Michael R. Cornelius ’75

Michael R. Cornelius ’75 passed away on January 5 at the Portsmouth (New Hampshire) Regional Hospital following a sudden illness. Michael was born on July 27, 1953, in Bemidji, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Louise Cornelius. He was raised in Virginia as his father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. Michael came to New Hampshire to attend Dartmouth and was active in Native American and world affairs and local politics. In 1974, while still a student at Dartmouth, Michael was elected to represent Hanover in the N.H. House of Representatives. He was appointed democratic whip after only one term in office. Following the election of Gov. Hugh Gallen in 1978, Michael served as special assistant to the governor, then legislative liaison, budget director, state energy director, and ultimately state comptroller, overseeing all state finances. In May 2000, following a move to Portsmouth, Michael began a successful career as associate vice president of finance for Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) Behavioral Services, where he was employed until his death. He was proud to be a founding member of the BILH diversity, equity, and inclusion council. Michael is survived by sister Mary Lou; sister Shirley and brother-in-law Charles; brother Rex and sister-in-law Linda; 11 nieces and nephews; 14 grandnieces and grandnephews; one great-grandnephew; and former wife Patti.