About Michael E. Campana
Michael E. Campana dedicated his life to advancing water resource management, education, and humanitarian efforts across the globe. Known for his passion and commitment, his work left an indelible mark on countless individuals and communities.
Leadership in the American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
A long-standing and influential member of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), Michael Campana was instrumental in advancing the science and technology of water resources. AWRA, incorporated in 1964, focuses on promoting water research and publication. In 2011, Michael assumed the presidency of AWRA, where he actively championed the dissemination of water-related knowledge. He notably encouraged conferences and publications to broaden public understanding of critical water issues. During his tenure, his extensive accomplishments included representing AWRA at major international conferences in South Korea and Brazil. He also played a key role in editing AWRA publications, fostering new initiatives, and advocating for the active involvement of water science students within the association. In recognition of his exceptional service, Michael received the AWRA President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2014.
John Campana: Michael’s Father and Mentor
John Campana, Michael’s father. John introduced Michael to the Caddy Camps and was a high school teacher in the New York City schools.
Ruth Emerson Campana
Early Experiences: The Maplewood Caddy Camp
In his early teenage years, Michael Campana followed in his father’s footsteps, embarking on a unique experience as a caddy. This world, now largely a bygone era, remained vividly clear in Michael’s memory. He often recalled the distinct physical and social atmosphere of the Maplewood Caddy Camp in New Hampshire, which was the site of many of his escapades and formative learnings. Operated by the North Bennet Street Industrial School in Boston, the caddy camp aimed to bring inner-city boys into the outdoors, teach them valuable skills, and broaden their horizons. Michael, a New Yorker and the son of Italian immigrants to Boston, was included in this program due to his father’s prior involvement with the camps in the 1920s and 1930s. The strong friendships he forged during those summers lasted for over 60 years. Notably, his parents also met at Maplewood.
A Lifelong Love of Music
Michael Campana harbored a deep passion for music, particularly from the late 1950s, 1960s, and parts of the 1970s. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the Rock ‘n Roll era, recalling songs, lyrics, groups, and their histories with remarkable detail. His musical involvement extended beyond listening; he played the saxophone in school bands and even served as a disc jockey at the College of William and Mary radio station. For those wishing to remember Michael, revisiting records and tapes from this period offers a fitting tribute. While his heart was in rock and roll, he also enjoyed classical concerts, especially during his time living in New Mexico.
Diverse Interests and Passions
Beyond his professional and musical pursuits, Michael had a wide array of other interests that enriched his life:
Ham Radio Enthusiast
He was an avid ham radio operator, often spending time on his roof to establish connections, demonstrating his fascination with communication technology.
Animal Lover
Michael had a fondness for all animals, though he held a particular, sometimes surprising, affection for lizards, snakes, and spiders, which often led to memorable family anecdotes.
Baseball Fanatic
Baseball was his favorite sport. Despite growing up with the Yankees, he developed a love for the game at a more intimate level, frequently attending minor league stadiums.
Outdoors and Travel
He embraced the western outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking and skiing. His curiosity also extended globally; he loved seeing new places, immersing himself in different cultures, and meeting people. His extensive travels took him to every continent except Antarctica.
Devotion to Family and Friends
Above all, Michael cherished his family and friends, maintaining a vast network of relationships built on mutual affection and loyalty.
What His Friends Remember: Michael's Enduring Spirit
I received dozens of cards expressing condolences, The quotes below speak to the impressions Michael made on friends and colleagues:
“I…remember the passion that Mike had for science and communication. He motivated both undergraduate and graduate students. He was very effective in applying new modes of communications to enrich the learning experience of both students and professional colleagues.”
“…He left a train of goodwill in his wake.”
“He loved the children of Honduras”
“Michael, in our estimation, was one of the most wonderful and amazing human beings to walk the earth. He touched hundreds of people in numerous ways and none of them…will forget the profound effect he has had on us.”
“I remember the passion that Mike had for science communication. He motivated both undergraduates and graduate students. He was very effective in applying new modes of communications to enrich the learning experience of both students and professional colleagues.”
“Michael’s gift as a professor was matched only by his big heart! He was a down-to-earth humanitarian with an uplifting sense of humor! The world is truly a better place for having had Dr. Michael Campana in it!