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University of Michigan School of Information

Donor impact stories

UMSI donors transform the school through their generosity. Below are some stories that illustrate the power of philanthropy to advance UMSI’s mission.

A black and white headshot of Ben Sun appears as a cutout on a blue background. He gazes to his right, into a bright abstract cloud of multiple colors

Betting on the future: Early internet entrepreneur Ben Sun creates UMSI scholarship fund

03/03/2026

As a social media founder turned startup investor, Sun believes tech has a bright future. His scholarship fund will help students pursue their ambitions. 

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A portrait of Barb Smith in a dark blue blouse, leaning against a railing in the modern, sunlit Leinweber Building

“Making it better”: New UMSI award named for longtime staff member Barb Smith

01/09/2026

During her 23-year tenure, senior executive assistant Barb Smith helped shape the UMSI we know today. In honor of her retirement, a new staff award will recognize those who embody her skill set and spirit.

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Kenlee Ray and Sue Quackenbush smiling on an autumnal quad wearing dark blue and maize

Lifelong friends name UMSI’s student lounge

12/16/2025

Once excluded as women from some University of Michigan spaces, two alumni made a shared gift to create a place for students to gather. 

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A group of people pose with their arms raised on the steps in front of an academic building

Game on: 3 UMSI outreach programs create new pathways into the field of information

10/14/2025

Could a video game course get high schoolers ready for college? And could a passion for football inspire a career in data? At UMSI, K-20 students are learning that information science connects to what they already love. 

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Side-by-side headshots of Nikhil Sharma and Darren Dworkin

Leaders in human-centered tech join UMSI Advisory Board

07/01/2025

Nikhil Sharma (PhD ’10) and Darren Dworkin, respected leaders in UX and health care technology, are ready to help shape the next generation of innovators. 

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A corner window of the Leinweber building, seen from below.

First look: UMSI’s Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building

06/17/2025

Take a look inside the School of Information’s new home, a 163,000-square-foot complex where people and technology come together with a purpose.

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A student wearing a floral shirt smiles while chatting with three people facing a trifold poster board in a bright display hall.

Hope is in the prototype at UMSI Student Project Exposition

05/19/2025

Take a fast-paced tour of solutions with staying power — from a tool to save truck drivers’ lives to an app that nurtures long-distance friendships. 

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A person wearing a VR headset. Look to Michigan for tech solutions that put people first

UMSI champions tech for social good through "Look to Michigan" campaign

04/28/2025

UMSI aims to raise $20 million to prepare the next generation of information leaders, support world-changing research and expand educational access. 

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A view of a crowd gathered in a well-lit ballroom with tall ceilings, filled with tables holding posters

2025 UMSI Student Project Exposition award winners announced

04/23/2025

14 top projects earned awards, representing excellence in user experience design, archival practice, civic engagement, entrepreneurship and more. 

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A selfie of eight individuals posing at an overlook in Yellowstone National Park

Archiving the nation's wild heart: UMSI students expand access to Yellowstone's history

03/26/2025

Through the Alternative Spring Break program, a team of students ventured into Yellowstone National Park’s archives, making the history of its resources available to researchers, ecologists and the public.

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