Congrats to the U of M Ross School of Business - winner of the 2009 UM Go Blue Challenge Award!

Here is a great way for all of us in the U-M family to show our School Spirit-and at the same time, have fun, get some exercise, and raise money for special causes. Now in its third year, the Big House Big Heart Run has grown into one of our community’s signature events.

There is nothing quite like it. Thousands of people either run or walk through the streets of Ann Arbor and the campus. They finish the race in the Big House, on the 50-yard line of the U-M Stadium, arms raised in victory as they watch themselves on the Jumbotron. Last year more than 7,000 people participated, raising nearly $300,000 for over 100 worthy charities. This year, the race-which will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2009-will be bigger and better than ever. Over 10,000 people are expected to participate!

The primary beneficiaries of the Big House Big Heart run are three outstanding programs at the U-M Health System – ALS Research at the Program for Neurological Research & Discovery, C.S. Mott Children’s and Women’s Hospitals, and the Cardiovascular Center. However, participants can also raise money for their favorite charities.

This is where you come in:

I am challenging each School, Department (academic or non-academic) or College, and the Institute for Social Research, the Life Sciences Institute, and the University Library to form teams to participate in the event. For more information and to sign up on-line please go to www.bighousebigheart.com. You can select either the 1M, 5K or 10K walk or run. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome.

The unit team with the greatest number of participants, based on the total number of people in the unit, will be recognized with a trophy and a chance to see its name on the Big House Jumbotrom on October 4th. President Mary Sue Coleman will be participating in the Go Blue Challenge, and will be on hand to help recognize the winning team.

To be counted, you must register to walk or run on or before October 2nd.

Teresa A. Sullivan
Provost and Executive Vice President
for Academic Affairs