The Michiganensian, also known as the Ensian, is the official yearbook of the University of Michigan.[1] Its first issue was published in April 1896, as a consolidation of three campus publications, The Res Gestae, the Palladium, and the Castalian.[2] The yearbook is editorially and financially independent of the University of Michigan's administration and other student groups, but it shares the Stanford Lipsey Student Publications Building on 420 Maynard Street with The Michigan Daily and Gargoyle Humor Magazine.
The Michiganensian is published yearly in late spring by a staff of several dozen students.[3] The book is the second oldest publication on campus, and it contains articles and original photography related to campus life, student activism, university athletics, and current events.
History
Three annual publications with directories consolidated to form the Michiganensian in 1896; The Res Gestae, which was law- and academic-focused, the Palladium, which was literary with a focus on secret societies, and the Castalian, which was literary-focused.[2][4] Although the name Michiganensian remains a mystery, some believe it may come from the word ensign.[2]
Some editions of the Michiganensian as recently as the 1980s include articles about and the published names of members of the controversial secret society Michigamua.[5] There have also been Michiganensian editors who have been Michigamua members.[6][7]
In its earliest form, the Michiganensian served as an illustrated directory, providing information on organizations, fraternities, and athletics. As the publication evolved in the early 1900s, more space was dedicated to writing and photographs, but the publication still focused largely on fraternities and athletics. Now, in its current form, the Michiganensian is composed of photography and stories about campus life, student activism, current events, and athletics.[8]
In 1954 and 1957, the Michiganensian created vinyl records titled "Michiganensian Presents: Memories in Sound" which contained audio summaries of each year and were innovative for their time.[9]
The 2021 Michiganensian included a statement from the editorial board criticizing the University of Michigan administration and President Mark Schlissel for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and standing in solidarity with marginalized populations and student activists on campus in the wake of the George Floyd protests.[10] The 2021 book's cover did not include the University of Michigan's signature maize and blue colors. The 125th issue also split with precedent by including limited fraternity and sorority coverage, amid student criticism of secret societies on campus and a nationwide 'Abolish Greek Life' movement.[11][12][13][14][15][16]
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United States 