MICHAEL JEFFREY HENDRICKSON was born in Augusta, Georgia on September 12, 1984 and died unexpectedly on December 1, 2007 at age 23. He was a student in the 2006-2007 Recreation and Leisure Studies undergraduate program and a friend to all he met.

Michael was known for his passion of the outdoors, his dedication to youth ministry, and for his compassion for the people around him. When Michael discovered the recreation and leisure studies major in the College of Education, he found his home at the University of Georgia. His classmates and professors knew him as being extraordinarily outgoing and finding humor in almost any situation. Well-respected for his honesty and kindness, Michael was chosen to be a peer mentor to incoming juniors who appreciated the sincere guidance he offered them.

In his memory, the College of Education is proud to support the Michael J. Hendrickson Scholarship Fund. The fund honors Michael’s love and commitment to the College by providing resources to undergraduate students.

The goals of the fund are:

• To help support an individual undergraduate student who demonstrates a financial need and best exemplifies the example Michael set for his peers and professors in this program.
• to support the collective undergraduate community of learners by providing funding to underwrite class field trips, student conference attendance, guest speakers, programming resources, and other undergraduate program-related expenses.

Michael’s loving spirit illuminated the Recreation and Leisure Studies Program, and he is sorely missed. The College of Education is honored to be the home of this fund established in Michael’s memory. As this endowment grows, so does its impact.