Actor, Master Baker, Advocate
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2003
Citation:
As a Jesuit brother with a flair for the dramatic, a talent for baking bread, and a personal sensitivity toward those who are physically challenged, you have successfully provided inspiration, leadership and opportunities to thousands of people with disabilities throughout the world. Although you were born without a right hand and forearm, your parents taught you to be self-sufficient and to consider your disability a blessing rather than a barrier. With encouragement from your family, you enjoyed performing with a positive can-do attitude and a strong sense of independence. In 1961, you joined the Jesuit order and upon finishing your studies at the seminary, you went on to earn your master's degree and doctorate in theater from Villanova University and New York University, respectively. Your love of theater and desire to support the talents and dreams of physically challenged students led to your founding of the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped in New York City in 1977. Since then, you have expanded the workshop to include a residential theater school for students with disabilities in Belfast, Maine. In addition, you opened Brother Curry Breads, a bakery that financially supports the theater workshop, and trains students to become professional bakers, as well as providing basic retail skills. Your stellar reputation as an advocate of Jesuit values, a dynamic actor and speaker, a versatile author and a role model for people with disabilities is widespread. With caring, compassion and commitment, you have shared your positive outlook with thousands of people who are physically challenged and provided them with the training and inspiration to lead independent, productive lives. In recognition of these contributions, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to present you with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 10, 2003.