From the Nominator

The Look to Michigan campaign is the university’s most ambitious and innovative fundraising effort yet, with a goal of raising $7 billion. Lead donors to this campaign are forging a brighter future; they are Catalysts for accelerating what’s next. To celebrate and honor this philanthropic group, we created a one-of-a-kind welcome gift to thank them for their impact. U-M alumnus and in-house multimedia designer Adam Beeman created a gift that represents the commitment of the Catalysts donor group, transforming university prestige into wearable art. Beeman drew inspiration from U-M’s rich heritage as well as the innovative mission of the Look to Michigan campaign to capture the Catalysts’s bold impact. An iconic feature of campus, unique walkways we call the Diag, are a significant design influence. As with so many generations of students who have traversed the Diag and then changed our world, the impact of this Catalyst donor group will also leave an indelible legacy.  This limited welcome set includes a luxurious Italian silk scarf and tie, complete with custom packaging. Much like the donor’s impact, these mementos are bold and vivid. There is a sense of collaboration and oneness found in the design of the scarf. Each graphic element is layered together, resting on what was as we look toward a brighter tomorrow. The tie shares this same inspiration, but in a simpler, iconic way; the unique walkways of the Diag create a repeating pattern, symbolizing the work we do together as we build the Look to Michigan campaign.

From the Judges

The thought, care, and detail that went into this is on another level. Such a quality, one-of-a-kind piece. Aligned well with donors at this top level. This is a different choice of gift we have not seen before—the tie is quite sharp! It is neat to see how everything ties together.