1. By Mitch Albom

2. Meet Morrie… New York Born and raised in a poor neighborhood in New York City College of New York University of Chicago Attended the City College of New York to earn his undergraduate degree and the University of Chicago for his master’s degree and PhD Brandies University Taught Sociology at Brandies University for nearly 30 years Published 3 books on sociology Published 3 books on sociology amyotrophic lateral sclerosis At age 76, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease

3. Brandies University Located in Waltham, MA—9 miles from Boston A Liberal Arts school Schwartz taught there for almost 30 years

4. What is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Eventually, all muscles under voluntary control are affected and patients lose strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients lose the ability to breathe without a ventilator. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. The disease does not affect a person’s intelligence or brain function.

5. Aphorisms 1.A concise statement of a principle 2.A terse formulation of a truth or sentiment — aph·o·rist noun — aph·o·ris·tic adjective — aph·o·ris·ti·cal·ly adverb Examples of APHORISM When decorating, remember the familiar aphorism, “less is more.”

6. Vocabulary 1.Hibiscus - plant of the mallow family, grown in warm climates esp. for its large brightly colored flowers 2.Conductor - person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir 3.Biopsy - examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease 4.Neurological – of or relating to the study and science of brain and nerve function 5.Theology - study of the nature of God and religious belief 6.Wither - become shrunken or wrinkled from age or disease 7.Synonymous - having the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language 8.Gingerly - In a careful or cautious manner 9.Ambition - strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work 10.Humility - modest or low view of one's own importance