honorary m

The Honorary “M” is given to an individual for exceptional service to the University of Michigan, the Athletic Department, and the Ann Arbor community. Fred "Bud" Stein spent his entire life in service to the Athletic Department at the University of Michigan. 

In 1927, at the age of 6, Stein began helping his father hang the pennants around Michigan Stadium. He continued to raise the pennants for every home football game at Michigan for the next 60 years until 1989.

Stein attended the University of Michigan and played on the basketball team for three years (‘39, ‘40, ‘41). He was on track to earn his varsity Letter, but in his senior year he was sent to World War II before the season began. Bud returned to Ann Arbor after the war and completed his degree in economics.

Stein’s professional career began by working with his father in supporting the Michigan equipment staff with football equipment and repair at Stein Cleaners from 1939-1953. Seeing another opportunity to serve Michigan athletics, he joined his cousin, Ward Goetz, to establish Stein & Goetz Sporting Goods (now M Den). In 1976, they sold the business, but Stein stayed on as the business contact for Michigan athletics, working until his retirement in 1984.  “I cannot help but think of Bud without thinking of his lifetime of service to the university,” said Scott Hirth, President of The M Den. “That service in all its facets surely is worthy of the great honor of an honorary letter.”

His life, besides his distinguished career as a businessman, is a litany of service to Michigan. Stein was a Director-at -Large of the Michigan Alumni Board of Directors for 6 years. In 1981 he received the Distinguished alumni service award. He was a Victors Club member and Presidents Club member. 

For 34 years he served as the superintendent of Michigan Football and Basketball Ushers/Crowd control. Stein also served Ann Arbor as a community leader. He was the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the Downtown Business Association, to name a few. He was extremely active in the YM and YWCA, and his passion was the Downtown Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club, where he served at its President, and had perfect attendance at meetings for 57 years.

“I know he always wanted to earn a varsity letter and be an ‘M Man’, as he would say,” said granddaughter Julie Ziesemer. “His love for Michigan Athletics is part of his legacy and I am hopeful that a new generation of Michigan Athletic faithful can enjoy a few of his lasting contributions.” This award of a posthumous Honorary M is the fulfillment of his lifetime dedication to the University of Michigan.