Mary Buikema, who joined the Law School in 2016 as director of major gifts, was appointed assistant dean of development and alumni relations in April. She has been serving in that role on an interim basis since summer 2023.
As the assistant dean, she is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of all development and alumni relations programs for the Law School.
She recently sat down with Law Quadrangle to discuss the value of private support at Michigan Law and the privilege of working together to make an impact in the Law Quad.
What inspires you about the Law School and your work here?
I’m inspired by the stories most of all. Connecting with alumni brings the rich history and promising future of our institution together. Each story shared adds a new layer to our collective identity. In meeting with alums, it’s amazing what they take away from their experience at the Law School. They often talk about a professor or class, but sometimes they’re affected most by a librarian, faculty assistant, administrator, or someone in the Lawyers Club cafeteria. You never know what or who people might remember. These stories are vivid reminders of how Michigan Law continues to influence so many lives across different generations and geographies.
Why is fundraising at Michigan Law important?
There are ongoing needs at the Law School and we continue to rely on annual support from many of our alumni. The cost of providing an exemplary legal education and the programming and services that students expect continues to increase. The need to provide tuition and debt management support to put Michigan in reach for the best students continues to increase. The cost of maintaining our iconic facilities and keeping them aligned with 21st century technology continues to increase.
It’s a great privilege to sustain this institution’s foundational stability and importance as a premier law school. And our alumni know that it’s an honor to preserve Michigan Law’s history and legacy while helping create a vision for the future.
You’ve been a member of this team since 2016. How does it feel to lead it now?
I’ve never encountered such an interesting, kind, and smart group of people who come together to accomplish amazing things. This is a brilliant place known for the excellent education it provides, but it also brings an array of talent in myriad other ways.
What goals do you have in your new position, and how will you build on the strength of the school’s existing relationship with alumni?
My vision is to make Michigan Law accessible for all our alumni. I want to be a good steward, and that entails evaluating where we’ve been and how we can use our resources efficiently, thoughtfully, and inclusively in the future.
Why is giving important to you?
Giving makes me feel part of something bigger than myself. We can accomplish more together than we can individually, and there’s an energy, ownership, and investment to that.
What is it like traveling to meet with alumni, both domestically and abroad?
Working with alumni gives me the chance to see firsthand the incredible impact of their achievements on the world. From leaders in law, business, and public service to innovators and educators, our alumni embody the ethos of our institution and extend its legacy far beyond our campus. Witnessing this impact motivates me every day—it fuels my commitment to ensure Michigan Law supports our alumni as effectively as they have supported it.
Our alumni are enthusiastic about Michigan Law engagement, and the enthusiasm doesn’t fade with the miles. Traveling to meet with them breaks down so many barriers. Our alumni are everywhere, and it can be difficult for some to travel back to campus, so engaging them where they are is very meaningful.
Michigan Law Alumni at a Glance
