Bruce Michelson, a professor in the business school who was adored by students and faculty for his caring personality and professionalism, died suddenly on August 12 of an apparent heart attack while vacationing in Russia, said business school Dean G. Anand Anandalingam. Michelson was 62.
Colleague Jim McKinney recalled Michelson caring deeply for his students. “He made it a point to attend graduation ceremonies so that he could celebrate his students’ success. I shall truly miss him,” McKinney said in an e-mail.
Students liked Michelson, an accounting and information assurance professor, because of the interest and sincerity he showed to them, as well as the candy he would give out. He was awarded the 2006-2007 Krowe Teaching Award.
“He was always very kind and funny to all of his students. His way of teaching was outstanding, especially giving out candies in middle of the class to keep students up,” said Salah Butt, an accounting and operations management major who recently graduated.
Michelson also brought a workman-like attitude to his job.
“Mr. Michelson brought levity to the classroom and to the workplace, yet always got the job done in a professional and first-class manner. He will be missed greatly,” said Marty Loeb, chairman of the department of accounting and information assurance.
One such characteristic that sticks out to students was Michelson’s photogenic memory. Despite teaching numerous classes and hundred of students, he could still remember the names of his students.
On a Facebook page created in his honor, one student posts “Michelson’s 10 Rules.” Number one reads, “Grow Some Discipline; and Live it! Then have fun in Life Always…”
Michelson began teaching at the business school in 1996 as a certified public accountant (CPA). He has taught numerous undergraduate accounting courses at College Park as well as at the satellite Shady Grove campus. He had previously worked for the General Accounting Office – the investigative body of Congress – for 35 years.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, August 22 at 11 a.m. at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring. A funeral procession will then be held at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road in Adelphi. Following the burial, there will be a reception in Van Munching Hall from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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