University of Michigan Investing in Silicon (but maybe not in the way that comes to mind)

From Pensions & Investments Oct. 20:

University of Michigan invests in quarry acquisition fund

University of Michigan regents on Thursday​ approved a commitment of up to $50 million from the school's $11.2 billion endowment to Blue Water Aggregates Fund, meeting documents showed.

The natural resources fund, managed by BWW Group, will acquire high-quality rock quarries, sand mines and gravel pits primarily in the southeastern U.S. These properties produce aggregate materials used in making ready-made concrete and asphalt for construction and infrastructure projects, said Kevin P. Hegarty, executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Ann Arbor-based university, in an investment recommendation report for the regents.

"The highly fragmented nature of the aggregates industry provides for significant acquisition and consolidation opportunities in a market with resilient pricing power and favorable supply and demand dynamics," Mr. Hegarty wrote....

Also at P & I:
University of Michigan puts $170 million to alts strategies 

University of Michigan endowment commits $118 million to 4 funds  

University of Michigan earmarks $150 million to 5 managers  

University of Michigan sets $144 million for 4 funds

Huh.
It May be time to reverse direction on silicon dioxide. Here's the largest of the pure play sand producers:

U.S. Silica Holdings, the first publicly traded vehicle