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To the Leaders and Best,

As engineers, we all know what potential means: a mass given height, a difference in voltage and the possibility of great achievement. While universities around the world have these same possibilities, The Michigan Difference illuminates potential as the measurement of our keen approach to growing, learning and constantly changing, in other words, our ability to be kinetic.

Whether you are a current member of the Michigan Engineering community, are entering into undergraduate or graduate studies, or are joining our world-class faculty and administrators, you will be compelled to be kinetic. Curriculum is always evolving to better prepare students, the College's facilities are always changing and being improved, and student organizations are always developing and growing. It is great to be a Michigan Wolverine.

Engineering has much to offer students and faculty alike. So take advantage: make your place at Michigan. If you can't find a home in just one department, create your own interdisciplinary route. Take the opportunity to engage in hypotheticals, spend your time doing research and indulge yourself in a complicated design process. Be kinetic and accelerate yourself.

Similarly, make your place outside of the classroom. Skills such as leadership, teamwork and creativity are developed in co-curricular activities. You might find a home in BLUElab, which works to find sustainable solutions to development problems at home and abroad. You could get involved in MPowered Entrepreneurship, a brand new organization which originated in the College of Engineering and unites students and faculty across the University. You might find your home in Michigan Parkour or the Squirrel Club. Moreover, if you see the potential for a new organization, be kinetic and start it.

Each year at Michigan begins with a new chance to embrace uncertainty with enthusiasm. Every day has the potential to unveil a new discovery, every class has the potential to open new doors and every risk taken has the potential for overwhelming success. Take the chance and be kinetic.

Best of luck,

Courtenay M. Holscher
2008 University of Michigan Engineering Council President
BSE in Biomedical Engineering, 2009