Georges Michelson-Dupont—Thirty Years of Service at Urantia Foundation
Georges Michelson-Dupont—Thirty Years of Service at Urantia Foundation
Compiled by Urantia Foundation staff
Editor’s Note: Georges fulfilled his duties as a trustee faithfully since October of 1995, after being elected to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Hoite Caston. He served as vice president from 1997 to 2013, international vice president from 2014 to 2025, and has been manager of translations since November 2008.
The October board meeting was emotional. After presenting his 108th quarterly Translations Report, Georges bade us a heartfelt goodbye and assumed the mantle of Trustee Emeritus.
Since discovering the Urantia Papers in 1978, Georges had grasped their importance for the spiritual development of this unfortunate planet. With the help of Georges’s father, Jacques Dupont, an early pioneer of the revelation in France, he and his wife, Marlène, became involved in translations, education, and social activities. As a trustee, he continued that work.
Georges was no stranger to the intricacies and demands of translating. He recognized the process as a science as well as an art and was steadfast in his conviction that a translator must be an ardent believer in the revelation. He was also remarkably attuned to technology, which is why he immediately recognized the outreach potential of the nascent internet in 1998. Many articles have been written about his collaboration with Dorothy Elder and the launch of the Urantia Book Internet School, which evolved into Urantia Book International School (UBIS), and will soon be offering free online courses in 10 languages.
Georges reflected on his experience as a trustee, calling it the pinnacle of his life. He noted that he served modestly, but with conviction, not only his sisters and brothers, but the planetary government and the Supreme. In his own words: “In short, I was like all men and women on this board, an ordinary man with my qualities and weaknesses, trying to accomplish an extraordinary task.” The following comments testify to his success.
Mo Siegel, Trustee:
Georges exemplifies selfless service to the revelation. Since the mid-1980s, he has dedicated his life to translating and sharing The Urantia Book, including founding UBIS— the oldest school focused on its study. As a trustee, he tirelessly promoted global access to the teachings by managing translations, serving as a committee leader, formatting books, and engaging in personal outreach. In all my years working on 23 boards, I have never known a more dedicated worker—or a more loyal friend.
Marilynn Kulieke, Trustee:
I had the good fortune of knowing Georges from the very first day I became a trustee. He was a mentor to me as I tried to catch up with the other trustees on the state of translations. I admired his deeply centered philosophy grounded in his strong relationship with God and his tireless efforts in bringing translations to the entire world. The things that I will miss the most are his impish grins, his beautifully thought-out speeches, and his unfailing dedication to Urantia Foundation.
Gard Jameson, Trustee:
Georges Michelson-Dupont has been a friend for over 30 years. He has also been my teacher in many ways. His legacy with translations and education is a permanent salute to his vision and service. Merci, mon ami!
Olga López, Trustee:
Ever since I had the honor of meeting him, Georges has always been an inspiration to me because of his commitment to spreading the teachings, his combination of firmness and gentleness, and his forward-looking vision. I will always be grateful for the trust he placed in me, and I hope to count on his friendship and his wise advice for a long time.
Sherry Cathcart Chavis, Trustee:
I have loved and admired you since the first time I saw you at the Urantia conference in New York. I was newly divorced then and was raising a little one on my own. You were giving a plenary, and one sentence has stayed with me ever since: If you have problems—any problem you cannot solve—come and lay them at my feet.
I was astonished. How could anyone have such faith, such trust in the Father? What a living example! That moment planted something deep within me—hope, trust, and a vision of what living faith could look like.
Over the years, your joy and unwavering love have continued to inspire me. I've seen your spiritual courage in speaking your convictions and watched you make amends openly and humbly when needed. That combination of courage, humility, and self-awareness has been a living lesson.
Thirty years of service—through health and illness, when laborers were few and when they were many—your dedication has never wavered. I will miss the sparkle in your kind eyes, your warm call to “come to breakfast,” your wisdom, and your peace.
Your loyalty to the Father through your service has left a light in this world that will not dim. Well done, faithful servant.
Chris Wood, Trustee:
Georges has always represented to me the global perspective of this revelation. He was one of the first speakers I saw, and I took to heart his message of keeping the book free of cultural pollution so that it appeals to all people of all cultures, now and in the future. His message has been an inspiration, and I hope to carry forward the challenge of preserving The Urantia Book for all people and for the generations to come. Thank you, Georges!
Judy Van Cleave, Trustee:
There is not a more dedicated, hardworking member of the board of trustees than Georges. His love of, and service to, the revelation—shared by his beloved wife Marlène—is second to none. Their devotion to the teachings is indisputably the dominant theme in their life together. I love them both dearly for that and more and will miss Georges’s presence among us. They have so well earned this time to treasure the fleeting moments of their adored granddaughter’s youth and to spend their golden years with a bit more rest. I welcome that for them. One day, in their distant future, they will together most certainly hear those coveted words from our Beloved Creator, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.”
Marcel Pereboom, Associate Trustee:
In the 1990s, I attended a study group in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, with Mrs. Begemann. Whenever your name came up, she always spoke of you with great respect and appreciation.
It wasn't until 2018, at the Urantia International Conference in Noordwijk/Amsterdam, that we finally met. I have to admit: Mrs. Begemann was right. And the rest is history.
Víctor García-Bory, Associate Trustee:
I first met Georges and his lovely wife, Marlène, in 1997 at a Urantia conference in Nashville, Tennessee. It was impressive to me how his love for the revelation and for his fellow men and women emanated from his heart. Over the years, I realized that these qualities were matched by a singular degree of sincerity, commitment, and generosity towards the revelation and Urantia Foundation, toward his friends and fellow trustees.
With his natural charisma, creativity, and dedication, Georges is a leader who inspires through service, loyalty, and friendship. He is a visionary capable of seeing the end from the beginning, fearless enough to dream big and work to achieve a goal. A courageous teammate willing to speak truth in the midst of adversity and confusion, Georges puts the mission first.
We owe Georges a debt of gratitude for the positive impact he had in making translations possible, and for many more things I have no space here to share. I look forward to continuing our friendship, dear Monsieur Michelson-Dupont! Merci beaucoup, mon très cher ami!
Collins Lomo, Associate Trustee:
I remember the first time meeting you in Accra, Ghana, during our Urantia Book conference in the year 2017. We had only started organizing ourselves as readers in Ghana and getting to know the international community, and though I didn't believe it when I was told someone from the Foundation would attend our gathering, you showed up and took keen interest in what we'd accomplished in a short time. Today, it's my pleasure to have served with you on the board and been inspired by your many contributions to the revelation. I ask that the Universe bless you, Georges, and that our unseen friends bring many more servants like you to continue the work on Urantia.
Tom Sadler, Associate Trustee:
As a person who has contributed an enormous amount to translations, I view Georges as a larger-than-life figure. His commitment to The Urantia Book sets the standard for the rest of us who are a part of the process. I'm grateful for a chance to know him, speak with him, and enjoy his stories about the history of The Urantia Book. I thank Georges for his leadership and guidance over the years.
Joyce Anderson, Associate Trustee:
I was able to spend some time with Georges at the Amsterdam conference in 2018. It was a lovely setting to get to know him and gain some insight into his beautiful character and dedication to serving the revelation, especially the translations and UBIS. He has been integral to so many critical projects over the years. I am thrilled that he is a trustee emeritus!
Richard Zhu, Associate Trustee:
Georges, it has been my honor to work with you for the spreading of the revelation. I am very grateful for your continuous support and guidance for the Chinese translation, and you have made great contributions to the publishing of the translation. You will be remembered by all Chinese readers!
Joanne Strobel, Staff:
Just as Jesus was sent by the Father to reveal his loving-kindness to the children of men, so has Georges personified loving-kindness to we who have been fortunate to work with him. From the moment I met Georges in 2012, I have known him to be consistently patient, kind, and humble. He has been a masterful and encouraging mentor, with a precision focus on the revelation and the ability to see life through that spiritual lens. As Richard Keeler’s life drew to a close, Georges brought him into his home to care for him. I remember watching on Zoom as he tenderly guided a fragile Richard towards Marlène’s extended arms when she came to announce dinner. That little gesture brought tears to my eyes, and I thought, “This is what love looks like.”
Tamara Strumfeld, Staff:
Georges, your three decades as a trustee have been marked by wisdom, inspiration, and the kind of caring guidance that only a true big brother can provide—your unwavering dedication to seeking the Father's will has been a beacon for all of us. While your shoes as a trustee may be impossible to fill, the love, respect, and profound gratitude we hold for you will remain forever in our hearts. I love you!
Middle row: Olga López, Marta Elders, Víctor García-Bory, Share Beasley, Jay Bird
Front row: Line St-Pierre, Sandra Burga-Cisneros Pizarro, Ralph Zehr, Judy Van Cleave, Marilynn Kulieke
