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Link with alumniStory Categories: True Blue •
Serving my country and celebrating U-M
Top: In Afghanistan September 2011 wearing #16 Denard Robinson throwback jersey
week of MICH-ND game!!
Middle: Former Michigan lineman and 14-year NFL player Jon Runyan, now giving
back to his community and country as a U.S. congressman in New Jersey. He and
a congressional delegation visited Afghanistan and my unit at Combined Forces
Special Operations Component Command in May 2011.
Bottom: Keeping the Michigan Tradition—my two sons at the 2011 MICH-ND
game. GO BLUE!!
John Hudson, 49
Commander - US Navy
Victors Club member and life member of U-M Alumni Assoc.
Everyone has unique qualities to offer their community, from things that are important to them to sharing their talents and experience with others of all ages. Philanthropy isn’t just about giving money to causes; in some or most instances, the value of the time and talent given far outweighs the value of currency.
My parents instilled in me at an early age that I should give back to the community, from participating in Meals on Wheels to donating blood and volunteering in high school for community involvement. I feel coaching and mentoring are also key areas of philanthropy in which people can give back to and make a huge impact in children’s lives. The Bone Marrow Donor Program is an important program that I have volunteered to be a part of. And while my current job as a commander in the U.S. Navy, I have volunteered to serve the USA and am honored to be a part of a great organization and ultimately try to make a difference in the world.
My dad is a graduate of the U of M Medical School (Class of ’56), and he started taking me and my four brothers to football games at an early age. I have been going to Michigan games for 44 years and have three brothers who went to Michigan-one through undergrad and Med School-yet I am the only one of the five Hudson boys to have season tickets and I am going on my 23rd year. I have been a Victors Club member for close to 10 years, and while I didn’t graduate from Michigan, the reason I donate to Michigan Athletics and ultimately the University is not just because of athletics, but also because of the University’s outstanding academics in all areas. Michigan truly represents the Leaders and Best and while I am not a graduate, I feel as much a part of U-M as any graduate that attended Michigan. I feel my gifts help keep the great athletic and academic tradition going at Michigan, and I will continue donating until the day I die. I think it is important for the University of Michigan to continue to honor not just its alumni donors, but also individuals who truly understand what the University of Michigan offers in so many different areas, including research, medicine, business and many other areas. While it is important to stay connected to U of M grads, it is also important to reach out to U of M supporters. GO BLUE!!!
Date Created: 9/16/2011
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