On Tuesday, Oct. 19, Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi was interviewed on the Paul W. Smith show on WJR 760 AM about his relationship with General Colin L. Powell. Guy Gordon sat in as host for Smith’s show during the week of Oct. 18-22. Gordon engaged in a lengthy discussion with Garibaldi about his experiences at Howard University working closely with Powell from 1996-2000.
In the interview, President Garibaldi said that he was saddened to learn of the general’s passing, reflected on his steadfast commitment to America’s youth and his down-to-earth nature.
“He was truly an American hero and someone who cared deeply about our youth and education,” Garibaldi said. “It was my good fortune to have worked closely with him when he was a member of Howard’s Board of Trustees. He chaired my Academic Affairs Committee when I was the university’s first provost and chief academic officer. I learned many leadership lessons from him over those four years: and he provided valuable assistance in the advancement of my subsequent career. We have lost a great American.”