Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards
Thursday, Sept. 26
Student Union Ballroom
McNichols Campus
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
About the Awards
Detroit Mercy established the Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards to recognize the University’s distinguished graduates from each of its colleges and schools who have
- excelled in their chosen professions,
- demonstrated outstanding leadership in their work, and
- devoted themselves in service to the larger community.
Award recipients reflect the University’s mission of excellence and service and bring pride to their alma mater.
Congratulations to all of our honorees!
Be a part of the celebration!
To register guests for the upcoming ceremony, use the form on this page.
For event sponsorship or to purchase an ad in the Spirit Awards program, use the links below.
Each year, one distinguished alumnus is honored from each Detroit Mercy college and school. This year's honorees are:
Ina G. Fernandez, '74
College of Business Administration
President and CEO of Fern Capital, Inc., since 2015, Fernandez was named a Crain’s Detroit Business American Dreamer for her commitment to giving back. She is a board member of many Detroit organizations including the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) and is on the finance committee of the Motown Museum.
Larry Washington, '68, '69
College of Engineering & Science
As the corporate vice president for sustainability, environment, health and safety for Dow Chemical, Washington was on the forefront of corporate environmental stewardship. In his 37 years with the company, he spearheaded many improvements toward increasing transparency both internally and externally.
Renay L. Gagleard, ’88, ’90, ’09, ’10, ’15
College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing
A highly respected hospital administrator, Gagleard is a doctor of Nursing Practice and directs Women and Children’s Services, Pain and Palliative Care, Nursing Education and Advanced Practice Providers Service at St. Joseph Oakland Hospital. She is the recipient of the region’s highest nursing honor, the Nightingale Award.
Pamela Carter, '71
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Carter served the state of Indiana as deputy chief of staff and executive assistant for health policy and human services. She was the first Black woman to be elected state attorney general in the United States.
William R. Chase, '72
School of Dentistry
Chase has treated more than 10,000 underserved patients overseas in more than 50 years as a practicing dentist. He also volunteers around the world to teach dentists the latest techniques and practices to better serve their patients.
Hon. Terrance A. Keith, '84
School of Law
Keith was appointed to the Wayne County Probate Court by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2010 and has since won re-election. He founded the Straker Bar Association in 1990 to promote legal practice opportunities for lawyers of color in Oakland County and has received several honors for his contributions to the legal profession.
Stephen Vogel, '70, '75
School of Architecture & Community Development
Vogel was the dean of the School of Architecture at Detroit Mercy for 18 years, and is largely responsible for the School’s mission of engagement in service to urban neighborhoods and building sustainable communities. He co-founded the internationally-known Detroit Collaborative Design Center, which works with nonprofit civic and community organizations.