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A celebration of life event for the late Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., was held Feb. 8 in the Glasscock Family Foundation Ballroom inside the Cleveland State University Ballroom.

Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., died on Jan. 2 at the age of 86. He had served as ������’s ninth president and Cleveland State University’s (CSU) fifth president. The two universities co-presented the celebration of life event.

Speakers included current university presidents Todd Diacon, Ph.D., (Kent State) and , (Cleveland State); Willam Bowen, Ph.D., a former Cleveland State professor and frequent collaborator with Schwartz; Sonali B. Wilson, general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees of Cleveland State University; Timothy J. Cosgrove, former chair of Cleveland State's board of trustees, and Ken Schwartz, son of Michael and Joanne Rand Schwartz, Ph.D.

Two Cleveland State professors presented the Schwartz family with a resolution honoring Michael Schwartz.

Presidents remember their personal interactions with Schwartz

Bloomberg's remarks included reflections on her interactions with Schwartz and fondly remembering that "he always returned my calls." She spoke about some of Schwartz's writings in which he wrote about "the convervation of the variety and diversity of ideas" and how that action, facilitated by universities, led to the betterment and progress of society. 

When Diacon was notified of Schwartz’s passing, he noted Schwartz’s accomplishments during his administration at Kent State. "So much of what today makes us a beacon of student access, degree completion and research excellence originated with advances implemented during his administration. I will miss his wise counsel, great wit and endless humanity," said Diacon.

At the memorial, Diacon recalled his meetings with Schwartz and Schwartz's passionate belief in the transformative power of education. Diacon quoted Schwartz, who said that universities can create graduates "educated not only to function in a specific field, but also to live intelligently in a civil, complex society.”

Diacon presented the Schwartz family with a framed photograph of the presidential portrait of Michael Schwartz that hangs in the Office of the President at Kent State. 

Diacon ended his remarks by saying "Long live Cleveland State University, and long live ������. Long live our state’s public universities, community colleges and private colleges. Long live learning for the sake of learning, and long live giving one’s time to make things better for others."

"This is Michael Schwartz’s world, and we all benefit from living in it."

People from both university communities came together at the event to remember and honor Schwartz.

Those unable to attend the celebration in person were able to view it online via livestream. A recording of the livestream will be available for viewing.

Read more about Michael Schwartz

If you would like to learn more about Schwartz and his legacy, Kent State Today has published these stories about him.

• Michael Schwartz, Kent State’s Ninth President, Dies at 86
• Schwartz Remembered for His Kindness, Leadership and Generosity of Spirit
• Cleveland State University and ������ to Honor Late Dr. Michael Schwartz on Feb. 8