For generations, University of Michigan campus community members looking to hold retreat planning sessions or team-building workshops had few familiar options, with most primarily serving office or classroom space.
Soon, student leaders, faculty and staff on all three campuses will be able to rent a dedicated venue designed specifically for big ideas and collaborative problem-solving.
Thanks to a generous gift from Regent Mark Bernstein and his spouse, Rachel Bendit, the University of Michigan has accepted the donation of an 11-acre retreat property in Ann Arbor Township, alongside dedicated funds to support its ongoing operating and programmatic costs.
The property and programmatic gift will benefit U-M’s Division of Student Life, with the division’s University Unions providing operational oversight of the facility. To ensure the land continues to thrive, Student Life will partner with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum for ongoing ecological management, study, and outdoor programming.
Officially named the Bernstein Leadership Retreat at Joy Farm, the property is located just 15 minutes from Central Campus at the corner of Gleaner Hall and Joy roads. Over the past several years, Bernstein and Bendit focused on responsible environmental stewardship of the land while creating a unique, natural campus refuge—complete with a cabin, trails, a boardwalk, and a fire pit.
“We are excited about the promise and potential of the Bernstein Leadership Retreat and how it will provide students from all of our campuses with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other,” said Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon. “This fits squarely in our mission to build a vibrant campus community for students.”
What’s Ahead
The dedicated space will be available to student organizations, faculty, and staff across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. While a rental fee will apply, student organizations will benefit from a discounted rate to keep the space accessible for student-led initiatives.
Details about use and reservations will be forthcoming as University Unions, Student Life Facilities and other campus partners work to transition the gift from private ownership to university use.
While the university hopes to open the site for limited initial use late next semester, the retreat is expected to become operational in 2027. Specific reservation details and booking policies will be announced as operational plans are finalized.
For more information, read The University Record article.