Don't Tell Anyone

In 1962, in the charming town of Burlington, Vermont, Michael Luck's identity was forever changed. He was 15 years old, a sophomore at the local Catholic high school when a simple after-school ritual at a cozy diner became the scene of a life-altering discovery.

The diner, a favorite among his friends, was always filled with the aroma of sizzling burgers and freshly brewed coffee. After school, they would collapse into booths clad in red vinyl, engulfed in laughter and debates over Cokes and steaming fries while jukebox classics played in the background.

That afternoon, as the air buzzed with youthful chatter and the scent of rain, he rummaged through his backpack for a pen. During that search, one of his books fell to the floor, opening as it landed. It was the family Bible that he carried to religion class, its well-worn leather cover now splayed open between the Old and New Testaments.

As he bent down to pick it up, his eyes caught on something unexpected. Among the neatly handwritten notes of family births, marriages, and deaths, a line made him freeze. His name was followed by two dates: his birth and another date-the date of his adoption.

The lively atmosphere of the diner receded into a dull buzz as he stood there, the book heavy in his hands. He was flabbergasted. Until that moment, he had no idea he was adopted. A mixture of disbelief and confusion swirled within him as he stared at the indelible ink that revealed a previously unknown truth.

That shocking realization began a lifelong journey of self-discovery, during which he learned the profound depths of what family truly means.

Michael F. Luck, Ph.D. is a tried-and-true Vermonter, whose hard work and serendipity helped advance his career as a senior executive at universities and healthcare systems. A natural talent in theater arts, leadership, and teamwork paved the way to a successful professional life.An Educational Anthropologist, Dr. Luck has a keen understanding of kinship systems, how genetics gives us our roadmap in life, and the way inwhich humor is used as a social lubricant.Dr. Luck's philanthropic leadership raised more than $4.5 billion for the betterment of hospitals, colleges, universities, and civic organizations: MIT, Rutgers University, the 64 campuses of the State of New York (SUNY), Wayne State University-Detroit, Healtheast, University of Massachusetts Boston, and more. Underscoring his career, his book, "Community College Development: Alternative Fundraising Strategies" (R&R Newkirk, Inc.), was hailed as a national landmark study.The great outdoors is where Michael is happiest: hiking, gardening, and exploring. International cuisine, discussion of history, film, theater, music, and museums enrich his well-being with an occasional scotch with good friends.Michael has three children and two grandchildren. He and wife, Barbara C. Wilson, Ed.D., divide their time between Vermont and Spain.