When I found out about Laura’s passing it really shook me and I could not believe this had happened. When I met Laura for the first time she was so warm and welcoming and I am so thankful to her for helping me be here. We had met to discuss me possibly transferring here to finish my undergrad and without her it would not have been possible. It is something that I will always remember about her; her dedication to her work and the way she would always lend a helping hand whenever she could. She will be truly missed.

Rest in peace Laura

I am so, so sad to hear of Laura's passing. She was one of my oldest friends. I met her on the playground of Grant School in Kenosha when we about 9 or 10 years old. We played in the same orchestras, worked at the same pancake house, studied music at the same University, and shared an apartment for one year before we both left Kenosha for graduate school. Over the years we stayed in touch and got together when we could. I hardly know a world without Laura in it. My deepest condolences to her husband Jeff, her sister Nora, and all those from U Mich who knew her, loved her, and had their lives transformed by her special magic.

I'm so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Laura. I had the great pleasure of working for her at the SMTD in a temporary position helping with the extremely busy auditions season in 2014-2015. She was always so kind and supportive and continued to find opportunities for me to grow in my position. Laura was a beautiful soul and a thoughtful and generous boss. Her presence will be greatly missed.

Laura Hoffman, such an open, caring, compassionate person, while being a professional in every way.  I so appreciated her guidance in my three years as voice department chair (2013-16), and trusted without hesitation her vision for our department and school.  Her wisdom and experience were unparalleled, and she shared both generously.  She kept our SMTD filled with talented and qualified students, tending to the big picture, while always having the open-door policy to listen to the needs of every individual.  She was such an easy person to be around, to talk to, one who listened, understood and acted when needed.

Laura, there will never be another "you".  Thank you for who you were.  May peace be with you.  With love and admiration,
Stephen West

I think I knew Laura for well over 25 years – going back to when Manhattan School of Music was invited to join ICCAM. Back then, she would have to dash to a television during the breaks to find out the score on the football game that was always happening when ICCAM was meeting. Forget the bad timing of NASM before Thanksgiving or near the application deadline – she just wanted to be home for the game. (Later, of course, she could simply watch on her phone and check scores under the table.) Over the years, we developed the habit of finding an afternoon to go shopping during every ICCAM, and we would wander through the nearest mall or shopping area, chatting away – about the job, about her joy at finding a wonderful partner, her stepchildren, life on a lake….so many of the stories shared about her were about how she engaged deeply and remembered everyone, and she never failed to ask about my daughter every year.

At our ICCAM last November - the first in-person after several years -  my flight was delayed Sunday evening and I was in the restaurant having a solo dinner hoping that it wouldn’t be cancelled. Laura came in and was by herself as well, so we sat together and had one more wonderful talk over steaks and wine. Now I know that time was a gift – and I’m so grateful for that warm memory of reconnecting with a dear friend.

Once I absorbed the news that Laura was gone, I realized what a loss her passing is to our profession. Laura was a steadfast colleague and a font of knowledge (what does Robert's Rules of Order say about making a motion?). Her wit and wisdom both were valued at all those ICCAM meetings over the years, and at those colleague dinners that are such a valuable part of our profession. 

I will miss you, Laura.

Laura had such an impact on my life both professionally and personally. Starting out as a work-study student in her office, she took me under her wing and helped to start my career in admissions. Laura was my mentor, colleague and dear friend - and she will be terribly missed by many. My thoughts go out to her family and friends as well as all of my fellow SMTD community members. She has certainly left her mark and will be remembered by so many. Thank you for everything Laura, and forever Go Blue.

It has taken me a few days to collect myself and write to Laura's family.  I'm devastated by Laura's passing.  We were supposed to have lunch later this month; something we often spoke about doing but as often happens gets pushed by the wayside when things get busy.  And things were always busy for those of us that serve students.    I considered Laura a close work friend and important colleague .  My relationship with her over our almost 30 years together at Michigan changed from colleague, to supporting her absolutely crazy enrollment needs for Music when we implemented MPathways, to peer and colleague once again.  

Laura constantly fought for the small school experience in an organization that tended to focus more on the large school experience.  She taught me so much and was such a good listener and communicator, but firm in her demands to serve students and staff.  She loved her students.  She loved the School of Music.  There was joy in what she did (even when she was dressing me down for not pushing for more automated business processes).   Jeff I have not met you but want you to know that there was a palpable change in her when she married you.  Her joy seemed to get much broader and deeper and her patience and kindness grew.  Those of you that worked with her will know what I mean.  

I'm heartbroken that you are gone, Laura.  You meant so very much to me.  

"Second star to the right, Laura, and straight on 'til morning..."

Laura words can’t express my gratitude for your service &  assistance in helping me to facilitate staying at the University of Michigan. You were an advocate of diversity, inclusion, & most of all talent. I owe my education in large part to you &  I will be forever grateful. Well done Queen. You served in a big way. Rest Well.

My heart goes out to Laura's family in this incredibly difficult time. Laura was a cherished colleague and friend for 27 years at U of M and I will miss her dearly personally and professionally. She was unparalleled at her job; generations of U of M students owe their careers to her unselfish donation of time and energy to ensure that they had the opportunity to come here to study. All of us who teach here have been the beneficiaries of her unmatched passion for her work and belief in the value of what we and the University have to offer. Her office door was always open for a chat either about prospective students, our shared love for our pets or just life in general. May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences. Laura was a great colleague and friend. She was the best advocate for the students and faculty. Laura positively impacted so many in the U-M community and will be deeply missed. 

Sincerely,

Paul Robinson

I'm am saddened to hear of Laura's passing. She was an incredibly warm hearted and kind professional, colleague and friend. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.

My condolences go out to you Jeff & Nora. I hope she didn't suffer.  My thoughts and  prayers are with you both. 🙏🙏🙏♥️

Laura was such an incredible, warm, kind, and fun presence throughout my time at UMich. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. 

Laura was always there...I am so grateful to have had her as a mentor and colleague, though for far too short of a time. 

Laura's leadership and compassion in SMTD Admissions was remarkable and affected the entire team. She developed one of the most collaborative, genuine, and effective teams I have ever been part of. Her humility and grace set this tone and expectation for how every leader should be. I always did my best work in her office because I was constantly inspired and respected her immensely. She was dedicated to the arts, education, and SMTD. She cared so much and took the time to help newcomers like me feel appreciated and supported. Her career advice and encouragement remain invaluable to this day. Her spirit was, and is, nothing short of amazing. 

Thank you Laura, you were the best. ❤️

Dean Hoffman is such an essential part of my experience as a student at STMD and UofM. If it was not for her kindness and hard-work, I would not have been able to attend the University of Michigan for my Master's Degree. She went out of her way to not only make sure I could attend, but that I was comfortable and had no worries when it came to my studies. Furthermore, when I had health issues and had to stop my studies for a semester, she supported all through my recovery, checked in with me and did all she could to make sure I was taken care of to finish my degree. I will so miss our meetings and our chats in her office, where she would receive me so gracefully and with a smile of her face. My condolences go out to her family, she will be missed.

Like everyone else, it is so hard for me to imagine that Moore 2nd floor, open-door, corner office without Laura in it, overseeing things with friendly confidence.   Her warmth, generosity and efficiency always poured out of the space and yes, into the entire school.  One February I was showing an extremely shy, already enrolled 1st year voice student around, pointing out areas and people in them.  (He had seemed lost and overwhelmed. ) When we reached Laura's room, she set a current project aside, and spent quite a few minutes smiling, looking him in the eyes, asking about his classes and friends. One tiny example of her constant care.  May Jubilant Flights of Angels Sing, Bow, Blow, Drum, Dance and Declaim in Your Honor, Laura!

I was so shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Laura’s sudden passing. My deepest condolences go to Nora and Jeff and to all those who knew her and loved her (it seems to me to do one was to do the other). As with so many others, Laura had a profound influence on me both professionally and personally. She welcomed me into the admissions profession, taught me what it meant to do this work effectively in an increasingly competitive environment while maintaining the highest integrity, professionalism, compassion, and caring for young performing artists. She me more than I can recount, but in short she showed me how to balance the needs of the institution with the needs of students. I would not have the career I have today without Laura’s mentorship and example. She also went out of her way to support my (then) budding family, and I count her as a member of the high-risk pregnancy team at Michigan who helped bring our daughter into this world. In the days before “remote work” I was allowed to be at my wife’s bedside, working from the laptop, as we ticked off the weeks towards viability. Laura would say, of course, that I don’t owe her anything. I will carry this debt not as a burden but as a reminder of the importance of compassion, and the difference that we can make in the lives of others. Laura, I will miss you, my friend.

This is such a tragic loss for the SMTD community and U-M. Laura was an example of graceful dedication and professionalism, ever committed to the success of the incoming students and of the School. It was always a pleasure to work with her and her Admissions team, we always knew she was going to keep us afloat as far as enrolling the new class. I cannot imagine SMTD without her and I am stunned by her sudden passing. Heartfelt condolences to her family.

Literally generations of SMTD students received their acceptance phone calls from Laura-- every single one.  She said on many occasions that this was her favorite part of her job.  I can assure you as both a parent of two graduates, and a professor at SMTD that the phone call from Laura is an indelible memory and  highlight of their University of Michigan experience.  Laura, we will all miss you.

This is such shocking news and so devastatingly sad. Laura’s dedication, expertise, thoughtfulness and compassion are at the root of the success of our school and this sudden loss leaves a huge hole, institutionally and in our hearts. Our condolences go out to Laura’s family. 

Laura was such a caring and passionate woman.  I appreciated her devotion to her students and the SMTD at the University of Michigan.  She always was so excited for my daughter and asked about her whenever we were together.  I was planning to share her recent grad photos with Laura this week as I knew she would be happy for her.  A huge loss to our community.  Sending prayers to her family.  

Laura was an amazing friend and colleague; I worked closely with her on graduate admissions over a period of many years, and always relied on her guidance and advice. She will be missed.

It is rare to meet someone in our lives so dedicated, so honest and so sincere.  Laura represents how our lives should be lived. Always caring for others and making it possible for students and faculty to reach their full potential in life.  I will miss her advice and friendship
immeasurably.  My heartfelt condolences goes to her family. But all of us want you to know how important Laura was in all our lives. May she rest in peace. 

I am so saddened to learn of Laura’s passing. Her students were blessed to have such a strong advocate and friend and I know her family will miss her deeply.

Such shocking news! Laura was so instrumental to the functioning of SMTD - her shoes cannot be filled. She was a source of stoic advice - and her heart was with the students. 

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Laura.  I was a student at UM and did several years of work study in the Admissions Office.  She was always an encouraging and compassionate person who exemplified the highest level of professionalism.  She will be greatly missed.  I’m grateful to have known her.  Rest in peace and condolences to her family. 

Laura was there to help  me with her expert guidance and advice from the moment I came to SMTD 23 years ago. Her knowledge and expertise were only surpassed by her immense desire to see everyone shine and be their best self..   I valued her keen insights and warm friendship for the whole time I knew her. I am so grateful for the work she did to help me do better, as she helped us all do better.   She was a giving spirit who is now gone too soon and mourned deeply by me and all who were fortunate to know her.   I will miss her. 

Laura was the embodiment of a total professional who authentically loved her job and made the people around her better as a result. She gave me my first full time job, working as a music administrator, and the example of her individual approach to the needs of students, their families, and faculty - especially at the most stressful times of the year - set a bar of compassion, empathy, and professionalism that few even dream of. Rest in peace to a wonderful mentor and a fixture at SMTD who has touched the lives of thousands all for the better. 

We are heartbroken to hear of Laura's passing. She was a guiding light at SMTD, always committed to our students and to attracting the best and brightest to U-M. She impacted thousands of lives and her legacy will live on in the hearts of the students and faculty who were so very fortunate to have been touched by her generosity of spirit and caring nature. Sending love and strength to her family during this very difficult time. 

It is with tremendous sadness to learn of the loss of Laura Hoffman, whose impact for 40 years at SMTD has been immeasurable.  She set a standard of brilliant professionalism blended with great compassion for people. When I try to imagine the number of students Laura was able to guide and advise, it is unfathomable. Her impact will be felt for generations by young artists who had the good fortune to gain her counsel. In many cases their careers would not have been possible without her efforts, and we are all forever grateful. Rest in peace, Laura. 

We at the School of Music, Theatre and Dance are so saddened by Laura’s passing, and we send you our deepest condolences and prayers to God for your peace. Laura was such a tremendously gifted person, administrator and friend. She made us who we are, every year, and I feel very strongly that we will miss her every day in the school for the rest of our lives there. I am also so grateful for the time we were able to work together, and how she was such a very powerful and compassionate voice for all of us and for all the students. May God surely rest her and you. 

OBITUARY

Laura Jean Hoffman

September 14, 1959 – May 25, 2023

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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