Honorary Degree Recipients
Trudy DunCombe Archer
Judge, 36th District Court
1995 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
As a 36th District Court judge and as the City of Detroit's First Lady, you personify the definition of public service. An elected official, you daily demonstrate your concern for the welfare of Detroit citizens. This regard for our community is also reflected in your longtime involvement in community and professional organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of African American History, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and the Association of Black Judges in Michigan.
You perform numerous leadership roles for the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, the Children's Center, the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and the Greening of Detroit. And as Detroit's First Lady, you have contributed countless hours to projects and events that benefit the city and state, such as co-chairing the 1994 Michigan International Year of the Family.
Much of your community involvement demonstrates your interest and concern for Detroit-area children--not just from the perspective of an elected official but as a wife and mother. You have become a role model for women today as you balance career, family and community responsibilities. For your efforts, you have received the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Wolverine Student Bar Association.
In recognition of your years of distinguished community service, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to confer upon you an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law, May 14, 1995.
Archer, DunCombe Trudy
Judge, 36th District Court
1995 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Francis A. Arlinghaus
Educator and Administrator
1971 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Bio
Background information is taken from correspondence, newspaper clippings, and personnel documents in University archive files.
Dr. Arlinghaus, professor of history, was appointed director of the McNichols Evening Division by the Rev. Celestin J. Steiner, S.J. in 1956. Dr. Arlinghaus directed the university's educational television program, "TV College," from 1957 through 1961. He was named Vice President for Student Affairs by Laurence V. Britt, S.J. president of the University of Detroit in 1964.
Dr. Arlinghaus was named to the first University Professorship, a distinguished chair, to be established at the University in 1968. "The Fr. Malcolm Carron, S.J., U. of D. president, said Dr. Arlinghaus, administrator and teacher at U. of D. for the past 35 years will retire from his present vice presidential position May 15, the end of the current academic year.....In making the announcement Fr. Carron said 'It is most fitting that Dr. Arlinghaus become the first man at this University to hold the rank of University Professor because his career has indeed been a distinguished one in every way, both as an outstanding scholar and a tireless administrator." (The Michigan Catholic, April 11, 1968)
"Formerly an instructor at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Dr. Arlinghaus came to the University in 1933. He studied at Xavier and Harvard, where he received is doctorate in philosophy.
He is a member of the American historical association, has served as president of the American Catholic Historical Association in 1948, and was appointed to the executive board of the World Study Council in 1942. Dr. Arlinghaus, noted as an historian, has been active in academic and honorary societies, and is a regular contributor to Catholic Historical Review and Journal of Modern History. Modern European history is his specialty with emphasis upon the 19th and 20th centuries." (newspaper article, unnamed and undated; may be from the Detroit Free Press as other clippings are from the Free Press.)
Commencement, University of Detroit, May 1, 1971.
Arlinghaus, A. Francis
Educator and Administrator
1971 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Richard Arrington, Jr.
Mayor, City of Birmingham, Alabama
1985 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Bio
Background information is taken from biographical sketch and correspondence in University archive files. Biographical sketch provided by the office of Mayor Arrington.
Mayor Arrington graduated with honors from Miles College, a tiny Black institution near Birmingham; a master's degree in biology from the University of Detroit; and, a PhD in zoology and biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma. He returned to Miles College and began teaching biology where, after sever years as a faculty member, became the academic dean of the school. Dr. Arrington later studied higher education administration at Harvard University.
Returning to Birmingham, he accepted the position of Executive Director, Alabama Center for Higher Education a consortium of eight Black senior colleges in Alabama. At the same time he served as a part-time faculty member at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Concurrently, Dr. Arrington's political involvement was expanding. In 1971 and 1975 he was elected to four year terms on the Birmingham City Council; immediately following was his election to two consecutive terms as Mayor of the city of Birmingham. A survey of civic, financial, and political leaders in metropolitan Birmingham chose Mayor Arrington as the number one leader in the city. With a commitment to community service, Mayor Arrington served as a member of the executive boards of the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, the National Goodwill Industry, the Birmingham Urban League, and Positive Maturity.
Mayor Arrington's commitment to Black higher education was recognized when he was twice elected to head the local united Negro College Fund drive. He served as chairman of the drafting committee for the 1984 Democratic Party Platform and presided over the debate surrounding the adoption of the platform at the National Democratic Convention.
Dr. Arrington was recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the outstanding new faces in the Democratic Party for the 1980's; he is the first Black person to be chosen "Man of the Year" in Birmingham; the Birmingham Bar Association selected Dr. Arrington to receive the Liberty Bell Award in recognition of his unstinting support for the law; for four consecutive years Ebony Magazine listed the Mayor as one of the nation's 100 most influential Black Americans; and the Alabama chapters of the American Society of Public Administration selected him as "Administrator of the Year" for his outstanding leadership ability.
Commencement, University of Detroit, May 11, 1985.
Arrington, Richard, Jr.
Mayor, City of Birmingham, Alabama
1985 Honorary Doctor of Laws
William A. Arrowsmith
Professor of Classics
1973 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
Man grows in scope through treasuring the riches of the past and investing their interest in contemporary society. You, William Arrowsmith, as an eminent Professor of Classics, have been a justly praised ambassador to ancient Greece and Rome. In delivering lectures at colleges and universities throughout the country you have conveyed a dedication that exemplifies one of the timeless themes of those who wrote in the early days of Western Civilization. Your continuing quest for excellence is reflected in a quarter-century of distinguished scholarships and honors for outstanding teaching. Your concern and interest with the framework in which superior teaching can be accomplished is evidenced in your writings and memberships in committees on higher education. Your creative energies are revealed in stories and poems you have written. You have contributed unstintingly to the wealth of all of us in higher education.
Reverend President, it is my privilege to present Dr. William Arrowsmith for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
Commencement, University of Detroit, April 28, 1973.
Arrowsmith, A. William
Professor of Classics
1973 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Richard H. Austin
Michigan's Secretary of State
1988 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
As Michigan's Secretary of State, you have crusaded tirelessly for a comprehensive and effective traffic safety program in this state. And you are succeeding. But the road has not always been an easy one for you. Your scholastic achievements and ability as a high school track star won you a scholarship, but due to family circumstances you were forced to abandon your educational goal. Still, you sold and repaired shoes, studied business administration at night and become Michigan's first black certified public accountant.
As a state government official you have been instrumental in introducing innovations that have increased the overall traffic standards and saved many lives, which include child restraint legislation, a safety belt law and the retention of the state motorcycle helmet law. Your administration has been highly acclaimed for operational efficiency, convenient service and for taking greater involvement in the political process. For instance, your voter education program was the first in the nation to combine driver licensing and voter registration. And your programs for young drivers and alcohol and drug abusers have greatly improved the overall driver's education of Michigan motorists.
Not one to forget his roots, you have been a supporter of the common man. Your promotion of higher education and your diligent support of programs that assist the poor and downtrodden have made you a pillar of strength and admiration in our modern society.
For your extraordinary contributions in highway safety and in so many other civic, cultural and philanthropic arenas, it is a pleasure to present to you this Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.
Commencement, University of Detroit, May 14, 1988.
Austin, H. Richard
Michigan's Secretary of State
1988 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Allen J. Babcock, Most Rev
Priest, Vice Rector, North American College in Rome
1937 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
The Reverend Allen J. Babcock, Scholastic son of the University of Detroit, and of Sacred Heart Seminary; Licentiate of Sacred Theology of the North American College, Rome; Priest of the Diocese of Detroit, who by his energy, initiative and fidelity in the humbler position of his first pastoral charge marked himself out as a leader among his fellow priests of the diocese; who thereafter as Chaplain of the Catholic students at the University of Michigan, enhanced that reputation by the devotedness, wisdom and prudence of his guidance; kind and considerate in the care of souls; fearless champion of Catholic truth; zealous apostle of Catholic youth; in recognition of his recent appointment to the important post of Vice Rector of the North American college and in anticipation of further honors to which such post is a prelude, has been recommended for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.
And I by the authority in me vested as President of the University of Detroit confer on you, for the sake of honor, the degree of Doctor of Laws, and gladly enroll you on the list of those who have merited this distinction.
Farewell Reception, given at St. Thomas Parish, January 14, 1937.
Babcock, J. Allen, Most Rev
Priest, Vice Rector, North American College in Rome
1937 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Desire Barath
Professor, Philosopher, and Economist
1977 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
Educated as a philosopher, you have employed a broad background to greatly enhance the University's economics department. You have been called an "economist's economist" for your unique, balanced approach to the defense of the free enterprise system. Your work in program planning and curriculum development laid the groundwork for improving the University's academic offerings. Your presence in the department challenges fellow faculty members to reach higher levels of competency and add to their academic excellence. A dynamic teacher, your real contribution has always been with the students who attend your articulate and witty lectures. Your contributions to students and associates are those of the well-rounded and broadly read man that you are. Your presence at the University has enriched all who work with and learn from you. The University is pleased to confer upon you the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.
Commencement, University of Detroit, May 14, 1977.
Barath, Desire
Professor, Philosopher, and Economist
1977 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Ben D. Barker, D.D.S.
Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina
1994 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
Through your distinguished career, you have advanced the profession of dentistry and positively impacted the delivery of health and dental care in the United States and throughout the world. Your emphasis on preventive dentistry and public health helped refocus dental education to meet the changing needs of the profession. This progressive outlook was the hallmark of your academic pursuits at the University of North Carolina, as a Professor of Dentistry and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and later as Dean of the School of Dentistry and Co-Director of the Pew National Dental Education Program.
During your tenure as Program Director in Health for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, you fostered national studies in health and dental care policy and implemented public health programs in the United States, Latin America and other regions. During this period, you initiated the Kellogg National Fellows Program to promote leadership development. This program continues today and is a testament to your innovative thinking.
Your professional and community accomplishments are an inspiration to all dental students and colleagues. You have served as chairman of both the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association and the Commission on Dental Accreditation. As a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the Board of Directors of the Governor's Institute in Alcohol and Substance Abuse, you have helped to address critical health care issues. In addition, you have generously contributed your time and counsel as a trustee of your alma mater, Davidson College. In recognition of your significant contribution to the profession of dentistry and your innovative leadership in public health, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is proud to confer upon you an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry, May 21, 1994.
Barker, D. Ben, D.D.S.
Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina
1994 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
David Cowan Bayne, S.J.
Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa College of Law
2000 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Citation
With a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, you have established yourself as an outstanding leader in the legal profession. Your innovation and tireless dedication to legal education and scholarship have earned you worldwide recognition and high esteem.
Your accomplishments as former Dean of the University of Detroit School of Law, former Professor at St. Louis University School of Law, and current Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa College of Law reflect your talents as both excellent teacher and administrator. In your distinguished career, you have written countless briefs and argued successfully in numerous high-profile lawsuits involving the sale of corporate control. You have also been regularly called on as an expert witness in corporations and securities litigation.
You are widely recognized by your colleagues for your groundbreaking ideas and theories. Utilizing your expertise, you have published numerous books and articles, including works on corporate control, bankruptcy reorganization and securities regulations. Active for many years as a legal consultant, you are also a founder and long-time member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Iowa's Journal of Corporation Law. As such, you have contributed greatly to professional knowledge of corporation law.
Your impeccable ethical standards and exemplary wisdom are reflected in all aspects of your work. As the first Jesuit to accept a professorship at a state school, you have broken boundaries and created new academic opportunities for future generations. You have been a mentor to law students and attorneys who have gone on to become distinguished lawyers, judges, legislators and governors. Your exceptional professional abilities and enduring commitment to legal scholarship are an inspiration to us all.
In recognition of your long-standing professional integrity and exceptional contributions to the legal profession, the University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to present you with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law, May 14, 2000.
Bayne, Cowan David, S.J.
Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa College of Law
2000 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Anthony J. Beck
Editor, Michigan Catholic
1938 Honorary Doctor of Laws
Citation
Anthony John Beck, Bachelor and Master of Arts of Campion College, who has spent thirty years of notable service in the important field of Catholic journalism, first as editor of the Catholic Tribune of Dubuque which he developed from a weekly into the first and only Catholic American daily in the English language; and for the past sixteen years as editor of the Michigan Catholic which has greatly increased its circulation and influence under his direction; vigilant friend of religious freedom and of Catholic truth, and ardent promoter of every worthy religious, social and civic purpose, meriting thereby the Papal decoration Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and the presidency, during two terms, of the Catholic Press Association, is recommended for the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, and for inclusion on the list of those whom the University has desired to honor.
Commencement, University of Detroit, June 7, 1938.
Beck, J. Anthony
Editor, Michigan Catholic
1938 Honorary Doctor of Laws
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