Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Lakeland College Archives

Dr. Michael Devaney, senior member of Lakeland College's faculty, passed away Sunday, June 24 at his home. He was 58 years old.
Devaney joined the faculty of Lakeland in 1978. During his time at Lakeland he taught a wide variety of classes and held the rank of professor in both the mathematics and computer science divisions since being promoted in 1984.
"A major part of his life was his family at Lakeland," Ron Haas, professor of mathematics and computer science, said. Devaney and his wife, Nancy, never had any children. "His children were his students," Haas said. "Following graduation, he would keep track of the math and computer science students."
"He had an incredible sense of fair play," Haas recalled. When the college could afford to put college-owned computers on every faculty member's desk he was the last one to get one.
Perhaps it was because of the family-like environment at Lakeland College that Devaney chose Haas, Karl Elder, professor of writing, and President Stephen Gould to speak at his funeral.
In Gould's address he said, "No one passes through this place without leaving some trace. Mike, however, leaves behind a considerable legacy… I will never walk the halls of Chase… and I will never look at a "CPS" [computer science] designated course without thinking of Mike."
Jeff Elzinga , professor of writing, said, "Only now with school back in session am I really starting to understand that Mike is not here anymore and I feel the loss of a close friend and colleague. Dr. Devaney really cared about Lakeland College, the students, and the people he worked with."
Devaney's devotion to Lakeland was evident in the roles he took on. He served as the chair of the natural science division since 1992. He also chaired many faculty committees and task forces, including freshmen advising, and coaching women's tennis.
Instructor of chemistry and physics Patricia Frink said, "He was very talented at teaching and supervising his crew in the natural sciences division."
Devaney had an incredible memory. "If you needed to know anything that changed at Lakeland in the last 20 years, he knew everything," Frink said. "He was responsible for the renovation in Chase."
Devaney was recognized for his service to the college many times during his career. In 1982 he received the college's Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Eighteen years later, in 2000, he received the Underkofler Award for Teaching Excellence.

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