UDM Events

UDM News

From the Alumni Association President
Fall 2008

The new academic year is underway, and we welcome over 200 recent graduates of the law school as new members of the Alumni Association. Planned events maintain our traditions, adding twists and turns to appeal to alums of all ages.

The first order of business, of course, was the Red Mass. On September 23, 2008, the Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, S.T.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit , provided an inspiring but sobering reflection of the historical roots of the Red Mass and its focus on justice, as that term has been defined through the ages.

Less than two weeks later, the Reunion Weekend kicked off with Pub Night at BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon on October 3rd, where a standing room-only crowd caught up with classmates and other alums. The fun run on Saturday benefited the School of Law’s Public Interest Fellowship Program. The Saturday night reception took place in historic Kresge Court at the beautiful, newly-renovated Detroit Institute of Arts, a natural location for recognizing Detroit-born and raised Hon. Patrick J. Duggan (’58) as Law Alumnus of the Year. His distinguished legal service includes private practice and adjunct professor at Madonna University, but most know him through his judicial career on Wayne County Circuit Court (1977-1986) and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (1987-present, Senior status effective 2000). He is also president of the UDM chapter of the American Inns of Court.

Mark your calendars for the Texas Hold’Em Tournament, November 22, 2008, to be held at the law school. We are also planning a special Time & Talent event for January 22, 2009, honoring Michael V. Morgan (’72) at Calihan Hall during the UDM-University of Illinois-Chicago basketball game. Mike, a long-time supporter of UDM basketball and the law school, worked hard to establish the 651 Club at the law school, borrowing heavily from the Cal Club in the process. The Public Interest Fellowship Auction and Tiger game are also on the drawing board for 2009.

Alumni participation is crucial to the continued success of the law school. Attendance at the various events is a great way to retain contact with fellow alums and avail yourself of services and opportunities the law school can continue to offer you on a professional basis. Your continued financial support is also most valuable and greatly appreciated. The Riverfront Campus Campaign is moving full speed ahead, with alumni gifts being critical as we approach the June 1, 2009 fundraising deadline to obtain $2 million from The Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant. New and expanded programs and services have raised the UDM profile nationally and locally, but money is needed to maintain and expand these programs and the School of Law facilities to better educate students and serve the needs of the community.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors represents your interests at the law school. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mike Costello who stepped down as President after leading the Alumni Association for three years with commitment, vision and most of all enthusiasm. During Mike’s tenure, we instituted online access to the law school and the Alumni Association. Please visit the web site for news and events such as those listed. Links to nomination forms for Alumni Board membership and Alumnus of the Year are also found at the web site. Additional information is available through Dean Gordon’s email updates (if you are not on his listserve, please let him know – gordonmc@udmercy.edu) or contact board members, listed on this page.

We are grateful for your support, past, present and the future as well. There are many ways to contribute to ensure a lasting success, and each is important and appreciated. You know the importance of your legal education; now you can help make that opportunity a reality for others.

Jane Sullivan Colombo, ’79
President