Cover Story

President Garibaldi, Timothy Kesicki, S.J., Judith Frikker, RSM
Regional leaders of the sponsoring orders Timothy Kesicki, S.J.,
and Judith Frikker, RSM, commission President Garibaldi to
follow the charisms of the sponsoring orders.

UDM celebrates the Inauguration of its 25th president

Antoine M. Garibaldi

University of Detroit Mercy celebrated an historic event on April 13, 2012—the Inauguration of its 25th leader, President Antoine M. Garibaldi.

President Garibaldi joined UDM nearly one year ago, after serving as president of Gannon University, a Catholic institution in Erie, Pa., for nearly 10 years. Recognized as a national scholar in higher education, President Garibaldi’s career spans more than 35 years as a tenured professor, accomplished researcher and educational administrator.

The following pages include President Garibaldi’s Inaugural Address*, where he highlights the histories and intentions of the Sisters of Mercy and the Jesuits as they embarked on establishing two Catholic institutions of higher learning—Mercy College of Detroit and University of Detroit—both committed to their ministries of education in Detroit, and both influencing the mission, vision and intentions of University of Detroit Mercy today.

John Lewis, Archbiship Vigneron, Antoine Garibaldi
UDM Board of Trustees Chair John Lewis '74 carries the
Presidential Medallion during the procession into Calihan
Hall for the installation ceremony, followed by Archbishop
Allen Vigneron and President Antoine Garibaldi.

The photos accompanying President Garibaldi’s address are a snapshot of the week of activities that led up to Inauguration. Throughout the week, approximately 125 faculty, staff, students and alumni participated in opportunities to serve in the community in such places as UDM’s Campus Kitchen, where UDM students and staff prepare meals for the homeless and less fortunate throughout the year, and Capuchin Kitchen, Gleaners Food Bank and Vista Maria. Students also held their annual talent show in honor of President Garibaldi.

Inauguration day began with Mass at Gesu Parish, presided by The Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, and concelebrated by 22 priests, representing the Jesuits, Josephites, diocesans and Bishop George Murry, S.J., of the Diocese of Youngstown (Ohio). Members of the Sisters of Mercy, faculty, staff and students presented Mass readings. Following Mass, were luncheons on the McNichols Campus for the UDM community and President Garibaldi’s family and guests. The installation ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries from the City of Detroit, State of Michigan and from the educational community, including former UDM presidents Maureen A. Fay, O.P., and Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., current presidents of Mercy and Jesuit institutions and other schools from around the country, and individuals from educational institutions from throughout President Garibaldi’s career. Also present were President Garibaldi’s family, friends, UDM Board trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and students.

The day ended with an elegant Inauguration Gala dinner at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit.

Read an abridged version of Inaugural Address of Antoine M. Garibaldi

Many more photos, President Garibaldi’s full Inaugural Address, as well as a video of the installation ceremony and much more are available on the Inauguration website.