EAST LANSING, Mich. — Dorothy Gonzales, who served for 16 years on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, has died. She was 68.
Gonzales, who was from East Lansing, served on the board from 1993-2008.
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said Gonzales was a “tireless advocate” for students, especially first-generation students and students of color.
“Gonzales provided inspiration and a guiding hand to countless students during her long tenure on the board,” Simon said. “She will long be remembered for her spirit of personality and her generosity and kindness.
“Our thoughts are with the Gonzales family and many friends as we mourn her loss, but remember a life well lived in the service of others.”
In addition to serving on the MSU board, Gonzales was retired from the Michigan Department of Mental Health, where she was director of Multi-Cultural Services.
She also served MSU as practicum instructor for the MSU School of Social Work, and as a guidance counselor in MSU’s Office of Supportive Services.
Gonzales also chaired the Michigan Association of Governing Boards in 1995.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Siena Heights College and a master's degree in business and personnel administration from Central Michigan University.
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