Michael I Schafer passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 after fighting hard against prolonged illnesses. He was born February 22, 1943 in Worcester, MA. His family moved to Miami, FL when he was 13 to help with his health issues.
Michael graduated from North Miami High School and then attended the University of Florida where he received Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Education. At the time he was the youngest PhD recipient in Florida history.
Having developed a love for community colleges he went on to make that his life’s work. At age 27 he was the Academic Dean at Muskegon Community College. This was followed by a stint in government work serving under Jimmy Carter as a special assistant under Joe Califano-Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. He established the Office of Smoking and Health. This was followed by becoming the Academic Dean of Forest Park Community College in St. Louis, MO. Finally, he found his “forever home” as President of Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY where he served for 24 years.
Michael was a strong lover of Rotary and received the Paul Harris Fellow award. He served on numerous boards throughout his career and well into his retirement. He and his wife moved to Estero, FL to retire in Pelican Sound (more boards to serve on). He had passions for cooking, golfing, boating and fly fishing.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, children Michelle and Adam, grandchildren Corwin, Amelia and Owen and sister Margery.
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