WHERE YOUR GIFT IS NEEDED
Michigan League
In 1919, the year Congress approved a constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, Michigan women began seriously discussing building a place on the University campus to call their own. With Barbour Gymnasium - which not only housed women's athletic classes but also served as the center for women's activities - woefully inadequate, and the Michigan Union off-limits, Regents approved the concept of a larger more versatile women's building. They offered to provide the land, but required that all other costs be covered by private donations. The goal: raise $1 million.
The University Alumnae Council began a campaign to raise funds for a building that would become a center for women's social, cultural and recreational activities on campus. By 1929, the Michigan League was officially opened. From that year on until 1965, the Michigan League served as a home away from home for thousands of university women, playing a truly special role in their campus life experience.
Today the Michigan League, open to both women and men, is one of three unions on the Ann Arbor campus. Once again it is playing a key role in the lives of students. In fact, the League Underground was voted the best place to catch a cheap live show for '97 and '98 by the Michigan Daily. It also provides the community with elegant facilities for special events and weddings and the well-appointed "hotel" (Inn at the Michigan League) is booked by Alumni and celebrities alike.
In 1996 a new organization was formed - the Friends of the Michigan League. This dedicated group of volunteers is leading the charge to ensure the building is maintained and updated as needs arise and to record and celebrate its glorious history.
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| The stained glass windows on the landing to the second floor were a gift from alumnus Mr. O.E. Hunt (1907). |
Some Significant Gifts
The Grand Rapids Alumnae Club contributions completely furnished the Vandenberg Room dedicated to Hazel Whitaker Vandenberg (1906), chairwoman of the Alumnae Council. Kalamazoo alumnae followed suit to fund the Kalamazoo Room, and Chicago alumnae funded the Koessler Room. Some of the larger gifts included a $100,000 memorial gift from alumnus Robert Patterson Lamont (1896) in honor of the first president of the Women's League, Ethel Fountain Hussey. Also, Detroiter Gordon Mendelssohn (1904) gave $50,000 for a theater in the new building named after his mother, Lydia.
How to Contact Us
Friends of the Michigan League
911 N. University
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265
Phone: 734-647-7463
Fax: 734-936-2505
http://www.umich.edu/~league/
Bob Yecke, Director
yecker@umich.edu
Opportunities for Personal Giving
Please complete the form at this link and send your gift to:
Michigan League
University of Michigan
911 N. University
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1265
The Annual Fund
Supports both student programs and preservation projects.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Allows the League to perform responsible budget planning knowing funds will be there for future projects. Provides you with an investment that pays dividends in your lifetime along with an immediate valuable tax break, as well.
Bequests
A bequest will allow the League to continue the tradition of excellence begun back in 1929 and maintain it for future generations.
Other
These are just a few examples of the opportunities you have to support the Michigan League. There are numerous others. Please call for details.
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