Titan going strong at 104

In 2017, Philas Kelly received a Valor of Honor quilt  from the 107th Observation Guard, which he joined in 1937.
In 2017, Philas Kelly received a Valor of Honor quilt from the 107th Observation Guard, which he joined in 1937.

The Campaign for University of Detroit Mercy is moving along toward its $100,000,000 goal to enhance student financial aid, upgrade facilities and programming, attract and retain nationally known experts to our faculty and build the University endowment.

Donations come in all sizes and among the number of donations last week we counted one for $5 and several for $1,000 or more. Thank you, all.

Sometimes donors send little notes with their gifts and we thought this one was worth printing. It’s from a man who may just be our oldest alumnus, Philas J. Kelly, whose card that accompanied the donation states “now in my 104th year.”

“Greetings,” he writes in strong cursive, “At age 37, working in the Ford Motor general office, I enrolled in the University of Detroit Evening School.

“Five years later, in 1955, I received a business degree. History!!

“Thought you might enjoy reading.”

The card also includes a brief history of Kelly’s life, starting in 1913 when he was born in Ahmic Harbour, Ontario, Canada. Ten years later, he moved to Detroit with his family and in 1935 he started his career at Ford as an hourly laborer, doing skilled and clerical tasks. He joined the National Guard 107th Observation Group in 1937 and believes he is the only living member of the group. Last year, the group gave him a Valor of Honor Quilt for his years of service.

In 1940, he moved to Ford’s general office, serving in many areas including sales analysis, market research and distribution. He retired in 1974.

He also is proud he is the oldest living member of the Michigan National Guard and the Photographic Society of America, which he joined in 1960.

Thank you, Mr. Kelly, for all you have done and continue to do.

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