Our Accomplishments
Last April, MUBR concluded a colorful 2005-2006 academic year by saying goodbye to three graduating seniors, Cecelia Calhoun, Steve Kren, and Rachel Pultusker. At the same time, the Board welcomed four outstanding new members, Antoine Brantley, Erika Fraenkel, Katelyn Hahn, and Julio Jamal.
In late March and April the Board engaged in serious discussion with Vice-President for Student Affairs Royster E. Harper, Senior Associate Vice-President for Student Affairs Frank Cianciola, and University Unions Director John Taylor concerning the transfer of then Director of the Michigan Union Audrey Schwimmer. Through these conversations the Board renewed and strengthened its relationship with several facets of the university community.
During the summer of 2006 several members of the Board took an active role in the Director Search Committee that hired the very talented James Waite. Andrew Gould, Rachel Pultusker, Ike Nwankwo, Alex Muhs, and Katelyn Hahn all participated in varying levels of the process. Their efforts were crucial to the committee and the success of the overall process.
The Fundraising Committee set the foundation for the upcoming Biennial Reunion Celebration this coming Fall 2006. Coupled with the newly-formed Biennial Committee, the Fundraising Committee has continued to help plan this much anticipated event set for October.
The Facilities Committee set out to infuse the Union's third floor lobby with energy by creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing setting for both students and non-students alike. The committee filled the empty space with comfortable seating and bright interior designs that both complement and enhance the Union, combining functionality with an artistic touch.
The Art Committee followed through with its goal of searching for and acquiring art from local artists. Several pieces were selected by the committee to be voted upon by the Board as a whole. After careful deliberation, three pieces were chosen. Since the voting in April, all three selections have been framed and placed throughout the Union.
This year, the newly-named Outreach Committee set out to increase the Union's exposure on campus. Committee members attended several meetings of large student organizations to discuss MUBR's mission and further the Board's goal of becoming the voice for students concerning issues within the Union. In addition to the committee's diligent work with student organizations, numerous hours of flyering and Diag board design and implementation were put in.
In order to keep up with the technology needs of students on campus and maintain the Union's preeminence as the "living room" of campus, the Technology Committee took on several initiatives: created a comprehensive survey inquiring into technology needs that will be implemented late this fall, increased the number of computer stations on the first floor, and began discussions with ITCS to implement wireless internet access throughout the Union.
In addition to these wonderful accomplishments, MUBR maintained its involvement in the Great Union Study Break, Escapade, and numerous other Union related events. Also, MUBR has continued to facilitate the very successful Take Your Professor to Lunch program which will remain in place this coming fall.
