President, Cunningham Drug Stores Inc.
1955
Citation:
Last evening the University's Baccalaureate speaker took as his theme the Credo of the University of Detroit - that we believe in God, in the intrinsic value of the human person, in his God-given rights; that we therefore stand opposed to the materialistic philosophies which would make man the pawn of the State, of an economic system, or the mass mind. He pointed out that the secret of human relations is man's ability properly to appraise the value of the human person in himself and in his fellow man, and that this value is rooted in the eternal destiny of the individual soul. It is evident that such a Credo is elusive in the abstract. It is possible to dramatize it in the panorama of history, as Father Lord did in his brilliant creation, "Light Up the Land." And it will be understood and accepted if it appears visible and, so to speak, incarnate in the distinguished deeds of men of action of our own times. As the University looks out over the Detroit of today, she notes with pride its giant accomplishments in housing, in transportation, in community service, in municipal administration and in industrial relations. This fills her with a special and urgent sense of responsibility for the role which she feels called upon to play in ministering to the heart and soul of the Detroit of tomorrow. In attempting to fulfill this responsibility she is heartened and strengthened by knowing that many of the very men who have contributed notably to the material progress of Detroit are eager to share, and have already shared, in her educational and spiritual mission. The University is deeply grateful to these men for the encouragement, the inspiration, and the assistance which they have given in such generous measure. Tonight, Reverend President, I have the privilege of presenting three of these men, members of the Advisory Board of Lay Trustees, for the highest recognition which the University has the power to bestow - the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Among the most romantic and intriguing interests of the Middle Ages was the art of alchemy, the mother of modern chemistry. The alchemist spent his days and nights looking for an elixir that would insure perpetual youth. Modern chemistry and pharmacy have scored notable triumphs in adding not only years but decades to human life. Mr. Shapero, a native son of Detroit, has played a significant part in its history not only in dispensing health-giving medicine but in generously aiding one of the oldest and one of the newest of her many hospitals. But it is in the sphere of human relations that Mr. Shapero has proved himself a true alchemist by ministering the elixir of mutual understanding and good will not alone among his immediate associates but everywhere in the community. And one happy result of this alchemy of the spirit is the many new friends he has won for the University by interesting them in her educational mission. Reverend President, I present Mr. Nate S. Shapero for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement, University of Detroit, June 16, 1955.