Winter 2026 Newsletter
In this issue
- Facts & Snacks Tip: Sustainable Meetings
- New Leftover Food Policy from Michigan Catering
- A Michigan League Love Story: Joanne & Devon Stone’s Wedding
- Eight Simple Tips to Transform Your Home Office
- Commencement 2026: Key Dates & Brunch Details
- Highlights from IEEE Symposium 2025
- Takeaways from U-M Tax Seminars
- CES Team Updates
- Featured Recipe
Facts & Snacks Tip: Sustainable Meetings
Looking to make your meetings more sustainable? Watch our video for simple tips, like using QR code agendas, choosing sustainable catering, reducing event swag, and going digital with handouts. Plus, discover how Planet Blue can support your sustainability goals.
New Leftover Food Policy from Michigan Catering
As a result of your feedback, Michigan Catering now allows attendees to take home leftover food from events, provided it is confirmed safe by catering staff. Please note:
- Take-Home Containers: Michigan Catering will not provide boxes, but you’re welcome to use compostable items available on the buffet.
- Food Safety: Only food deemed safe by catering staff may be taken home; other leftovers will be composted to support sustainability.
Learn more about our food safety policy and sustainability initiatives.
A Michigan League Love Story: Joanne & Devon Stone’s Wedding
Couple: Joanne and Devon Stone
Date: October 11, 2025
Venue: The Michigan League
Number of Guests: 190
For Joanne and Devon Stone, the University of Michigan has always been more than just an alma mater—it’s part of their family legacy. With a family full of alumni and cherished summers spent at Camp Michigania, U-M is a meaningful part of their story. So when it came time to plan their wedding, the Michigan League felt like coming home.
The couple wanted a day that honored their Michigan roots and brought together loved ones in a setting filled with tradition and elegance. The League’s welcoming atmosphere and classic charm provided just that. Surrounded by 190 guests, Joanne and Devon celebrated in style, grateful for the attentive service that made their day memorable.
“Everything was perfect, from the venue to how smoothly everything ran,” they shared.
Joanne and Devon’s celebration perfectly captured the spirit of the university—a blend of lasting friendships, family ties, and joyful new beginnings. We were honored to help make their day unforgettable.
Planning your own campus celebration? Conference and Event Services is here to help you create a day that feels as personal and memorable as your Michigan story. Reach out to learn more.
Eight Simple Tips to Transform Your Home Office
Setting up a home office goes beyond picking out a desk and chair—it’s about creating a space that motivates and energizes you. If you’ve been feeling stuck, distracted, or uninspired, these simple ideas will help revitalize your workspace and make it a place you enjoy working in every day.
- Position your desk near a window to benefit from natural light and boost your mood.
- Display favorite photos, art, or motivational quotes for a welcoming vibe.
- Use shelves, drawers, or organizers to keep your workspace tidy and focused.
- Invest in a comfy chair and set your monitor at eye level for better posture.
- Bring in a small plant to reduce stress and clean the air.
- Incorporate bright rugs, fun accessories, or even an accent wall to spark inspiration.
- Create areas for reading, brainstorming, or quick breaks.
- Designate a spot for water, coffee, or healthy snacks to help you stay fueled.
Remember: small changes go a long way. Let your personality shine and have fun making your space your own!
Commencement 2026: Key Dates & Brunch Details
Save the Date: This year’s Spring Commencement is Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at Michigan Stadium. Doors will open at 9 a.m., with the graduation procession beginning 9:30 a.m.
Immediately following the ceremony, join us for our annual Commencement Brunch held at the historic Michigan Union. Tickets are currently available for purchase for graduates and their families.
If you’re planning a special ceremony to honor graduates or student employees from your school or college, we’re here to help with every aspect of your celebration! From finding an indoor venue to reserving a canopy for an outdoor event, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re planning a canopy event for the first time, now is the time to submit your rental request! Our spacious tent measures 60’x120′ and comes fully equipped with tables, chairs, table coverings, and centerpieces, offering a convenient one-stop solution for your event needs.
For availability, pricing, and additional details, please contact Heather Beitler at hbeitler@umich.edu.
Highlights from IEEE Symposium 2025
In June, CES helped plan the 2025 International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Symposium in Ann Arbor for six days, welcoming over 600 engineers for learning and networking. Most sessions were held at the Michigan League and Rackham, with food and beverage provided by Michigan Catering. One of the highlights included a visit to the Henry Ford Museum for their closing event. CES provided conference planning, event swag, registration services, and logistics support.
“I am happy to say that the event went very well. We received feedback from conference attendees that this was one of the best and most organized ISIT conferences in many years. I thank you, Sue, and the entire team for making this a successful event. This is a benchmark for future ISITs.”
—Sandeep Pradhan, Organizer of IEEE Conference
Takeaways from U-M Tax Seminars
CES wrapped up another successful season of U-M Tax Seminars, where professionals from across the industry gathered to renew their educational credits while enhancing their knowledge and skills. Here are some highlights:
Number of attendees: Close to 400 tax professionals (a 3% increase from last year!)
Topics covered:
- New tax legislation
- Latest updates and changes
- Tax court cases
- Tax credits
- Pending legislation
CES is proud to continue this 30-year tradition, supporting the professional growth and excellence of the tax community.
CES Team Updates
Nolan Babinski
Nolan joined CES in August 2025 after working as a Scheduling Graduate Assistant at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Prior to that, he spent two years at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, as a Reservations Assistant. Nolan holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Wayne State and recently obtained a master’s degree in security policy studies from George Washington. He resides in Ann Arbor. Outside of work, you can find him walking, birdwatching, or cheering on his hometown team, the Detroit Lions!
Aneesha Chitgupi
Aneesha comes to CES with five years of experience, most recently as an events marketing consultant with Gold Swan Partners. At GSP, she planned international events for a diverse group of clients, from both corporate and academic settings. She also tracked and analyzed event metrics to develop data-based event strategies. Prior to GSP, she coordinated academic events for the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET). Aneesha earned her master’s in economics from Mount Carmel College and her bachelor’s in accounting and finance from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce. Aneesha is a resident of Novi, Michigan. Outside of work, you can find her reading books, learning vegan recipes, following cat-fluencers on Instagram, and painting.
Ruby Al-Khafaji
Ruby brings four years of experience to her role as Event Manager. Prior to joining CES, she worked as an events and venues manager at the Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast and Event Center in Ann Arbor, and as event administrative assistant at Gaylord National (Marriott International) in Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University. A resident of Ann Arbor, Ruby enjoys going to the movies, catching up on the latest TV shows, reading fiction, and tackling crossword puzzles (usually with her cat, Heathcliff)!
Emily Bailey
Assistant Director
We’re excited to announce that Emily has been promoted from Event Manager to Assistant Director at CES. Emily’s leadership and dedication have made a significant impact, and we’re thrilled to have her in this new role!
Featured Recipe
Buffalo Deviled Egg with Breaded Chicken
Looking for a new crowd-pleaser to serve at your next event or try at home? Chef Russ recommends the Buffalo Deviled Egg with Breaded Chicken! With bold buffalo flavors, creamy blue cheese, and an extra-crispy chicken garnish, this dish is just the thing to spice up your next event menu or gathering.
Ingredients
10 large eggs
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 ounces mustard
1 ounce mayonnaise
1 ounce Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce (or your favorite)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Fresh chives, thinly sliced
2 ounces chicken tenders, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 14 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool completely.
- Peel eggs, rinse, and cut each in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a food processor. Add cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese, then blend until smooth.
- Add mustard, mayonnaise, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper to the yolk mixture. Process until creamy and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon or pipe the buffalo deviled egg mixture into each egg white half (for piping, use a pastry bag with a star tip).
- Top each deviled egg with a piece of chicken and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Chill until ready to serve, then arrange on a platter and enjoy!
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