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Past Events: 2002-2003

University Honors Convocation - Sunday, April 6, 2003

On April 6, 2003 the University community gathered in McAuley Auditorium at the Outer Drive campus to recognize students for their achievements both in the classroom and in society at large. The University Honors Program recognized fourteen graduating seniors, eight of whom are pictured here. From left to right: James Hartley, William Bowman, Denisse Barraza, Melissa Moccia, Gina Leclerc, Stephen Bardelline, Bridgett McCann and Paula Gillis. 

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Fine Arts Friday at the DIA and Dinner at Fishbones in Greektown - Friday, March 14, 2003

March 14 saw the UDM Honors Program at the Detroit Institute of Arts for Fine Arts Friday. The evening included Florentine music performed by the Vox Early Music Society and La Gente d'Orfeo, a lecture on the images of Madonna and Child in Italian art, a workshop on pinwheels, and screenings of the 1926 German silent classic The Adventures of Prince Achmed, hailed as the first full-length animated film.

Afterwards we adjourned for a late dinner at Fishbones in Greektown. Famished culture vultures gorged themselves on such Cajun delicacies as deep-fried jumbo Gulf shrimp, gumbo, muffaletta, ribs, and crawfish smothered in something we couldn't quite figure out but which was delicious nonetheless. All in all, a delightful evening.

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Honors Induction Ceremony and Dinner - Roman Village Cucina Italiana Restaurant, Dearborn, MI - Sunday, October 27, 2002

On Sunday, October 27, 2002 the University Honors Program held its annual Induction Ceremony. After blessings from Fathers Brian O'Donnell and John Staudenmaier, SJ, freshmen and other members who had not been formally inducted were welcomed into the Program and received their Honors Pins after sharing fine food and conversation.

In addition to adding a sit-down dinner to the Ceremony, the Honors Program resurrected an old tradition from the Honors Program at Mercy College of Detroit. Every year during the 1980s, Honors students at Mercy selected a speaker from the faculty, who was asked to imagine that "This is your last chance to speak to your students. What is the most important thing you have to say to them?" The "Final Lecture" was re-inaugurated this year by Dr. Carol Weisfeld (upper left), professor of psychology and former director of the Honors Program at Mercy College. Starting next year the Final Lecture will become a permanent feature of our Induction Ceremony, and the speaker will be selected by the general membership of the Honors Program.

At center-right, Honors Student Deans Steve Bardelline, Matthew Dick and Paula Gillis present the Honors Triad before presenting the inductees with their pins.

At bottom, the latest inductees to the UDM Honors Program. From left to right: Paul Burkett, Chris Rupp, Gina LeClerc, Nichole Wolinski, Paul Bristol, Bridget McCann, Adrienne Baran, Austin St. Peter, Sarah Fornath, Jesse Slimic, Ryan Adams (rear), Jacqueline Eisel.

Other pictures: miscellaneous festivities.

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Move-In Day - Shiple Hall - August 24, 2002

With the help of their families and friends, freshmen Honors students move into the first Honors housing in the University's history. Many thanks are due to Monica Leonard and DuVon Waire of Residence Life, as well as to Sr. Nancy Surma, for making this happen. The Honors Program plans to have on-campus housing for all Honors students by 2005.

If you are interested in living on the Honors Floor, contact Residence Life at 313-993-1230 or reslife@udmercy.edu.

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1960s Honors Reunion - University of Detroit Mercy - July 13, 2002

On July 13, 2002, alumni from the first Honors Program at the University of Detroit (circa 1962-1966) came from all over the country (and Slovakia) to gather at the McNichols campus for a reunion. Director David Koukal joined the alumni for breakfast, spoke to them about the present Honors Program, and gave a tour of the campus. Many lively stories were told about the U of D in the 60s, and several alumni expressed interest in being involved with the present Program.

13 of the 25 Original Members of the Honors Program 1962-1966. Back Row: Mark Recor, Martin Ferrer, Martha (DeCraene) Goodman, Paul Murray. Middle Row: Al Raden, Len Daley, Gary Robertson, Dennis Gallus, Nikki (Gedeon) Westberg. Front Row: Mary (Finch) Daley, Jim Alef, Sharon (Bennett) Richardson, John Bonnell.

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