A Gift to Tomorrow's Titans of Law

Edward A. Khoury '51 filled his 93 years with adventure and accomplishments. And though he has passed away, he will still be doing great things for others far into the future, thanks to a generous gift he left Detroit Mercy Law in his estate plan.

He was born in West Virginia and grew up in Ohio, but it was Detroit that became his home. He served in the Navy during World War II and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and had a long, successful career as a defense attorney.

Khoury made friends everywhere he went, due in part to his skill as a charming orator. When he wasn't in the courtroom, he was usually on his farm, where he was a respected breeder of thoroughbred race horses. He loved horse racing and spent spare time at Detroit-area racetracks. But the real love of Khoury's life was his longtime companion Esther Kassab.

Khoury died on Christmas Eve, 2018, but he will be remembered by many, including future students of Detroit Mercy Law. In his estate, Khoury left a substantial gift to Detroit Mercy Law to establish the Edward A. Khoury Endowed Scholarship Fund. The intent is to assist the School in maintaining the affordability and quality of its programs by offering greater financial resources to students. The gift is a legacy to the type of man Khoury was, said Stephen Kassab, the executor of Khoury's estate.

"Ed loved the law and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law—they both were highly cherished throughout his life. I can't help but to think, that if Ed was with us today, how proud he would be to receive this recognition," Kassab said.