April 7, 2026

Michigan's 15 public universities are pleased to share the following news items with you. Stewardship is a monthly update on various activities our universities are engaged in that enrich their communities, regions, and the state of Michigan.

Economic Development – Research, Tech Transfer, & Innovation

Report: Eastern Michigan University Generates $1.5B+ in Economic Impact for Michigan [MASU]

dbusiness (Mar. 19)

 

$8 million WMU facility will house Michigan’s largest collection of geology samples

MLive (Mar. 20)

 

Economic Development – Local Partnerships

Alcohol-free lounge, skin care with coffee grounds: The 9 finalists at WMU pitch competition

MLive (Mar. 30)

 

Environmental & Agricultural Sustainability

Bird populations are declining. This Michigan study might explain why. [UM]

Detroit Free Press (Mar. 2)

 

MSU education, research, helping grow mass timber building industry in Michigan and beyond

CFI (Mar. 17)

 

Oakland University to host Earth Month event featuring conservation expert Douglas Tallamy

Oakland University News (Mar. 26)

 

Health Care

MSU’s Rx Kids launches in 10 more northern Michigan counties, covering entire UP

MSU Today (Mar. 2)

 

From Forest to Pharmacy: Researchers explore maple sap as a lifeline for cancer survivors [MSU, MTU]

UPword (Mar. 11)

 

Faculty helps fill gaps in infant screenings [CMU]

CMU News (Mar. 26)

 

K-12 Outreach

Teachers meet at EMU to discuss how to improve civic education in Michigan

WEMU FM (Mar. 10)

 

Central Focus: Finding and inspiring future physical therapists [CMU]

WCMU FM (Mar. 11)

 

Over 50 teams will compete at Science Olympiad tournament held at GVSU

MLive (Mar. 13)

 

School partners with GVSU for literacy event

School News Network (Mar. 25)

 

Public Health, Safety, & Security

This scientist is racing to predict deadly volcanic mudslides [MTU]

National Geographic (Mar. 10)

 

Does polluted air dampen your mood? [UM-D]

UM-Dearborn Reporter (Mar. 16)

 

Living in a developed neighborhood may lower stroke risk [UM]

Earth.com (Mar. 20)

 

Military & Veteran Outreach

A student veteran’s course project looks to serve vets in need [UM-D]

UM-Dearborn Reporter (Mar. 30)

 

Civic Engagement and Education 

University of Michigan-Flint offering free tax filing service

WNEM TV (Mar. 26)

 

Culture & Placemaking

First co-production between Flint Repertory Theatre, UM-Flint brings musical farce to stage

MLive (Mar. 25)

 

Student & Faculty Service

Oakland University student launches ‘Caring with Keys’ to bring live music to senior living communities

Patch (Mar. 12)

 

Faculty Expertise

A deep dive into women’s history as March marks Women’s History Month [WSU]

WDIV TV (Mar. 6)

 

Professor of environmental science says overflows into waterways are common [WSU]

WEYI TV (Mar. 9)