Now that the expanded FIA can accommodate so many new and varied uses, we are focusing our attention on the audiences we serve. Our members remain loyal and supportive by influencing their friends to become involved, and the media has stirred interest in the community by encouraging many first time visitors. But even with our new attractions, easy access, and buzz in the community, there are still large populations in the Flint area we want to reach.

One group I feel we can be a valuable resource to is Flint’s College and University population. Recently, I have met with the Presidents of Mott Community College, Baker College, Kettering University and the Acting Chancellor of
U of M-Flint on a new initiative to engage the 27,000 local college students in FIA programming. The idea is to
create a new online membership category for full-time students and faculty, which will entitle them to a host of benefits.

Each of the Presidents supported the proposal enthusiastically and plans for student mixers and special events organized by the colleges at the FIA are already underway. All communications with students will be paperless. A special web-page with links for each school has been designed by our marketing department.

In the short-term the objective is to provide the opportunity and the means for students to take an active roll at the museum. The long-term goal is to nurture a well-informed, cultural audience who will support the FIA in the future.

John B. Henry III