September to Remember | Mike DiCuirci

Mike DiCuirci, senior professor emeritus of music, was introduced to alcohol at age 12, and by high school it was a dominant feature of his life. Drinking, drugs, and a “riotous and hedonistic life” became the norm through his teen years, during college at the University of Michigan, and afterwards as he began his career as a school music teacher.

After knocking back 25 gin and tonics one night, he demolished the van he was driving, but came away virtually unscathed. For the first time, he entertained the idea he might have a drinking problem. After marriage to the love of his life, Joanne, he saw an old friend who was newly sober. “I offered him a cold beer and he said, ‘Oh, I don’t drink anymore; I’m an alcoholic.’ ‘If you’re an alcoholic, what does that make me?’” Mike began attending Alcoholics Anonymous and had his last drink in 1974. God was drawing him.

In his quest for truth, Mike read a book about Dave Boyer, a Christian swing musician. As it turned out, Boyer was going to perform and speak in Plymouth, Michigan, where Mike and Joanne had settled down. For the first time, he heard about Jesus, not as a historic figure or a great teacher, but as the living savior who could transform his life. Joanne and he began attending a local church, and they prayed the sinner’s prayer with their pastor.

“Everyone who trusts in Christ, whether they’re young, old, dramatic, or not dramatic (story of salvation), is a walking miracle and has a life message to share. You can share your life story, and it will have an impact.”