A Legacy of Giving Lives On

Lloyd E. Fitzgerald was dean of the College of Commerce and Finance at University of Detroit from 1935 to 1963. When he started his tenure, it was believed he was the youngest dean of a business school in the country. When he retired, it was believed he was the longest-serving dean of a business school in the country.

In between, he was the force behind many innovations at U-D, including night and weekend Business programs that helped countless nontraditional students, especially those returning from military service on the GI Bill. In addition, Fitzgerald was one of the earliest advocates for accreditation of business schools; in the early days, University of Detroit had one of only two business schools in Michigan accredited by a national body.

Fitzgerald’s legacy lives on in the Fitzgerald Scholarship, awarded by the College of Business Administration to a graduating senior who demonstrates scholarship, leadership and service to the University. Thanks to the annual contributions of his three sons, this scholarship in their father’s name continues for nontraditional students who want to pursue a career in business.

The Fitzgerald brothers recently spoke about their father and why they feel it is important to support the students who have entrusted their education to University of Detroit Mercy.

Jim Fitzgerald ’59 is the oldest of the three and had a long career in healthcare that took him around the country. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and many years later served as that school’s first Executive in Residence. He retired from his professional career in 2015.

“My brothers and I were asked to do something for the University and we were all blessed to be in a position to do something,” he said. “We felt honoring our father and his legacy was the right thing to do since he had done so much for the University and for its students.”

John Fitzgerald ’61, ’65, an attorney, has served as a district, probate and circuit court judge in Michigan.

“I recall many conversations with my dad and he said he had a special place in his heart for the students who were on the GI Bill and were struggling with kids and jobs,” he said. “This scholarship, I think, continues my father’s work.”

Jerry Fitzgerald ’63 is the youngest of the three brothers, though, being a twin, he was only three minutes younger than John. Jerry, too, had a long career in healthcare administration after earning a degree at University of Detroit. During his student years, he was a fencer and his school record of 44 wins to four losses stood for 20 years. He sees the support of Detroit Mercy as part of the family legacy.

“We grew up close to U-D; we all went to Gesu, University of Detroit High School and University of Detroit,” he remembered. “We came to all the football and basketball games and were very proud of the work our father did.” Part of that work was to bring allied health programming to the University. “It was and is such a dramatic need,” he said.

The brothers continue to give—in support of the Fitzgerald scholarship—and two have included the University in their estate plans to support the Fitzgerald Scholarship. “We were in Jesuit education for a long time,” Jim explained. “It’s in our blood and it’s Jesuit 101 to give back. We owe a lot to the University.”

The Fitzgerald scholarship has served as an inspiration to students who received it.

Craig L. Holt ’19 was a nontraditional student who received the Fitzgerald Scholarship in his senior year. As an adult, he returned to college to get his degree. He and his wife, Lakesha, have owned a party supply rental company for over 10 years. In gratitude for the scholarship support he received, the couple started a scholarship for other adult students.

It is Jesuit 101 to give back!

You too can change lives at U-D for students like Craig Holt, now and in the future. Please contact Teri Carroll at (313) 993-1262 or carroltl@udmercy.edu to learn more.