Mike Eldridge

Very sad to get word this afternoon of the death of friend and colleague Mike Eldridge, of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. I don't recall ever attending a meeting of the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy, from Oregon to Maine to Maryland to Vermont to Texas to California, without him. I'll never attend another without thinking fondly of him, and noting the unfillable vacancy. He was an insightful Deweyan (Transforming Experience: John Dewey's Cultural Instrumentalism), a great humanitarian, a quick wit, a strong source of moral support... and my favorite good-natured grump.

Good-bye, old friend.
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UPDATE. SAAP is pleased to announce the establishment of a Michael Eldridge Memorial Fund.  In accord with the wishes of the family and in the spirit of Mike's work, the fund will be for graduate student travel to SAAP and other relevant conferences related to Mike’s work on Dewey, especially Dewey’s social and political philosophy and his ethics.  Donations to the fund will be matched by SAAP up to a $1000 total limit.  All donations should be directed to the Michael Eldridge Memorial Fund and sent to the SAAP Treasurer, Bill Myers at Birmingham-Southern College, BSC Box 549013, Birmingham, Alabama 35254. Payments may also be made by credit card with the donation button at the SAAP website: http://www.american-philosophy.org/donation.htm.


We also call your attention to the fine piece on Mike in the September 20, 2010 Charlotte Observor ( http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/09/20/1705338/michael-eldridge-68-taught-at.html)