakland University President Gary Russi, Saginaw Valley State University President Eric Gilbertson, University of Michigan Chancellor Dan Little, and Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan Executive Director Mike Boulus in presenting testimony to the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. I talked to the representatives about the importance of investing in our cities and in higher education. I also told the legislators about the wonderful partnerships and developments that were helping transform Flint from “vehicle city” to “College Town.”

A couple of key points in my presentation follow:

But, there is another story to tell: the story of Flint not broadcast by the media. This other Flint is a city experiencing the best of times, a city in which the University of Michigan-Flint is proud to be at the center. Today’s Flint is a city based in wonderful partnerships that not only show hope but demonstrate results. Block after block of our downtown is experiencing rebirth, thanks to the great work of the Genesee County Land Bank, the Uptown Development Corporation, the Downtown Development Authority, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the University of Michigan-Flint, and many other partners. Flint is bringing in businesses and strengthening existing treasures such as the Cultural Center, places of worship, water resources, and colleges and universities. We have all come together in a Partner for Progress campaign.

Now, thanks to very dedicated and smart citizens, Flint is transforming from “vehicle city” to “college town.” Currently, there are approximately 30,000 people in Genesee County enrolled in one of the four colleges and universities based in Flint. That figure ranks Flint with Princeton, New Jersey in number of college students. Flint also has a cultural center that is the envy of even larger cities, with a wonderful symphony, a wide array of theatres, and a great art institute.

Click here for a complete transcript of my testimony.

MFUSE/Common Success—The Media Agrees April 17, 2008

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17 April 2008, Flint, Michigan:

The media agrees: Common and the MFUSE was a success.

From today’s Flint Journal, “Hip-hop artist Common’s performance at University of Michigan-Flint launches effort to create active campus environment,” Chad Swiatecki:

… From there, it was time for an entertaining, if not dazzling, bit of record scratching and cutting from DJ Dummy — complete with behind-the-back spinning — followed by a five-minute freestyle rhyming session in which Common wove in Flint hallmarks such as Dort Highway and its strip clubs, MC Breed, Dayton Avenue and the movie “Semi-Pro.”…

…How the crowd reacted to the songs and Common’s energy depended largely on positioning.

Down front, people were waving their hands and jumping, as at most concerts, but the scenes toward the periphery were more telling.

That’s where the true mix of people drawn to the campus showed, as students and families with young children or pets mingled, joked or even engaged in impromptu break dancing lessons.

That’s where the community was forming, proving that Common’s visit leaves open lots of possibilities for the school and its city.

For the complete article click here.

I thank the many volunteers who helped make the concert a success. Special thanks go to the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety, Student Services and Enrollment Management, Facilities, Grounds, University Relations, the Provost’s Office, Graduate Programs, and all the others. I also thank the many people who helped from outside the university, including law enforcement, the Flint Fire Department, the City of Flint, etc.

Please enter your comments. What did you think about the concert? Select “add a comment” above.

Mott Community College Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series April 17, 2008

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17 April 2008, Mott Community College, Flint, Michigan:

Congratulations to our colleagues at Mott Community College for another successful Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture. Tonight’s audience was delighted to hear from Dr. Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel and Professor of Geography at UCLA. Diamond won a Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1998.

The University of Michigan-Flint was a reception sponsor for the event.