Since its formation in 1917, the University of Michigan Alumnae Council (UMAC) has made significant financial contributions to the University community. From 1961 to 2020 this fundraising effort was named the “Birthday Greeting.” In 2021, honoring the women who formed the Alumnae Council, UMAC renamed its fundraising campaign, “The Spirit of 1917 Annual Campaign.” The focus remains the same: supporting programs that positively advance the interests of women in the University of Michigan community.
Over the years, UMAC fundraising efforts have resulted in the building of the Michigan League at a time when women were not welcome at the Michigan Union; establishing affordable cooperative housing for women with the creation of Henderson House; spear-heading the financing of the Center for the Education of Women (CEW) to support non-traditional students; and helping fund the building of the Education Center at Camp Michigania.
In addition, UMAC continues to fund student scholarships; health and wellness programs; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives; and arts and culture projects on all three University campuses.
Follow this link for a full list of UMAC beneficiaries from the combined Birthday Greeting and Spirit of 1917 annual fundraising campaigns.
2023-2024 Spirit of 1917 Annual Campaign Beneficiary
The UM Women’s Ice Hockey Club started competing in 1994. The intended impact of the program is to provide women at the University of Michigan an option to play competitive ice hockey while enrolled at the University. The current team features 27 amazing players and two volunteer coaches. The team is competitive and anticipates being invited to the 2025 National Tournament in St. Louis.
With the ability to compete at higher levels, the need to travel has increased, along with related expenses. In the absence of varsity sport status, the team is self-funded, with the majority of funding coming from players’ dues. Additional financial support comes from friends, families, and student fundraising efforts.
Through its Spirit of 1917 Annual Campaign, UMAC is happy to provide funds to help reduce this financial burden. Additionally, UMAC supports the granting of varsity status to the UM Women’s Ice Hockey Club, acknowledging the benefit this team and its members provide the wider University community.
Your investment of $107 (a dollar for each year the Alumnae Council has existed) or at any level will help support meaningful initiatives such as this through UMAC’s Spirit of 1917 Annual Campaign. To donate, click here.
Thank you and GO BLUE!