Michael R. Moore
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Professor Michael R. Moore (PhD ’86) died on May 11, 2025, in Ann Arbor at age 70. He suffered cardiac arrest while running, an activity he had loved his whole life. He received a BA in economics from the University of Colorado in 1977 and a PhD in natural resource economics from SEAS in 1986. He joined the school as a professor of environmental economics in 1996. His research in water resource economics, environmental markets, climate change and sustainable land use left a lasting mark on the field. He was known not only for his intellect and scholarly contributions, but also for his kindness and warmth, unforgettable smile, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care for students and colleagues alike.
Moore shared his love of sports and travel with his wife, family and friends. He embraced an active life, biking to work almost every day, playing basketball and golf, skiing, and running until the end of his life. He was a longtime U-M basketball season ticket holder and loved watching his sons play soccer. He enjoyed regular trips to Colorado to visit his family, and was at his happiest when exploring the great outdoors. His adventures took him to Nepal, Patagonia, Morocco, South Africa, Europe, the Galápagos Islands, U.S. national parks and other special places in between. He developed deep friendships in all corners of his life, including with his neighbors, colleagues, “Over the Hill” basketball group and golf partners. Moore is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ellen Brody, his sons Eric and Peter Brody-Moore, and other family members.
To honor his legacy, SEAS has established the Michael R. Moore Fellowship Fund for Environmental Economics and Policy. Those interested in making a gift may donate. For reflections on Moore’s impact, read “Remembering Michael Moore.”
James R. Hynson
James R. Hynson (MS ’74) died in May 2024 in Pittston, Maine. He was 73. After graduating from SEAS in 1974, he did field research with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Urban Wildlife Program before returning to Maine in 1977 to work for the Center for Natural Areas. In 1984, he joined the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under a six-month temporary appointment and retired 28 years later. For most of his career with DEP, he concentrated on various aspects of underground oil and gasoline storage, and how to mitigate or regulate the adverse effects of underground oil spills. For the remainder of his time at DEP, some 19 years, he provided staff support to the Board of Underground Storage Tank Installers, the first program in the nation to elevate tank installation to a bona fide trade. His retirement was announced at a semiannual workshop for installers, where he received a standing ovation from the people he had regulated.
Marshall M. Weinberg
U-M philanthropist Marshall M. Weinberg (BA ’50) died in September 2025. His philanthropy focused on higher education, international justice and reproductive rights. He established the Marshall Weinberg Endowed Fellowship Fund at SEAS in 2002 to help future sustainability leaders. The fund provides SEAS students with financial support for fellowships, internships and special projects. During the past 23 years, 279 SEAS students have collectively received more than $1.55 million in financial support, which has enabled them to gain valuable sustainability experience and skills they might not otherwise have gotten. Weinberg, who lived in New York City, began his career at Herzfeld & Stern, a New York investment firm. In 2008, he received the David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership, U-M’s most prestigious award for volunteers. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from U-M in 2014.
