Educator, Scholar, Historian
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2002
Citation:
Throughout your 75-year vocation as a Sister of Mercy, your visionary leadership of Mercy College of Detroit, and your scholarly and historic writings, you have distinguished yourself as a devoted advocate of education and of a vibrant spiritual and community life. Your willingness to follow a path of service and advocacy was evident from your early years, when you joined the Sisters of Mercy at age 17. From that time forward, you relished every opportunity for learning, teaching and ministry. You were one of the founding sisters of Mercy College of Detroit in 1941. During the next quarter century, you devoted your energies to the College in numerous capacities and were instrumental in guiding the College's mission and growth. In 1961, you were named provincial of the Detroit Community of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, and, subsequently, appointed president of the Mercy College Board of Trustees. Among your many accomplishments were achieving accreditation for Mercy College, bringing a congregation of Argentinean women into membership with the Detroit province of the Sisters of Mercy, earning your doctorate while directing the Detroit province, and researching and writing a comprehensive history of the Sisters of Mercy in the United States. Your research and writing continue into the present as an immeasurable service to the University of Detroit Mercy, as you recently finished the second, culminating volume of your comprehensive history of Mercy College of Detroit. Through this work, you have ensured the historical commemoration of the vital role Mercy College of Detroit has held in the development of thousands of professionals in the fields of nursing, education, human services and many other areas. As an educator, a scholar and a leader throughout your life, you have had a most positive and memorable influence on all who have known you. You have personified and advanced the charisms, ministry and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy through your service and your work. The University community is particularly grateful for your varied and distinguished contributions to our history, our present and our future vision. In recognition of your lifetime of teaching, scholarship, ministry and leadership, including your exceptional dedication to Mercy College and the University community, the University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to present you with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 11, 2002.