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<p>(i) So we all agree current economic woes are not a good thing [for the university], and (ii) we all agree a prosperous state and Detroit would benefit the university, yes?</p>
<p>(iii) If the economic woes aren’t good, what are they? If we’d be even better with a prosperous state-wide economy, how can a bleak economy have zero impact? You can’t just cherry pick good things and when things are bad claim it doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>OOS kids are paying far more in tuition than in-state kids that are being subsidized. True, sales tax revenues are generated, which helps a state and local communities - but the brain drain happens everywhere. </p>
<p>With the last five years of devastating economics, things are starting to rebound slowly. People will come to Michigan or stay in Michigan when there are good jobs that provide a living. </p>
<p>You are obsessing over details that UM cannot control. It’s like, sure, any thriving economy will help ANY public school system, K-12 or undergrad/graduate college, but in this situation, UM will always look at the contributions, money-wise, from the state of Michigan to be small potatoes. With a 7 billion dollar endowment, the 250 Million given by state of Michigan is like change in the sofa cushions. </p>
<p>Obsess over this issue as you wish. The problems in Detroit started before I was born and have been around a long time. If Detroit rebounds and I hope it does, it will bring back folks to live and work there. </p>
<p>I think you are missing the point. It’s not that nobody cares or thinks it’s not a problem - but it’s not a major problem for UM to attract talent or students or money. They seem flush with all of it. Will one day UM start going down the dumps? I don’t see it happening. No way, no how. Be sarcastic all you want, push the issue that nobody is agreeing with you. The main thing is, DESPITE Detroit’s problems, despite the global economic problems over the last 5 years, one of the best public universities in the country is still thriving, even without much in the way of taxpayer support. </p>
<p>Apply there, or don’t, but the prestige of UM degree will not be lessened in the decades to come. </p>
<p>Carry on.</p>
<p>[Viewpoint:</a> Being a black Detroiter in Ann Arbor - The Michigan Daily](<a href=“http://www.michigandaily.com/opinion/10viewpoint-being-black-ann-arbor02]Viewpoint:”>Viewpoint: Being a black Detroiter in Ann Arbor)</p>