Comments on: William C. Morse, 1915-2008

By: JohnL

JohnL — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:17:32 +0000

Hey, Lauretta, your comment is more than a “bit off topic” (as in “way”). You also mistyped the URL, but I removed it anyway.

By: Lauretta Thurn

Lauretta Thurn — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:21:42 +0000

This is a bit off topic, which I apologize for, but would you and your viewers mind voicing your opinion about the recent oil disaster, you’re opinion greatly helps and I can’t thank you enough for taking a few moments to give it. I left the URL in the appropriate field, thank you!

By: Larry Brendtro

Larry Brendtro — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:46:06 +0000

Correction, the date of the publication of Bill’s final book and the conference honoring him was October, 2008.

Larry Brentro

By: Larry K. Brendtro

Larry K. Brendtro — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:41:44 +0000

BILL MORSE’S FINAL BOOK PUBLISHED IN 2009
As the crowning creative contribution of his career, Bill Morse worked with editorial staff from the journal Reclaiming Children and Youth to publish, CONNECTING WITH KIDS IN CONFLICT: A LIFE SPACE LEGACY (2009). This small book shares Dr. Morse’s insights from over 60 years in the field. Published shortly after his death, it was released at the 2009 Wayne State University “Roots and Wings” conference dedicated to his memory. Bill’s wife, Sunny, and members of his family were in attendance at this memorial recognition. Here are brief observations about CONNECTING WITH KIDS IN CONFLICT from three of Bill’s former colleagues:
“This book strikes a fine balance between theory and practical information. Best of all, these pages reflect so well Bill Morse’s legacy of warmth and caring.” Ralph D. Rabinovitch, MD, child psychiatrist and founder of Hawthorn Center, Livonia, Michigan.
“A guide to effective practice with youngsters who stand furthest from life’s dream.” Thomas McIntyre, PhD, Professor of Special Education, Hunter College, City University of New York.
“Bill’s career is a who’s who of leaders who crossed the world stage of education, psychology, and social work. His most striking legacy is how proudly so many identify themselves as Bill Morse’s students. Adrienne Brant James, MSW, President, Turtle Island Learning Center, Detroit, MI.
This 80 page book is available for $14.95 from the nonprofit website reclaimingbooks.com. Its richly inspiring pages are also ideal for college classes or staff development. For bulk rates, contact Susan Buus at sbuus@reclaming.com or call 1-800-285-7910.

By: Annie M. Dowling

Annie M. Dowling — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:05:22 +0000

Anyone looking to do research on Dr. Morse, the College of Education, Department of Psychology and any special education programs can always use the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan (located on North Campus). They have detailed finding aids to help you locate your subject and as an open archives, anyone is welcome to perform research there, although you must keep detailed notes of what files you are looking at, any copies you make and follow the other rules of the BHL. More information about this archives can be found http://bentley.umich.edu/. Best wishes for any research you undertake – it is a most rewarding experience and a privilege to do research at the Bentley.

By: Child With Autism

Child With Autism — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:04:28 +0000

My mother studied in this doctoral program at University of Michigan in the mid-1960s, when I was diagnosed with autism. She has since passed away. I am interested in finding out how I can learn more about Dr. Morse and the program in special education and psychology at University of Michigan and the work it was doing with the fledgling interest in autism, as well as it involvement with OMERAD at University of Michigan Medical School. I am HFA savant. My mother put me in the public schools in Michigan.

By: Annie Marshak Dowling

Annie Marshak Dowling — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:35:30 +0000

It was a great privilede to meet Dr. Morse at his family home in Ann Arbor in June 2005. I was writing my master’s thesis on the Fresh Air Camp and wanted to interview the former director of the camp. I was amazed to have located him and set up a time for an interview. Dr. Morse directed the camp from the mid 1940s (!!) until the 1960s. He sure had some stories to tell. Just the fact that this man was the bridge between what the camp had been in the 1920s and 1930s to what it would become in the 1960s and 1970s was quite amazaing. His wife served tea and they were such a happy couple. It saddens me to hear of his passing, but what a life he lived and a difference he made.

By: Ellen Kotlus

Ellen Kotlus — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:31:46 +0000

I took Dr. Morse’s class when I was an undergraduate student in special education at the University of Michigan. His breadth of knowledge was a given. I was greatly impressed by his warm, personable approach to teaching. After several years of teaching, I returned to the University of Michigan for a graduate degree. I almost applied to a different school for this degree after encountering the “cold bureaucracy” at my alma mater. Then I called Dr. morse and he agreed to be my advisor. After a few years in the graduate program, I went to see him because of a personal crisis. To this day, I think about how supportive he was, and how practical his advice was. I took that advice and I often think of him with appreciation and love.

By: Charles Chrystal

Charles Chrystal — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:47:40 +0000

To have been one of Bill Morse’s students is a high honor, and to have known the man has been a blessing. Bill was a true humanist, and in the very best sense of that word.

To me, Bill Morse was much more than a university professor and scholar. Although he was a wise and gifted teacher, he was also a friend, ally, mentor, confidante, task master, and role model. On at least one occasion he proved himself to be a surrogate superego! I must say I owe much of my adult “self” to Bill’s sage guidance and influence. He will always be present in me.

The world has lost a truly great man. The many gifts Bill bestowed upon those who knew him will continue to be bestowed upon troubled children and youth, however. His work continues through others. His legacy is one of building a better, more compassionate world.

By: Thomas & Diane Fleming

Thomas & Diane Fleming — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:23:01 +0000

We remember Bill Morse with great fondness and respect, as an educator, as a lover of children, and as an exceptional human being. He was absolutely down to earth in his personl demeanor, with his devotion to his family, his sincere interest in the people he met, and his understated humor. In his professional life, he was totally committed to children with special needs and to his students, a compassionate icon in his field. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know in person this truly great, truly humble man.