Michael Joyce, who died earlier this week at the too-young age of 63, was one of the most influential, if least visible, figures in education philanthropy and reform during the last quarter of the twentieth century. As head of the John M. Olin Foundation (1979-1985), then president of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation (1985-2000), he steered hugely consequential (though often modest-sized) grants to organizations, projects, and individuals who played key roles in both the "excellence movement" that midwifed what we now call "standards-based reform," and the school choice movement, nationally and (especially) in Milwaukee. Powerful studies, books, articles, and organizations emerged throughout this period in substantial measure as a result of Joyce-directed grants. He also engaged himself personally-questioning, writing, challenging, and leading on countless fronts. Education was but one of his many interests and the numerous domains of Olin and Bradley philanthropy, yet it was key. Mike understood that, emerging from the shambles of the 1970s, American education needed both excellence and freedom. That we now have a great deal more of both is due in no small part to his work. A tiny but revealing example: when Diane Ravitch and I launched the Educational Excellence Network in 1981, the first small grant to underwrite its expenses came from the John M. Olin Foundation, then led by Mike. In fact, if memory serves, the key planning meeting took place in his conference room. For two decades thereafter, he was a staunch comrade, a tough-minded colleague, a generous supporter, and a good friend. We'll miss him.
"Foundation chief nurtured conservative movement," by Alan J. Borsuk, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 26, 2006
"Michael Joyce, 63, Funded Conservative Causes," by Stephen Miller, New York Sun, February 27, 2006
