Chancellor, University of Detroit Mercy
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1992
Citation:
While unselfishly committed to God and humankind as an ordained priest of the Society of Jesus, you have distinguished yourself as a thoughtful and innovative leader in the Jesuit educational community. An intelligent and spiritual man who moves with quiet strength and great compassion, you have earned widespread respect for your dedication to academic excellence. Your 41-year career as a professor, academic dean, Jesuit provincial and University leader has been marked with numerous accomplishments and successes. In 1979, you were named President of the University of Detroit. Under your leadership, the core curriculum of the University was re-established, its professional schools became stronger and more vital, private support reached an all-time high and the building blocks were put in place for financial stability. Then, in 1990, you played a key role in designing and implementing the consolidation of an exciting and unique new institution of higher learning which we know today as University of Detroit Mercy. Throughout the often-challenging consolidation process, you demonstrated tremendous concern for fairness and equality, and appropriately, earned a reputation as a most astute and caring decision-maker. In addition to your University responsibilities, you have generously given your time and talents to numerous Detroit-area civic and cultural organizations, as well as sharing your academic expertise with several other Jesuit educational institutions, including Georgetown, Boston College and Loyola Marymount. In recognition of your many contributions to the University and to the community and in admiration for your continued dedication to educational excellence, we are proud to present you with this Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 9, 1992.