Past Events: 2004-2005

• Author and UD Alumnus Elmore Leonard Speaks at the University of Detroit Mercy - April 5, 2005
• University Honors Convocations - April 3, 2005
• Trip to the Masonic Temple Theater to see Phantom of the Opera - March 18, 2005
• Trip to the Detroit Opera House to see Faust - November 20, 2004
• Honors Induction Ceremony and Dinner - October 3, 2004

Author and UD Alumnus Elmore Leonard Speaks at the University of Detroit Mercy - April 5, 2005

The Honors Program was pleased to bring author and University of Detroit alumnus ('50) Elmore "Dutch" Leonard back to his alma mater on April 5th, when he gave a talk in the School of Architecture's Loranger Center.

Mr. Leonard began his talk by reading a passage from his 1989 book Kill Shot, which is slated to be brought to the screen by directors Quentin Tarantino and John Madden. Leonard's characters often inhabit the fringes of society, which is brought to life by the rhythm of his authentic dialogue--prompting many convicts to write and ask if Leonard has ever done time (he hasn't). After sharing some of his prison fan mail, Leonard recited his famous Ten Rules of Writing and then took questions from an appreciative audience.

Leonard began his career writing westerns, but soon became a master of the crime novel. His best sellers include The Big Bounce, Glitz, Get Shorty, Rum Punch, and Out of Sight, all of which have been adapted to the screen. His most recent publications include a children's novel-- A Coyote's in the House--as well as another crime novel-- Be Cool--which has also been adapted to the screen, starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman and is currently playing in theatres.

University Honors Convocations - Various Locations on Campus - Sunday, April 3, 2005

On April 3, 2005, the University community gathered in various locations on and about campus to recognize students for their achievements both in and out of the classroom. The College of Liberal Arts and Education Honors convocation was held in the beautiful Gesu Catholic Church (shown above), just north of campus. During the ceremony the University Honors Program recognized thirteen graduating seniors.

Phantom of the Opera - Masonic Temple Theater - Friday, March 18, 2005

Here's a post-show shot of a handful of the several Honors students who headed to the historic Masonic Temple Theater to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera on March 18. Prior to the popular musical all met at the original Buddy's Pizza at McNichols and Conant to scarf slices of one of Detroit's best pies. Then off to the cultural district to watch a ghost haunt an opera house for the sake of love. How romantic!

Faust - Detroit Opera House - Saturday, November 20, 2004

On November 20, over thirty Honors students gathered at Pizza Papalis in Greektown for some of the best deep-dish pizza your Director has inhaled since leaving Chicagoland. After a leisurely feast all parties walked to the Detroit Opera House to take in Charles Gounod's devilish opera Faust . After watching Satan utterly ruin a man's life we emerged from the opera house a little wiser, and Ryan Adams insisted on documenting this moment.

Honors Induction Ceremony and Dinner - Pasquale's Restaurant, Royal Oak, MI - Sunday, October 3, 2004

Over sixty people were in attendance when the University Honors Program held its annual Induction Ceremony at Pasquale's Restaurant in Royal Oak on Sunday, October 19, 2004. After blessings from Dr. Gerald F. Cavanagh, SJ, the assembled membership sat down with family and friends to break bread together. Between dinner and dessert, Dr. Elizabeth Oljar, Professor of Philosophy, gave the annual "Final Lecture" in which she expresssed her deep gratitude to her students for helping her live the philosophical life. After Dr. Oljar's talk, Honors Deans Chawn Cliborne, Jacqueline Eisel, Elizabeth Reifert and Adrienne Baran (ex officio) presented the Honors Challenge Triad. After the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, freshmen and other members who had not been formally inducted received their Honors pins. Honorary inductees included not only Drs. Cavanagh and Oljar, but also Dr. Charles Marske, new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Education, and Dr. Barbara Schirmer, new Academic Vice President and Provost of the University.