Chairman, CEO and Founder, F.D. Stella Products Company and Affiliates
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2001
Citation:
Philanthropist, businessman, community activist and fundraiser par excellence - whatever the title, your name is synonymous with generosity, involvement, caring and compassion. From local health, education and arts organizations to political activities, Catholic charities and Italian-American associations, you have distinguished yourself as a relentless champion of numerous causes. Your impact on the Detroit community in unparalleled. You have served on the boards of more than 40 local hospitals, educational institutions, museums, business alliances and civic, social service and arts organizations. Among the recipients of your longstanding support and generosity is the University of Detroit Mercy. As an alumnus with vision, business expertise and commitment, you have guided the University as a member of its Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. Most significantly, you were the founding chairman of the President's Cabinet, which has been a major University fundraising source for the past 30 years. Appreciated by many and admired by all, you have been the recipient of numerous local, national and international awards for distinguished service, including The Detroit News' Michigan of the Year Award in 1997, the Zionist Organization of America's Louis D. Brandeis Award, the George Romney Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award, the Ellis Medal of Honor and Heart of Gold Award from the United Way, as well as three honorary degrees. For more than 20 years, you have served as an advocate for Italian-American issues in your role as chairman and resident of the National Italian-American Foundation. For your years of service, the Foundation honored you with its highest award in 1999, and the President of Italy bestowed upon you Italy's highest award. In recognition of your incomparable spirit, tireless efforts and generous contributions to the causes in which you believe, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to present you with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 12, 2001.