Celebrants gathered on April 24, 2024 to see the new collaborative office space at 5100 THSL while enjoying conversation, interactive activities and refreshments.
If you were near the 5th floor of Taubman Health Sciences Library on April 24, 2024, the sight of maize and blue was hard to miss. Festive balloon displays, fragrant floral arrangements and the sounds of laughter and conversation greeted those headed to 5100 THSL. A catered spread of delicious food and themed mocktails awaited guests in the nearby atrium. The word “team” stood out as part of a creative art display, offering a preview of the work underway.
This was the scene of the Center for Interprofessional Education (C-IPE) and RISE Open House Celebration, which took place at the teams’ new shared office and innovation space and collaborative home.
The event was an opportunity for members of the health science education community at U-M and Michigan Medicine to see the new space while imagining the possibilities for what comes next.
It was also a chance for those unfamiliar with the work of C-IPE or RISE to learn more about the missions, the programming and opportunities available within them.
Rajesh Mangrulkar, M.D., who leads both C-IPE and RISE along with administrative directors Vani Patterson, M.P.H. and Paula Thompson, Ph.D. respectively, sees the new space as a place for members of both communities to create, work and collaborate together.
“Our shared space reflects a vision to bring together health science education stakeholders across all of University of Michigan, including our three campuses and Michigan Medicine,” he said. “By bringing diverse minds together, we hope to create a culture where we can tackle education innovation together, all to improve health.”
In between catching up with old colleagues and meeting new faces, guests participated in fun activities, including a “healthy selfie” photo station, a gamified challenge to meet new people, and an interactive display asking attendees “what makes a team successful?”
Both C-IPE and RISE hosted breakout sessions to speak about their signature programs. Attendees spoke with their peers and leaders to learn more about how to get involved with the work of both groups, and also just spent time socializing and catching up.
Mangrulkar spoke during the celebration, describing the journey it took to get to this point. He thanked everyone who supported the visions for C-IPE and RISE, the shared collaboration space and the effort it took to make the Open House event happen.
“The Open House was a wonderful way to deepen relationships and create new connections. The energy from an event like this is hard to replicate on Zoom and it was a joy to see so many people in person,” Mangrulkar shared. Judging from the buzz in the room, all who attended would agree.
Want to learn more?
- Keep in touch by joining our mailing list.
- RISE is currently seeking applicants for their Innovation Development Program. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2024. Learn more.
- C-IPE created a document to highlight recent progress and a look ahead at Stage 2 signature offerings.
- View photo highlights from the Open House Celebration.