Michael Morris, associate professor of Spanish, died at the age of 49 due to cancer on Dec. 12.

Lynne Meyer, office support specialist for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, was a close friend of Morris.

“I personally got to watch Michael fight his battle with cancer first hand because I was his ‘CC’ [Chemotherapy Companion],” Meyer said.

Morris fought cancer for three and a half years, she said.

“He fought the disease with every ounce of energy he had these past years,” Meyer said. “He wasn’t going to give up.”

Meyer said despite his long struggle with cancer, Morris would check his e-mail, prepare for his classes and work on his research.

Chris McCord, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, agreed that Morris was a vital and energetic person.

“I first came [to be Dean] in 2007, when Michael was already quite sick,” McCord said. “A person might never have realized he was sick, though, since he was always so passionate and enthusiastic.”

McCord said Morris was most known for the teacher certification program he ran within the Foreign Language department. Morris was heavily involved in bringing NIU students on site to teach children.

Morris was a co-author for McGraw-Hill’s “Experience Spanish,” and he was a contributing writer for McGraw-Hill on two editions of “Pasajes.” His work appeared in several academic journals and articles.

Meyer said Morris will be deeply missed by friends and family.

“Michael was my best friend and will always hold a special place in my heart,” Meyer said.