Juilliard finally did the right thing and confirmed they are awarding Michael his honorary degree. We forced their hand because we refused to let them ignore his memory. This victory belongs to every single one of you who stood up to demand respect for Mike.
June 11, 2019
Final supporters
**UPDATE: Juilliard has informed Michael's family that they will be awarding him an honorary degree. Thank you so much to everyone who signed and helped make this happen.
With the passing of Mike Gabriel, the Juilliard community has been absolutely shaken to its core and afflicted with immense pain. Mike had a profound and intimate love of music and was very proud to be a student at Juilliard. He worked hard, and was devoted to absorbing as much musical knowledge as he could. He had a deep and lively passion for his work, reflected in the countless hours he’d spend analyzing Mahler symphonies, his wonderful dreams of becoming a conductor, starting a school, performing all across the globe, etc. He was a rare soul, one that is not seen very often, even in the halls of Juilliard. He was touched by the little beauties in life and moved by the smallest of gestures by others. He had a giving, grand, warm heart that sparkled inside his playing. He struggled personally, but he affected many people during his life, he always stood up for what he believed in, and we are going to do that now.
Mike’s family and friends believe that a meaningful way we could honor his memory would be to award him a honorary degree. We believe it would bring some amount of closure to his loved ones and would rightfully recognize him as the loved member of our community that he was.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 8, 2019
May 7, 2019
The brass at Juilliard is still stalling on a formal commitment despite the clear pressure we are putting on their administration. We are not going away until they recognize Michael properly and give his family the respect they deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
May 7, 2019
146 Comments
Micheal has always shown a passion for not only music but also Juilliard. He has been attending Juilliard since the beginning of his high school career for pre-college. I think he has done more than plenty to have an honorary degree.
So sorry to hear of the loss of this gifted young soul. Please his memory with an honorary degree from Juilliard! Thank you on behalf of the friends and family
May Michael’s memory be for a blessing and in his name may those of us who work as teachers deepen our awareness of our students in this classroom called life.
Allow his family the dignity of closure--Your compassion in this matter will touch the hearts of many.
Michael was one of my best friends. I am deeply troubled by his passing. He was incredibly bright, resilient, caring and compassionate. Michael wanted finish his degree at Juilliard, and unfortunate circumstances halted his growth as a student and human being. I am in full support of this petition, and know that it will help honor his legacy.
It was a true pleasure to have had Michael as a classmate of mine in high school. He was a wonderful classmate and an incredibly talented musician. Sending my prayers to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.
<3
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Juilliard finally did the right thing and confirmed they are awarding Michael his honorary degree. We forced their hand because we refused to let them ignore his memory. This victory belongs to every single one of you who stood up to demand respect for Mike.
June 11, 2019
Final supporters
**UPDATE: Juilliard has informed Michael's family that they will be awarding him an honorary degree. Thank you so much to everyone who signed and helped make this happen.
With the passing of Mike Gabriel, the Juilliard community has been absolutely shaken to its core and afflicted with immense pain. Mike had a profound and intimate love of music and was very proud to be a student at Juilliard. He worked hard, and was devoted to absorbing as much musical knowledge as he could. He had a deep and lively passion for his work, reflected in the countless hours he’d spend analyzing Mahler symphonies, his wonderful dreams of becoming a conductor, starting a school, performing all across the globe, etc. He was a rare soul, one that is not seen very often, even in the halls of Juilliard. He was touched by the little beauties in life and moved by the smallest of gestures by others. He had a giving, grand, warm heart that sparkled inside his playing. He struggled personally, but he affected many people during his life, he always stood up for what he believed in, and we are going to do that now.
Mike’s family and friends believe that a meaningful way we could honor his memory would be to award him a honorary degree. We believe it would bring some amount of closure to his loved ones and would rightfully recognize him as the loved member of our community that he was.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 8, 2019
May 7, 2019
The brass at Juilliard is still stalling on a formal commitment despite the clear pressure we are putting on their administration. We are not going away until they recognize Michael properly and give his family the respect they deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
May 7, 2019
146 Comments
Michael was an inspiration to musicians, young an old. He was also a good friend and mentor to my son, who continues to perform in the orchestra in college.
Micheal has always shown a passion for not only music but also Juilliard. He has been attending Juilliard since the beginning of his high school career for pre-college. I think he has done more than plenty to have an honorary degree.
So sorry to hear of the loss of this gifted young soul. Please his memory with an honorary degree from Juilliard! Thank you on behalf of the friends and family
May Michael’s memory be for a blessing and in his name may those of us who work as teachers deepen our awareness of our students in this classroom called life.
Allow his family the dignity of closure--Your compassion in this matter will touch the hearts of many.
Michael was one of my best friends. I am deeply troubled by his passing. He was incredibly bright, resilient, caring and compassionate. Michael wanted finish his degree at Juilliard, and unfortunate circumstances halted his growth as a student and human being. I am in full support of this petition, and know that it will help honor his legacy.
It was a true pleasure to have had Michael as a classmate of mine in high school. He was a wonderful classmate and an incredibly talented musician. Sending my prayers to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.
<3
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Michael was an inspiration to musicians, young an old. He was also a good friend and mentor to my son, who continues to perform in the orchestra in college.