We write in sadness to share the devastating news that we have lost a treasured and celebrated member of the Michigan Earth community, a wonderful person and instructor. Mark Robbins died in a car accident near Jackson, Wyoming on July 21. He was the sole occupant of his vehicle, and was on his day off from teaching at Camp Davis.
Many of us knew Mark and counted him as a friend. Mark's death is a terrible loss for our department and community--and for the world. He touched so many people with his love of geology and the outdoors, his skill as a teacher and devotion to his students, and his passion for living life to its fullest. His death leaves an enormous hole.
We encourage members of our community to seek support from FASCCO (faculty and staff mental health support) and CAPS (student support) as needed.
Although many immediate details are pressing, we are also thinking about how to commemorate Mark's life and contributions. We are planning a memorial for August 24. And we will find a way to collect tributes to him that we can share among ourselves and with his family. Once details are in place, we’ll share more information about both of these opportunities.
With heavy hearts,
Michigan EARTH
