The Diag

Welcome to the Diag! The Diag is considered the heart and center of the University of Michigan's Central Campus. Located in the middle of campus, the Diag is often busily populated with students who are soaking up some longed-for sunshine (while attempting to study during the study-days before finals), with those student-run organizations that are advertising upcoming activities, with evangelists, and with other students who are enjoying the nice weather with a game of frisbee. Most recently, the Diag was the home of the University of Michigan's Commencement Ceremony on April 26th. It was completely changed over in order to accommodate the thousands of graduates, their families, and the required chairs. Approximately $1.8 million was spent in order to prepare for the ceremony. The history of the Diag was then outlined in the commencement speech given by the Dean of LS&A, Dean Terrence McDonald. It did not used to be a central gathering space, as it is now. Instead, the major buildings that surround it were all facing away from it, thus making the Diag their backyard. Over time the pathways became so worn down by students on their way to class that action was taken and the Diag was gradually changed into what it is now with its block 'M' located in the middle. In the above pictures you can see the Hatcher Graduate Library, which faces right out onto the Diag, and is where I spent half my college career in search of books required for some paper. Also you can see students on their way to class from the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, a.k.a The UGLY, on one of the central pathways through the Diag that stretches from the Old Engineering Arch down to State Street where a number of student restaurants are located. A truly beautiful location to enjoy during the summer.

See you on the Diag! And don't step on the 'M'!!