The Michael Leiboff Memorial Scholarship

Mike spent most of his life teaching people to communicate better with others. Whether it was a timid freshman in an oral communication class or a seasoned veteran on the MU forensics team, every student he taught was better for having him as a guide. Mike was a professor in the communication and theater department at Mansfield University from 1968 through 1999. He was the department chair from 1992 through 1999, during which time he was proud to present diplomas to his sons Jeff and Josh at their graduation ceremonies as they completed their communication degrees at MU. He was forensics coach at MU until 1985 and served as the National Forensics Association from 1986 to 1989. He was an active member of the campus community and cherished the opportunity to make Mansfield University and the Mansfield, PA community better places through service on numerous committees and organizations. After retiring in 1999, Mike moved back to his home state of Arizona. He remained active teaching, serving as a communication professor at several colleges. After a brief illness, Mike passed away on December 30, 2005 at the age of 61. Regardless of the many roles he filled in his position at Mansfield, those who came into contact with him knew that Mike Leiboff exhibited a genuine interest and concern for the students, the University and the Mansfield Community. He was extremely proud of the many alumni who passed through Mansfield and went on to make their mark on the world. This scholarship is a small way to continue that legacy. The Leiboff family hopes that the recipients can follow in those footsteps of helping others, serving the campus community, and making their mark on the world.