It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the founder of the Odyssey of the Mind program. However, it is not a time for tears but rather one for smiles celebrating all the amazing accomplishments millions of students from all over the years have achieved since OM began.
Dr. Sam (Dr. C. Samuel Micklus) started developing innovative problem-solving skills in students initially during his time teaching at Rowan University in New Jersey, where his Industrial Design class provided the inspiration for the Ranatra Fusca award.
The face and beating heart of the Odyssey program, Dr Sam oversaw more than 40 years of creative problem-solving expanding the program across the globe and writing umpteen long-term and spontaneous problems.
Ever present at World Finals, he supported teams and was a kindly face to generations of Odyssey teams. He always appreciated a great story, a funny joke, and a good creative idea.
There will be a tribute to Dr. Sam at the upcoming Odyssey of the Mind 2024 World Finals at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. It will be broadcast, and attendance will be open to all.
Odyssey HQ is very busy preparing for World Finals and is asking that you wait to share any memories you have when they publish a link for them to be collected, preserved, and eventually shared.