Speiser Family Foundation

Michael was born September 18, 1961, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Although he was young, he dedicated his life to making a difference. Not only did he spend his time helping and educating others, he spent it making an impact on the lives of his friends, family and colleagues. Michael received a B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology and French from Rockford College. He went on to earn an M.A. in Spanish and a Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Iowa. While at the University of Iowa, he was a member of the Acacia Fraternity. After earning his Ph.D., Michael became an Associate Professor at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, where he taught courses in Spanish language, linguistics and language teaching methodologies. His research focused on foreign language teachers’ beliefs regarding instruction and the relationship of those beliefs to their classroom presentations, as well as on foreign language classroom assessment. He gave many in-service presentations to elementary, secondary, and university teachers at locate state, and national levels as well as abroad. He was a contributing writer for McGraw-Hill on the fifth and sixth editions of Passages. His work has appeared in foreign language annuals such as Hispania, The Modern Language Journal, Journal of Graduate Assistant Development, and the annual volume of the American Association of University Supervisors and Coordinators. He was also a co-author for McGraw Hill’s soon-to-be published text Experience Spanish.Mike was the faculty advisor for the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at NIU. He enjoyed traveling abroad, playing volleyball and tennis, and spending time with his family and many friends. Michael passed away Sunday, December 12, 2010, at the home of his sister, Julie, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.It is the Donor’s hope that establishing this scholarship will enable students to further their passion for education by traveling abroad. By doing so, Michael’s zest for life and adventure will live on in those who benefit from this scholarship