Michael Halley grew up in Greenville, Ohio, in a family that practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique and had deep respect for the environment. He came to Maharishi University of Management in 1993 to study biology.
Michael shared his passion for the environment with his fellow students and they elected him president of the forerunner of Maharishi University of Management’s Sustainability Club. Together they drew up the first detailed sustainability plan for Maharishi University of Management.
Fairfield Councilman, Michael Halley
In recalling his time at Maharishi University of Management (MUM), Michael fondly remembers a Botany class taught by David Fisher, “We took a field trip to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens and saw countless beautiful flowers and plants, including some rare orchards. I remember making fun of the building called the “Climatron” since it sounded like something out of a bad sci-fi movie. We also visited a farm in Missouri and spent hours wandering through filed and forests looking for native plant species.”
In 1995, with Lonica Kufner, Michael started Natural Selections, a retail business specializing in organic clothing. They participated in MUM’s annual Ecofair and supported the Sustainability Club. Michael now works at Danaher Oil and spends his free time giving back to his community. He serves on the Fairfield City Council and on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Fairfield Volunteer Center.
Michael on the right in Alice in Wonderland
He has also recently taken up a new hobby. Michael recently appeared in a local dance productions including Alice in Wonderland and just last week a Valentine’s Day show titled “Song, Dance, and Bad Romance.” Of his new hobby Michael says,
I’ve has always been amazed and inspired by the endless creativity of the Fairfield community, especially with artistic expression. It seems that everyone is an artist in their own way. Watching some of our local dancing talent perform in the Sondheim Center sparked a desire inside of me to hone my dancing skills and give voice to a new kind of self-expression. I’ve been studying ballet at Fairfield Art of Dance studio since January. It’s been very challenging and extremely fulfilling to try something entirely different that is strengthening my body in a new way while providing an outlet for self-expression. I highly recommend that everyone find some form of artistic expression to round out their lives.
Michael was sworn in as Councilman on January 4th, 2010
Even though his schedule is packed, Michael is always full of energy and enjoys all his volunteering activities. “The twice daily practice of the TM technique has helped me balance my thoughts and emotions, which means I can perform at my best even when dealing with the stress from managing all the responsibilities I’ve taken on,” he said.
Michael ran for city council out of his desire to help Fairfield achieve its Go-Green Plan. Since 2010, he has facilitated the city’s switch to single-stream recycling, which increased recycling rates and reduced landfill usage, saving the city and its residents money. He has also managed a $480,000 energy efficiency project aimed at cutting the city’s energy usage by 40%.
“Michael has proven himself to be an effective leader and a reasonable voice for the community,” said Ed Malloy, mayor of Fairfield and University trustee. “He has taken on some important projects for a first-term councilman and has won the respect of the Council and city staff.”
Michael's children, Lily and Skylar, demonstrating the large capacity of the new single-stream recycling containers
“When we talk about going green and becoming a model community, a lot of inspiration comes from the University,” said Michael. “We have a university that is walking its talk, not only teaching but adopting the principles of sustainable living. It is very satisfying to be able to encourage the University’s sustainability plans.”
Thinking of becoming a student at MUM?
Michael’s advice, “If possible, come to MUM for a visit. I came for a Visitor’s Weekend right after graduating high school in Ohio and as soon as I met some of the people at MUM I knew it’s where I wanted to be. There’s such an accepting attitude among the students that lets everyone be themselves, gives them room to discover themselves. My time at MUM laid the foundation for all of my success since. It’s where I learned that all that I need I have within myself.”
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MUM Development Office consists of a team including Nick Rosania, Sandra Rosania, and Livia Cole. They publish Achievements Newsletters highlighting University success stories. |
