The Department of Statistics at the University of Michigan has long been ranked in the top ten and continues to excel in research and education. Between Statistics and Data Science, we serve over 800 undergraduate majors and minors and about 300 Master’s students. Many of our faculty are internationally recognized leaders in statistics or rising stars, and our PhD students continue to head to top jobs in both industry and academia. The curriculum is continuously evolving in response to the fast moving data science landscape, and new initiatives aim to increase support of our students, which is a key priority for the department. New career services have been established this year for all graduate students, and the professional development resources we provide to PhD students are some of the highest among peer programs. Our alumni, as always, remain a priceless resource for graduates of all programs.
Your Gifts at Work
Your donations help us train and inspire future statisticians and data scientists while advancing science and technology through our research, and have a positive impact both within the University and beyond.
“If I can carry on anybody’s legacy, I’m thrilled that it’s Brenda’s. Brenda has always been so good at bringing out my joy and enthusiasm for teaching statistics, and working with her has made me realize that this is what I want to do.”
- Nick Seewald, PhD 2020, inaugural recipient of the Brenda Gunderson GSI award
“As a PhD student in Michigan's Statistics Department, I always feel like the department has my back. The department's leadership is enormously receptive to student feedback---actively seeking out our opinions and experiences to make sure that everything is going as well as it can be---and it's clear that supporting students is a key priority. In particular, I've been impressed by the way the department has increased many resources for PhD students, including summer support, travel funding, and computing. As I've visited other departments on the academic job market, I have been struck by how unique Michigan Statistics is in its commitment to supporting its PhD students.”
- Dan Kessler, current PhD student
“Michael introduced me to a world of ideas that have been with me ever since. He was a great help, always challenging and gentle and supportive to his students. I have the greatest respect for him as a teacher and as a person.”
- Ray Faith, PhD 1975, one of the first recipients of a PhD in Statistics from Michigan
Giving Opportunities
Statistics Strategic Fund (308222)
The Strategic Fund allows the Department to direct resources where most needed. This year, our main fundraising priority is graduate student support. The gifts will help fund conference travel when the students are presenting papers or posters, professional development workshops, and computing needs. They also help fund prizes for outstanding students.
In memory of Michael Woodroofe, L. J. Savage Professor Emeritus of Statistics.
Michael passed away in 2022 at the age of 82. He was one of the founding members of the department, a formidable researcher, a great teacher, a kind and generous mentor to generations of students, and a good friend to many of his colleagues. The department established an annual Woodroofe Lecture, given by a statistics scholar of high international stature chosen by the faculty, at Michael’s retirement, and is raising funds to ensure its longevity. If you would like to direct your donation to this, please indicate so in your note.
Celebrating Brenda Gunderson, Lecturer IV Emerita.
Brenda retired from full-time teaching in 2020, after more than 30 years at the department. She has won every teaching award on this campus and is fondly remembered by many generations of undergraduates as the lead instructor of the biggest class in LSA, STATS 250 (previously known as 350 and 402). She has also trained and mentored generations of GSIs. To honor Brenda’s legacy, the Department established a Brenda Gunderson Teaching Award, given annually to an outstanding GSI of a lower-level introductory course. If you would like to direct your donation to this award, please indicate so in your note.
Thank you for supporting the Department of Statistics!
