P. Michael Kozma ’71

We lost a dedicated journalist and family man when Mike died May 21, 2023, in North Carolina of esophageal cancer.

Mike came to Princeton from West Columbia, S.C., and Brookland-Cayce High School. He participated in Tiger band (trombone), Trenton Tutorial, and the Wesley Foundation. As a founding member of Wilson College, he served as social chair and roomed with Hubbs, Kalil, Deibel, and Hull. An English major, he finished his thesis in 1977. His roommates remember him for the warmth and solidarity of his friendship, his sense of humor, and a frantic energy that lit up his smile.

In his 45-year journalism career, he shared in numerous awards for excellence with The Columbia Record, The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer, and The Bergen (N.J.) Record, where he served as an editor for 17 years. Mike loved fiction, blog and music writing, trombone playing, and singing. His extensive music collection was highlighted by his beloved Grateful Dead recordings and memorabilia. Mike was proud of his Lebanese ancestry, especially the history and cuisine. He was an active Alumni Schools Committee interviewer.

Mike married Alyce in 1972 and they had two daughters, Cara and Michelle, and five grandchildren. He enjoyed living and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and later moved to High Point, N.C., to be closer to his grandchildren. The class extends its condolences to his family and friends.