It’s hard to argue with the fact that us Southeast Michiganders have had to overcome a lot — particularly over the last several years. Between big hurdles like the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal and an automotive industry that was practically flipped on its head, it seems like we never get enough good news.
Fortunately, yesterday the General Motors Foundation gave us something to smile about: a $2.5 million donation to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
CCS, a world-class school for art and design education, is an economic engine and leading supplier of creative talent in Michigan. The foundation’s grant will support the ongoing $145 million redevelopment of the college’s A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education.
“The quality of young designers that CCS educates and trains is a tremendous resource for Detroit and the world,” GM North America President and GM Foundation board member Mark Reuss said in a press release. “Working to strengthen CCS is critical in our attempts to help Detroit rebound economically and for us to win in the marketplace.”
“In addition to developing world-class creative talent, the project is generating 200 jobs, bringing 2,000 people a day and creating a bustling ambience to Midtown, adding to this area’s renewed vitality,” said College for Creative Studies President Richard L. Rogers in a press release.
At least $4 million more is needed to keep the redevelopment on track.
GM and The GM Foundation also support CCS through development of the Transportation Design curriculum, and GM designers teach and mentor project leaders. Through the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE), GM donates software integral to transportation design as well as helps students gain proficiency with industry tools.
As part of the day’s announcements, the CCS Board of Trustees dedicated the General Motors Auditorium, located on the top floor of the Taubman Center building and the onetime home of GM’s headquarters for its Design and Photographic Departments.
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