Dr. Alvin B. and Aurelia E. Michaels Education Fund in Psychiatry

Longtime donors and proud University of Michigan alumni Alvin B. Michaels, M.D., and his wife, Aurelia E. Michaels, have remained deeply connected to their alma mater over the years through their active engagement and generosity. Their philanthropic impact spans multiple areas, including scholarships at the U-M Medical School, diabetes research, Camp Michigania, and the Department of Psychiatry.

The West Bloomfield, Michigan, couple has directed much of their giving to empowering the next generation of medical leaders. Their establishment of the Dr. Alvin B. and Aurelia E. Michaels Medical Scholarship Fund reflects their commitment to supporting and inspiring medical students with scholarship awards based on both merit and financial need.

Building on their passion for education, the Michaels endowed the Dr. Alvin B. and Aurelia E. Michaels Education Fund in Psychiatry, designed to enhance educational programming and assist psychiatry faculty and trainees in developing expertise and becoming future leaders in the field. Through their generosity, the fund has brought leading mental health experts to the University of Michigan to share insights with students, fellows, and faculty through lectures and in Grand Rounds presentations. Notable speakers have included:

• Joanna Arch, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder, who presented “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Psycho-oncology”
• Amit Bernstein, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences at the University of Israel, Haifa, and director of the Observing Minds Lab, who spoke about “Observing Minds, Healing Hearts: Translational Research on Internally Directed Cognition and Mental Health”
• Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., distinguished professor at the University of California, Riverside, who presented “The How of Happiness: Boosting Well-Being Through Kindness, Gratitude, and Connection”

Beyond their philanthropy, the Michaels have led lives dedicated to education, the arts, and community service. Aurelia Michaels earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Art and Design in 1960, before beginning her career as a teacher and an artist. Throughout her life she has been dedicated to community arts and has been an active volunteer across diverse interests and endeavors at the university.

Alvin B. Michaels, M.D., received his B.S. from the University of Michigan in 1956, remaining here to earn his medical degree in 1960 and conduct his psychiatry residency and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. His career has been devoted to practicing and teaching psychiatry while serving the community. Reflecting on his enduring support for Michigan Medicine, Dr. Michaels shared:

“Giving back to the University of Michigan is my way of supporting the next generation of leading psychiatrists, in gratitude for the fulfilling career I have had due to the excellent education and training I received at the U-M.”

Through their vision and generosity, the Michaels continue to shape the future of psychiatry at Michigan Medicine, leaving a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the field as a whole.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting psychiatry at Michigan Medicine, please visit the Department of Psychiatry giving page.

About the Look to Michigan campaign

This gift is part of the Look to Michigan fundraising campaign, which aims to create transformative answers to health care’s biggest challenges for the benefit of people in our state and beyond. Building on 175 years of leadership in medicine and as part of the University of Michigan’s Vision 2034 strategic framework for impact, we are breaking new ground in patient care, research, medical and graduate education, health equity, and health care facilities. Together, we can improve and save lives. For more information, visit michiganmedicine.org/look-to-michigan.