“It Doesn’t Matter What Others Think—You Are Special” with Santa Ono, PhD

Denise talks to Santa Ono, PhD, who was recently inaugurated as the 15th President of the University of Michigan, the third of his proudest accomplishments. The first two? Being married for 33 years to his wife Wendy and raising two daughters. 

Dr. Ono cherishes his family, but also knows how difficult it is growing up in a family that is less than nurturing. In fact, it can be life-threatening. As a teen, he spiraled into depression, living with parents who had unimaginably high standards and being compared to siblings who more easily met their expectations. At age 14, dealing with an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, he tried to take his own life. Fortunately, he got the help he needed to heal and has gone on to enjoy an exciting and fulfilling life. 

As a result of his childhood experience, Dr. Ono is a true champion of survivors. His advice to those who are suffering is to talk to someone you can trust, even if that person is outside your family. He wants everyone to know, “In the outside world, beyond the narrow boundaries of your nuclear family, there are other people who will appreciate you.”  

Meeting his wife was a turning point for him as well as starting to go to church. With a trusted partner and a faith community he found the much-needed support and guidance he deserved. He describes himself as the black sheep of his family, and it took him years to understand, “It doesn’t matter what others think about you…You are special. Everyone is special. Everyone has different attributes and strengths and gifts.” 

These days he meets a lot of perspective students, and he wants them to know that getting into the college of your choice is a lot harder than it was when he was applying! Remember there are a lot of schools, and none are bad. Pick the one that feels right. And if you don’t get in, don’t beat yourself up. 

Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and you can’t know who’s going to win the race by judging the first few miles. Denise couldn’t agree more; getting an education is what’s important. As an adult, many people don’t even ask where you went to college! 

Stay tuned to find out Dr. Ono’s two favorite Detroit moments, two favorite U-M moments and the two things he, as a man of many accomplishments, is surprisingly NOT good at. 

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Santa J. Ono, PhD is the 15th President of the University of Michigan and professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences in the Medical School. A recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Ono’s pioneering work in experimental medicine focuses on the immune system and eye disease. Previously, he served as president and vice chancellor at the University of British Columbia. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the National Academy of Inventors, USA and the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars. In 2022, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Ono has served on numerous educational, advisory, editorial, and non-profit boards and won many distinguished awards in his field. He holds honorary doctorates from Chiba University and the Vancouver School of Theology. He earned his BA from the University of Chicago and PhD in experimental medicine from McGill University. He and his wife, immunologist and lawyer Wendy Yip, have two daughters. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

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