REMEMBERING
J. Mic hae l A d am s
President J. Michael Adams
1947 2012
J. Michael Adams, president of Fairleigh Dickinson University since 1999, passed away June 21. He was 64 years old. “Our entire University owes an enormous debt to this great leader, and we will never forget how much he did and how much he meant to us,” said Interim President Sheldon Drucker.“On behalf of the entire community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s wife, Susan, and all his family members and friends.” Drucker added,“We are in mourning, but at the same time we promise to continue to celebrate his life, his service to others and his belief in the power of education to change the world.” Adams went on medical leave in the fall after he was diagnosed with a blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A bone mar-
2
row transplant in February failed to cure the disease, and he was subsequently diagnosed with a cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In a memo to the community, he announced his retirement on May 16, writing, “The opportunity to work with all of you has been the greatest joy of my professional life. However, I have reluctantly concluded that my continuing medical issues make it impossible for me to provide the leadership that you and our students deserve.” He added, “I’ve always known that I was only the caretaker for a time and that I would eventually pass the torch. I anchored my heart and soul to FDU. Although I’m sorry to have to step down, I’m extremely gratified to have played a small role in this institution’s incredible history.”