University of Michigan

University celebrates Helmut Stern’s extraordinary friendship

The impact of his generosity and counsel endures across campus

President Coleman hosted Helmut Stern for a dinner at her home with his many U-M friends.

Devoted to a variety of University endeavors, including the arts, Helmut Stern recently met with Yo-Yo Ma following a Hill Auditorium performance sponsored by the University Musical Society.

March 18, 2009

Helmut Stern (HLLD ’04) has changed undergraduates’ lives…
“(An) education is about the greatest gift one can give…your gift has given me the freedom to get the most out of college without worrying about finances.” – Jamie Fogel, Student, College of Literature Science, and the Arts

…and helped scholars push their talents to the limits.
“(Your support) enabled me to delve deeper, break conceptual and personal walls and emerge with a deeply invested personal project which is perhaps the most meaningful piece I have produced to date.” – Tirtza Even, Assistant Professor, School of Art & Design, and former Fellow, Institute for the Humanities

His generosity has routinely honored others…
“His giving is truly selfless, as evidenced by the fact that he has always elected to honor another over himself – whether by establishing a scholarship in memory of a lost friend, or a fellowship in tribute to a respected colleague.” – David Munson, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering

…while inspiring and guiding our University leaders.
“I am always impressed by your wisdom and your willingness to share it in a kind, effective way.” – Bob Kelch, Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs.

Students, faculty, deans say thank you at President’s dinner

University leaders, faculty and students united for a March 3 dinner at the home of President Mary Sue Coleman and her husband, Kenneth Coleman, to celebrate this tremendous commitment to Michigan. During dinner, President Coleman presented Stern, who turns 90 later this year, and his wife, Candis, with a commemorative collection of similar testimonials.

Over the years, Stern has shared his vision as an advisor to U-M deans and presidents and provided invaluable support for medicine, research, the arts, humanities, students and faculty like Xiaobing Tang, who presents his inaugural lecture as The Helmut F. Stern Professor of Modern Chinese Studies on March 31, “On the Making of a Pop Icon: Chairman Mao Goes to Anyuan and Chinese Contemporary Art.”

In 2006, Stern’s Maize & Blue devotion was recognized with a David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, the University’s highest philanthropic honor.