UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College’s (MVCC) longest-serving president Michael I. Schafer recently passed away at his home in Naples, Florida, according to a press release from the college.
“Mike was a strong advocate for MVCC and community colleges in general,” longtime MVCC Trustee David Mathis said in the release. “Under his leadership, MVCC was able to strengthen and expand workforce development programs like nursing and airframe and powerplant while maintaining high-quality transfer programs as well.”
Schafer served as MVCC president from 1983 until his retirement in 2007. During his tenure, the college strengthened its academic offerings with programs like English as a second language and a human-donor lab to teach anatomy and physiology. The college’s campuses in Rome and Utica expanded with extensive renovations including the addition of Bellamy residence hall, the science and technology building, and Wilcox Hall, which houses the Dr. Michael I. Schafer Theater named in his honor. The college’s athletics also rose to national prominence in his tenure.
“Mike was very helpful to me when I transitioned here,” Current MVCC President Randall VanWagoner said. “I remember him saying that he was leaving the college in the best financial position in all his years. That was right on the cusp of the great recession and allowed us to thrive during those tumultuous years that followed. He was very proud of what MVCC means to this community and the role it plays in helping the area thrive.”