Dear friends,
I am writing on behalf of the University of Michigan’s Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) to share news of PPE’s continued growth—and to ask for your support. Will you make a gift today to help PPE students pursue opportunities that will shape their futures?
PPE is robust and growing. Applications and transfer-student interest are increasing, and our undergraduates are bringing extraordinary energy to the program. With Assistant Director Rachael Goodyer’s leadership and an increasingly active PPE Club, students are engaging deeply with the interdisciplinary tools PPE provides: careful thinking, ethical reasoning, institutional analysis, and the ability to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.
One recent example is Thomas Gala-Garza, an honors PPE student who received the Junior of the Year Award in recognition of his academic excellence and campus leadership. Reflecting on his experience, Thomas shared: “Mastering PPE’s rigorous curriculum allowed me to diversify my academic skills across three disciplines, giving me both qualitative and quantitative tools to break down problems. As a campus leader, I brought that same clarity to keeping my teams organized and goal directed.”
Stories like this show what PPE students can achieve when they are supported. Many pursue meaningful internships in public service, policy, law, business, advocacy, research, and community engagement. Yet not all internships are paid, and even paid internships can require housing, transportation, professional attire, relocation, or the loss of summer wages—costs that can put valuable opportunities out of reach.
Your gift can help remove these barriers. Support for PPE will enable students to accept internships, explore career paths, build professional networks, and apply their interdisciplinary education beyond the classroom. With your generosity, we can meet growing student interest and prepare graduates who are thoughtful, analytical, and ready to lead in a complicated world.
Thank you for considering a gift to PPE this fall. We are grateful for alumni and friends who believe in our students and in the value of a PPE education.
With appreciation,
Elizabeth Anderson
John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women’s & Gender Studies; Professor of Law; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor; Director of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
