Remembering Doug Long
Interlochen mourns the passing of longtime employee Doug Long.
Interlochen Center for the Arts is deeply saddened to share that Interlochen Arts Academy Academic and College Counselor Doug Long passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019. He is survived by his daughters Andie and Stephanie, his father Ken, sister Melody, and brother Brian.
Doug began his career at Interlochen in the fall of 1987 on the Residence Life staff, serving two years in Picasso House and two years in Thor Johnson as both a Hall Counselor and Hall Director. During intervening summers, Doug worked in the Admission Office, was part of the Counselor in Training program, and spent two seasons co-directing the Intermediate Girls Division at Camp. After nine years teaching, coaching, and counseling for the Spring Independent School District in Spring, Texas, Doug returned to Interlochen in August of 2000 as the Assistant Dean of Students. In 2003, he shifted to the Academic and College Counseling Department, where he found his favorite position. He led the department for nearly a decade.
Doug was dedicated to the students he served. He took a deeply personalized approach and helped countless Academy students navigate some of life's difficult choices. He was a patient listener, thoughtful advisor, and trustworthy advocate. He made a significant, positive impact on many bright young lives, and we are grateful he chose to make Interlochen his home. He raised his family on Faculty Lane, often recounting how the community helped shape his daughters as they were growing up.
Doug was known to many colleagues as Interlochen's “resident historian,” who could recall any story from the institution’s past as if it happened only yesterday.
A memorial service for Doug will be held in Dendrinos Chapel on the Interlochen Campus on Thursday, June 6. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.; the service will be held at noon, immediately followed by a reception in the lobby of Harvey Theatre.
