Each year, University of Detroit Mercy chooses an alumnus of each of its Colleges or Schools to honor as someone who has excelled in his or her profession, demonstrated outstanding leadership in work and devoted himself or herself in service to the larger community. Award recipients reflect the University’s mission of excellence and service and bring pride to their alma mater.
This year the University will celebrate eight honorees — Detroit Mercy Law selected a husband-wife team — at a special ceremony Friday, April 12, in the Ballroom in the Student Union. We will introduce the award winners here until the event. If you are interested in attending the event, you can purchase tickets here.
John D. Lewis began his business career in 1970 with Comerica Bank where, over 36 years he helped make it the giant it is today.
He wrapped up his career there as vice chairman and director of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank and a member of the management policy committee and management council. He was also responsible for the Individual and Investment Bank divisions and Comerica’s expansion into California, Texas and Florida. He then served as managing director of the investment banking firm of Donnelly Penman & Partners.
Lewis demonstrates dedication to civic leadership by serving on the boards of businesses like Flagstar Bankcorp and Flagstar Bank; arts organizations like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Stratford Festival of America; civic organizations such as the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and New Detroit, Inc.; and healthcare institutions such as the Greater Detroit Area Health Council and Beaumont Health System.
He also served as chairman of the board of trustees of University of Detroit Mercy.
This year’s other honorees are:
Allan Warnick, D.D.S. ’64, Chief Forensic Odontologist, Wayne County — School of Dentistry
Kathleen Reehil ’67, Retired, Workplace Strategist, Herman Miller — School of Architecture
Janet Robinson ’69, Provost Emerita, Lourdes College — College of Health Professions
Richard Kunnath ’71, President, Charles Pankow Foundation — College of Engineering & Science
Arlyce Seibert ’71, Retired Director of Schools, Cranbrook Schools — College of Liberal Arts & Education
Ralph McDowell ’86, Member, Bodman PLC, and Nancy Glen ’86, Director, Customer Happiness, ardentCause L3C — School of Law
