Math Professor Emeritus Michael Lawson Green passed away on September 28 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 63 years old.
Professor Green earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of California, Riverside, and completed his Ph.D. there in 1995. He taught at Baylor University till 2002 when he joined Cal Poly Pomona. He earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2007 and was promoted to full professor in 2011.
Green loved teaching and taught lower and upper division mathematics and statistics courses, and directed over a dozen theses. He published 10 articles and edited two research volumes in mathematics with CPP colleagues.
He served the department as Graduate Coordinator, Associate Chair, and from 2007 to 2011 served as Department Chair. He chaired the department’s Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee and also served as senator on the University Senate as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee from 2008 to 2010.
Green had chalk boards installed in many of the halls of building eight for student use and was instrumental in securing a room for students and faculty to collaborate, work, and study mathematics. Because of his advocacy, the room is referred to as the “Green room.”
Wai Tak Chan was Green’s first master’s thesis student. He’s now teaching a variety of algebra, calculus and statistics courses at CPP. “When I was working on my thesis, I struggled to find information on my topic. Dr. Green’s unwavering support, dedication, and encouragement were instrumental. He helped me become more confident about what I’m doing in math, and in my personal life,” Chan said. “His mentorship had a profound impact on my career and I’m committed to passing on his guidance and encouragement to my students, inspiring them to value mentorship as I do.”
Former student of Green’s, Jesus Magana, also came back to teach at CPP. Recalling his time as a student, he shared, “He was fun, mathematically precise, and taught the class as if he were talking with a group of friends. He made me feel welcome whenever I needed help and treated every student with kindness and respect. His availability and compassion encouraged me to follow his example, and his influence continues to guide me in my own teaching career today. Dr. Green will always be remembered in my heart. I am truly grateful to have met such a wonderful teacher and human being.”
Mathematics and Statistics Chair Randall Swift shared, "Mike and I began our friendship in graduate school at UCR in the late 80’s, we shared many adventures and events in our professional and personal lives. He was a brilliant mathematician who brought his love and passion for the subject to the classroom. He had an infectious laugh that would lighten the most serious of moods and situations. He was a hard-working, loyal and steadfast friend and colleague. I am grateful for our decades of friendship and I will miss him always."
He is survived by his wife Wendy and three children Brian, Joanie, and Sam.
His family asks that those who wish to honor his memory make a donation to one of these organizations in support of the fight against ALS:
Team Gleason Foundation: https://teamgleason.org or Bridging Voice: https://bridgingvoice.org/
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics will hold a ceremony to remember Dr. Green, on November 4, 2025, 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. in room 3-1623. All are welcome. In addition, the department invites everyone to share their memories or messages to Dr. Green’s family through this form. If you’d like to share, please submit your message before November 1.
