Honorary Degree Recipients
Richard A. Abdoo
President, R.A. Abdoo & Co. LLC
2009 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
Throughout your life, you have distinguished yourself as a respected corporate leader, a strong advocate of environmental responsibility, a pillar in the Lebanese community and a tireless supporter of numerous civic, educational and charitable causes.
With a master's degree in economics from the University of Detroit and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, you joined Wisconsin Energy Corporation in 1975. Through the years, you steadily rose through the ranks as a result of your bold, visionary and compassionate leadership. In 1991, you were elected chairman, president and chief executive officer, and served in this capacity until your retirement in 2004.
Your 29-year career with Wisconsin Energy Corporation was marked with numerous accomplishments, including the corporation's growth into a Fortune 500 company and the development of the company's Power the Future plan to meet the energy needs of southeastern Wisconsin.
With a deep commitment to community service, you expanded your company's charitable foundation activities to support programs that enriched the lives of thousands of Wisconsin residents. Your personal dedication to quality education had widespread results - from the improvement of local schools to the founding of a national organization that provided educational scholarships.
Well-respected by your peers, you have been active in many business and professional associations, serving as a board member of the American Gas Association, the Electric Power Research Institute, and the corporate boards of AK Steel Corp., Marshall & Ilsey Corp., and Sensient Technologies Corp.
As a prominent leader in the Arab-American community and advocate for stronger relations between the United States and the Middle East, you received the prestigious Arab American of the Year Award in 2006 from the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. You were also awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for your humanitarian contributions to the Lebanese population, as well as to society overall.
In recognition of your outstanding business leadership, your passion and dedication to community service and your role model as an Arab American, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to present you with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 9, 2009.
Abdoo, A. Richard
President, R.A. Abdoo & Co. LLC
2009 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Morris Adler, Rabbi
Rabbi, Congregation Shaarey Zedek
1966 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
If every decade has a dominant characteristic, the 1960's are probably best portrayed as the decade of ecumenism. The genial inspiration of Pope John XXIII has not only opened the windows of the Vatican but also has thrown open the shutters of many minds. In the spirit of this ecumenical brotherhood, the University of Detroit today honors three men [Fr. John Courtney Murray, S.J., Bishop Richard S. Emrich, and Rabbi Morris Adler] who have been outstanding exemplars of the religious ideals of John XXIII.
In America's pluralistic society, the impact which religious leaders make on their fellows varies in direct proportion to the degree of their involvement with the problems of our age. Some leaders are content to stay with their flocks and concentrate on the internal crises of their individual Churches. To do this is to miss the tremendous opportunities for good which are open to those who break out of the circle of their parochial concerns and devote themselves to the demands of the whole community.
When Rabbi Morris Adler came to Congregation Shaarey Zedek in 1938, he showed that he understood these ecumenical demands and he devoted his energies to answering them. Over a twenty-eight year period, he was active in the community as a leader in the National Conference of Christians and Jews, as Chairman of the United Auto Workers' Public Review Board, as a member of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education, and as a worker and leader in countless other civic organizations.
Because of this, the city, the state, and other Churches in the area turned to Rabbi Adler when they wanted a representative of the Jewish community. They knew that he would speak with the authentic voice of Judaism. They knew, too, that he would carry the word of the civic community back to his brethren.
Rabbi Adler had the breadth of vision and the sense of ecumenical fellowship which we admired in Pope John XXIII. Brothers under God, they are now united in the bosom of Abraham - John after an unusually long and fruitful life, Rabbi Adler snatched from us tragically at the height of his power and influence. We bow to the mystery of God's Providence. Rabbi Adler is no longer with us, but his memory will be always green.
Reverend President, in tribute to the life of ecumenical dialogue which he lived, I recommend Rabbi Morris Adler for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, to be conferred posthumously.
Commencement, University of Detroit, April 30, 1966.
Adler, Morris, Rabbi
Rabbi, Congregation Shaarey Zedek
1966 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
William M. Agee
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Bendix Corporation
1980 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
Throughout history leadership has been the keynote of national greatness. Thus, in an era when the world's greatest nation looks for the leadership which will guide it in the difficult decades ahead, you have stood out as an individual capable of supplying this important quality. Already your many considerable achievements have distinguished you for this role. At the young age of thirty-eight, you not only became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bendix, one of American's largest corporations, but recognizing the inherent responsibilities which business has toward society, you immediately extended the benefits of your expertise to those outside the business world. Today, your presence is felt in a variety of civic, governmental, charitable and educational institutions. You have served as Chairman of the President's Industrial Advisory Committee on Economic and Trade Policy, and continue to serve as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the United Negro College Fund, and as a director of the National Council for U.S.-China Trade, the United Foundation, the Detroit Renaissance Foundation, and the Detroit Economic Growth Council. In recognition of your tremendous past and present leadership contributions, and the future contributions which these portend, it is a privilege to present you with this Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
Commencement, University of Detroit, May 10, 1980.
Agee, M. William
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Bendix Corporation
1980 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
George Alapatt, Most Rev
Bishop, ecclesiastical Leader in India
1968 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
Through the years Divine Providence has sent the Church enlightened bishops. Kerala today has such an ecclesiastical leader. His Excellency, Bishop George Alapatt has spent a quarter of a century showing Indian Catholics that scholarship and Episcopal administration can go hand in hand.
After a brilliant career in Philosophy and Theology at the Propaganda College in Rome, he returned to India to become a leader in Christian education. Not only has His Excellency acted as patron of St. Thomas College, but he has also founded five other colleges in his diocese.
Bishop Alapatt is dedicated to raising the level of education in South India and he is concerned that this education be enriched with the leaven of Christian wisdom. It is fitting that the University of Detroit honor the humane and Christian values which His Excellency has so well promoted.
Reverend President, it is my privilege to present His Excellency, Bishop George Alapatt for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
The Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree was presented in the University Ballroom by the University of Detroit in celebration of Bishop Alapatt's Silver Jubilee of his Episcopal Consecration, August 14, 1968.
Alapatt, George, Most Rev
Bishop, ecclesiastical Leader in India
1968 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Moses B. Anderson, Most Rev
Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Detroit
1993 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
Through your commitment to God as an ordained priest of the Society of St. Edmund, you have distinguished yourself as a vibrant, thought-provoking leader within the Church. In your endeavors as a scholar and pastor, you have enhanced the role and involvement of Black Catholics in the Church today. With your stately presence and resonant voice, you eloquently convey Christ's message of love and equality among people. As a recognized expert on Black theology and evangelization in the Catholic Church, you have presented numerous papers and lectures on the Black experience within the Church, resulting in foundation awards and honorary degrees. In 1982, you were appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit. In this role, you serve the West Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit, which encompasses the City and its northern suburbs, spanning 108 parishes. Last year, you were also appointed Pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Detroit, where your exuberant spirit has enriched the parish community. In encompassing authentic practices from African traditions within church liturgies and ceremonies, you have enabled African-Americans to become more active participants in the Church. Bishop Peter Sarpong, who has been called by Pope John Paul II the "father of inculturation in Africa," refers to you as the "father of inculturation in the United States." Your love and pride in your African heritage is reflected in your personal life, from collecting African art to being installed as a West African tribal chief. With your warm and caring personality, you extend friendship, kindness and comfort to many. In recognition of your scholarly work and leadership role in enhancing the involvement of Black Catholics within the Church, the University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to award you this Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 15, 1993.
Anderson, B. Moses, Most Rev
Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Detroit
1993 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Thomas V. Angott
Owner, Twin Pines Farm Dairy
1990 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Bio
Background information is taken from correspondence and press release in University archive files.
Thomas Angott, a University of Detroit graduate, owns Twin Pines Farm Dairy and is president of Wesley's Quaker Maid, Inc. and Michigan Beverage Company in addition to Detroit Pure Milk Company.
Mr. Angott is the board chairman for the National Dairy Council and for the Milk Industry Foundation and is a past president of the Michigan Dairy Foods Association. He also is a member of the executive committee of the Central Business District Association and serves as a committee chairman of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. Active in a variety of civic organizations, Mr. Angott is a director for Orchestra Hall, the Michigan Cancer Foundation, the Michigan Osteopathic Foundation, the International Visitors Council and the international Institute, among others.
One of the first two honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy was awarded to Mr. Angott, Chairman of the Mercy College of Detroit Board of Trustees. The honorary degree was presented by Sister Maureen A. Fay, president of the University of Detroit Mercy and Father Robert A. Mitchell, chancellor.
University of Detroit Mercy, President's Cabinet Awards Dinner, September 14, 1990.
Angott, V. Thomas
Owner, Twin Pines Farm Dairy
1990 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Edward R. Annis, M.D.
President-elect, American Medical Association
1963 Honorary Doctor of Science
Citation
Nineteen hundred years ago Aulus Cornelius Celsus said that "...a surgeon should be youthful or at any rate nearer youth than old age; with a strong and steady hand, which never trembles; with vision sharp and clear, and spirit undaunted; filled with fellow feeling for his patient because he wants to see his health restored." (Celsus, On Medicine, Bk. VII, poem)
Today, as at the beginning of the Christian era, the surgeon needs special physical, mental, and personal characteristics. Dr. Edward R. Annis possesses them in an outstanding degree.
One of our alumni, having taken his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit in 1933, Dr. Annis received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Marquette University and has practiced medicine in Florida for two and a half decades. The degree of his surgical competence is evidenced by the ten years he served as chief of the Department of General Surgery at Mercy Hospital, Miami. This competence has been recognized, too, by the American Medical Association, which last June named him President-elect of its 189,000 member organization. He assumes that office in a few days.
Dr. Annis has fellow feeling not only for his own patients but especially for those who cannot afford medical help, as appears from his terms as Director of Family Service and Senior Citizens' Division of the Welfare Planning Council of Miami. For this and similar community services Dr. Annis was awarded the Brotherhood medal of the National Council of Christians and Jews in 1958 and the Florida State Medical Association's award for "Outstanding Community Service by a Physician" in 1961.
The University of Detroit is proud that this her son has been the type of man and surgeon to merit these honors, and wishes to add another laurel to the crown. Reverend President, I have the honor of presenting Edward R. Annis on this 30th anniversary of his graduation from the University of Detroit for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.
Commencement, University of Detroit, June 13, 1963.
Annis, R. Edward, M.D.
President-elect, American Medical Association
1963 Honorary Doctor of Science
Chester James Antieau
Attorney, Scholar, Author and Professor
1978 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
As an eminent authority on constitutional law, a lifelong activist for civil rights, and a scholar of local government problems and policies, you truly bear an idealogical likeness to the Founding Fathers of this nation. In the more than thirty years during which you have taught as well as practiced law, you have shared your wisdom and insight with those students who are and will be the future lawyers of this country. Most importantly, you have shared with them your inspiration and your awe for the great possibility that is America. Always one of the most popular and respected professors, you have earned the great affection of the hundreds of students who have benefited from your instruction. Your numerous publications and texts on modern constitutional law have become accepted as cornerstones for the study of contemporary constitutional issues. Your involvement with the struggle for the voting rights of minorities in this country extend to the earliest days of the movement and reflect your determination to obtain justice for all despite much opposition. Your position as Founder and Executive Director of the International Society of the Study of Comparative Public Law, and your resulting involvement in the creation and realization of constitutional governments in developing countries, stand as a testament to your commitment to democracy on a world-wide scale. It is with great pleasure and admiration, then, that the University confers upon you the Degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Commencement, University of Detroit, School of Law, May 20, 1978.
Antieau, James Chester
Attorney, Scholar, Author and Professor
1978 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Joseph E. Antonini
President and Chief Operating Officer, K-Mart Corporation
1991 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
During your 27-year career with Kmart Corporation, you have distinguished yourself as a dedicated and enthusiastic leader in the retail marketing industry. From your early employment as a management trainee at the S.S. Kresge Company in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to your current post as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of one of the leading discount retailers in America, your contributions and successes have been many.
Your leadership has successfully lead Kmart Corporation through a nationwide image change and has brought your company recognition for its dedication to customer service. You are considered a friend who is on a first-name basis with your employees. You have consistently given a great deal of support to organizations in the communities where your employees and customers live. Your commitment to Detroit and the surrounding area is acknowledged by your many affiliations as director of Detroit Renaissance, New Detroit, Inc., United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Institute of Arts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, to name a few.
You have also generously given your time and talents as chairman of National Minority Supplier Development Council and have been a trustee of Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, the Michigan Cancer Foundation and the National Italian American Foundation. In recognition of your leadership in the retail industry and your contributions to business and to the community, we are proud to present you with this Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 11, 1991.
Antonini, E. Joseph
President and Chief Operating Officer, K-Mart Corporation
1991 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Dennis W. Archer
Michigan Supreme Court Justice
1988 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
Ever since your graduation in 1970 from the Detroit College of Law, you have demonstrated to the youth of Michigan that hard work, perseverance, and fortitude can, indeed, bring you to the pinnacles of power. Your talents, abilities and accomplishments have carried you all the way to the Michigan Sate Supreme Court. Still, you do not forget the community and its needs. Despite the arduous, hard-working hours you have spent as a Supreme Court Justice since 1986, you serve as a Detroit Economic Club director, as Vice-Chair of the Michigan Cancer Foundation Board of Trustees, as a member of the national Bar Association's Judicial Council Executive Committee and as a life member of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. It is in appreciation of your sense of loyalty to your various communities, the talents you have shared with them, and your outstanding achievements in the legal field that we confer upon you an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. In a very special way, your life exemplifies the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service to others.
Commencement, University of Detroit, School of Law, May 15, 1988.
Archer, W. Dennis
Michigan Supreme Court Justice
1988 Honorary Doctor of Laws
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