UDM Events

From the Alumni Association President
Winter 2007

Alumnus of the Year

As we begin a new school year, I want to take a moment to talk about our Alumnus of the Year Award. In 1985, the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association felt it was time to honor alumni who had excelled in their profession and brought honor to the School of Law. The criteria established by the Board of Directors was quite simple. The award was established to: "Honor alumni who in many ways distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavor and who through their careers have brought recognition and honor to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law."

We now have over 6,000 alumni across the United States.  It isn’t easy to be selected. We have honored 27 alumni with this award, selecting 11 judges, 4 public officials, including a former mayor, 2 prosecutors and 1 county executive, as well as 8 lawyers who have founded law firms and excelled in their chosen profession. Our most recent selection, Denise Ilitch, ’80, was chosen for not only her professional accomplishments, but also her efforts as a devoted community servant and advocate for women and children’s charities.

Each year, the Board of Directors reviews the list of nominees. We like to think we know most, if not all, of the alumni who might deserve this special recognition. Well, we do not. We need your help. Take some time to reflect on those alumni whom you feel deserve this honor. We know there are many alumni out there who should be considered for this award. Each of you have the knowledge of their accomplishments, so we would ask that you take a moment and consider nominating someone who you feel meets the criteria. You can either go the school's web-site and complete the nomination form or simply write to me c/o of the law school. Please provide sufficient detail or refer us to a website, etc. about your nominee to allow us to make an informed decision this coming year.

On September 8, 2007, we honored Denise Ilitch, ’80, as our 2007 Alumna of the Year. The reception drew over 200 guests and was held at the Somerset Inn in Troy, Michigan. These events do not happen without the assistance of sponsors. I would like to publicly thank our event sponsors:

Gold Sponsors
Clark Hill, PLC
Comerica Bank
Detroit Medical Center
Dykema
Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook
Meadowbrook Insurance Group
Miller Canfield
Motor City Casino
Plunkett Cooney

Silver Sponsors
Ambassador
Collins Einhorn Farrell & Ulanoff
Howard & Howard, PC
Polk

Bronze Sponsors
Bodman
Jane Sullivan Colombo
Creations Landscaping
Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, PC
Kelley, Casey & Moyer, PC
Lipson Neilson Cole Seltzer Garin PC
Mellon, McCarthy & Pries, PC
Roumall, Lange & Cholak, PLC

Again, with your help, we were able to raise money for the School's general scholarship fund.

New Board Members

I would like to publicly recognize our 3 new Board members for 2007-2008. They are: Kenneth H. Hemler, ’07, Sherman & Sterling; Edward L. Johnson, ’92, Edward L. Johnson, PC; and our student representative, Paul G. Spaniolo, ’08.

Upcoming Events

Also, I would ask that you "save the date" for upcoming events: Irish General Counsel, January 10, 2008; McElroy Lecture, March 18, 2008; and Public Fellowship Auction, April 4, 2008. Last year, our Detroit Tiger Outing was major success as we sold-out. This year's event will be even better as we plan to have it at Comerica Park. You will be able to relax outside, enjoy a barbecue and either watch the game from your seat or out on the Pepsi Porch. The date will be announced very shortly. I would recommend you order your tickets early.

Annual Fund Campaign

Finally, it wouldn't be a President's message without a reminder about the School's 2007-2008 Annual Fund. For the past 3 years, we have erected a plaque at the School thanking those who have donated to the Annual Fund. You can't miss it as you enter the Atrium. It is our way of
publicly thanking those who have financially supported the school over the last 3 years. In the last few years, we have not only increased the amount donated, but also the amount of donations. While we would like you to give as much as possible, it is just as important that we expand the number of donations. Many foundations and funds who support the School see this as an important factor when deciding whether they will support the School. Therefore, please give whatever you can.
  
Michael G. Costello, ’85
President