My Michigan: Community Service

Sept. 5, 2014

My Michigan

As we kick off another year of Michigan Athletics, we wanted to know -- what do University of Michigan student-athletes value most? Together with the Office of Student-Athlete Alumni Engagement, MGoBlue.com surveyed current and former student-athletes and asked them for their direct input. Starting on Monday (Sept. 1), MGoBlue.com will release the 10 most important values, with one being highlighted each weekday through Friday, Sept. 12. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #MyMichigan.

Friday, Sept. 5 -- Community Service

Our student-athletes realize the importance of giving back to the community. It's that selflessness and charity that encompasses a large part of the "Michigan Difference." It's what sets our student-athletes apart from others.

We are given so much as athletes. It is important to give back to the community that has supported you through your journey as a student-athlete.

Ali Arastu
Men's Track & Field // Fifth-Year Senior

Michigan has dedicated itself to giving back to the community. This is evident in the staff's commitment to the community and to instilling those values in the student-athletes. My time spent outside of the classroom and off the soccer field taught me what it means to be humble and grateful.

Katie Miler
Women's Soccer // 2006-08

Giving back to the community means not just doing the right thing on the court, but off of it, as well.

Zak Irvin
Men's Basketball // Sophomore

Community service is incredibly important to our community at Michigan. Giving back multiplies the wonderful gifts we are given as student-athletes by our Michigan family and it makes our world better. It is both our duty and our privilege as Michigan Wolverines to contribute to our communities.

Lauren Hauge
Field Hockey // Graduate Student

As a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, there is duty that extends far beyond on-field performance. Those who compete for this university understand that they are extremely privileged to have been given this opportunity. For those reasons, representing the athletic department and giving back to the community are extremely important to student-athletes.

Will Meter
Men's Lacrosse // Senior

Going to Mott Children's Hospital on Thursday evenings was an experience that touched me more than I can express. To see how excited those children were to see Michigan student-athletes was absolutely incredible and drove my passion to give back to the community more often.

Emily Brunemann
Women's Swimming & Diving // 2006-10

I had the privilege of taking professor Janice Paul's Detroit Connections course during my junior year and, inspired by that incredible experience, devised an independent study course under her direction soon after. Her ability to use art as a medium to advocate and instill social justice on both a local and national level brought such a positive and influential perspective to my life. Janice is an amazing teacher, mentor, and person whom I have continued to seek professional and personal guidance long after I left the Ann Arbor community. She taught me the single most important thing in my life and that is the power of giving back.

Wesley Ellison
Water Polo // 2004-07

We are blessed to be at one of the greatest universities and are privileged to have the opportunity to represent Michigan. It's then important for us to humble ourselves and reach out to our community wherever we are so that the "Michigan Difference" resonates not only through our lives, but through all those individuals we touch in our communities.

James Yau
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country // Fifth-Year Senior

• Day 1: Training
• Day 2: Competition
• Day 3: Facilities
• Day 4: Winning

University of Michigan Athletics

Related Videos