May 9, 2008

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Michigan News

One of the strengths of Monica Ponce de Leon, newly appointed dean of the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, is how she bridges the academy and the profession. As professor of architecture and director of the Digital Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, she has a strong commitment to teaching and has published widely. She is also co-founder and a principal in an internationally known design practice that has received more than 30 design awards. Ponce de Leon says that architects and urban planners must own up to their role in the destructive patterns of consumption on the planet and become a part of the solution. Her appointment will take effect September 1, pending full board approval.

AAUM Member Benefits

Do you remember the Pretzel Bell? The popular restaurant and bar at Liberty and Fourth closed in the mid-1980s. We would like to feature some of your favorite alumni memories in the Early Fall issue of Michigan Alumnus magazine. Don’t be shy—we know there are some great P-Bell stories out there! Photos of the building are welcome, too. Email Brad Whitehouse at bwhites@umich.edu.

The Alumni Association is seeking U-M alumni leaders to fill three-year positions on the national Alumni Leadership Council. In addition, we are accepting recommendations for alumni representation on the following university boards/committees: Honorary Degree Committee, the Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty and the Michigan Union Board of Representatives. Visit our Web site for details on the roles and expectations and to fill out an online application/recommendation form. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 30.

The AAUM, in partnership with Giant Campus, now offers members a discount on Cybercamp, a week-long summer computer and technology program for children 7 to 18. Kids are taught fun technological skills, such as Web design, Flash animation, programming, game design, robotics and more. AAUM members save $50 off the first week of Cybercamp and $100 off every additional week. These discounts may be combined with any other discounts being offered, allowing members to save even more. Cybercamps are offered in 18 states, and the discount can be used at any location, including U-M.

One of the greatest benefits of being part of the Michigan family is your connection to thousands of talented leaders in every profession throughout the world. Alumni NetWorks is your way to leverage these connections for career success. It's a search tool that uses your criteria to comb through our comprehensive volunteer database to connect you with alumni mentors who have volunteered to give you career information and advice—and it’s free and available only to Alumni Association members. Learn more at www.umalumni.com/career.

The Alumni Association has partnered to create two unique experiences with a U-M twist:

• Interested in classical music? Consider Michigan Alumni Day with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. The performance features the world premiere of U-M alumna Stacy Garrop's "Becoming Medusa." For one low price you get a mid-balcony concert ticket and admission to our private, Michigan alumni afterglow reception held in the delightful Donors Lounge at The Max. At the reception you'll have the opportunity to chat with various performers who participated in that day's show, including many Michigan alumni.
• If live theater is your thing, then you won’t want to miss Michigan Alumni Day at "The Color Purple." Presented at the fabulous Fox Theatre, this is the first North American touring production of this powerful show. You can take advantage of an exclusive pre-performance brunch, where a cast member will share the experience of being a part of the show, and then enjoy the matinee performance.

Science & Health

The U-M Cardiovascular Center is one of a small number of hospitals trying experimental treatments to prevent blood clots that can cause stroke in people with atrial fibrillation, a chaotic electrical rhythm that begins in the top chamber of the heart. Options include a radio-wave treatment called ablation that "zaps" tiny areas of heart muscle to restore normal rhythm; an implanted device that closes off a "blind alley" in the upper left chamber of the heart to keep blood from pooling; and a device that uses a special balloon-camera and a precise laser. U-M is considered one of the nation’s leading centers for the treatment of heart rhythm problems.

True Blue Travel

Discover the beauty, history and artistic heritage of the French province of Normandy while cruising the "Seine River"aboard the intimate, five-star MV Cézanne. Begin your journey in the historic port of Rouen with a stroll to the Place St. Marc. Taste samples of traditional local specialties, including cheese, cider, calvados and jams. Choose between an excursion to the D-Day beaches or a tour of the port of Le Havre and town of Honfleur. Conclude your trip in Paris and stroll through the streets of the Bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, where many of Europe’s greatest artists and musicians once lived and worked. Visit our Web site for more about this and other True Blue Travel trips.

Want even more news about travel? Subscribe to e-TrueBlue: Travel. This monthly e-newsletter gives you important travel news, hints and tips, suggestions for great travel-related books, Web sites and TV shows, and ideas for trips around the world. e-TrueBlue: Travel is available only to Alumni Association members. Subscribe today!

Sports

The sixth-ranked softball team (48-5) clinched a share of the Big Ten title over the weekend with a 3-0 win over Penn State at Nittany Lion Field. The win gave the Wolverines an 18-2 conference record, their best in nine seasons. Michigan shares the title with Northwestern, who will host the 2008 Big Ten Tournament this weekend. Michigan is the tourney’s second seed.

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Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, 200 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor, MI, 734.764.0384, 800.847.4764, malumni@umich.edu