University mourns the passing of Fr. Gerry Albright, S.J.

UDM’s longtime professor of Biology Fr. R. Gerard Albright, S.J., died Sept. 22 at the Colombiere Jesuit Community in Clarkston, Mich. He was 97 and had been with the University for more than 60 years.

“In the course of this year, the Detroit Jesuit Community now mourns the death of a third Jesuit who served at the University of Detroit Mercy,” said Fr. J. Thomas McClain, S.J., superior of the Jesuit Community in Detroit. “Like our other Jesuit brothers, Gerry gave long years of commitment to the intellectual and spiritual life of this University. For both students and colleagues, using Jesus as his model, he was attentive to each, always calling for excellence so that they may use their talents for the good of others. Gerry's quiet presence and dedication will be remembered gratefully.”

Born April 1, 1926, Fr. Albright graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School and entered the Society of Jesus at Milford, Ohio, in 1944. He was ordained to the priesthood at West Baden, Ind., on June 18, 1958.

He earned an AB in Latin, a licentiate in Sacred Theology from Loyola University Chicago, and a master of Arts and doctorate in Biology from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola Chicago.

From 1960 to 2020 when he retired, Fr. Albright served at the University of Detroit and Detroit Mercy as a professor of Biology, chair of the Biology Department several times, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education and superior and dean of the Jesuit Philosophy Program.

In the Fall 2008 issue of Company magazine, Fr. Albright reflected on his then 50 years of service.

“Lending a hand to our students as they prepare for and face the ups and downs of life is itself a wonderful and worthwhile enterprise,” he was quoted as saying. “But to help them more intimately bring God into the picture is of key importance, and by far the greater challenge for me. Looking back over the decades, as well as ahead toward whatever is to come; I view this as the essence of what my call from God to life as a Jesuit is really all about.” 

This marks the third loss of a longtime Jesuit at Detroit Mercy in a year. On Oct. 27, 2022, Fr. Raphael Shen, S.J., who taught economics for 45 years, and on Nov. 8, 2022, Fr. Gerald F. Cavanagh, S.J., longtime professor in the College of Business Administration, passed away.

On the occasion of his 50th year of service, Detroit Mercy created the Rev. R. Gerard Albright, S.J. Scholarship, established by alumni, faculty and friends to provide support for Biology majors in the College of Engineering & Science at Detroit Mercy. Click here to give a gift in honor of Fr. Albright.

A wake will be held Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. and the funeral Mass for Fr. Albright will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. Both events are at the Colombiere Center, 9075 Big Lake Road, Clarkston, MI 48346.

Click here to read a 2016 interview by the Varsity News with Fr. Albright following his 90th birthday.

Remembrances

If you would like to share a short remembrance of Fr. Albright with the Detroit Mercy community, please email marcom@udmercy.edu. Please be sure to include Fr. Albright in the subject line. It may appear on this page in the near future.

"Fr. Albright was an outstanding professor and an incredibly kind human being. He had a gift for explaining biology and making you feel amazing after passing a difficult exam. He valued hard work and was so patient. One of my favorite people at the University. Rest in peace, Fr. Albright!" — Denisse Jolokai

"Gerry Albright was the BEST teacher that I had at University of Detroit. While I was struggling with academic probation my senior year of pre-med, he was also my academic advisor. He helped me put together the right courses to earn a 4.0 and graduate with a double major in biology and chemistry. He was the epitome of the Jesuit who blends professionalism, science and spirituality in a unique way. I remember him with gratitude and fondness. He was a great man." — Patrick O'Leary '63

"He had an incredible memory for people as well as biology facts. He taught both me and my mother Barbara Sorensen '66 and remembered her when she toured with me on parents weekend! A model professor and human, one of my favorite teachers ever. I'm sure he and Fr. Jerry (Cavanagh) are engaged in some witty repartee in heaven." — Ann Beckley-Forest '90

"Fr. Albright was a wonderful teacher and role model, and he was indeed my first mentor. He was quiet and kind, but academically he set high expectations to push us to better understanding. I still chuckle when I think about our first anatomy test; we all thought the test was completed after walking around the lab and identifying anatomic parts, but we were then stunned by the subsequent essay test where we had to prove we understood the subtle anatomic significance of things. His life was truly of service to others, and I am not certain I would have gotten into medical school had it not been for his advice and advocacy. When he somehow heard that I was struggling to cover tuition, he found some extra work for me so that I avoid transferring elsewhere. This is sad news for the UDM community as I never had a professor as committed to my personal success, and he has earned his eternal peace for a life that was well-lived." — John Rabine '91

"One of my personal favorite stories was about Father’s dissertation. He had intended to work on a Ph.D. in English, but there was a need in the Jesuit community for Father to work towards a Ph.D. in Biology and without hesitation, that’s what he did. His research was focused on the cranial anatomy of snakes and understanding their swallowing mechanisms. When given the opportunity to x-ray his snakes with the newest and most advanced technology, Fr. Albright jumped at the chance and put his snakes in a pillowcase then into his briefcase and took a train up to New York for the imaging. As a student, hearing this story made me think and feel, 'that’s just so freaking cool.' That is the awe factor and inspiration that he always gave students, and for me personally, later as a colleague." — Assistant Professor of Biology Nicole Najor '05

"I am one of those students whom Fr. Albright had so graciously taken under his wing as a non-traditional student, who by all rights barely stood a chance to succeed. I have thought of him so many times in my journey through medical school, residency and fellowship and well into my 18-year career as a Pediatric Radiologist. I owe so much to him as he believed in me when I barely could. I fought off all kinds of doubt in his honor ever since. Thank you, Fr. Albright. May you find peace and joy greater than all of the blessings you have provided others while here on earth. Praise God for Fr. Albright." — Jane Cook

"I am saddened to hear of Fr. Albright's passing, and I send condolences to his family, friends, Jesuit brothers and his many other colleagues. He was extremely helpful and supportive with my work on mouse behavior. He would take care of the small mouse colony on holidays. Having this colony enabled many students to experience research with live mice. Fr. Albright said it was easy to help take care of the mice because he lived on campus. This was probably true at first, but he continued helping after he started using a walker and a wheelchair. I truly appreciated his kind, gentle manner and consistent encouragement. May he rest in peace." — Professor Emerita of Psychology Elizabeth Hill

"Fr. Albright truly was the perfect example of the Jesuit philosophy. He was a dedicated, professional and spiritual man, who was incredibly thoughtful and kind to both his colleagues and the students. God Bless you father for everything that you have done. You will be greatly missed!" — Bonnie Naski

"Fr. Albright meant a lot to me and I am sure many others. I remember him vividly standing on Saturdays waiting for me. It made me feel as if I mattered. He tutored me regularly as I prepared to be an RN. He was humble and honorable. He lived a very admirable life." — Marlana Miller