Sept. 11, 2014 
As we kick off another year of Michigan Athletics, we wanted to know -- what do University of Michigan student-athletes value most? Together with the Office of Student-Athlete Alumni Engagement, MGoBlue.com surveyed current and former student-athletes and asked them for their direct input. Starting on Monday (Sept. 1), MGoBlue.com will release the 10 most important values, with one being highlighted each weekday through Friday, Sept. 12. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #MyMichigan.
Thursday, Sept. 11 -- Academics
Above all else, our student-athletes come to the University of Michigan to receive an education that's unmatched by any institution. Without first being students, there can be no college athletics.
The proof of the Michigan academic reputation is in the countless student-athlete alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the business world and beyond, many of whom are still actively involved in the Michigan athletic community. Every day, we sit next to students who run start-ups, advance the medical field or change the political landscape.
We are a part of an extraordinary collection of students who are ambitious and motivated to affect the world in a positive way.
Eric Jacobson
Baseball // Senior
Academics are primary at Michigan. We are challenged by high-quality programs and courses but are provided with the resources we need to be successful in them. Being a student-athlete here means that your
academics come before your athletics and that is very important to me. I cannot be the best athlete I can be without first being the best student I can be.
Amber Smith
Women's Track & Field // Fifth-Year Senior
We're student-athletes, but we're not one or the other. You have to be able to
commit yourself to both of them at a high level because that's what is expected. We're so lucky to be able to get an education from one of the best universities in the world.
Jehu Chesson
Football // Junior
My old volleyball coach, Sandy Vong, always said,
"Study comes first," and we complied. All of my teammates greatly valued their academic experiences. By my sophomore year, I found that I wanted to study in the classroom what I was doing on the court. The opportunity presented itself via a B.S. in exercise science, then through the School of Education. Not only did the degree feed my passion, it became my profession!
Jeanne Hess
Volleyball // 1976-79
The first class that I attended at Michigan helped me to understand why an athlete is held to a higher academic standard. All of my professors wanted to make sure that I had an equal opportunity to learn what they were trying to get across to all of the students.
There was no sliding by just because you were an athlete. I didn't get any breaks and I understood why. People all over the world know about the University of Michigan, so when you come in contact with someone that knows you are a Michigan graduate, they usually expect great things. My professors taught with such passion that they wanted to make sure that when you left their class, you represented their subject in fine fashion.
Academics are the underlying reason all of us are here. To be able to achieve highly in athletics as well as obtain
one of the most prestigious degrees in the world is what makes Michigan the truly unique and remarkable institution that it is.
Zoe Mattingly
Women's Swimming & Diving // Junior
Academics in unison with the athletic demands at Michigan are
an invaluable experience. Being a student-athlete and handling a full course load is tough, but is important because it emulates some of the major time and stress management skills needed in the professional world.
Cody Riffle
Men's Track & Field // Fifth-Year Senior
It is a privilege and an honor to receive a degree from the University of Michigan that, when coupled with the chance to represent the Maize and Blue on a daily basis, propels you to
perform at the highest level possible. Don't take it for granted.
Dorian Shaw
Softball // 2008-11
• Day 1: Training
• Day 2: Competition
• Day 3: Facilities
• Day 4: Winning
• Day 5: Community Service
• Day 6: Unique Experiences
• Day 7: Leadership and Personal Growth
• Day 8: Tradition
