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ACADEMICS
‘U’ professor nominated to Federal Reserve Board
NEWS
Munger to open New graduate student housing will foster academic collaboration. >> SEE PAGE 2
NEWS
Obama cites Dominguez’s expertise of global market in appointment
Open Carry Gun rights activist sues University for weapon restrictions on campus >> SEE PAGE 3 ZACH MOORE/Daily
Officials gather to launch the opening of “Mcity.”
OPINION
For Moose Derek Wolfe reflects on the death of his dog, Moose >> SEE PAGE 4
ARTS
Theater to threads University alum finds success in fashion world >> SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS
Just do it Michigan signs record-high apparel deal with Nike. >> SEE PAGE 12
INDEX Vol. CXXIV, No. 115 | © 2015 The Michigan Daily michigandaily.com
NEWS .................................... 2 OPINION ...............................4 ARTS ......................................5 CLASSIFIEDS......................... 6 CROSSWORD........................6 SPORTS..................................10
Thursday, July 23, 2015
it’s really a fantastic project.” In his speech to the roughly 300 guests in attendance at the opening of Mcity, Schlissel said the University’s groundbreaking research in transportation safety and efficiency is in accordance with the University’s impressive history of innovation. “Michigan was the first University to own and operate its own hospital, the first to teach aeronautical engineering, the first to create a program in human genetics, and we are the University that tested the Polio vaccine and proved it safe for the world,” Schlissel said. He added that Mcity has similar potential to leave a positive impact on society by preventing driving-related deaths. Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, also addressed the large crowd, expressing pride in not only the project itself, but also in the partnerships formed by Mcity between industry competitors with a common goal to improve driver safety.
President Barack Obama announced his nomination of School of Public Policy and economics professor Kathryn M. Dominguez to serve on the Federal Reserve Board Monday afternoon. In his announcement, Obama said Dominguez’s expertise with foreign exchange policy would prove beneficial in addressing issues within the global market. “Dr. Dominguez has the proven experience, judgment, and deep knowledge of the financial system, monetary policy, and international capital markets to serve at the Federal Reserve during this important time for our economy,” he said. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Dominguez will become the second faculty member of both the Ford School and Department of Economics to serve on the Board of Governors. Former Public Policy and economics professor Edward Gramlich served on the board from 1997 to 2005 and also chaired the Committee on Consumer and Community Affairs. In a statement, University President Mark Schlissel lauded Dominguez for her reputation and expertise in global finances. “Professor Dominguez is a renowned scholar and teacher with a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s leading experts on global financial markets,” Schlissel said.
See MCITY, Page 9
See APPOINTMENT, Page 8
University launches world’s first controlled vehicle test site “Mcity” aims to enhance passenger safety by testing driverless cars By LARA MOEHLMAN Summer Managing News Editor
On Monday morning, Michigan’s leading auto-industry experts and government officials, alongside University leaders, gathered in a brand new city, “Mcity,” the world’s first controlled vehicle test site designed to research and refine automated vehicle technology. The project aims to pave the way for massmarket driverless cars. With the sponsorship of 48 top industry and auto companies, such as Honda, Ford and General Motors, Mcity was created by the University’s Mobility Transformation Center in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Located off of Baxter Road on the University’s North Campus, the facility itself is a 32-acre test
track equipped with intersections, traffic lights, signs and signals, building facades, sidewalks and construction obstacles. Mcity even incorporates such minor details drivers may encounter on the road as faded lane markings, potholes and traffic signs covered in graffiti. In an interview with the Daily, University President Mark Schlissel said Mcity reflects the University’s ability to bring together different economic sectors, including technology, insurance, city planning and government at the local, state and federal levels in an effort to address a major societal problem: driver safety. He added that Mcity enhances the University of Michigan community by providing unparalleled research and employment opportunities for students of different backgrounds. “It’s great for the University of Michigan,” Schlissel said “It provides educational and internship opportunities for students. It provides employment opportunities for our graduating engineers and other specialties. It involves 6 or 7 different schools and colleges, so
By ALYSSA BRANDON Summer Managing News Editor