Dean's message

Greetings from the Mike Ilitch School of Business.

I hope this note finds you safe and healthy in light of these unprecedented and uncertain times. It's hard to believe how much the world has changed in the short span of weeks since our students were last on campus before spring break.

While my colleagues and I miss our daily in-person interactions with our students, I am pleased to report that our transition to online/remote teaching, advising and mentoring was remarkably swift and seamless. We continue to work together within the Ilitch School and across campus to expand and enhance our abilities to serve our students virtually. For more information, please visit the online COVID-19/coronavirus resource pages for Wayne State University and the Ilitch School.

From a financial perspective, Wayne State students have been hit especially hard by the ongoing crisis. Many are struggling to cover unexpected costs related to loss of employment or facing unbudgeted circumstances that impact access to food, medicine, housing and technology. To try to assist our students as best we can, the university has established the Warrior Relief and Response Initiative. If you are in a position to contribute at this time, you can do so directly to a specific fund earmarked for Ilitch School students.

While your financial contributions are very much appreciated, our students also benefit immeasurably from the time and talent our alumni and friends so generously share with them. We've recently made it easier for members of our extended Ilitch Business family to express their interest in volunteering with this simple, online form. Whether you are interested in serving as a one-time guest speaker in an Ilitch School class or offering a long-term mentorship, there are all kinds of opportunities to engage with the school as we develop tomorrow's business leaders.

It may be some time before we are able to come together again physically. But we will stay connected and get through this together. Because that's how Detroit's Business School stays Warrior Strong... together.

Sincerely,
Robert Forsythe
Dean
robert.forsythe@wayne.edu