The theme for Summer 1981, “Doing More With Less: The Challenge of the ‘80s,” sums up what Detroiters experienced in a decade that saw the decline of the automotive industry and significant national financial volatility. Yet despite the real challenges faced, not the least of which were rampant unemployment and public school defunding, a permanent endowment was established—a first for compensatory programs like HUB.  

Enrollment swelled six-fold, to just over 300 students, and an active alumni organization was established, as HUB’s early graduates came into their own as young professionals—accountants, attorneys, educators, engineers, physicians and entrepreneurs. Through changing administrative hierarchies at Cranbrook, HUB continued its strong relationships with all corners of campus, offering electives like Exploring Science in partnership with the Institute of Science, as just one example. 

Director Ben Snyder characterized the Class of 1989 as “the believers, the strivers, those who swim against the current of instant gratification.” His words could aptly apply to all those whose partnership saw HUB through ten years of uncertainty. 

Individuals are identified in each image below, if known. Please contact archives@cranbrook.edu with any additional information.