01/23/2026
We are so sad to share that Michael Leahy, our Mike, passed away on January 13, surrounded by his beloved family.
As scholars from both Scholarship Plus and New York Times College Scholarship can attest, Mike had a kind word for everyone, and always a question. A reporter through and through, he led conversations with curiosity that made them feel easy.
This was a gift in SPlus’ finalist interviews — where Mike served as a panelist for many years, always finding the detail in an application that scholars were most excited and proud to talk about. He wrote the most beautiful bios for the awardees, and loved documenting summer outings with SPlus — meeting us in the lobby of New York Public Radio with a camera around his neck and a spring in his step. We will miss his company, his insights and optimism, and his big, beautiful heart.
You can read his obituary via the link in bio, but it’s all the posts by his past colleagues that stop you in your tracks at just how truly remarkable a person he was.
We miss you, Mike. Thank you for your kindness, your friendship, and your many years of service.
