On Tuesday, November 27th, Giving Blueday, all funds designated to us today will go directly to the Ilene Goldman Block Memorial Fund in Philosophy, which provides resources that will enhance undergraduate students’ experiences in thedepartment, including internships, conference attendance and related travel, research-related travel, hosting of guest speakers on campus, development of special events, special publication purchases, etc. The Fund also aims to support students who may be underrepresented in the field of philosophy.

Ilene Block, LS&A '69, and an alumna of the Philosophy Department, lived a rich and fulfilling life, improving the lives of her family and many, many friends along the way. Her undergraduate experience at the University of Michigan, especially her philosophy courses, was both formative and enriching. She was always grateful for the opportunities made possible by her Michigan education, and she never took for granted the chance to pass on to others the wisdom and keen sense of logic that she developed here. That included her son, Jamie, LS&A '11, who graduated with Honors in Philosophy. First suggested by Bob Sloan, LS&A '69, longtime friend of Ilene and her husband, Jerry, LS&A '69, the Ilene Goldman Block Memorial Fund provides resources that are enhancing undergraduate students' experiences in the Department, including internships, conference attendance, research-related travel, hosting of guest speakers on campus, development of special events, special publication purchases, etc. The Fund also aims to support students who are underrepresented in the field of philosophy.