The White House filed an amicus brief Thursday with the US Supreme Court in support of the plaintiffs in the University of Michigan admissions lawsuits. U-M President Mary Sue Coleman issued a statement in response saying, "Where we disagree is on the means available to achieve that diversity. It is unfortunate that the President misunderstands how our admissions process works at the University of Michigan. It is a complex process that takes many factors into account and considers the entire background of each student applicant." The U-M is the defendant in two lawsuits challenging the use of race in its admissions process. The US Supreme Court will hear the case this spring.

The University of Michigan has racked up yet another accolade: the CS Mott Children's Hospital is at the top of Child magazine's list of best children's hospitals. The U-M was ranked fifth out of 10; it is the only hospital in Michigan to make the list. The rankings were compiled using information regarding surgical, medical and supportive care, as well as research and education.

Make 2003 the year you get involved with your local alumni club. The Alumni Association has approximately 70 regional alumni clubs across the country, and membership in the Alumni Association automatically makes you a member of your local club. Find out what your club is up to today!

Now you and your family can save money on video and DVD rentals, online shopping, tickets to sporting events and more through Working Advantage. You receive a free membership in Working Advantage as a member of the Alumni Association. Just go to www.workingadvantage.com, click on the registration box on the right-hand side of the homepage and enter the company ID number. It's that easy!


There's a Wolverine behind the creation of the TV show "The Guardian," which airs Tuesdays on CBS. The show revolves around a corporate lawyer who is roped into doing community service work for a children's advocacy organization. The lawyer is based on Scott Hollander, JD'90, a children's advocacy lawyer in Pittsburgh. Hollander heads KidsVoice, a nonprofit that gives kids who are neglected or abused free legal services. The show's creator, and one of the executive producers, is Hollander's younger brother, David.

Research into childhood anxiety disorders will be boosted by a $250,000 endowment gift to the U-M Medical School by the parents of Todd Joseph Ouida, '98, one of 18 U-M alumni killed in the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Ouida struggled with an anxiety disorder as a child but eventually overcame it. He majored in psychology at the U-M. Ouida, 25 years old at the time of his death, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center.


Escape to the magical land of Normandy, France, on our Treasures of the Seine trip. Sail on a deluxe river cruiser to the town of Vernon, the gateway to Monet's home. You'll visit the historic Normandy beaches, stroll the cobblestone streets of quaint towns and cross the English Channel via the "Chunnel." Your trip will end with three adventurous days in London, England. Trip dates are April 23 to May 5. The cost is $3,795; book by Feb. 15 and save $400 per couple.

The women's track and field team had an impressive start to its 2003 indoor season at the Jack Harvey Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11, posting five event victories. Freshman Elizabeth Boyle was the star of the evening, setting the new school record, 12'6", on her second attempt in the pole vault. The Wolverines will continue their indoor season tomorrow, hosting Indiana, Michigan State and Kent State at the U-M Track Building.