'UM Greats' program recognizes accomplished alumni

The University is well-known for its famous graduates - including former U.S. President Gerald Ford, screenwriter Arthur Miller and actor James Earl Jones.

Now, with a new program called UM Greats, many other accomplished alumni will receive official honors for their achievements at monthly University Board of Regents meetings.

"The goal is to feature U of M alumni in research, scholarship and creative arts who have had an impact on our world," said Lee Katterman, coordinator of research communication for the University.

The program is under a trial-period for one year, Katterman said.

University alumnus Claude Shannon, a pioneer in information-technology theory, was featured as the January UM Greats selection.

Vice President for Research Fawwaz Ulaby spoke on Shannon's accomplishments in the field of information technology.

"His mathematical model is the basis of all information technology used today," Ulaby said.

The influence of Shannon's work, dating back 50 years, forms the foundation for modern telecommunications, compact disc technology and the Internet.

Katterman said the February UM Great has not yet been selected. Letters describing the program were sent to college deans and other faculty groups seeking nominations for future selections.

UM Greats will feature alumni from many different areas of study.

Katterman said that since January's selection featured an alumnus in the math and sciences, February's selection will most likely be an alumnus involved in the arts.

Although the process has not been finalized, Ulaby and his senior staff will go through nominations and decide on the monthly selections.

After the presentation of the selections to the regents, the Office of the Vice President for Research will assemble additional information on the UM Greats, producing a Website and publishing articles.

After Ulaby finished his presentation on Shannon, University administrators and regents said they were impressed with the new program.

"We don't talk about the accomplishments of our graduates enough," said Regent Laurence Deitch (D-Bloomfield Hills). "This is great and ... very fascinating."

Regent S. Martin Taylor (D-Grosse Ile) said the program "is sensational."

01-28-99