Ford School mourns the loss of Michael D. Cohen
*Information about Michael's memorial service*
Michael D. Cohen, a professor emeritus of public policy and of information, passed away on February 2, 2013 at the age of 67.
Michael was a founding faculty member of the Ford School's predecessor, the Institute of Public Policy Studies (IPPS), as well as the University of Michigan's School of Information. He retired from the university in August 2012.
A foremost expert in organizational theory, Michael brought a set of nontraditional research interests and ways of thinking to the IPPS faculty. His close colleagues note that Michael saw things as a whole, and that he helped bridge intellectual gaps between economists and political scientists at IPPS. He played an instrumental role in building the fundamental inter-disciplinarity that remains a proud hallmark of the Ford School.
Michael, along with Bob Axelrod (and within a year, Carl Simon) was also a founding member of a group known as BACH—a brilliant collection of researchers who shared an interest in adaptive systems. BACH eventually grew into the Center for the Study of Complex Systems.
Many will remember Michael as a wise, kind, and generous person. A Facebook page and blog have been created to share memories about him.
A public memorial service will be held on campus sometime soon; we will share details once they become available. Michael's family will be establishing a scholarship fund in his honor, and they ask that donations in lieu of flowers or other gifts be directed to this scholarship.
New details, as of 2/5/13
To give a gift to the Michael D. Cohen Memorial Scholarship
By mail:
Send check made out to the University of Michigan & indicating the fund to:
Andrea Daly
University of Michigan School of Information
4389 North Quad
105 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Give online:
Michael D. Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund
Via phone:
Andrea Daly at 734-615-6502 or U-M Giving at 888-518-7888
Via payroll deduction:
Through Wolverine Access (for U-M employees)
Learn more about gifts to endowment funds.
Memorial details, as of 2/5/13
Memorial service
The memorial service for Michael Cohen will be Saturday, February 9, in the Rogel Ballroom of the Michigan Union (2nd floor). The reception and welcome will be from 10:30-11:00 a.m. The program begins at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.