News Release
Sister Maureen A. Fay and Warren Loranger Honored at Ignatian Circle Dinner
Maureen A. Fay, O.P., Ph.D. ’66 and Warren Loranger ’51 will be honored at University of Detroit Mercy's Ignatian Circle Dinner on Friday, September 24, 2010 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. UDM President Michael Joseph will present the awards to the very special individuals for their contributions to the University and our community.
Maureen A. Fay, O.P., Ph.D. ‘66, University of Detroit Mercy President Emerita, is the recipient of University of Detroit Mercy’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. She is being recognized for her professional achievement and distinguished career in higher education and for her visionary leadership in uniting Mercy College of Detroit and University of Detroit to form the University of Detroit Mercy.
Sister Maureen began her vocation as an educator, earning a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights College, a master’s in English from University of Detroit and her Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. She held both faculty and administrative positions at several higher learning institutions in Michigan and Illinois, and served as president of Mercy College of Detroit from 1983-1990.
Through a bold vision, she was at the forefront of uniting Mercy College of Detroit and University of Detroit to preserve the future of Catholic higher education in the city of Detroit. Sister Maureen skillfully collaborated, guided, and served as the first president of the consolidated University of Detroit Mercy from 1990-2004. She also had the distinction of being the first woman president of a Jesuit university. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the successful consolidation of the two institutions.
During her 14 years as UDM president, Sister Maureen led the University with wisdom and insight focusing on UDM’s mission – to provide academic excellence within a Catholic and urban context. Her accomplishments were numerous, including the Commission on the Future to help position UDM’s programs and plans for the 21st century; the $101.3 million Legacy Campaign; the Prioritization strategic planning process and Vision 2020 implementation; construction and renovation of facilities; modernization of the technological and physical infrastructure; and implementation of innovative programs. Her skills at strategic planning, commitment to the Detroit area, and ability to establish positive working relationships with students, faculty, alumni and the community have earned her much admiration and long-standing support.
Since 2004, she has been the executive director of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Leadership Seminar. Sister Maureen has shared her knowledge and expertise as a member of numerous university, health care, professional and corporate boards and committees.
Respected by her peers and honored for her community service, Sister Maureen is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Adrian Dominican Outstanding Achievement Award, the Alternatives for Girls Role Model Award and the Salvation Army William Booth Award. In addition, she has received honorary degrees from six esteemed schools: Siena Heights College, St. Thomas University, Marquette University, Xavier University and College of the Holy Cross as well as University of Detroit Mercy this past May.
Warren Loranger ’51, retired president and CEO of Pella Window & Door Company, is this year’s recipient of The Founders Award. He has been recognized for his commitment to his alma mater in the tradition of UDM’s Jesuit and Mercy founders.
Loranger earned his bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering at the University of Detroit after his service in the Air Force during World War II, where his education prepared him for his future business endeavors. His hard work and creativity produced a multi-million dollar company out of a modest start.
Loranger has remained an advocate for his alma matter and the School of Architecture. His generous financial gifts to the School of Architecture have led to significant renovations, including the Genevieve Fisk Loranger Exhibition Center and various interior and exterior project to the building. In 1994, the building was named in his honor to reflect his ongoing commitment to the School. Recently, he helped to support a new academic degree program in Architectural Engineering. Loranger continues to have the interest and well being of UDM students in mind.
Loranger’s personal philosophy is “to give back, to help people achieve whatever they are capable of doing.” He helps people in large and small ways through quiet philanthropic efforts, such as making a college education possible for several students or creating space for groups to undertake activities.
Several YMCAs have benefited from Loranger’s support: the Bay City YMCA, Bay City, MI; Venice Family YMCA, Venice, FL; and South County Family YMCA, Warren Loranger Englewood Branch. His contributions have also made a difference to the Englewood Art Center in Englewood, FL; Ringling College of Arts and Design; Raven Hill Discovery Center in Northern Michigan, the Boy Scouts of America, Bay County, MI; and Waterford Youth Assistance, Waterford, MI.
Loranger hopes to encourage others to support UDM’s mission by sharing his resources with his alma mater. He says, “People who understand the importance of the type of education UDM provides, and the foundation it gives to its graduates, will support the University’s work.” Warren Loranger truly exemplifies the Jesuit motto of being “Men for Others.”
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 23, 2010
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