Celebrating 125 Years of the Alumni Association

Celebrating 125 Years

Celebrating 125 Years of the
Alumni Association

125 years ago, representatives from six individual alumni societies voted to consolidate into a single, unified organization. That vote founded the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Since its earliest days, the Alumni Association has been an independent voice for University of Michigan graduates and at the forefront of alumni engagement, with programs made possible by our generous members, volunteers, and staff.

Throughout 2023, as we look forward to the next chapter of the Alumni Association, we are planning to take stock of where we’ve been and try things that are fresh and bold as we celebrate this significant milestone.

Alumni Association 125 Logo White

Celebrating 125 Years of the Alumni Association

125 years ago, representatives from six individual alumni societies voted to consolidate into a single, unified organization. That vote founded the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Since its earliest days, the Alumni Association has been an independent voice for University of Michigan graduates and at the forefront of alumni engagement, with programs made possible by our generous members, volunteers, and staff.

Throughout 2023, as we look forward to the next chapter of the Alumni Association, we are planning to take stock of where we’ve been and try things that are fresh and bold as we celebrate this significant milestone.

125 Years of Service

As the Alumni Association celebrates its 125th year, the Michigan Alum delved into its archives to highlight various key moments in the organization’s history.

Learn More
Alumni Association 125 sign at the Alumni Territory Fiesta Bowl Tailgate
Alums At Big House Tour

125th Anniversary Membership Deal

As an alum, U-M is a part of you. As a member, U-M is with you everywhere you go. For a limited time, join with our special 2-year, $125 membership and get $20 off the regular rate.

Become a Member

Connecting Alumni for 125 Years

From humble origins in the 1800s to serving more than 650,000 U-M graduates worldwide today, learn about the history of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Learn More
An alumni reunion at Alumni Memorial Hall in June 1950
Alumni Association 125 sign at the Alumni Territory Fiesta Bowl Tailgate

Special Membership Offer

In honor of our 125-year celebration, save on membership for a limited time. Join with our special 2-year membership for $125 and save over $20.

An alumni reunion at Alumni Memorial Hall in June 1950

Connecting Alumni for 125 Years

From humble origins in the 1800s to serving more than 650,000 U-M graduates worldwide today, learn about the history of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Michigan Moments: Stories of the Leaders & Best

Black-and-white photo of the Alumni Center around 1983.
125 Years of Service
As the Alumni Association celebrates its 125th year, Michigan Alum delved into its archives to highlight various key moments in the organization’s history.
IMG 1424
A Lifelong Educator
Sophia Holley Ellis, ’49, MS’50, MA’64, fought conventions and dedicated her life to creating opportunities for future generations.
Headshot of Nick Daily in a blue shirt and glasses on a yellow background.
Finding the LINK through LEAD
LEAD Scholar Nick Daly pursues new industry opportunities thanks to LEAD support, connections.
Attorney Geraldine Sumter
Take a Chance on Each Other
A great sponsor and mentor once gave me a chance. You should look to do the same.
Attorneys and employees at Ferguson Stein Chambers celebrate a milestone
Honoring a Quiet Giant of Civil Rights
Join us as we celebrate and lift Black voices.
Three women standing in front of a projection screen. The two women on the right are holding an award.
LEAD Scholar Honored for Community Service, Social Justice Work
LEAD Scholar Siena Smith was “the perfect choice” for the new Carol Grafton Impact Award.
Corie Pauling, in Maize and Blue, runs in front of the Alumni Center.
The Marathon Back to U-M
Corie Pauling, ’93, has always been driven by inspiration and impact. Now, she’s looking to inspire alums to do as she’s done: come home.
Opal C Bailey at Homecoming 1967
The Legend of Opal C. Bailey
A homecoming queen turned activist is being honored with a scholarship fund.
Chuck Coleman high in the sky flying a plane
Talk to Me, Chuck
One aerospace alum shot for the stars … and landed among them.
Dino Ruggeri in a purple shirt, rock wall climbing on a purple and grey rock wall at Dyno Detroit.
A Life of Adventure
Dino Ruggeri, ’11, turned a passion for the outdoors into an inclusive climbing gym.
Corie Pauling with two LEAD Scholars, Timmy Thompson and Breonna Boyd
A New Success Story
Today’s LEAD Scholars are on the same trajectory as I took thanks to a scholarship and an opportunity.
Celeste Ng headshot and cover of "Our Missing Hearts"
Budding Writer to Bestseller: Celeste Ng, MFA‘06
Celeste Ng, MFA’06, has two award-winning bestsellers under her belt and her third novel, “Our Missing Hearts,” was released on Oct. 4.
FA22 AfricanAmericanStudentProject Header
These Are Their Names
U-M’s Bentley Historical Library is using old photographs, registration cards, and other records in an effort to document and understand the Black experience at the University.
The Fight for Equality on the Athletic Field
U-M alumnae reflect on 50 years of Title IX.
Jim Meyer In Press Box at Michigan Stadium
Game Changer
Jim Meyer, ’73, has been a quiet, important presence at the Big House for nearly 40 years.
Austin giving a speach
Austin Hatch: A Tale of Overcoming
Austin Hatch turned two traumatic losses into a winning life.
Jim Toy Photograph
Guest Column: Climbing the Mountain of Justice
Jim Toy left an indelible, immeasurable mark on the LGBTQ community and civil rights movement.
Sporting Chance Feature 2
A Sporting Chance
Oluwaferanmi Okanlami sustained an injury that paralyzed him from the chest down, an experience that provided a view of disability “from the other side of the stethoscope.”
Black-and-white photo of the Alumni Center around 1983.
125 Years of Service
As the Alumni Association celebrates its 125th year, Michigan Alum delved into its archives to highlight various key moments in the organization’s history.
IMG 1424
A Lifelong Educator
Sophia Holley Ellis, ’49, MS’50, MA’64, fought conventions and dedicated her life to creating opportunities for future generations.
Headshot of Nick Daily in a blue shirt and glasses on a yellow background.
Finding the LINK through LEAD
LEAD Scholar Nick Daly pursues new industry opportunities thanks to LEAD support, connections.
Attorney Geraldine Sumter
Take a Chance on Each Other
A great sponsor and mentor once gave me a chance. You should look to do the same.
Attorneys and employees at Ferguson Stein Chambers celebrate a milestone
Honoring a Quiet Giant of Civil Rights
Join us as we celebrate and lift Black voices.
Three women standing in front of a projection screen. The two women on the right are holding an award.
LEAD Scholar Honored for Community Service, Social Justice Work
LEAD Scholar Siena Smith was “the perfect choice” for the new Carol Grafton Impact Award.
Corie Pauling, in Maize and Blue, runs in front of the Alumni Center.
The Marathon Back to U-M
Corie Pauling, ’93, has always been driven by inspiration and impact. Now, she’s looking to inspire alums to do as she’s done: come home.
Opal C Bailey at Homecoming 1967
The Legend of Opal C. Bailey
A homecoming queen turned activist is being honored with a scholarship fund.
Chuck Coleman high in the sky flying a plane
Talk to Me, Chuck
One aerospace alum shot for the stars … and landed among them.
Dino Ruggeri in a purple shirt, rock wall climbing on a purple and grey rock wall at Dyno Detroit.
A Life of Adventure
Dino Ruggeri, ’11, turned a passion for the outdoors into an inclusive climbing gym.
Corie Pauling with two LEAD Scholars, Timmy Thompson and Breonna Boyd
A New Success Story
Today’s LEAD Scholars are on the same trajectory as I took thanks to a scholarship and an opportunity.
Celeste Ng headshot and cover of "Our Missing Hearts"
Budding Writer to Bestseller: Celeste Ng, MFA‘06
Celeste Ng, MFA’06, has two award-winning bestsellers under her belt and her third novel, “Our Missing Hearts,” was released on Oct. 4.
FA22 AfricanAmericanStudentProject Header
These Are Their Names
U-M’s Bentley Historical Library is using old photographs, registration cards, and other records in an effort to document and understand the Black experience at the University.
The Fight for Equality on the Athletic Field
U-M alumnae reflect on 50 years of Title IX.
Jim Meyer In Press Box at Michigan Stadium
Game Changer
Jim Meyer, ’73, has been a quiet, important presence at the Big House for nearly 40 years.
Austin giving a speach
Austin Hatch: A Tale of Overcoming
Austin Hatch turned two traumatic losses into a winning life.
Jim Toy Photograph
Guest Column: Climbing the Mountain of Justice
Jim Toy left an indelible, immeasurable mark on the LGBTQ community and civil rights movement.
Sporting Chance Feature 2
A Sporting Chance
Oluwaferanmi Okanlami sustained an injury that paralyzed him from the chest down, an experience that provided a view of disability “from the other side of the stethoscope.”
View More Stories

Homecoming 2023

No birthday is complete without a party. So here’s your official save-the-date card. Sept. 23 is homecoming weekend, and we’re planning something big. We’re calling on all alums to come home for a celebration and party you won’t soon forget. More details coming soon.

Homecoming 2023

No birthday is complete without a party. So here’s your official save-the-date card. Sept. 23 is homecoming weekend, and we’re planning something big. We’re calling on all alums to come home for a celebration and party you won’t soon forget. More details coming soon.