Dr. Wilson: One of the distinct aspects that gives Wayne State its uniqueness is its sense of mission. It's located in an urban environment with a heavily minority population. The urban mission has a num- ber of facets. On the medical side, it's an opportunity to focus on populations that are typically underserved, populations that typically don't get into clinical trials and other research studies for chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, etc. Other aspects include the public school system — in urban environments that's much more of a challenge and that's certainly the case here in Detroit. It also includes the environment — things like urban blight and social decay. Our stu- dents have the opportunity to gain an understanding of different socioeconomic factors and focus on our environment and making this a better place for people to live, work and play. Gaining that kind of perspective and real-world knowledge, being in a place like this where you're immersed in an urban environment and trying to be part of the solution presents opportunities for students and faculty members who want to make a difference and improve people's lives. Detroit is the place to be if you really want to make an impact. JN: What have you been most pleasantly surprised about coming to Detroit and Wayne State? What are some things that will require more time, thought and atten- tion than you expected? Dr. Wilson: I've been most pleasantly surprised with the quality of our perform- ing arts, theater and music. I really wasn't expecting that, but we really have a first-class operation. I just really enjoy seeing the stu- dents, and they're so talented. I attended a dance performance at the Kennedy Center in New York, and it was a competition with 300 universities. I know I'm biased, but I have to say we were the best. The arts have been totally underappreciated. Wayne State does have a reputation for being a national research university, so I expected that I wasn't going to have to pay too much attention to that — but, I am hav- ing to spend more time on that than I antici- pated due to state budget cuts. Over the last five years, we've lost $35.6 million in state appropriations. We've under-invested in our infrastructure, and the culture has changed and I don't think we've kept up with that. JN: Where do you see Wayne State in five years and what's most important to accom- plish in that time? Dr. Wilson: Our ultimate goal is to be the preeminent public urban research uni- versity in the country. So, there are a lot of things we need to accomplish. We have an opportunity with the new 200,000-square- foot medical building (the Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research Building) on Woodward Avenue, which is under con- struction right now and will open in about a year. It's our largest-ever construction project. We can become a model of urban com- munity research excellence. In order to do that though, we have to do a much better job of graduating students. We have a laser- like focus on that. We've hired a lot of advis- ers, we're developing an office for diversity and creating a senior-level position that focuses on strengthening our advising sys- tem. We're taking a hard look at curriculum and placing a great amount of emphasis in that area. We're continuing to take a look at best practices and implementing changes as more research reveals the different practices that will be helpful in attaining our goals. IN: The Detroit Jewish community has a legacy of philanthropy at WSU. What is it about the relationship between Wayne State and the Jewish community and what steps are being taken to retain/strengthen it? Dr. Wilson: The Jewish community and Wayne State have had a longstand- ing relationship. Wayne has always been a welcoming place for people of different reli- gions and ethnicities. We've had a special relationship [with the Jewish community] in the past and many generous contribu- tions have been made because of that. The relationship is still there; I think we have to continue to work hard to make sure Wayne is the welcoming place for Jewish people it's always been. We're proud of our Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies — it's an important resource to the university and the larger community. Howard Lupovitch is our director; he took over in June 2013. We're putting a significant amount of funds into renovating and expanding our Hillel space on the sixth floor of the student center. That work should be completed this spring. We have a long history of international partnerships including a medical exchange program with three universities in Israel. Over the last six months, eight of our stu- dents have gone to study in Israel and we've received Israeli students here. All in all, I think there's been a very strong historical connection to the Jewish community and we need to continue to work to keep that connection strong. ❑ Itzhak Perlman, violin John Root, piano Sunday, September 14, 6 pm [NOTE START TIME] Hill Auditorium Beloved for his charm as well as his talent, Itzhak Perlman is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry but also to his irrepressible joy for making music. Born in Israel in 1945, Perlman came to New York as a teenager and was propelled to national recognition with an appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1958. He subsequently attended The Juilliard School and over the past 50 years has established himself as a cultural icon and a household name in classical music. Over the past decade, he has become increasingly devoted to both conducting and to music education, but it is as a recitalist that Ann Arbor audiences know him best, with 10 UMS concerts since his debut in 1970. Programs to be announced. TICKETS ON SALE NOW Last chance to subscribe. SPONSORED BY: UMS subscribers refuse to let life get in the way of great nights on the KeyBank SUPPORTED BY: MEDIA PARTNERS Drs. Max Wicha and Sheila Crowley, WGTE 91.3 FM and WRCJ 90.9 FM Richard and Susan Gutow, town. They have seats that are theirs and theirs alone. They've locked in and McMullen Properties and Tom the lowest prices of the season. They are the VIPs of UMS. and Debby McMullen The last day to order UMS Subscription Packages for the 2014-2015 season is Friday, September 12. With packages for Jazz, Global Music, Dance, Theater, Classical Music, and even a DIY option for the eclectic culture lovers among us, there really is something for everyone. Order today: 734.764.2538 or ums.org UMS BE PRESENT UMS.ORG / 734.764.2538 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN j ANN ARBOR 1935910 August 28 • 2014 51