“I’ve devoted my career to renewable energy, driven by a deep passion for the field. Now, Mary and I aspire to ignite that same passion in others by helping Cal Poly Humboldt establish a dynamic Energy Systems Engineering Program, empowering the next generation of engineers to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” says Michael.

Mary, a dedicated supporter of higher education, has been a guiding influence in Michael’s philanthropy. Mary earned her BBA in finance and a minor in philosophy, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business. She has published two award-winning books on leadership and business motivation. As a founding member of the University of Michigan-Dearboen’s College of Business Advisory Board, she has been instrumental in fundraising efforts. Watching her impact at the UM-D inspired Michael to get involved at Cal Poly Humboldt in meaningful ways.

Michael’s connection to Humboldt spans six decades and began in the late 1960s when he transferred from UC Berkeley to immerse himself in the beauty of the redwoods.

“I just fell in love with Humboldt. It’s a place that I’ve been attached to for many, many years,” Michael says.

His ties to the area have only strengthened—his two sons and grandchildren live locally, and he and Mary split their time between their homes in Michigan and Eureka.

During his time in Humboldt, Michael opened the first vegetarian restaurant in Arcata in 1968, a testament to his early commitment to sustainability. His career path later took him to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was drawn to the country’s first environmental engineering bachelor’s program. This decision set the stage for a lifelong career in renewable energy, focused on transforming waste into useful energy sources.

Michael’s journey into renewable energy was sparked by his first job at a consulting firm in San Francisco. Under the mentorship of the firm’s visionary leader, he became passionate about converting waste into energy. His very first project involved exploring the production of fuel for the Samoa Peninsula’s mills from locally generated trash, as an alternative to Humboldt County’s landfill. This effort has brought him full circle decades later in his current work with the Wiyot Tribe on sustainable energy solutions.

Since then, Michael has founded multiple engineering and technology companies focused on waste-to-energy conversion. His work has remained at the cutting edge of the field, including recent research collaborations with the University of Southern California on new technology for converting various forms of biomass waste into energy. For Michael, the appeal of renewable energy lies in its dual benefits—solving waste problems while simultaneously creating valuable resources.

Mary emphasizes Michael’s leadership in the renewable energy sector, calling him a pioneer in the field. His expertise in transforming waste into energy, including cutting-edge work in converting plastic into fuel, aligns perfectly with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Energy Systems Engineering program. Michael has also mentored and hired students from Cal Poly Humboldt, seeing firsthand the impact of hands-on learning. His belief in the power of education to shape careers is a driving force behind his support for the University.

Michael’s involvement with Cal Poly Humboldt has evolved over the years. In addition to his and Mary’s gifts, Michael was invited to speak to a Capstone class and joined the School of Engineering’s Advisory Board. He now serves as one of the Advisory Board’s representatives for the Energy Systems Engineering program, focusing on critical areas, including accreditation and curriculum development.

As a member of the advisory board, Michael contributes valuable insights to help strengthen the program’s accreditation efforts. His industry experience helps inform curriculum development to align with employer needs. Working alongside Mary, who brings accreditation experience from U of M Dearborn’s business school, Michael provides perspective on how program outcomes can best serve graduates entering the workforce. His input helps ensure students develop the practical skills and knowledge valued by employers.

“When I heard Cal Poly Humboldt was establishing an Energy Systems Engineering program, it reminded me of my time at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. At the time, their environmental engineering program was new and I was able to experience the program in its infancy. Now, I want to help Humboldt establish a robust program that really serves the needs of the industry.”

For Michael and Mary, supporting Cal Poly Humboldt is about more than just financial contributions—it’s about investing in the next generation of engineers and environmental leaders. Through their gifts, they hope to inspire future engineers to pursue careers in renewable energy, just as Michael was inspired by his mentors decades ago. Their generosity will help shape the future of Cal Poly Humboldt’s program, helping to ensure that students have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

With their unwavering support, Michael and Mary are making a lasting impact on Cal Poly Humboldt, its students, and the broader field of renewable energy. To learn about how you can give to help Cal Poly Humboldt students, visit giving.humboldt.edu, call (707)826-5200, or email giving@humboldt.edu.