UMSI creates giving society to celebrate committed donors

The University of Michigan School of Information has launched a new giving society, the UMSI Dean’s Circle, to celebrate its most committed supporters. 

Donors who give $1,000 or more to any UMSI fund during a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) are recognized as members. This level of philanthropic support creates a noticeable impact across the school.  

“Philanthropy is a partnership, and the Dean’s Circle is a way of celebrating that,” says Andrea Forte, dean of UMSI. 

She says the school’s partnership with donors creates scholarships that attract talented students. It allows students to take internships they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford and funds life-changing research in health, robotics, education, archives and more. 

“I like to call it a circle,” Forte says, “because none of that happens on one side alone.” 

In October, more than 75 donors will become inaugural members of the Dean’s Circle based on their gifts this past fiscal year. Members will receive a welcome packet, personalized stewardship and opportunities to connect with Dean Forte. 

With UMSI entering its second century this fall, the launch of the Dean’s Circle invites donors to imagine their role in shaping the school’s future.  

“We are excited to begin celebrating and engaging donors more directly through the launch of this initiative,” says Lauren Cecil, executive director of development and alumni relations at UMSI. “As costs continue to rise for students, donor support is more valuable than ever.” 

Alumnus and UMSI Advisory Board member Rodger Devine (BA ’02, MSI ’11) is one of the donors who will receive this recognition. Devine says he is motivated to give to UMSI because he was a scholarship recipient himself. 

“As a Dean’s Circle member, my contributions help drive discovery, insights and innovation, all of which shape and evolve the UMSI experience,” Devine says. “With Dean Forte’s leadership and support from fellow UMSI supporters, I look forward to the new ideas and creative solutions the UMSI community will bring to life.”

Learn more about the UMSI Dean’s Circle.