Detroit Mercy Receives Nearly 7-Figure Gift for Theatre Scholarships

The donation from the estate of Christine Leonard will fund scholarships for theatre students with financial need.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The University of Detroit Mercy's Theatre Department has received a nearly seven-figure estate gift from the late Christine Leonard, the mother of a university alumna. The donation will revive and endow a scholarship for theatre students with financial need, helping to make the program more affordable for prospective students.

Why it matters

The gift will provide critical financial support for aspiring theatre students, addressing a major barrier many face in pursuing their passions. It also marks a significant investment in the university's Theatre Department, which plays an important role in the local arts community.

The details

The donation comes from the estate of Christine Leonard, who was the mother of 1994 Detroit Mercy alumna Geraldine Regal. Geraldine's father, David Regal, founded the University of Detroit's Theatre Company and spent 44 years on the faculty. The scholarship being revived was first established in 1995 in memory of Geraldine, who passed away at age 23 after being struck by a drunk driver. Christine Leonard, who later married acclaimed crime novelist Elmore Leonard, was described as a dedicated supporter of the university's theatre program.

  • The donation was announced by university officials this week.
  • The newly revived scholarship could begin awarding funds as early as this fall.

The players

University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Department

The university's theatre program, which interacts with hundreds of young performers each year through recruiting events, workshops, and productions.

Andrew Papa

Chair of the Theatre Department and an associate professor of Theatre at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Christine Leonard

The late mother of a University of Detroit Mercy alumna, whose estate gift is funding the theatre scholarships.

Geraldine Regal

A 1994 University of Detroit Mercy alumna who passed away at age 23 after being struck by a drunk driver, in whose memory the scholarship was first established in 1995.

David Regal

The founder of the University of Detroit's Theatre Company, where he spent 44 years on the faculty, and the father of Geraldine Regal.

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What they’re saying

“This gift means a great deal to the program. While we hope this will lead to increased visibility of our program, the department is especially excited about the increased opportunity it will provide for our prospective students.”

— Andrew Papa, Chair of the Theatre Department and an associate professor of Theatre at the University of Detroit Mercy (freep.com)

“She really dug The Theatre Company, and I think she's shown that by the donation.”

— David Regal, Founder of the University of Detroit's Theatre Company (freep.com)

What’s next

The newly revived scholarship could begin awarding funds as early as this fall.

The takeaway

This significant gift from the estate of Christine Leonard will provide critical financial support for aspiring theatre students at the University of Detroit Mercy, helping to make the program more accessible and opening up new opportunities for prospective students.