Though the death of a lifetime mathematics professor left a void at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, his friends, family and colleagues can look forward to his ongoing impact at the University of Houston.
Rather than collecting flowers in the wake of UH professor of mathematics Michael Friedberg’s death, Friedberg’s family has decided to establish a scholarship in his memory at the college where the UH alumnus and professor taught for more than 40 years.
The respected faculty member, who joined the ranks of professors at the Department of Mathematics in 1967, died unexpectedly at the age of 69 at his home on Sept. 12.
Through his teachings, which specialized in topological algebra with a concentration in topical semigroups, Friedberg received awards that distinguished him at the university level.
Friedberg received his bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Miami in 1961 and his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 1965.
In 1984, Friedberg earned his master of business administration from UH.
Friedberg served as an assistant professor at both the University of Tennessee and Emory University before beginning his career at the University.
Donations to the Friedberg Memorial Scholarship fund at UH can be sent to the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Development Office in Room 214, Science ‘ Research 1.
Friedberg is survived by his sister Roberta Russell; his daughter Lorraine Coats and her husband Scott Coats; his grandchildren Austin and Garrett Coats; and nephews Andrew and Craig Russell.
