Greeley Tribune 4 Feb

Michael James Higgins:
January 17, 1946-February 2, 2011

Michael James Higgins, Ph.D. was a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at the University of Northern Colorado having taught anthropology for over 25 years. During his tenure as professor he served as the chair of the Anthropology department as well as the Black Studies department and the Women’s Study department. Dr. Higgins was a prolific writer authoring numerous scholarly articles and several distinguished books in the field of anthropology.

For over 35 years he did urban ethnographic research in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. His research focused on issues of gender, sexuality, ethnicity and social class dynamics among the urban poor and working class of the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. His most current book (2008) written with his wife, Dr. Angeles Clemente is entitled, “Performing English with a Post-Colonial Accent: Ethnographic Narratives from Mexico”. Residing full time in Oaxaca, Mexico he was currently working on a cultural literacy project among the inmates at one of the state prisons within the city. The Oaxacan community adored him and embraced him as an “honorary Oaxacino”.

Michael’s passion for equality of human rights coupled with his keen intellect and sense of humor gained him great respect and admiration among students and colleagues. He enjoyed music of all tastes and had an extensive library of the great musicians; extending from Miles Davis, John Lennon, Mercedes Sosa to Big Mama Thorton and Robert Johnson. He took his love for music and created a popular class at UNC ‘The History of Rock and Roll’ introducing students to such events as Jimi Hendrix playing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. His popularity with the students was evident as his classes attracted on average up to 400 students.

He was well traveled, bilingual and in touch with the international community. His desire for social justice was echoed in the sentiment he expressed upon retiring from UNC. He had received the professor of the year award from the gay, lesbian and transsexual student organization on campus. He remarked that this was the most important award and the one in which he felt the most honored to be chosen for. He was loved by his students, his friends and his colleagues in whom his spirit for social change will live on in the work he inspired
them to do. He will be dearly missed while leaving a legacy of scholarship, human rights work and a dignity of character borne of truly caring for the concerns and needs of others.

As his friend and colleague, Jose Zapata Calderon eloquently said, “As Michael would have liked, we will continue to work to create the kind of just and equal society that he always promoted in his writings and in his international spirit. His spirit is very much alive in all that I do and will do.” For those fortunate enough to have known Michael, he lives on as a great spirit of life, love, compassion and integrity.

Michael is survived by his wife, Angeles Clemente, his three step-daughters, Rebeca Santiago, Jessica Santiago and Erika Clemente as well as his lovely daughter, Siobhan Higgins and son Tristan Higgins and family. He is the grandfather of two beautiful girls and the beloved brother of Ed Higgins and Frank Higgins. He is also the cherished friend to many people around the world.