UM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

This is a partial list of the amazing accomplishments of UM faculty, staff, and students over the years, which we would like to have help in growing. Please contact us to add your suggestions and descriptions of Wolverine achievements of which we can all be proud!

The birth of the Internet — it happened here

In 1966, the University of Michigan's Computing Center formed the Merit Network to interconnect three universities — the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University — and this was the beginning of the Internet. From 1987–1995, Merit managed the NSFNET backbone, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which in the 1990s became known as the "Internet."

Merit Networks, Inc. is now a non-profit organization that provides Internet Services to the Michigan educational community. Merit partners with MCI, IBM, and the NSF, and still maintains strong ties to the University of Michigan. Many other schools must contract with a third-party Internet service provider (ISP), while the University of Michigan members benefit through their relationship with Merit.

UM Health Systems Staff mentor high school youth

Check out the service these very busy staff members contribute to the Ann Arbor community:
www.med.umich.edu/mchrd/depinfo/teams.htm#youth

The Peace Corps was first promised here at UM

…and UM remains one of the two universities in the country with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers.
www.umich.edu/~urecord/0203/Feb17_03/20.shtml

Distinguished staff awards

Each year, staff members are selected for their distinguished service to the University, and receive a cash award. Here are the most recent winners:
www.umich.edu/~hraa/workplace/

University earns national "Green Campus" award

The aggressive recycling and environmental programs created by Plant Department staff has earned the National Recycling Coalition's Annual Award. Read all about it at: www.recycle.umich.edu

Photo: Sarah Archer, Recycling Coordinator, and Jeff Schroeder, University Housing Facilities Management Systems Coordinator, accept the award for NRC Outstanding School Program from National Recycling Coalition President Paul Baldridge

Sarah Archer, Recycling Coordinator, and Jeff Schroeder, University Housing Facilities Management Systems Coordinator, accept the award for NRC Outstanding School Program from National Recycling Coalition President Paul Baldridge.

Polio vaccine was invented here

The first successful polio vaccine was made by UM faculty member Jonas Salk, here in Ann Arbor.

Photo: April 12, 1955 — UM faculty member Jonas Salk receives congratulations in Rackam Auditorium for the success of the first-ever polio vaccine

April 12, 1955 — UM faculty member Jonas Salk receives congratulations in Rackam Auditorium for the success of the first-ever polio vaccine.

Royal Shakespeare Company residency makes history

The Royal Shakespeare Company began an unprecedented five-year relationship with the University and the University Musical Society with its residency on campus in 2001. When the RSC returned in Winter 2003, hundreds of students from many disciplines were able to participate with the company in seminars, and the community enjoyed another world-class theater experience. Find out all about it at:
www.umich.edu/pres/rsc/michigan-residency.html

The College of Engineering develops laser eye surgery

Did you know that research in the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science at the College of Engineering led directly to the development of laser eye surgery? Check it out here: www.eecs.umich.edu/CUOS/index.html

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