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Although UM-Dearborn announced the public launch of its “Look to Michigan” fundraising campaign last fall, there was a short wait for a celebratory kickoff event. That’s because organizers in the university's Office of Institutional Advancement had their sights set on an extra-special space with UM-Dearborn ties: Michigan Central Station. On May 1, more than 350 guests gathered for a black-tie optional “Soiree in the City” in the Grand Hall of the beautifully renovated building — now owned by Ford Motor Company, which also donated the land and money to found UM-Dearborn in 1959.

“It is full circle to be here in this fabulous building to formally launch our Look to the ÿ�մ��� campaign,” Chancellor Domenico Grasso, who was appointed interim president of the University of Michigan on May 8, told the audience. Grasso went on to tell the stories of several successful UM-Dearborn alums, including Brent Ott, who worked at the Eagle Tavern at Greenfield Village in high school and on through his time at UM-Dearborn. Today, Ott, who graduated with both a bachelor’s (‘07) and master’s (’12) in business administration from the university, is still employed at The Henry Ford — as Chief Operating Officer. 

“I like to tell Brent's story, in particular, because it is so emblematic of who our students are: most are working, often full-time, in addition to their studies,” Grasso remarked. “Many have family responsibilities. They are involved in their communities. And they all have remarkable dreams, potential and drive.”

Guests learned about the hands-on learning taking place in all four colleges at interactive stations, which were  helmed by faculty, staff and student volunteers, and bid on exclusive items and experiences such as  “Behind the Scenes with the Dean: A Day of Discovery at CASL”, “Courtside Keepsake: Dusty May Autographed Basketball” and “Insider Experience at The Henry Ford: Curated Tour, Family Membership, and Custom Glass,” in a silent auction. They took a break to listen to brief remarks from Grasso, who was introduced by U-M Director of Athletics Warde Manuel, who served as the event’s emcee. 

Following Grasso’s address, Manuel introduced the evening’s surprise entertainment with a call familiar to Michigan sports fans: “Band, take the field!” With that, members of the Michigan Marching Band poured through the ornate entrance and led guests in a rousing rendition of “The Victors” and other game-day standards. The evening concluded with dancing and mingling to Motown and other upbeat hits played by DJ Rick Morrone, who daylights as an instructional learning assistant in the College of Arts, Sciences and Letters.

“This event captured the spirit of UM-Dearborn,” said Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Casandra Ulbrich after the gala. “The energy, the engagement and the incredible support from everyone involved truly exceeded expectations. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and our guests for making this such a memorable occasion.”

View a photo gallery from the event .

Special thank you to the Soiree in the City sponsors and Honorary Committee, including  Signature Sponsor , Maize Sponsors  — Richard Haddrill Family Investment Office and Blue Sponsor , as well as all the event volunteers.

Story by Kristin Palm