June 18, 2025
We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mark Chesler, esteemed professor emeritus of sociology, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus, and a founding faculty member of The Program on Intergroup Relations. He passed away on June 5, 2025 at the age of 88.
Mark was an activist scholar whose work helped establish and grow an entire discipline. He conducted research, taught, consulted, and organized around social justice and personal and organizational change with a focus on race and gender equity, as well as on the psycho-social impact of childhood cancer.
In 1988, Mark and colleague David Schoem led U-M to establish what would become The Program on Intergroup Relations. The two—together with Luis Sfeir-Younis, Ximena Zúñiga, Ratnesh Nagda, Patricia Gurin, and Todd Sevig—co-founded the program, setting critical groundwork and helping it grow over the next three decades. Mark authored or edited seven books and hundreds of chapters, articles, and reports across his career spanning more than a half-century. He also spoke frequently with professional and public agencies, helping inform their understanding and strategy. On campus, IGR and the University of Michigan Libraries collaborate on the Mark Chesler Library Collection, established in 2004 to connect the university community to books and materials on social identity, multiculturalism, intergroup relations, and social justice.
"Mark Chesler had a profound influence on my life at IGR and beyond," said Kelly Maxwell, senior assistant dean for undergraduate education and engagement in the College of LSA and a former IGR co-director. "As a young scholar, in our later collaborations, and when I served as co-director of IGR, he was always a great listener and asked just the right question to elicit my 'ah ha' moment. He exemplified 'walking his talk' and was a mentor and model to emulate. I already miss him so much."
“Mark's early vision of IGR's educational role as one of prevention of racism, sexism, and other -isms—rather than a response to a racist or anti-Semitic crisis—framed who we were and intensively became over many years,” Patricia Gurin said of her long-time colleague. “He, David Schoem, Ximena Zúñiga, and Ratnesh Nagda created our social justice mission and obtained funding from President Duderstadt. For his steadfast nurturing of that vision, we are forever grateful.”
“He was an IGR icon, who left us an enduring legacy,” said co-director Monita Thompson. “I will miss him.”
“Mark’s humility, candor, genuine curiosity, and unwavering commitment to social justice were inspirational and I’m grateful for the time he so generously shared with us,” added acting co-director Christina Morton.
“Mark was a warrior for equity and a legend in the work on intergroup relations,” remembered co-director Donna Rich Kaplowitz. “He will live on in the work he started, and in the courage and purpose he has instilled in so many of us.”
Roger Fisher, IGR’s associate director, said, “Mark’s innovation, contributions, and influence in the field is immeasurable and indelible. His commitment to social justice and dedication to creating the “I/Thou” in human relationships provided inspiration and challenge to those who had the privilege of learning from, and collaborating with, him. His memory is, and will always be, a blessing.”
"Mark was incredibly helpful and supportive during my time as a GSI," recalled Munira Mohamed (MPH ‘24). "The lunches he led provided such a valuable space for reflection—those conversations helped me think more deeply about my role as an instructor and how I could grow to better support my students. I’m truly grateful for his thoughtful advice and the genuine interest he showed in my journey. His words of encouragement and insight will stay with me for years to come."
“The fact that [IGR] exists at all is because of people like Professor Chesler,” Bhoomika Gupta (BA ‘21) said. “His work made it possible for students like me to find community, voice, and a different kind of education, one that lives in you long after the class ends.”
The IGR community extends its deepest condolences to Mark’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He was a much beloved mentor, friend, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather—and he will be sorely missed.
Mark’s family celebrated his life in Ann Arbor on June 13 and 14. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Program on Intergroup Relations, The Corner Health Center, or a charity of your choice.
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