Mark Hirschey

Mark Hirschey, Lawrence, Anderson W. Chandler Professor of Business at KU, died Sunday at his cabin near Nisswa, MN. He was 58.
Author of more than 90 research articles, books and scholarly textbooks, Mark established an international reputation for his research leadership at the interface of finance, managerial economics, and accounting.
His work on the valuation effects of advertising, R&D and patent quality established the importance of intangible assets in the stock market’s valuation of firms. Similarly, his research on corporate restructuring (mergers, spin-offs, etc.) illustrates the importance of managerial incentives in the market’s assessment of managerial effectiveness.
While vacationing in Minnesota last summer, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that spreads rapidly to the bone marrow, blood and central nervous system. Thanks to swift and excellent care at the University of Minnesota and KU Med, he survived the initial onslaught of the disease. The cancer came back this spring, and the aggressive treatment he underwent proved unsuccessful.
His wife Christine, son Nicholas, and daughters Jessica and Sarah were at the cabin with him when he died.
Mark is one of twelve kids: Walt, Anne, Mary, Dave, Mark, Bill, Jeanne, Paul, Steve, Ellen, John, Lisa. Parents are Ken and Betty Hirschey. His mother preceded him in death.
His funeral will be Friday, July 23rd, at St. Christopher’s Church in Nisswa, MN. A memorial service in Lawrence will be held at a later date.
To honor his life’s work, the Mark Hirschey Scholarship for students at the School of Business has been established. Donations may be made through KU Endowment’s website (Shari Mohr, KU Endowment, (888) 653-6111).