About Michael E. McGoldrick
A Life of Global Exploration and Educational Impact
Michael lived a remarkably diverse life from coast to coast in the U.S. and frequently traveled abroad visiting over 60 countries in his lifetime. This shaped a compassionate world view to the challenges that our fellow global citizens face and helped him look at the world through the lens of comparative economics, human rights and history. After attending notable schools like the Lakeside School in Seattle and Amherst College in Massachusetts, he finished his master's in economics at Stanford University. While Michael was exposed early to investing in his youth and continued to invest throughout his lifetime, he toggled between stints in both finance and education. He was a consummate teacher in both capacities, often mentoring young students and professionals during their careers.
Adventure and Impact
The footprints of his life would make a great novel and certainly created entertaining stories for those lucky enough to have known him. As a boy he flew on the inaugural voyage of Pan American World Airways Yankee Clipper, from Seattle Washington to Nagoya Japan, and was the first economics professor on the USS Universe (Semester at Sea). In 1967 while traveling he was trapped in the six-day war between Israel and Arab neighbors and had a front row seat during the Hunt Brothers led silver crash in 1980 while working on the Chicago Board of Trade. He volunteered to protect democratic elections in Guatemala and taught the history of global economics for several years at the University of Oregon and the American University in Bulgaria. He worked in real estate consulting, helped form a charter school in Colorado, and returned to Lakeside in Seattle when the young Bill Gates and Paul Allen were students starting their first computer company.
The Multifaceted Mind and Joyful Spirit of Michael
Michael possessed a curious and analytical mind, a commanding wit which created great philosophical debates, a photographic memory for facts, and yet throughout his life maintained a jovial laugh, peaceful presence, and kind heart. The greatest joys in his life were spending time outdoors fishing, observing wildlife, hiking, engaging with his community and spending time with the love of his life, Terry Galpin Plattner.
Nurturing Passion and Potential: A Scholarship for Future Leaders
This scholarship program is dedicated to young students with a passion for education, adventure, and the desire to contribute positively to our society through enhancing and giving of their unique gifts and talents to make the world a better place. He would have enjoyed knowing each scholar personally and encourage them to pursue their education with the passion and curiosity for life that he held dear to his heart.