United States District Judge
1979
Citation:
With great integrity and dedication you have served the people of Michigan and have upheld the true spirit of Justice in America. You began your career as an attorney in private practice, founding a firm that became not only successful at winning cases, but highly respected for its professional ethics. Your reputation as a man of Christian ideals with a keen legal mind also grew, leading to your term as United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. The skill with which you administered the judicial process soon resulted in your lifetime appointment to the federal court. Though you are known for courageous judicial decisions, you have never forgotten the people for whom the law was created to serve and protect. You have not only been just, your reputation for fairness is unchallenged. The special efforts you have made to reach amicable resolutions has been noted and appreciated by attorneys appearing before you. Outside the court-room you have worked to improve the judicial process through leadership in professional associations. You have also been a leader in the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, a further testimony to your commitment to equal protection for all people under the law. It is indeed then, a privilege to confer upon you the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement, University of Detroit, School of Law, May 19, 1979.