The School of Information received the Provost’s Award for the highest percentage of participation in the university-wide 2011 United Way campaign.

Dean Jeff MacKie-Mason set two goals for UMSI’s participation in 2011: to double the participation of the previous year and to achieve the highest participation among all units on campus. “I’m pleased and proud to say that we succeeded on both fronts,” MacKie-Mason said in an announcement to the school. “We doubled our participation from 12.5% to 25% and we had the highest participation rate among all schools and colleges at U-M.”

"For so many people in our community to participate, from the lowest paid to the highest, sets a great example to the rest of the university, and lets them know we are passionate about our commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, whether with our money, or through our talents and training as information professionals.”

This year, the university broke its record and exceeded its goal for the annual community fundraiser, raising over $1.3 million from current faculty and staff and retirees. Contributions to the United Way of Washtenaw County support health and human services needs in the community.