It was a homecoming twice over, as the University of Michigan School of Information welcomed both alumni and students from the fully online Master of Applied Data Science program to Ann Arbor on September 13-14. 

This year's celebration of Homecoming Weekend offered an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with faculty, staff and friends, while MADS students who opted to attend the second annual MADS On-Campus Experience were able to meet classmates in person for the first time while exploring the U-M campus.  

UMSI Homecoming and MADS On-Campus Experience 2024

MADS students get a tour of the U-M campus. (Photos by Jeffrey Smith)

Dean Andrea Forte connects with UMSI community members and alumni at the homecoming reception.

MADS students get to know UMSI staff during the MADS On-Campus Experience.

MADS students attend a welcome session in North Quad.

Assistant professor and UMSI alumna Rebecca Frank gives a faculty lightning talk.

UMSI faculty and alumni reconnect at the homecoming reception.

Friday’s programming included faculty lightning talks on trending research topics, a guided tour of the William L. Clements Library and a community reception hosted by Dean Andrea Forte.

“Your presence here today is more than just a visit, but a reminder of the impact this university and this school has on students long after they leave,” Forte told alumni at the reception. “I’m eager to hear about where your UMSI degree has taken you.”

Homecoming Tailgate UMSI + CSE 2024

Community members from UMSI and Computer Science-Engineering pose for a photo together during a tailgate on Ferry Field. (Photo courtesy of U-M Computer Science-Engineering)

On Saturday, UMSI joined forces with Computer Science-Engineering for a tailgate at Ferry Field ahead of the Michigan vs. Arkansas State football game. 

UMSI and CSE are soon to be neighbors in the new Leinweber Building on North Campus. The two schools got the chance to show some healthy competition in games of cornhole and Giant Connect 4 while sharing a spread of barbecue and charcuterie. 

The weekend ended with a win, 28-18, on a sunny day in Michigan Stadium.