President, University of Detroit Mercy
2004
Citation:
TRUSTEE RESOLUTION HONORING MAUREEN A. FAY, O.P.
June 18, 2004
WHEREAS: On December 21, 1990, Maureen A. Fay, O.P., became the first President of the University of Detroit Mercy following her bold and courageous vision that led to the successful consolidation of two excellent institutions into one new University;
WHEREAS: Sister Fay, as Chief Executive Officer of the University, translated her vision of the University into its goals and day-to-day operations, including:
• An emphasis on excellence in academics and administration;
• The advancement and assessment of mission, the incorporation of core values in the life of the University and the establishment of the University Mission Effectiveness Committee;
• The positioning of the University to meet future challenges and opportunities in higher education through the creation of the Commission on the Future, an undertaking which involved over two hundred community leaders and university alumni;
• A new state-of-the art teaching and patient care Dental facility;
• A University-wide prioritization process which resulted in increased investment in enrollment, marketing, instructional technology, physical facilities and other projects to advance the university and enhance student life; the successful completion of The Legacy Campaign, a major comprehensive fundraising initiative that resulted in over $100 million dollars committed for scholarships, facility improvements, information technology and program and faculty development;
• The strengthening of alumni involvement in the university through a restructured alumni association, increased alumni reunions and other alumni activities;
• The stabilization of enrollment, improvement of retention and improved fiscal operations;
• Personal interest in students and continuous participation in student activities, including the introduction of the Presidential Ambassadors program which recognizes and involves outstanding students;
• Extensive renovations on the McNichols Campus and the creation of a University campus plan which includes an addition to Lansing-Reilly Hall for the College of Health Professions, partnerships on the Riverfront Campus for a new School of Law and other space, parking and student housing and planning and construction for the School of Dentistry on the McNichols Campus;
WHEREAS: Sister Fay actively promoted the University’s vision of leadership and service in the community and beyond, including
• Outreach programs to the Detroit Metropolitan Community through the work of the colleges and schools, the Leadership Development Institute, athletic activities, student volunteers, and other outreach programs;
• The strengthening of partnerships with the Archdiocese of Detroit and leadership in the Detroit Area Catholic Higher Education Consortium;
• The promotion of Catholic Higher Education through her leadership role on the boards of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Conference on Mercy Higher Education;
• The strengthening of ties with the university’s religious sponsors through her affiliations with the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of Detroit and the Detroit Province, Society of Jesus;
WHEREAS: Sister Fay personally served as a role model for students through her steady and visible presence and distinguished service on numerous civic boards and other organization;
AND WHEREAS: Sister Maureen A. Fay, in her professional and personal life embodies the same principles of excellence, scholarship, leadership and compassionate service as found in the University’s foundation and mission statements;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Trustees expresses deep respect and heartfelt gratitude to Maureen A. Fay, O.P., for her outstanding leadership, generous service and notable contributions to the University of Detroit Mercy and confers upon her the title “President Emerita.” The Trustees wish Sister Fay the satisfaction of a job extremely well done, the blessings of good health, and the joys that tomorrow will bring.