Larry Coppard, emeritus professor of social work, passed away on April 7, 2025. Coppard worked at the U-M for about 40 years and during that time served at the Marsal Family School of Education, the Institute of Gerontology and the School of Social Work. His impact across campus was vast, including his leadership of the Institute of Gerontology, where he managed the multi-million dollar Kellogg International Program on Health and Aging, which brought together experts from around the world to share insights. At the School of Social Work, Coppard served as director of the School of Social Work’s Community Relations and Professional Development Office (sometimes referred to as “External Relations Office”), where he helped launch programs in community building, social justice and problem-solving in Detroit and beyond. Later, Coppard held an adjunct associate professor appointment in social work and an adjunct instructor in family practice at the U-M School of Medicine.
Coppard is remembered by his colleagues as a thoughtful and principled person who had a special talent for explaining complex issues happening in the wider world. He was especially good at showing how big global problems connected to real, practical steps people could take to make change. Coppard was very supportive of both individual and faculty goals, always working to understand and support the interests of others. He shared important historical knowledge and helped connect academic work to efforts happening outside the school. His colleagues respected his clear thinking about justice, community, and how organizations can change, along with his strong understanding of how to work toward those goals together.