News Release
UDM honors John E. Lobbia, Charles R. Rutherford and Christine K. Cortez at Ignatian Circle Dinner
John E. Lobbia ’64, Charles R. Rutherford ’53, ’57 and Christine K. Cortez will be honored at University of Detroit Mercy's Ignatian Circle Dinner on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Center Building, McNichols Campus. A mass will precede the dinner at 4:30 p.m.
John E. Lobbia ’64, former Chairman and CEO of Detroit Edison, is this year’s recipient of The Founders Award. He is recognized for his leadership and commitment to his alma mater in the tradition of UDM’s Jesuit and Mercy founders.
Lobbia served on the Board of Trustees for both the University of Detroit (1988-1990) and University of Detroit Mercy (1990-2006). He made immeasurable contributions to board discussions, which led to the consolidation of U of D and Mercy College of Detroit in 1990. During his 18-year board tenure, he served on the Advancement Committee, the Committee on Trustees, and the Executive Committee.
As a member of the Executive Committee, Lobbia was actively engaged in major decisions resulting in the Outer Drive dental facility and strategic planning priorities. He provided insightful and visionary leadership as chair of The Commission on the Future from 1995-1996, which assisted the University in positioning itself to meet the future demands of higher education. As Board chair from 1998-2001, he took an instrumental role in launching the University’s Legacy Campaign—the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the University’s history, which totaled $101.3 million upon its completion in June 2003.
Lobbia received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 1964 and joined Detroit Edison, where he rose through its marketing and customer service ranks. He served as the utility’s Chairman and CEO from 1990-1998.
As a tireless worker and supporter of efforts to improve the economic and social well-being of Southeastern Michigan, Lobbia has served or chaired a number of civic organizations, including the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Renaissance, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the 1993 United Way Campaign, New Detroit, Inc., the Economic Alliance for Michigan, the Metro Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Hudson-Webber Foundation, The Parade Company and Michigan Parade Foundation.
He also served as a director for the National Bank of Detroit, Flint Group, Rouge Industries, and as a trustee of Oakwood Hospital, Rackham Engineering Foundation and WTVS/Channel 56 Public Television. He has been recognized for his professional and civic contributions with the Max M. Fisher Community Service Award from University Way Community Services, the 1996 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Clinton Valley Council of the Boys Scouts of America, the 1990 B’nai B’rith Great American Traditions Award, and the 1989 Italian American Man of the Year Award.
Charles Rutherford ’53, ’57, Of Counsel with Dykema Gossett PLLC, is the recipient of the University of Detroit Mercy’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. He is recognized for his professional achievement and experience in all phases of intellectual property law practice, including data security and E-commerce. For more than 40 years, he has utilized his expertise in preparing, filing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patents related to the mechanical , hydraulic, basic electrical, medical and general engineering fields. He has also prepared trademark and copyright applications, and handled litigation regarding patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. He provides counsel on effective ways to protect and exploit intellectual property assets as well as negotiates licenses and agreements. He is highly regarded as an arbitrator and mediator in intellectual property, contracts and commercial disputes.
Rutherford received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1953 from University of Detroit and is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Michigan. He earned his J.D. from University of Detroit School of Law in 1957, and throughout his career has been an active member of numerous engineering and law professional associations. He also has 32 years of active and reserve military service, retiring in 1984 as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Judge Advocate Department Reserves.
His extraordinary contributions to the legal profession have been recognized by the Catholic Lawyers Society with the Monsignor Charles J. Malloy Award, and the UDM School of Law as an honorary member of the Frank Murphy Honor Society. His contributions were also recognized in 2004 by the Senior Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, which established the Charles R. Rutherford Senior Lawyers Leadership Award for leadership within the profession and extensive devotion of time, service and effort to the State Bar.
Rutherford has received alumni awards from the UDM School of Law, the U of D Alumni Association, and the Toledo Waite High School Alumni Association.
He has also been active in his community, serving as an officer and board member of the Legal Aid and Defender Association, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, Detroit Rotary Club, and the Grosse Pointe Symphony Association. Volunteering his time to others is a way of life for Rutherford. “It’s the way we were raised,” he says. “The idea was always to serve—God, country, community and profession. Besides, it’s fun.”
UDM Board Trustee Christine K. Cortez is the recipient of this year’s Honorary Alumnus Award in recognition of her significant and outstanding contributions of time and commitment to the University and its mission. She currently serves on the Board’s Executive Committee and chairs its Mission Effectiveness Committee. Since joining the Board in 2003, Cortez has utilized her corporate business experience to assist UDM in achieving its strategic goals and ensuring a financially viable institution. She also has engaged Board Trustees in better understanding the University’s mission and how UDM lives that mission through regular mission updates at each Board meeting.
Born and raised in the Detroit area, Cortez received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1976 and an MBA from Wayne State University in 1978. She joined Chrysler Corporation in 1976 and held a variety of positions of increased responsibility. In 2008, she retired as Senior Vice President, Service and Parts, after 31 years with Chrysler. Throughout her career, she was actively involved in creating opportunities for career development and mentoring of future business leaders.
Cortez was recognized for her professional contributions in the Automotive News All Star List in 2003 and 2004, 100 Leading Women list by Automotive News in 2000 and 2005, and with the Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2005. Her community service includes chairing the Women’s Initiative for United Way of Southeastern Michigan from 2005 to 2008 and currently tutoring for Oakland Literacy. She also serves as editor of the Lake Angelus city newsletter, and enjoys golfing and participating in her book club and church choir.
“I most appreciate what the University of Detroit Mercy stands for,” says Cortez. “Obviously exceptional education tops the list, but there is also a dedication to develop students who will live their lives reaching out to those around them with a hand of mercy and commitment to justice. That’s what we need to preserve at UDM.”
For more information about the Ignatian Circle Dinner, contact Linda Small. Assoc VP Annual Giving & Alumni Relations at University of Detroit Mercy at 313-993-1538 or smalll@udmercy.edu.
Release date: September 25, 2009
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