2007
Bio:
Thomas G. Denomme ‘61, former Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer of Chrysler Corporation, is the recipient of The Founders Award. He is recognized for his support of higher education in the tradition of UDM’s Jesuit and Mercy Founders.
A Detroit native, Denomme earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from University of Detroit 1961. Following graduation, he began his long career in the automotive industry at Ford Motor Company. After 20 years of automotive finance, product planning, marketing and business planning at Ford, he joined Chrysler Corporation in 1980. During his tenure at Chrysler he held a number of leadership positions, including Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning, Executive Vice President for Corporate Staff Group, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He served as a director of Chrysler Corporation from 1993 through 1997, and Vice Chairman Administrative Officer from 1994 until he retired in December 1997.
Denomme has served on a number of civic and corporate boards and organizations including Mount Carmel Hospital Divisional Board, the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Detroit Investment Fund, the Congressional Economic Leadership Institute, The Parade Company Foundation, the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Masco Corporation Board of Directors.
From 1982 to 2003, Denomme served on the University’s Board of Trustees and was Board Chair from 1992 to 1996. As Board Chair, Denomme provided perspectives on finical and business-related issues, integrating Board strategies with the sprits of the University’s missions. Denomme provided leadership during a critical time in UDM’s history in the years following its 1990 consolidation. He assisted UDM’s leadership in confronting the financial and competitive challenges in higher education during the 1990s and helped to convene the “Comission on the Future” to establish priorities and a plan for UDM’s future.
His support of UDM has remained strong both during and following his Board tenure. He truly reflects the University’s mission and vision as a graduate who leads and serves his community, and especially, his alma mater.
The award was presented at The Ignatian Circle Dinner by Fr. Gerard Stockhausen, S.J., President of the University of Detroit Mercy, September 28, 2007.