Michael Sodders '79 Scholarship

Michael Sodders was born in 1952, moved to Long Island at a young age, and graduated from Newfield High School with a BOCES degree in electrical trades. After several years of working in construction, he took the very long leap to start full-time at Suffolk Community College, the first in his family to pursue a degree in higher education. Following his passion to study music and become a pianist, he overcame extraordinary challenges to receive not only his associate’s degree, but also his bachelor’s (from Stony Brook). Many hours at jobs behind the scenes at both colleges funded his educational goals – support from his family was not an option. While his friends were moving on with careers and families of their own, he was working, studying, and attending classes. One housemate fondly recalls how dedicated he was to his piano studies and practice, going so far as hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign and locking himself in his room. She said, “It was wonderful to hear his music filling the house.” Eventually he settled into a career as a SUNY police officer and was a very good friend to campus felines, even bringing a few home to live a very cushy life with him and his wife, Laura. He celebrated the start of his retirement with a leisurely cross-country ride on his Harley. He was a life-long learner, enjoying conversations with those who shared their knowledge on topics previously unknown to him, or reading books on a variety of esoteric subjects. He also enjoyed golfing, attending musical concerts of all genres, and visiting art museums.