President, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1994
Citation:
As an advocate for Michigan's 46 independent colleges and universities, you have represented these institutions to state and national legislators and other policy makers with integrity and dedication. With your personal goodwill and firm manner, you have generated both financial and political support for the more than 85,000 students attending private institutions of higher learning. Your efforts during the past 15 years have resulted in an increase of allocations for student financial aid and degree reimbursement programs. As president and chief spokesperson for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, you have presented a strong, unified message to legislators, emphasizing students' rights to affordable choices in higher education. This accomplishment extends from your own conviction in the mission of independent colleges - a belief that helped to convince policy makers to include private colleges in the state's prepaid tuition program. Your frequent testimony on student financial aid in private education before legislative committees in Michigan, as well as at federal committees and special hearings, demonstrates your expertise in local, state and national education issues. Over the years, you have shared your time and expertise in support of private education as chair of the State Association (of Independent Colleges) Executive Council and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and its Government Relations Committee. In recognition of your successful advocacy on behalf of private higher education in the State of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to award you this Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 14, 1994.