LIVONIA, MICH. – Madonna University is proud to host the 15th annual Missing in Michigan event on May 8, 2025, at the Franciscan Center on our Livonia campus. This day-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about missing persons in Michigan, supporting families affected by disappearances, and aiding law enforcement efforts to solve cold cases.
Since its inception in 2011 by President and Founder Sarah Krebs, Missing in Michigan has become a vital resource in the state's efforts to locate missing persons. The organization, with strong support from faculty and students at Madonna University, has helped solve over 100 cases through initiatives such as DNA collection and community engagement. In 2018, Madonna University began hosting the event annually, with the exception of a virtual event in 2020 due to the pandemic.
This year's event will feature a variety of activities aimed at supporting families and raising public awareness. A private roundtable for families with missing loved ones will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., providing a dedicated space for sharing experiences and connecting with law enforcement officials. The main event runs from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will include opportunities for community members to speak with local law enforcement, submit tips on unresolved cases, and learn more about missing persons issues in Michigan.
Attendees are encouraged to bring family reference samples, police reports, x-rays, and other identifying documents to help update law enforcement databases. Memorial t-shirts, posters, and other literature are also welcome to honor loved ones and raise awareness.
Jessica Zarate, Vice President of Missing in Michigan and Graduate Program Director of Forensic Science at Madona University, said: "As the Vice President of this organization, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved and seeing the impact of our work on missing persons cases and the opportunities it provides for students and the families of the missing is truly rewarding."
Additional information about the event is available on the Missing in Michigan website.
