Senior Vice Presdient for University Relations, Wayne State University (retired); Professor, Educational Sociology, Wayne State University (retired)
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1996
Citation:
Your distinguished career in academia has spanned more than 25 years of innovation in leadership and instruction. You have served with distinction on the faculty of Wayne State University and the University of Detroit, enriching the lives of countless students and colleagues. Your talents as an administrator have been of great value to Wayne State University as well, where you served as Vice President for University Relations while also on the faculty. Your commitment to education also extends to the secondary level, as demonstrated during your six-year tenure as Superintendent for School Community Relations for the Detroit Public Schools. You are perhaps most noted for the extensive and varied civic service. You contributed seven years as President of the NAACP, Detroit Branch; and you have served terms on the boards of the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Area Health Planning Council, the United Way, the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Society, and WTVS Detroit Public Television. Your compassionate and generous concern for the welfare of others has earned widespread acclaim and awards from such distinguished organizations as the Hospice Foundation of Southeastern Michigan, the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the International Institute of Detroit, the National Bar Association, the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Detroit Interfaith Roundtable, the Detroit Urban League, New Calvary Baptist Church, and many others. In recognition of your outstanding career and contributions to promoting civil rights, as well as enhancing of life of the community, the University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to award you an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 11, 1996.