Dr. Michael J. Hynds Memorial Scholarship

Michael Joseph Hynds, originally of Indianapolis, Indiana, made Oregon his home in 2017 when he matriculated at WesternU COMP-Northwest. Extremely dedicated to his studies, Michael took pride in staying in the top 10% of his class and being on the Dean’s list year after year. He was active in many club activities, through which his leadership skills emerged.

Michael made a lasting impact on many classmates, junior medical students, faculty and staff. His passing on December 16, 2021, left a deep void in the hearts of his family in Indiana as well as his COMP-Northwest family in Oregon.

Truly, Michael never knew a stranger. He dropped in on faculty during open office hours, sometimes to seek greater knowledge and advice and always to thank them for their service and contributions to his education and journey. Michael was an extraordinarily talented photographer with a keen eye for beauty in the most ordinary places. He generously shared his photography with everyone to enjoy. Many of his photographs grace the hallways of COMP-Northwest. 

In his second year, Michael was selected to serve as a Teaching Assistant of the Clinical Medicine and Reasoning course where he patiently facilitated the first-year students’ learning. Michael frequently gave of his own time to help tutor students in need. He was invested in the success of others just as much as he was committed to his own.

Michael had a driving passion for medicine, developing a strong connection to surgery and had a bright future as a surgeon. Most of all, Michael wanted to serve his patients well. He dazzled his preceptors with impressive medical knowledge, great bedside manner and a natural ability to instantly make patients feel comfortable. Michael also demonstrated the attitude and professionalism that would have made him an exceptional osteopathic physician.

In his memory, and with the support of his family and friends, the Dr. Michael J. Hynds Memorial Scholarship has been established and will be presented annually to a graduating COMP-Northwest student who, like Michael, has high academic achievement and displays both a passion for medicine and leadership in and out of the classroom. Helping other students realize their dreams of becoming a DO would have made Michael smile. 

Michael was awarded a posthumous degree at the College’s Commencement ceremony in Lebanon, Oregon in May 2022. Michael will forever live in the hearts of all those who were touched by his laughter, humor and kindness; and this scholarship will establish a permanent home for his legacy at COMP-Northwest.