Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is highlighting its efforts in community service and digital education in the latest episode of EMU Today TV. The program features two main segments: the “Thankful To-Go” Thanksgiving meal giveaway and a focus on EMU’s digital marketing initiatives.

The “Thankful To-Go” event, now in its fourth year, aims to provide Thanksgiving meals to 1,000 families across Southeast Michigan. Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith, director of development, international relations for the EMU Foundation, described how the event has evolved from a sit-down dinner to a drive-through format at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. “Three years ago, we transitioned to a small drive-through model at the George Gervin GameAbove Center, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

Last year’s event served 540 families in less than two hours. This year’s goal is nearly double that number. Beth Smith, registered dietitian and director of community wellness and sustainability at Chartwells EMU, said, “We’re seeing people from the Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area, but also from Toledo, Grand Rapids, and even beyond Jackson. All are welcome. Our goal is to provide at least one meal kit per car and serve as many families as possible.”

Each kit contains a frozen turkey or ham, pie, locally sourced produce totaling about 15,000 pounds, and rolls. Smith emphasized support for local agriculture: “It’s not just about feeding families—it’s also about supporting our local growers.”

Ruhl-Smith noted that food insecurity remains high in Washtenaw County and that many families depend on this event for their holiday meal. “We don’t ask where people are coming from. We just want to serve those who feel the need,” she said. “This is all donor-funded. Without our generous supporters, none of this would be possible.”

Major donors include organizations such as Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, EMU Credit Union, DTE Energy, Marriott, as well as EMU President James Smith and Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith themselves. Donations can be made online at www.emich.edu/thankful; $50 covers a full meal for a family of four.

In addition to food kits, recipients will receive vouchers for future EMU men’s or women’s basketball games. Smith explained: “It’s about bringing the community back into EMU… We want people to feel connected and welcomed.” The distribution takes place Wednesday, Nov 20 starting at 10 a.m., continuing until supplies run out.

Ruhl-Smith concluded: “Eastern Michigan University prides itself on being a community-engaged institution. This event is a reflection of that commitment… For many families, this is the only chance to sit down to a well-sourced whole meal. We’re honored to help make that possible.”

The second segment focused on digital marketing education at EMU with Dr. Bud Gibson detailing core courses involving real-world advertising campaigns for nonprofits and optimizing customer experiences online. He highlighted paid summer internships pairing students with high-tech companies—an initiative supported by an active alumni network.

Gibson discussed shifts in marketing trends: over half of marketing budgets are now spent digitally rather than through traditional channels like TV or billboards.

The upcoming Digital Marketing Workshop will take place Friday Nov 21 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., themed “Know Your Customer: In the Age of AI and Social Media.” Keynote speaker Derek Janis will address revenue growth through understanding customer behavior; Jorel McCree leads an industry panel featuring professionals from Google, Ford Motor Company (https://www.ford.com/), Career Now Brands (https://www.careernowbrands.com/), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/), and others discussing data-driven sales strategies.

A sports marketing panel includes representatives from Detroit Pistons (https://www.nba.com/pistons/), Tigers (https://www.mlb.com/tigers), and Red Wings (https://www.nhl.com/redwings/) focusing on storytelling for fan engagement.

Artificial intelligence will be central throughout discussions; Gibson stated: “AI has been part of marketing for over 20 years… What’s new is how large language models can now generate ad copy… It’s like going from hand tools to power tools—you still need to guide it but it’s a tremendous time saver.”

Tickets are available at half price until November 14 via the event registration page.

EMU Today TV is produced by Walter Kraft with Mark S. Lee serving as host; Lee also lectures part-time at Eastern Michigan University and contributes business insights regionally.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second-oldest public university with more than 12,000 students enrolled across over 300 programs (majors/minors/concentrations), Eastern Michigan University emphasizes applied learning and career readiness through partnerships with industry leaders.