The University of Michigan (UMich), a premier public research institution founded in 1817 and relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837, boasts an extraordinary network of over 640,000 living alumni spanning 180 countries worldwide. These University of Michigan notable alumni exemplify the university's mission to cultivate leaders who challenge the present and shape the future, making it a magnet for students and job seekers eyeing influential careers. From groundbreaking scientists to U.S. presidents, notable alumni from University of Michigan have left indelible marks across diverse fields, underscoring UMich's role in fostering innovation and excellence.
Key categories highlight this legacy. In politics, Gerald Ford (JD 1941), the 38th U.S. President, stands out alongside numerous governors and legislators. Entertainment icons include James Earl Jones (BA 1955), the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, and Lucy Liu (BA 1990), known for her roles in Charlie's Angels and Elementary. Tech titans like Larry Page (MS 1995, co-founder of Google) drive global innovation, while sports figures such as Tom Brady (BA 2000) have dominated the NFL. Business leaders include billionaires in retail and real estate, per alumni lists.
UMich's scientific prowess shines through its University of Michigan Nobel winners: Stanley Cohen (PhD 1949, Physiology or Medicine for growth factors), Jerome Karle (PhD 1944, Chemistry for crystal structures), Paul Milgrom (BA 1970, Economics for auction theory), and Marshall Nirenberg (PhD 1957, Physiology or Medicine for genetic code). With at least four Nobel laureates affiliated, UMich ranks among top producers of prize-winning talent. Explore more in the Nobel laureates, politics, and millionaires and billionaires sections.
The implications are profound: these famous graduates of University of Michigan amplify the university's global prestige, offering networking opportunities via the Alumni Association. For aspiring academics or professionals, UMich connections open doors in higher education. Faculty insights await on Rate My Professor, while higher ed jobs in Ann Arbor thrive amid this talent pool. Job seekers can target Academic Jobs in Ann Arbor or Michigan university positions. Recent stats from EduRank list 100 top alumni by popularity, reflecting sustained impact. Whether pursuing breakthroughs or leadership, UMich equips graduates for transformative roles, inspiring current students worldwide.
Discover the diverse achievements of University of Michigan notable alumni, spanning politics, entertainment, business, and science. These famous graduates from University of Michigan exemplify the institution's legacy of fostering leaders who transform industries and society. From the only unelected U.S. President to groundbreaking scientists and Hollywood icons, UM's influence is global. Dive into detailed lists below (politics, entertainment figures, millionaires and billionaires, Nobel laureates), featuring entertaining facts on top standouts. For official highlights, visit the Alumni Association's notable alumni page or explore academic jobs in Ann Arbor.
University of Michigan produced Gerald Ford, the 38th U.S. President (BA Economics 1935, LLB 1941), whose unexpected rise from college football star to leader navigated Watergate's aftermath. Politics alumni often lead with resilience amid national crises.
UM's silver screen stars bring drama from Ann Arbor stages to blockbusters, blending talent with Wolverine grit. These University of Michigan actors captivate millions with iconic voices and roles.
Tech visionaries among University of Michigan billionaires revolutionized search and innovation, turning campus ideas into empires worth billions.
UM boasts multiple Nobel winners in sciences and economics, cracking genetic codes and crystal structures that advanced medicine and physics.
These trailblazers inspire current Wolverines eyeing higher ed jobs or rate my professor insights at UM.
Discover the captivating stories behind some of the most University of Michigan notable alumni, whose journeys from Ann Arbor's vibrant campus to global stardom offer endless inspiration for aspiring students and job seekers. Take Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback who earned his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from UMich (often abbreviated as UM). Starting as a backup, Brady's relentless work ethic propelled him to seven Super Bowl wins, proving that grit from the Wolverines' fields translates to NFL immortality. His underdog tale, drafted 199th overall, entertains with tales of pizza-fueled comebacks and clutch performances that captivated millions.
In tech realms, Larry Page, co-founder of Google, graduated with a BS in Computer Engineering in 1995. His innovative spirit sparked the search engine revolution, turning a dorm-room idea into Alphabet Inc., a trillion-dollar empire. Page's breakthroughs in algorithms reshaped how we access knowledge worldwide, embodying UM's legacy of pioneering research. Meanwhile, actress Lucy Liu, with her BA in Chinese Literature, dazzled in films like Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill, blending martial arts prowess with sharp wit, all rooted in her Michigan education.
Politics shines with Gerald R. Ford, the 38th U.S. President, who obtained his JD from the University of Michigan Law School in 1941. Ford's steady leadership post-Watergate restored national trust, a testament to UM's influential leaders. These famous graduates of University of Michigan highlight diverse paths—from gridiron glory to Silicon Valley dominance. Dive deeper into sports figures or millionaires and billionaires sections for more. Inspired? Check Rate My Professor reviews for University of Michigan faculty to find your mentors, explore higher ed jobs, or browse openings in Ann Arbor. For official stories, visit the UM Alumni Association.
These entertaining insights reveal how UM fosters trailblazers, from University of Michigan celebrities to Nobel contenders, fueling ambitions for global audiences eyeing Wolverines' success.
Exploring University of Michigan notable alumni reveals a powerhouse of success stories that can motivate students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. Our star ratings evaluate the prominence and impact of famous graduates of University of Michigan across key categories, based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the official university site and US News rankings. These ratings highlight trends in alumni outcomes over the past decade, showcasing breakthroughs in science, leadership, and culture. Whether you're eyeing academic jobs in Ann Arbor or pondering a move to Michigan, these insights offer actionable advice to channel similar paths.
University of Michigan shines brightest here, with alumni like Walter H. Brattain (Physics, 1956 Nobel for transistor invention) and over two dozen Nobel affiliates emerging from its programs. This top rating underscores UMich's research prowess—home to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Advice: Dive into undergrad research via the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP); it mirrors paths of these pioneers. Check the Nobel Laureates list for more. For mentorship, explore Rate My Professor reviews for UMich faculty in physics and chemistry.
Gerald Ford, the 38th U.S. President (JD from UMich Law, 1941), exemplifies leadership. Recent alumni influence policy through roles in Congress and global affairs. Tip: Join the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy for networking; alumni networks boost political careers. Link naturally to higher ed faculty jobs at policy schools.
Larry Page (BS Computer Engineering, 1995), Google co-founder with a net worth over $100 billion, highlights tech innovation. Trends show steady billionaire growth. Advice: Leverage the Ross School of Business; internships via Wolverine Network lead to startups. See career advice on academic CVs.
Icons like Tom Brady (QB, seven Super Bowls) and actors such as Lucy Liu (BA Anthropology) dominate. Advice: Balance athletics with academics via club sports; it builds resilience. Visit the UMich Alumni Association for stories.
These ratings inspire: Aim high by rating professors on Rate My Professor, pursuing scholarships, and targeting higher ed jobs. UMich's network turns ambition into legacy—start today!
University of Michigan alumni in entertainment include prominent actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters who have influenced film, television, music, gaming, and competitive chess on global stages, earning awards like Tonys, Emmys, and widespread cultural acclaim.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Liu | Actress | acting | 1990 | Acclaimed actress recognized for roles in Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill, and Elementary, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination and Golden Globe. |
| James Earl Jones | Actor | pre-medical studies | 1947–1949 | Legendary actor best known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, with numerous Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Honorary Awards. |
| Lauren Lopez | Actress | 2009 | Vocalist and actress famous for originating the role of Lauren Lopez in StarKid's A Very Potter Musical series. |
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| Tusshar Kapoor | Actor | 1998 | Popular Bollywood actor starring in the Golmaal comedy film series and other commercial successes. |
| Celia Keenan-Bolger | Actress | acting | 2000 | Two-time Tony Award-winning actress for The Glass Menagerie and To Kill a Mockingbird, with extensive Broadway credits. |
| Gavin Creel | Actor | musical theatre | 1998 | Two-time Tony Award winner for Hello, Dolly! and Thousand Nights, known for Broadway roles in Hair and The Book of Mormon. |
| Ashley Park | Actress | musical theatre | 2013 | Breakout star of Netflix's Emily in Paris and Tony-nominated Broadway performer in Mean Girls and Sunday in the Park with George. |
| Iggy Pop | Musician | 1960–1963 | Proto-punk musician and lead singer of The Stooges, influential in rock music with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. |
| Madonna | Singer | dance | 1977–1978 | Iconic pop singer and performer who attended on a dance scholarship before launching a career with over 300 million records sold worldwide. |
| Gilda Radner | Comedian | unknown | Original Saturday Night Live cast member and comedy pioneer, winner of a Daytime Emmy and posthumously inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. |
This section features notable athletes from the University of Michigan across categories like basketball, football, swimming, and baseball. These alumni have excelled in professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, and Olympics, contributing to the university's legacy of athletic excellence and championships.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diane Dietz | Basketball Player | unknown | UM's second all-time scoring leader with 2,076 points, Big Ten single-game scoring record holder with 45 points in 1982, and Athletic Hall of Honor inductee in 1996. | |
| Terry Mills | NBA Player | 1989 | Member of Michigan's 1989 national championship basketball team and NBA player for the Detroit Pistons. | |
| Stephany Skrba | Basketball Player | unknown | Standout center in Michigan women's basketball known for her contributions to the team. | |
| Krista Phillips | Basketball Player | unknown | Canadian Olympian who represented Team Canada at the 2012 Summer Olympics in women's basketball. | |
| Pollyanna Johns Kimbrough | WNBA Player | unknown | Holds UM records for career shooting percentage (.552), single-season (.662 in 1997-98), and career rebounding percentage; played six WNBA seasons. | |
| Naz Hillmon | Basketball Player | unknown | First Michigan player to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career, dominating in women's basketball. | |
| Katelynn Flaherty | Basketball Player | unknown | All-time leading scorer in Michigan basketball history with 2,776 career points, surpassing both men's and women's records. | |
| Barry Larkin | MLB Shortstop | 1988 | Baseball Hall of Famer and 1995 NL MVP who played college baseball for Michigan before a 19-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. | |
| Steve Phillips | MLB Executive | 1989 | Former general manager of the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers who played baseball at Michigan. | |
| Siobhan Haughey | Olympic Swimmer | 2019 | Hong Kong swimmer who won multiple Olympic medals, including silver in the 100m and 200m freestyle at Tokyo 2020. | |
| Rob Pelinka | NBA General Manager | Business Administration | 1993 | General manager of the Los Angeles Lakers who previously played basketball at Michigan and transitioned to a successful front-office career. |
| Jalen Rose | NBA Player | 1994 (attended) | Key member of Michigan's Fab Five basketball team and long-time NBA player known for his time with the Indiana Pacers. | |
| Charles Woodson | NFL Cornerback | 1997 (attended) | Heisman Trophy winner in 1997 and Hall of Famer who played defensive back for Michigan and had a distinguished NFL career with the Raiders and Packers. | |
| Tom Brady | NFL Quarterback | 1999 | Seven-time Super Bowl champion who led the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to multiple titles after starring as Michigan's starting quarterback. |
University of Michigan alumni have made significant impacts in U.S. politics, international governance, and public policy, with categories spanning U.S. leaders, international figures, and any notable royalty or nobility (none prominently identified). These graduates have influenced legislation, diplomacy, and executive leadership on national and global stages.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estefania Aldaba-Lim | Secretary of Social Services and Development (Philippines) | Psychology | unknown | First female Filipino Cabinet secretary (1971-1977), pioneering clinical psychologist, and UN special ambassador who received the UN Peace Medal. |
| Donald M. Baker | Chief Counsel, Office of Economic Opportunity | Economics | BA & MA 1952, JD 1956 | Influential advisor shaping major U.S. federal legislation on labor, education, and poverty programs during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. |
| Justin Amash | U.S. Representative from Michigan's 3rd District | Economics | BA 2002 | Libertarian-oriented politician who served in Congress from 2011 to 2021, known for his independent stances and later becoming a Libertarian Party member. |
| Gerald Ford | 38th President of the United States | Economics | 1935 | Served as U.S. President from 1974 to 1977 after Richard Nixon's resignation, becoming the only president not elected to either the presidency or vice presidency. |
The University of Michigan boasts a remarkable roster of millionaire and billionaire alumni who have transformed industries such as technology, real estate, retail, and manufacturing through innovative leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. These accomplished graduates highlight the university's excellence in business, engineering, and related disciplines, often channeling their success into major philanthropic contributions that advance education and society.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larry Page | Co-founder of Google and Alphabet Inc. | Computer Engineering | 1995 | Co-founder of Google who pioneered modern internet search technology and amassed a fortune exceeding $100 billion. |
| Edward Mead Johnson | Co-founder of Johnson & Johnson | Pharmacy | unknown | Pioneering pharmaceutical executive instrumental in building one of the world's largest healthcare conglomerates. |
| George Getty | Founder of Getty Oil predecessor | unknown | Oil pioneer whose company evolved into the massive Getty Oil fortune. | |
| Wallace C. Abbott | Founder of Abbott Laboratories | Medicine | 1885 | Physician-entrepreneur whose pharmaceutical innovations laid the foundation for a multi-billion-dollar healthcare company. |
| Henry Engelhardt | Founder of Admiral Group plc | unknown | British insurance entrepreneur who grew Admiral into a FTSE 100 company, achieving billionaire status. | |
| William Davidson | Founder and Chairman of Guardian Industries | unknown | Industrialist who built a global glass manufacturing giant and owned the Detroit Pistons NBA team. | |
| Doug Meijer | Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Meijer Inc. | Political Science | 1976 | Billionaire executive steering the growth of the supermarket empire Meijer. |
| A. Alfred Taubman | Founder of Taubman Centers | 1948 | Pioneering shopping mall developer whose retail empire generated billions in value. | |
| Jorge M. Perez | Chairman of The Related Group | Urban Planning | 1976 | Leading developer of luxury condominiums in South Florida with a net worth approaching $3 billion. |
| Samuel Zell | Founder of Equity Group Investments | Economics | 1963 | Real estate investor dubbed the 'Grave Dancer' for acquiring undervalued assets, accumulating over $5 billion in wealth. |
| Charles T. Munger | Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway | Mathematics | 1947-1949 | Influential investor and Warren Buffett's key partner who built billions through value investing principles. |
| Stephen M. Ross | Founder and Chairman of Related Companies | Business Administration | 1962 | Real estate magnate and philanthropist whose $400 million gift established the Ross School of Business, with a net worth over $10 billion. |
| Hank Meijer | Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Meijer Inc. | Political Science | 1973 | Billionaire co-owner of the Midwestern retail chain Meijer, with family net worth over $10 billion. |
Although predominantly known for its outstanding contributions to society, the University of Michigan has a few alumni who achieved infamy through criminal activities in areas such as mathematics, accounting, and pathology. This section provides a factual overview of verified individuals linked to the university involved in high-profile crimes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Ayers | Professor | Education | BA 1968 | Co-founder of the Weather Underground militant group, which claimed responsibility for bombings against government targets in the 1970s as protests against the Vietnam War and racism. |
| Mike Morse | Personal injury attorney | Communications | BA 1987 | One of Michigan's highest-paid attorneys, he was disbarred in 2021 after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges related to falsifying military service records and facing sexual misconduct allegations. |
| Jack Kevorkian | Pathologist | Medicine | MD 1952 | Dubbed 'Dr. Death,' he assisted in the suicides of over 130 terminally ill patients and was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 after injecting a patient with lethal drugs on national television. |
| John List | Accountant | Accounting | BS 1950 | He methodically murdered his wife, mother, and three children in their New Jersey home in 1971, then assumed a new identity and evaded capture for 18 years until featured on America's Most Wanted. |
| Theodore Kaczynski | Mathematician | Mathematics | PhD 1967 | Known as the Unabomber, he carried out a nationwide bombing campaign from 1978 to 1995 targeting those associated with technology and industrialization, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries. |
The University of Michigan has produced and hosted numerous Nobel Laureates among its alumni and faculty, who have made transformative contributions to fields such as physics, chemistry, economics, and physiology or medicine. Their pioneering work has advanced scientific knowledge, economic models, and medical research on a global scale.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall Nirenberg | Biochemist | Biological Chemistry | PhD 1957 | Shared the 1968 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for deciphering the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis. |
| Samuel C. C. Ting | Physicist | Physics | BS 1959, MS 1960, PhD 1963 | Received the 1976 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the J/psi particle, confirming the charm quark. |
| Jerome Karle | Chemist | Physical Chemistry | PhD 1944 | Co-winner of the 1985 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing direct methods for determining crystal structures. |
| Stanley Cohen | Biochemist | Biochemistry | PhD 1949 | Shared the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering growth factors that regulate cell growth. |
| Richard Smalley | Chemist | Chemistry | BS 1965 | Co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of fullerenes. |
| H. David Politzer | Theoretical Physicist | Physics | BA 1969 | Shared the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of asymptotic freedom in quantum chromodynamics. |
| Robert Shiller | Economist | Economics | BA 1967 | Awarded the 2013 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for empirical analysis of asset prices. |
| Paul Milgrom | Economist | Mathematics | BA 1970 | Co-winner of the 2020 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for improvements to auction theory. |
| Gérard Mourou | Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering and Physics | Physics | Faculty | Shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing chirped pulse amplification, revolutionizing laser technology. |
| Joseph Brodsky | Professor of Literature | Literature | Faculty | Received the 1987 Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetry and essays. |
