Michael Armstrong (drama and education, '01) was a man of great energy, positivity, and passion.

He came to UNC Asheville as a first-generation college student with a hunger to learn and lead. It was on UNC Asheville's campus that Michael discovered his greater purpose – to serve as a public educator. He went on to devote nearly 20 years to empowering students to envision the difference an education would make in their lives.

With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Michael on May 4, 2019. But his spirit and legacy live on with his beloved wife, Tiffany (environmental studies, '99), son, Fisher, and all of us whose lives he impacted.

To celebrate the significant impact Michael made on so many lives, his friends and family have established The Michael Armstrong Memorial Scholarship at UNC Asheville. The scholarship will be awarded to first-generation students, who share Michael's eagerness to learn and make a difference.