It's a sad day in Michigan football history; Schembechler dead at 77
...and on the eve of the big OSU vs. UM game! I had to tell someone so guess it's my blog. Maybe it'll inspire the Michigan team to "win one for the Schembechler"? Hate to even post that for fear of jinxing them!
So...Sympathies to Bo and his family.
From the president of the U of M alumni society:
This is truly a sad day for the University of Michigan and all those whose lives
have been enriched by the excellence in college football synonymous with the
name Coach Bo Schembechler. We wanted to share with you the following message
from President Mary Sue Coleman marking his passing.
Steve Grafton, President, Alumni Association and Jerry May, Vice President for
Development
A part of the University of Michigan died today with the untimely passing of Bo
Schembechler.
Few people exceed their reputations. Bo was the exception. He was forever
dedicated to Michigan to our students, our alumni and our fans.
His contributions on the athletic field are legendary. Yet Bo's impact at
Michigan goes well beyond the hash marks of Michigan Stadium, and we should
always remember the depth of his contributions to a university he loved.
Bo was a teacher and a mentor. He was a benefactor who believed in the promise
of cancer research at Michigan. And as he showed us just this semester, he was a
student eager to learn. He loved the life and vitality of a university, and he
contributed mightily to the culture and traditions of the University of
Michigan.
Bo believed learning and excellence went hand-in-hand. He helped to shape the
lives of generations of U-M students, and that is a timeless tribute to the
dedication he showed our university.
"Leadership" is part of the Michigan lexicon. Bo helped to make this so, both on
and off the field.
Never again will we know the likes of Bo Schembechler. And while we are saddened
and stunned by his death, we are also filled with the gratitude that comes with
warm memories. As individuals and as a university community, we enjoyed the
privilege of knowing Bo and benefiting from his irrepressible personality and
loyalty. He made Michigan a better university.
Mary Sue Coleman
President
