Dennis Archer, former mayor of Detroit and current chairman of the Dickinson Wright law firm in Detroit, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Wayne State University at commencement ceremonies for WSU Law School graduates at 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, in the Detroit Opera House. Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid and Dean Joan Mahoney will preside over ceremonies at which more than 250 students will receive Juris Doctor or Master of Laws degrees.

Archer, who served two terms as mayor of Detroit before deciding not to seek reelection last fall, will be recognized for his outstanding achievements and for his contributions to the metropolitan Detroit community, the state and the nation. As Detroit mayor, he earned national accolades for improving he city's image and direction. He improved services to neighborhoods, introduced a new computer system to enhance administrative efficiency, led the resurgence of downtown Detroit and fostered greater cooperation with surrounding communities.

A graduate of Western Michigan University and Detroit College of Law, Archer has taught as an adjunct professor in the Wayne State University Law School. In 1985, he was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Gov. James Blanchard. He was elected to an eight-year term the following year.

He was named one of the most dynamic mayors in America by Newsweek magazine, one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans by Ebony magazine and one of the 100 Most Powerful Attorneys in the United States by the National Law Journal.

At the annual commencement ceremonies, for which Archer will be the guest speaker, the law school will present Professor of the Year Awards to faculty members Janet Findlater of Ypsilanti and David Moran of Ann Arbor. Findlateris an expert in legal issues involving domestic violence, and Moran's specialty is criminal law.