Edward Schwartz Named Brother Rice Distinguished Alumnus

The Brother Rice High School Alumni Association has announced that Edward A. Schwartz, President of Bloomfield Hills-based Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. and a member of the school’s Class of 1987, has been chosen as the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus. Schwartz was presented with the award at the school’s annual Senior-Alumni Luncheon April 20 at Oakland Hills Country Club.

“I am very flattered by this award and very appreciative to Brother Rice,” said Schwartz, who was chosen by the Alumni Association’s officers, as well as past winners of the award. “The presence of my four brothers (Greg ’82, Walter ’83, Joseph ’84 and Peter ’93) as fellow alumni, along with my nephew, Will Schwartz ’12, made it particularly meaningful for me.”

Since graduating as Brother Rice’s Valedictorian and earning a degree from Georgetown, Schwartz has been an avid supporter of the school. In 2006, he became a member of the school’s Board of Directors, and he has served as the Chairman of that group since 2010.

“I am proud of Ed as a fellow alumnus, as the leader of our school, and as a model businessman and member of our community,” said Brother Rice President John Birney ’76. “But mostly I’m proud of him as a family man and a great person.”

Schwartz and his wife of 16 years, Nancy, reside in Bloomfield Hills and have three children: T.J. (age 14), Sam (11) and Mia (9). Per the Brother Rice Board of Director bylaws, Schwartz must vacate his seat in 2012-13, when T.J. enrolls at Brother Rice.

Michael Cassidy, who for 25 years has served the school as a member of the Maintenance staff, was recognized by the Alumni Association at the luncheon as an Honorary Alumnus. In May, Cassidy will be inducted into the school’s Silver Society, which recognizes employees for 25 years of service.

In addition, Tom Girardot ’12, of Franklin, will be honored as the graduating class’s Distinguished Senior. Following tradition, Girardot was chosen by his classmates.