Alumni John E. Lobbia, Charles R. Rutherford receive UDM awards

John E. Lobbia '64, and Charles R. Rutherford '53, '57, were honored with UDM awards for their contributions to the University and community, Sept. 25 at University of Detroit Mercy's Ignatian Circle Dinner.

John E. Lobbia '64

Lobbia, 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 fund-raising 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 and served on a variety of corporate boards.

Charles R. Rutherford '53, '57

Rutherford, who recently retired from 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 has provided 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 numerous awards and honors. 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.

Alumna joins Sisters of Mary

Andrea Hooper '07 recently joined the Sisters of Mary religious order in Ann Arbor, Mich. Hooper is a civil engineering alumna, who also received the 2007 Engineering Student of the Year award.

Call for Alumni of Year nominations

Alumni are invited to submit nominations for the Engineering and Science Alumni of the Year for 2010. The College is looking for alumni/nae who are not only widely recognized as leaders in their fields, but also those who have made outstanding contributions to the community, church and University in the spirit of their Jesuit and/or Mercy roots.

Please download the nomination form (PDF) or contact Melanie Dara at darame@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1218 for a form. Nominations must be received before Jan. 4, 2010 to receive full consideration.