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Gifts in Action

We are deeply grateful for all of the support we receive.

Thank you to our many donors and volunteers who make UMS an outstanding performing arts presenting organization. Here we highlight just a few of the stories of your gifts in action.

STORY

Donor Spotlight: Neil Hawkins and his Love of ‘The Godfather’

Neil Hawkins is a film buff, longtime supporter of UMS, and enthusiastic sponsor of The Godfather Live. We sat down with Neil to discuss his interest in the film and why he thinks it’s one of the great movies of all time.

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Behind the Scenes: How Oxford Companies Helped Bring ‘The Plastic Bag Store’ To Life

When one of UMS's most poignant and impactful works of the season needed a custom-designed space, Oxford Companies helped bring 40+ performances of 'The Plastic Bag Store' to life in the 777 Building.

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Donor Spotlight: Kathy and Bert Moberg

UMS donors Kathy and Bert Moberg have spent a lifetime developing their passion for the performing arts — especially theater.

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Corporate Spotlight: Sesi Lincoln

Thanks to the support of Sesi Lincoln, UMS guest artists always arrive in comfort and style.

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Donor Spotlight: Elaine and Peter Schweitzer

Discover what inspired Elaine and Peter Schweitzer's generous gift to support the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's 2022 residency.

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Bob and Darragh Weisman: A Love Story with Each Other and Music

Darragh and Bob's love story began while attending UMS concerts as students at Michigan more than 60 years ago. A gift in Darragh's memory now honors their relationship forever.

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Corporate Spotlight: All Seasons Senior Living, Jerry Beznos

We sat down with UMS 2021/22 Season Preview sponsor and Beztak partner, Maurice “Jerry” Beznos, to learn more about All Seasons’ philosophy and what inspired them to support UMS.

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Forward Fund Spotlight: Stephen & Faith Brown

U-M alumni and UMS supporters Faith and Stephen Brown retired to the San Francisco area in 2001. We spoke with Stephen about his UMS memories, his chance meeting with UMS president emeritus Ken Fischer, and what inspired their gifts to the Forward Fund this past year.

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Forward Fund Spotlight: Christina Kim

Discover how UMS and the arts shaped board member Christina Kim's life growing up in Ann Arbor, and what inspires her family to support the UMS Forward Fund.

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Forward Fund Spotlight: Versell Smith, Jr.

Discover what inspires board member Versell Smith, Jr. to support the UMS Forward Fund, and how the arts have shaped his career beyond performance.

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Donor Spotlight: Alec Gallimore, Michigan Engineering

We spoke with Dean Alec Gallimore about his background with the arts, favorite UMS memories, and our special partnership with Michigan Engineering.

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Donor Spotlight: Tim and Sally Petersen

Tim and Sally Petersen are long-time supporters of the UMS and recent supporters of 'Some Old Black Man.' Tim has been on the UMS board since 2013 and became Board Chair in 2019.

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Corporate Spotlight: Retirement Income Solutions, Karen Chapell

Retirement Income Solutions (RIS) have been corporate sponsors of an annual UMS performance for more than 15 years.

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Donor Spotlight: Joel Howell and Linda Samuelson

Joel Howell and Linda Samuelson have been involved with UMS since the early 1980s. Joel is a former board member and was instrumental in establishing the ongoing Medical Arts Program.

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Corporate Spotlight: Ford Motor Company Fund, Lisa Gonzalez

The Ford Motor Fund is a long-time supporter of the UMS Education and Community Engagement programs. We talked with its Manager of Community Programs to learn more about Ford’s history with UMS, Lisa’s own background with the arts, and the Fund today.

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Donor Spotlight: David Featherman

David Featherman and his wife Jo-Anna have been involved with UMS since the mid-1960s. They have hosted fundraising events, have attended many UMS events over the years, and are generous supporters of School Day Performances.

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Donor Spotlight: Beverley (Bev) Geltner

Beverley (Bev) Geltner, with her husband Gerson (not pictured), has been a ticket holder, donor, and volunteer for UMS for more than 50 years. Bev’s volunteer roles at UMS have ranged from Advisory Committee member to Board Chair, and she currently is a member of our Sustaining Directors.

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Corporate Spotlight: SavCo Hospitality, Sava Farah

We talked with Sava Farah, SavCo’s Chief Executive Officer, and learned more about her history in Ann Arbor, fond memories with UMS, and discussed the harmonious relationship between arts presenters and the Ann Arbor restaurant scene.

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Donor Spotlight: Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards, who is no stranger to the University of Michigan campus, is one of UMS’s newest patrons and donors. The former Wolverines football player recently sponsored UMS's digital presentation of Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason.

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Corporate Spotlight: Masco Corporation, Lauren Plawecki

Masco Corporation just celebrated its 25th season of supporting UMS. We talked with Lauren Plawecki, Communications and Development Coordinator, to learn more about Masco’s history with UMS.

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