Michael Anthony Boulus

Michael was born on July 27, 1949 in Concord, NC to Paul and Amelia (Simony). One of 7 children, he spent his early years in North Carolina before the family moved and permanently settled in Dearborn, MI. He attended Riverside High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. Michael then followed in his father's footsteps and attended the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame he lived in Alumni Hall (“Center of the Universe”) where he continued his love for Fighting Irish football and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Marian. Roughly a week after Michael reached his milestone 75th birthday he also celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary just before his passing.

After graduating Notre Dame in 1971, Michael earned his Masters degree in Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, where he also served as a graduate assistant football coach. He rounded out his education with a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Education Leadership.

Upon completing his schooling, Michael went on to a career devoted to public education in the state of Michigan. He held a number of executive leadership roles serving the state, universities and K-12 schools. Most notably Michael held the positions of Executive Deputy Director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators, Executive Director of Middle Cities Education Association, Deputy State Treasurer and finally Executive Director of the Presidents Council State Universities of Michigan where he served until his retirement in 2015. He will be remembered by his peers as a strong leader, a respected lobbyist with a great institutional knowledge of the state legislature, and as a tireless advocate for the underprivileged.

Over his career he was the recipient of several awards, including the National Leadership Award for Educational Leadership, in recognition of his contributions to the improvement of American education; the University of Notre Dame Exemplar Award, in recognition of outstanding service to country, education and church; and the Michigan State University College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Beyond his professional career Michael was passionate about sports, particularly mentoring and coaching his two sons throughout their youth. A devoted Notre Dame and Detroit sports fan, he nearly saw his lifelong dream of the Lions winning the Super Bowl come to fruition in what turned out to be his last season on Earth. He also found joy in the game of golf even though he was always working on a "new swing" and he remained a voracious reader until his last day.

Michael will be missed by all that knew him, but most notably his wife Marian; his sons J.P. (Beth) and Paul (Libby); his grandchildren Charlie, Nicholas, Samantha, Emilia and Sophia; and his siblings Mary Jo, Geraldine, Jean, Joan and Joe. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pauline, and his precious son Michael.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Michael on September 22nd, 2024 at 5:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes located on 1730 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823

A Visitation for Michael will be held on September 23rd, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Martha's Catholic Church located on 1100 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864 with Mass to follow at 11:00am.