AJCU President Charles Currie, S.J. Receives Honorary Degree from the University of Detroit Mercy

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Contact: Melissa C. Di Leonardo
(202) 862-9893
mdileonardo@ajcunet.edu

Washington, DC (May 17, 2006) - Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J., president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), received an honorary degree from the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) at the university's commencement ceremony on May 13.

Fr. Currie has served in various Jesuit higher education leadership positions, including president of Wheeling Jesuit University from 1972 to 1982, and president of Xavier University from 1982 to 1986.

As AJCU President, Fr. Currie promotes numerous cooperative efforts among the 28 institutions, including initiatives that focus on mission and identity, leadership and international collaboration, and has increased the number of AJCU conferences and developed the Jesuit Distance Education Network (JesuitNET).

Excerpts from the citation honoring Fr. Currie read as follows:

As an educator, theologian, humanitarian and international traveler, you have been a strong advocate for Jesuit higher education throughout the world and have demonstrated your unwavering commitment to peace, justice and social responsibility.

During the past year, you demonstrated your leadership and values in reaching out to students affected by Hurricane Katrina. As president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), you initiated and coordinated a rapid response by Jesuit schools to admit displaced students from Loyola University New Orleans and other affected universities for the fall term. As a result, more than 1,600 students were able to continue their studies until they could return to their Gulf area schools.

Under your leadership since 1997, the AJCU has made great strides in developing positive public, private and ecumenical partnerships. Known for your congenial style and effective communication skills, you have successfully represented and positioned the Jesuit higher education community to the federal government, Catholic church officials and other higher education associations.

"I am grateful to be honored by such a vibrant and diverse institution as UDM," said Currie. "As with our 28 Jesuit institutions across the U.S., UDM's heritage is marked by a commitment to excellence and the search for truth, and I have every confidence that those students graduating from "the Jesuit university of Michigan" will carry these ideals with them as they pursue their professional interests."

In addition to honoring Fr. Currie, UDM awarded an honorary degree to Sister Mary Ellen Howard, RSM '68, Executive Director of St. Francis Cabrini Clinic of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

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