U-M committed to excellence, Coleman tells D.C. audience

President Mary Sue Coleman told attendees at the annual U-M Congressional Breakfast Feb. 3 that despite the challenging economic climate, the University will intensify its commitment to excellence.

In a speech before 300-plus D.C. alumni, members of Congress and other friends of the University, Coleman said access and affordability are priorities for U-M.

"We will continue to make our case to the people of Michigan, and we will continue to work with federal representatives to allow us to find the best ways to provide both an affordable and a high-quality education," Coleman said.

President Mary Sue Coleman, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-13th District) at the U-M Congressional Breakfast. (Photo by Stacy Mitchell)

The keynote speaker was U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Flint), a leading member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Kildee said proposed legislation that would allow federal oversight of tuition rates at universities is not the needed approach.

"We should not put the federal oar into setting tuition costs for colleges," Kildee said.

He also complimented the University on its fight for affirmative action and diversity.

"Never have I been more proud to be a U-M alumnus than in the leadership role played by our University in preserving the ability to admit a diverse student body," Kildee said.

The U-M Congressional Breakfast is one of the largest annual alumni events held outside Michigan. Proceeds help fund scholarships for four U-M students from the Washington, D.C., area.

Other members of the Michigan delegation in attendance included Democratic Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, and Reps. John Dingell (D-15th District), Fred Upton (R-6th District), Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-13th District) and John Conyers (D-14th District).