Attorney
1956
Citation:
One of the most dramatic stories in all literature is the story of a trial in Babylon twenty-five centuries ago in which the life of an innocent woman was saved by the ingenuity of a man who knew how to ask the right questions. His name was Daniel, which means God is My Judge. The art of asking the right questions is important for the researcher, the scholar, the teacher; it is more important still for the man who in our courts of law champions the cause of justice against prejudice, sophistry and deceit. This is the art which William Henry Gallagher has cultivated and exercised in his lifelong calling as Counsel for the Defense. Educated in the humanistic tradition of the old Detroit College on Jefferson Avenue from which he graduated in 1903 as president and medalist of his class, he had laid down the foundation of clear and straight thinking, of adequate expression and of ability to draw upon the wisdom of the ages. He spent another year in earning the master's degree and went on to the study of law which he completed in 1906. During the past fifty years as a trial attorney, Mr. Gallagher argued and won many a celebrated case, but more important, he won the confidence and esteem of his colleagues and of the people of Detroit as a man of great ability and integrity. From the day of his graduation from the old Detroit College, Mr. Gallagher has maintained close contact with his Alma Mater. He has served continuously on alumni committees. He has generously supported both alumni and University projects. He has been proud of his University and his University is proud of him. Reverend President, I present William Henry Gallagher for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement, University of Detroit, June 14, 1956.