ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan has received nearly $117,000 in computing equipment from the International Business Machines (IBM), Corporation. The new equipment replaces older machines in classrooms and training areas, and provides equipment for the Faculty Studio located in the University’s Media Union.

The new Faculty Studio is designed to help faculty with projects involving use of digital media in instruction, creative arts, visual communication and collaborative work. An additional recipient of the computers is the Groundworks Desktop Multimedia Center. The Center consists of a multi-media laboratory, a studio-style classroom, and a print shop.

“The Media Union Faculty Studio, Groundworks facilities and training suites are very important resources for U-M faculty and students who want to experiment with digital media,” said Barbara O’Keefe, Media Union director. “The IBM gift has made it possible for us to meet campus needs much more quickly and effectively than we thought we would.”

Through the “IBM Matching Grants Program,” donations from IBM employees who are U-M alumni are matched. IBM employee donations are matched on a three-to-one basis for equipment that can be used by the University.

“Many of our employees, alumni of the University of Michigan are demonstrating their commitment to enhancing information technology for the institution. IBM is proud to support our employees and the schools and community based organizations that they contribute to with their donations,” said Paula Baker, corporate director of community relations for IBM.

IBM has been supportive of information technology at the U-M for a number of years by investing in key research initiatives. The organization was also the first corporation to become part of the University’s Strategic Alliance Program, a program designed to establish formal University-wide affiliations with information technology corporations to enhance University and corporation business and research projects and exchanges. The program encourages campus-wide interdisciplinary research into a number of areas and supports administrative, medical and learning initiatives, while allowing the University to take advantage of competitively priced computer equipment and software.

“The arrangements through the Matching Grants Program supports the University’s commitment to enhance teaching and learning at the U-M,” said José-Marie Griffiths, U-M’s chief information officer. “We are very grateful to our alumni and to IBM for these donations through which our faculty and students can continue to learn, create, and grow.”

International Business Machines

José-Marie Griffiths