John C. Freeman Scholarship

This campaign ended on June 30, 2022, but you can still make a gift to the scholarship fund by designating John Freeman Scholarship Fund University on the university giving page by clicking here.

The John C. Freeman Scholarship Fund honors the talents and legacy of Dr. Freeman, an inspirational professor and scholar whose wisdom, warmth, support, and humor impacted thousands of students across the University of Detroit Mercy for more than 33 years.

A Professor of English, John’s teaching and research were dynamic, interdisciplinary, and inspiring to students, colleagues, friends, and family. His presentations and publications spanned the centuries from Shakespeare to Tupac Shakur. His mentorship of students was characterized by a deep sense of care and personal attention. As expressed by one student, “he embodied authentic goodness and kindness like no other.”

Given John’s frequent tendency to treat his students to pizza, his daughter Emily has jokingly suggested that the Little Caesar’s at McNichols and Livernois may struggle a bit to stay in business now that her father is gone. His rushing to class through the halls of the Briggs building with a stack of warm pizza boxes will be a sight that will be dearly missed.

When not in the classroom or spending many hours in his office meeting with students, a large part of John’s Detroit Mercy life included his enthusiastic support for the University’s sports teams, and he almost never missed a home game in Calihan Hall, cheering on the Titans.

The proud father of two Detroit Mercy alumni, a loving husband, an integral member of the English Department, and a beloved member of the College of Liberal Arts faculty, John’s talents as a teacher, scholar, and as an always gracious and giving member of the Detroit Mercy community will be forever missed.

Awarded annually, the John C. Freeman Scholarship will honor Professor Freeman's deep dedication to the success of Detroit Mercy students. It will assist a deserving English major or minor in their sophomore or junior year.

You can make a one time gift or choose to make a larger gift over time by choosing the recurring gift option.

Donations by check can be made out to University of Detroit Mercy with John C. Freeman Scholarship in the memo line and sent to:

University Advancement

University of Detroit Mercy

4001 W. McNichols

Detroit, MI 48221