Enjoy a decades worth of fantastic ATP broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Air date: 11/9/25

This week’s episode is the second half of an Ask The Professor show recorded at Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus library at Homecoming 2025.  With Professors Matt Mio, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning, Danielle Maxwell, Brian Curtis, Erin Bell, Jim Tubbs and Dave Chow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 11/2/25

[00:28:16]

With Professors Matt Mio, Beth Oljar, Dan Maggio, Erin Bell, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning and Dave Chow.

atp 2609 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 10/26/25

[00:28:40]

For this week’s episode, we’re enjoying some ATP memories from October 2024.  Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Mara Livezey, Erin Bell, Jim Tubbs, Beth Oljar, Dan Maggio and Dave Chow.

ATP 2608 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 10/19/25

[00:28:47]

Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Heather Hill, Jim Tubbs, Beth Oljar, Danielle Maxwell, Stephen Manning, Dan Maggio and Dave Chow.

ATP 2607 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 10/12/25

[00:28:44]

With Professors Matt Mio, Danielle Maxwell, Dan Maggio, Beth Oljar, Jim Tubbs, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning and Dave Chow

atp 2606 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Mission Micro-Grant Evaluation Committee and Office of Mission Integration are pleased to announce the 2025-26 Mission Micro-Grant Award recipients.

The program makes annual grants of up to $200 to any full- or part-time UDM faculty or staff member in support of activities that promote Detroit Mercy’s mission of being a Catholic, Mercy, Jesuit, urban and student-centered University.

Since its start in 2008, the program has supported over 380 mission-based projects and events. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

• Jennifer Ahlquist (MSON/CHP): Support for a campus-wide mindfulness collective and book club
• Ashlee Barnes, Sherry McConnell, Rahima Ahmed, Matthew Rios (CHP): Support for a peer-to-peer student mental wellness campaign
• Danielle Bluford, Stacey Stevens (CHP): Support for a campus screening and dialogue featuring Detroit author and activist Dr. Yusef Shakur
• Angela Davis (CHASS): Support to stock a student pantry housed in Briggs Building
• Amy Ferguson (UDMSO): Support for a community dinner and study strategies session for Optometry students
• Sarah Foster RSM, Felicia Hartinger (University Academic Services/Student Success Center): Support to provide menstrual supplies in McNichols Campus Library public restrooms
• Cindy Gillham (McNichols Campus Library): Support for the McNichols Campus Library’s seed library
• Mary-Catherine Harrison, Melissa Converse (CHASS): Support for Rx for Reading Detroit to develop a reading celebration for its United Children and Family Head Start partners
• Sarah James, Kia Hart, Tommie Smith, Tony De La Rosa (CES): Support for meditative coloring supplies for CES students
• Andrea Kwasky (MSON/CHP): Support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Thad Lindsay, Chris Nichols (CES): Support to offer a hands-on workshop to local high school students in the McShane Makerspace
• Nour Lyon (CHP): Support for gratitude journals for Physician Assistant students
• Chelsea Manning (Titan Equity Nourish Network/Institute for Leadership and Service) Support for produce deliveries in collaboration with Princeton Street Block Club (PSBC) and Theresa Maxis Senior Apartments
• Molly McClelland, Megan Conrad (CHP/CES): Gift cards for community clients working with Nursing and Engineering student teams in Prototype Design & Assistive Technology courses
• Phillip Olla (CHP): Support for community digital literacy and practical AI training micro courses
• Kahtara Richardsen (CHP): Support to provide menstrual supplies in CHP public restrooms
• Alexa Rihana (CES): Support to stock a student pantry housed in CES
• Jessica Rouser (Scholarship & Financial Aid): Support to stock a student pantry housed in the Student Union
• Justin Williams (AAS/CHASS): Support for site visits for the new course AAS 3000: A Black Studies Tour of Detroit: Place-Based-Humanities
• Valerie Williams (CHASS): Support to stock a hospitality room housed in Reno Hall

Learn more information about the Mission Micro-Grants on its webpage or contact Rosemary Weatherston, director of the Mission Micro-Grant Program, at weatherr@udmercy.edu.

On Nov. 11, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Debbie Stieffel spoke at “Navigating the Gen Z Shift: Adapting to New Student Expectations,” a webinar hosted by The Chronicle of Higher Education and sponsored by Kaplan. Her talk offered valuable perspectives on Gen Z motivations and provided insight on how to support students for career success.

Big papers, projects, and deadlines coming up? You don’t have to do it alone.

Join us for community writing hours in the McNichols Campus Library (first floor) for a full day of:

• Writing
• Support
• Accountability
• Community

Dates & Times:

• Friday, November 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, November 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, December 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Power through your end-of-term assignments at one or all of these sessions, hosted by Dr. Hardy and The Writing Center.

Learn the basics of self-defense in this free, interactive course, led by a personal safety and martial arts expert, on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Group Activities Room of the Whitty Student Fitness Center. All students and employees are welcome.

Studies show that self-defense courses improve confidence and reduce women’s vulnerability to violence. Focused on situational awareness, personal assertiveness and verbal and physical strategies for keeping yourself safe, this course teaches self-defense techniques in a fun, empowering environment.

The event is sponsored by the Office of Equal Opportunity and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Detroit Mercy.

With any questions, please email Megan Novell, executive director of the UDM Office of Equal Opportunity, at novellme@udmercy.edu.

All Detroit Mercy students are invited to attend an evening of professional and personal development at the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) Annual Student Etiquette Dinner. This event is set for Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m. in The Loft, located in the Student Union.

Business attire is encouraged.

This year, alumni from the Women of Stellantis along with keynote speaker Teresa Thiele, senior vice president of Global Purchasing Programs at Stellantis, will present as well as lead roundtable discussions regarding the following topics:

• The power of saying “no” with confidence
• Innovative problem solving
• Crafting a compelling elevator pitch that leaves a lasting impression
• Mastering negotiation techniques

Complete registration here.

All are welcome for the November gathering of the Creative Writing Collective at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 inside of the Briggs Building, Room 202. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends are all welcome!

The topic for the third collective of the semester is Documentary Poetics with Isaac Pickell.

No expertise or experience is necessary for the Creative Writing Collective. With any questions or for more information on the CWC, please email english@udmercy.edu.

University of Detroit Mercy’s alumni magazine Spiritus won the 2025 Best of District V Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). This recognition places Spiritus among the top creative and innovative college and university magazines across the Midwest.

The award was announced Nov. 4. CASE made special recognition of the magazine’s outstanding storytelling, design and impact. UDM’s winning edition of the magazine was the spring 2024 issue, which was selected from submissions across District V (Great Lakes District), a part of the country that includes 400+ member institutions from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Spiritus is delivered to 67,000 households across the country biannually. In addition, the electronic version is read by thousands more. Each issue highlights Detroit Mercy’s past, present and future by showcasing stories from all eight schools and colleges. The magazine seeks to engage a broad audience beyond the University and creatively connect readers to additional news resources, including the University’s website and blog.

Editor-in-chief Ron Bernas and creative designer Gaby Rivas led a thoughtful redesign of Spiritus in 2023 that continues to resonate with alumni and other readers. This CASE recognition reflects their exceptional expertise in feature writing, graphic design and visual narratives.

“We are incredibly proud of our marketing and communications team for receiving the CASE Best of District V Award for Spiritus this year,” said Dennis Carlesso, vice president for University Advancement at Detroit Mercy. “This achievement demonstrates the remarkable creativity and collaboration behind the magazine and highlights MarCom’s dedication to showcasing the spirit and faith in action that define our university.”

CASE District V serves as a leading resource for professionals in alumni relations, communications, development and marketing, with a purpose to help advance the cause of education. The award affirms Detroit Mercy’s commitment to compelling, mission-driven storytelling.

Members of UDM’s MarCom department will attend the CASE District V Annual Conference in Indianapolis, April 27-29, 2026, where they will receive the award.

Learn more about CASE and its awards.

In 1950, a gallon of gas cost just $0.27, and the world had yet to experience color television. Here on the McNichols Campus, our Library first opened its doors — a new home for knowledge, reflection and community.

Seventy-five years later, while the world has gone digital, our Library remains rooted in the same values: curiosity, discernment and the pursuit of truth.

All are welcome to join us on Friday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the McNichols Campus Library as we celebrate its 75th birthday and mark this special moment with a re-blessing of the building led by Fr. Charles Oduke.

Cake and punch will be served.

Kevin Burke, S.J., will give a lecture titled, “Cries of the Heart: Denise Levertov and the Martyrs of El Salvador,” on Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. inside Room 114 of the Chemistry Building. Fr. Burke has written and edited books on the theology of Ignacio Ellacuria, who was one of the Jesuits martyred in El Salvador in 1989. He will share his reflections and the message of the martyrs for our world today.

The event is organized by the Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive (CLASA) and co-sponsored by the Arthur J. McGovern, S.J. Catholic Studies Program and the Detroit Mercy Mission Effectiveness Team

All are welcome to this free event.

Fr. Burke will also join the UDM community by presiding at a Mass in memory of the UCA Jesuit Martyrs, on the anniverary of their deaths, Sunday Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. The mass will be held at the St. Ignatius Chapel on the first floor of the Commerce & Finance Building.

Fr. Burke has been the vice president for Mission at Regis University in Colorado for the past seven years. Previously, he was Dean and a faculty member at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara Berkeley. From 1997 to 2006, he was a member of the faculty of Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering & Science is set to host the 12th annual Research Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. All are welcome.

This annual event showcases the work of both graduate and undergraduate students, with more than 100 research posters representing a wide range of disciplines taught at the University.

Attendees, including high school students and alumni, will have the chance to connect with student researchers, learn about their projects and discover the importance of hypothesis-driven research.

Lunch will be served, and prizes will be awarded to students for research excellence in both Engineering and Science categories, as well as a participant-voted People’s Choice award.

Detroit Mercy’s Emerging Leaders Program will host a Leadership Slam on Tuesday, Dec. 2, with two amazing alumni, who will share how their education, resilience and vision have shaped success.

This is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable insights and be inspired to take bold steps on their own leadership journeys. All are welcome.

Slam 1 will take place from 2:30-3:45 p.m. with Slam 2 to follow at 4:30-5:45 p.m., both in the Health Professions Facility, Room 124.

Both alumni will be speaking in Slam 1 & Slam 2.

Meet our speakers:

• Angelo Vitale, J.D., General Counsel, Rocket Companies (Retired): Vitale provided strategic business and legal guidance throughout his career, serving as the first CEO of Rocket Central and EVP/general counsel of Rocket Mortgage, where he specialized in leasing, litigation and regulatory compliance.
• Michael Birney, B.B.A., CMO, I Natural Way: Birney drives business growth with advanced marketing tech, leveraging his experience as a former Google Growth Strategist and an ML Champion to apply teamwork and strategy for success.

For more information about this event, please contact Program Director Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster at zimmerka@udmercy.edu or 586-873-1743.

On Nov. 8, Department Co-chair and Professor of History Roy Finkenbine presented a paper titled “The Colored Vigilant Committee of Detroit: An Incubator of Revolutionary Abolitionist Thought” at the annual meeting of the Society for U.S. Intellectual History in Detroit. The conference was co-sponsored by Detroit Mercy’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and History Department.

Titans, join up with Section 313, the official student section for Titan basketball home games, on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. inside of the Whitty Student Fitness Center prior to the men’s basketball home opener inside of Calihan Hall.

Join in for free pizza, pop, and a pregame playlist prior to marching over to Calihan Hall at 6:35-40 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. game start as the Titans take on Cleary. The home opener theme is Titan Pride, so wear your best red, white and blue gear to cheer on the Titans!

All students gain entrance into all home basketball games for free with their UDM student ID card.

Follow Section 313 on Instagram (@UDMSection313) all season long for updates, promos and more. Go Titans!

UDM students who have worked at the Detroit Mercy Libraries or Varsity News or volunteered with the Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN), for at least one year — and plan to continue with these activities — may now apply for the Adia J. Palmer Memorial Scholarship. Students pursuing studies in Performing Arts or Communications are also encouraged to apply.

The scholarship is intended to help cover the costs of textbooks and lab fees at the University. The Detroit Mercy Libraries, Varsity News and TENN launched this scholarship in 2023, to honor Adia’s legacy of creativity, inspiration and elevation, as well as her desire to spread joy, peace and love to make the world a better place.

The deadline for applications for the 2025-2026 scholarship is Dec. 1.

While the number and dollar amount of this year’s scholarships is yet to be determined, awardees will be notified by mid-December 2025, and scholarships may be used as early as the 2026 Winter semester. Last year, six $500 scholarships were awarded to outstanding students who exemplified Adia’s legacy.

For more information about the scholarship or to apply, please visit: Adia J. Palmer Memorial Scholarship website.

Apply here.

You can now receive your 1098T tax statement electronically in a fast, secure and convenient manner.

To sign up and complete eConsent:

1. Visit heartland.ecsi.net
2. Register or sign in to your account
3. Go to “Your Communication Center”
4. Choose “Tax Statement eConsent”
5. Click “Add New Consent” and follow the prompts

Deadline to complete eConsent is Dec. 31.

For any questions, visit the Student Accounting Office in the Student Union or email studentaccounts@udmercy.edu.

The International Services Office (ISO) will host Detroit Mercy’s annual International Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All UDM students, faculty and staff are welcome to the night, which is being hosted in the Student Union Ballroom. Come and celebrate our cultural diversity through food, entertainment and community.

Sign up here!

Detroit Mercy Student Life is hosting the third installment of the Makers Series, a jewelry-making workshop, from 12-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Student Union Lower Level.

All are welcome to drop in any time and Fer, from Cracks On the Shell Jewelry, will guide participants through hands-on techniques for crafting unique, sustainable jewelry from thrifted materials.

All the tools and materials will be provided, and you will construct a beautiful piece of jewelry to take home with you.

Detroit Mercy’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology M.A. Program will host an unscripted chat with alumna Morgan Kruger entitled Real Talk. Real Work Journeys. We Owe it to Each Other on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Health Professions Facility, Room 124.

All are welcome to enjoy this evening of insight, networking and exploration of the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Kruger is a passionate learning and development professional dedicated to helping individuals grow into their next career step. As a regional training specialist at Webasto Roof Systems, a Tier 1 automotive sunroof supplier, she designs and delivers impactful programs in leadership, change management, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and communication. Since joining Webasto as an onboarding specialist, Kruger has led major organizational projects including the company’s Apprenticeship Program, a $3 Million training grant project, and regional Culture and Change Ambassador programs.

For more information about this event, please contact Program Director Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster at zimmerka@udmercy.edu or 586-873-1743.

Detroit Mercy’s International Services Office (ISO) invites faculty and staff to open their homes this Thanksgiving by hosting an international student for dinner.

Many of our international students are eager to experience American Thanksgiving traditions in a home setting. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your holiday, learn about different cultures and create lasting memories. Past participants have described the experience as deeply rewarding.

If interested in participating, please complete the survey below by Friday, Nov. 7. Hosts should receive their student matches and guest details by Friday, Nov. 15.

For any questions, please contact Alison Roberts at robertad1@udmercy.edu.

Sign up here.

A fresh adaptation of a Shakespearean classic, Twelfth Night, opens Detroit Mercy Theatre Company’s 55th season and celebrates the company’s return to University of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus with the opening of the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre.

Six performances will run in back-to-back weekends, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 7-16.

Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare and adapted by Marc Palmieri, follows twins Viola and Sebastian, separated by a shipwreck and stranded on the peculiar land of Illyria. Disguising herself as a young man, Viola finds employment in the service of the noble Duke Orsino, only to fall hopelessly in love with him. But Orsino has his sights set on the enigmatic Countess Olivia and enlists Viola—unaware of her identity—to carry his amorous pleas. In an unexpected twist, Olivia finds herself smitten with the disguised Viola instead.

“Shakespeare is always relevant to today’s world, which is why his plays have remained with us for so long,” said Andrew Papa, chair of the Department of Performing Arts. “Not only that, Twelfth Night is one of his best comedies, and it’s in times like these that comedies are just the reprieve the world needs.”

This production marks the debut of the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre on UDM’s McNichols Campus. This modern performance space will give students the opportunity to develop their craft and share their work with audiences, while also providing a welcoming place for cultural and artistic events that will benefit both the campus and the wider community.

“After more than a decade away, Detroit Mercy Theatre Company is thrilled to be returning home to McNichols Campus,” said Sarah Hawkins Rusk, managing director of DMTC and director of Twelfth Night. “Our new theatre will be a dynamic hub for creativity on campus, offering students a professional-caliber space to learn and grow.”

Joining the students on stage for this celebratory production are chair Andrew Papa and UDM alumni Peter Prouty ’00 and Kaelyn Johnson ’22. “As an actor in the show, it’s refreshing to perform alongside our eager students and our stellar alumni,” Papa said. “Getting the opportunity to perform with our students and some of our top alumni has been an incomparable experience, and I look forward to bringing this text to life in our brand-new, permanent home for the arts at University of Detroit Mercy.”

The DMTC Ticket Office is open Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., with tickets being available for purchase anytime online. Individual tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors and Detroit Mercy faculty, staff and alumni, and $10 for veterans and students (ages 4-college). Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. To schedule your group, contact Sarah Rusk at 313-993-3273.

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS

• Nov. 7: Friends and Family Night. Sponsored by Thomas E. Page ’71, ’76. This performance is invitation only.
• Nov. 8: Celebration of the Grand Opening of the Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre. This performance is invitation only.
• Nov. 9: College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (CHASS) & University of Detroit Mercy at the Theatre. Free tickets for students, faculty and staff of University of Detroit Mercy with valid I.D. A talkback following the performance led by a CHASS faculty member is presented as a part of the Detroit Theatre Discussion Project.
• Nov. 14: High School Night. Free tickets and talkback with student cast and crew following the performance for high school students and their families. Call 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu for details and reservations.
• Nov. 15: Community Night. $10 ticket for all patrons.
• Nov. 16: Closing Night

Get tickets here.

University Ministry will host a special time of prayer on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the Holy Spirit Chapel, located in the Student Union, Lower Level.

Together, we will pray the Rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion, in support of Pope Leo XIV’s monthly intention for November: the prevention of suicide. This is a topic close to the hearts of many, and all members of the UDM community are welcome to share this moment of reflection and hope with Jesus and one another.

Rosary beads and “how-to” guides will be provided, so whether you’re familiar with the Rosary prayers or joining for the first time, you’ll be able to follow along and participate.

Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) invites the campus community, architecture professionals and anyone interested in international work and entrepreneurship to attend an upcoming lecture featuring Marisol González, principal of M-G Estudio and faculty member at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico.

The lecture, titled “Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Architect: Reflections and Practice,” will take place on Friday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building Exhibition Space. This lecture is free and open to the public.

González will share insights from her journey as both educator and practitioner, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the transition from academic study to professional practice. Her talk will explore the intersection of architecture, entrepreneurship and international collaboration.

This visit is part of an ongoing teaching collaboration between Detroit Mercy and Tec de Monterrey’s architecture program. González will be accompanied by architecture students from Tec de Monterrey, furthering the institutions’ commitment to cross-cultural educational exchange.

For more information, contact Associate Professor of Architecture & Community Development Tadd Heidgerken at heidgetw@udmercy.edu.

University of Detroit Mercy recently announced a set of refreshed core values created through a collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff and alumni. Using language that is easy to understand, the newly articulated values will guide the University’s mission and future.

The launch and dissemination of these core values come during an exciting time of growth for the University, highlighted by strong national rankings and new academic programs. The new core values are:

• Educating the Whole Person: Fostering academic excellence, transformative learning and holistic well-being for every member of the community by integrating intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development.
• Cultivating a Diverse Community: Nurturing an inclusive environment where every individual belongs and thrives
• Embodying Mercy & Compassion: Upholding a commitment to radical hospitality, respect for the dignity of each person and the care of all creation.
• Fostering Faith & Justice: Promoting academic inquiry and spiritual practices that inspire the pursuit of a more just world.
• Serving & Leading in Detroit: Working with surrounding communities and diverse partners to pursue the common good and optimal well-being for all.

“Our renewed core values are the result of a profound, University-wide reflection on our shared identity,” said President Donald B. Taylor. “They speak to who we are as an institution, honoring our deep history while pointing toward a hopeful future.”

The collaborative group of faculty, staff, students and alumni that worked to develop the refreshed core values met for several months gathering input from stakeholders. In June, Fr. Charles Oduke, vice president for Mission Integration at the University, formally presented the values to the Board of Trustees, which approved them during the summer meeting. In mid-August, Taylor and Oduke formally announced the values to faculty and staff during the annual President’s Convocation.

The announcement of UDM’s new Core Values is timely. In the recent 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings, the University rose to No. 36 in the nation, making it the No. 1 private university in Michigan and the No. 3 Catholic university in the U.S. This ranking reflects Detroit Mercy’s exceptional outcomes in graduate salary impact and social mobility. UDM also received recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report ‘Best Colleges’ edition, ranking No. 22 nationally in the Best Value Schools category.

This momentum is supported by the development of several new programs designed to increase accessibility and meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce. These include:

• The launch of Michigan’s first fully online J.D. program at the School of Law, with the first cohort starting in fall 2026.
• The creation of the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and new undergraduate degrees in Health Sciences and Sports & Exercise Sciences within the College of Health Professions.
• A new School of Optometry and Detroit Mercy Eye Institute.

“These values reaffirm UDM’s commitment to our Jesuit, Mercy, Catholic educational mission emphasizing academic excellence, service and a deep sense of purpose,” explained Oduke. “Combined with our climbing national rankings and new, innovative programs, we are confident these principles will strengthen our community partnerships and enhance the experience of our students for years to come.”

Detroit Mercy held its annual Ethics Bowl on Halloween with Ethical Estrogen — a five-woman team consisting of Abbey Klaft (Biology), Liv Peterson (English), Erin Flynn (Business Administration), Allison Fluker (Business Administration) and Mia Hubbell (Psychology) — going undefeated during the event to claim first place.

Guardians of Integrity, comprised of Elijah Wilson (Political Science), Kristina Federov (Engineering), Jasmine Hunley (Engineering), Thomas Simasko (Political Science) and Unique Taylor (Business Administration), placed second.

The returning champions, Tomato Sandwiches — a team of Isabelle Francis (Political Science and Cybersecurity), Kelsie Shammami (Political Science) and Kaleb Smith (Political Science) — finished in third place. Honorable mention was the squad of Chris Davis (Philosophy), Klara Karkookly (Philosophy) and Gowana Mancill (Criminal Justice). Thanks to all who took part in the event!

The Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) and the Physician Assistant Program are hosting a month-long food drive this November to support our local community, especially as changes to SNAP benefits increase the need for support.

We are collecting non-perishable and dry food items all month long.

Drop-off locations are as follows:

• College of Health Professions
• Student Union Lower Level Lobby
• Fitness Center Lobby
• Library (drop-off begins after Nov. 17)
• SACD Main Office

No items to bring? You can still help. Monetary donations are being accepted via Venmo @William-Beaumont-1 and will be used to purchase food items for families in need. For any questions or want to get involved, email mannincp@udmercy.edu.

Students are invited to join the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) and the National Career Development Association in celebration of National Career Development month in November. This year’s theme is “The Evolution of Work: Careers in the Past, Present and Future.”

Several events will be offered throughout the month of November to help students understand current employment trends and how to prepare for their future careers.

Students can attend one or more of the following events to celebrate National Career Development month:

• Enterprise Mobility virtual office hours: Monday, Nov. 3, from 12-2 p.m., virtual on Zoom
• Practice interviews with CCPD and professional recruiters: Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (pre-registration required), Student Union, Lower Level, Room 86
• Job Search Strategies for International Students: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 1-2 p.m., Engineering Building, Room 134
• Negotiating your Salary & Benefits Workshop: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 1-2 p.m., Student Union, Lower Level, Room 86
• Ponder the Possibilities: Careers in Technology: Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 12:30-2 p.m., Student Union, Fountain Lounge
• Confident Conversations: Succeeding in Interviews with Ease: Monday, Nov. 17, 12:45-1:30 p.m., Student Union, Room 201
• Money Management, presented by Alliance Catholic Credit Union: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 12:45-1:45 p.m., Student Union, Room 206

For questions, please contact careerlink@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1017.

Students are encouraged to pre-register through their Handshake accounts.

Register here.

In honor of Detroit Mercy’s 150th anniversary, the University will host The Best of Spain: In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius, a remarkable 10-day travel experience from Nov. 2-11, 2026.

Join fellow members of the Detroit Mercy community to explore Spain’s rich cultural heritage and Ignatian history, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian and many other inspiring locations.

For more information, contact Peggy Pattison at pattisma@udmercy.edu.

The Office of the Registrar invites you to join an upcoming session introducing Degree Works, the University’s new degree audit and academic planning platform from 12:45-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18. The session will take place in Engineering, Room 220.

The office will share updates on the status of our current audit system, explain why Detroit Mercy is transitioning to Degree Works, and highlight the benefits this new technology will bring to faculty, advisors and students.

Degree Works will provide real-time degree progress tracking, intuitive “what if” tools and simplified pathways for verifying program completion — all designed to enhance advising accuracy and support student services.

The Hive, a student-run pantry whose goal is to help food-insecure UDM students, will be opening in its new space in Reno Hall, Room 143, on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. From that date forward, it will be open as follows:

• Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m.
• Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m.
• Thursdays from 1-5 p.m.

Any currently enrolled student in need of assistance may visit the pantry once every two weeks and may take up to 12 grocery or hygiene items per visit.

For more details, please contact thehive@udmercy.edu or visit The Hive website.

Compete to be the most sustainable student organization or group on campus and win a pizza party with Titan Equity Nourish Network’s (TENN) Autumn compost competition on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

TENN will be collecting compostable material on from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the mini lot between the Health Professions Facility and Commerce & Finance Building. Pumpkins, eggshells, bread and lots of other items may be composted. See complete list what can be composted.

For more information and to get your compost kit, please contact TENN by email at tenn@udmercy.edu.

The 2025 Safety Street trick-or-treat and Movies at Mercy event was a great success and would not be possible without the candy donations and involvement from students and staff from Detroit Mercy. More than 150 children from the local community and their families were able to enjoy trick-or-treating and so much more in a safe environment.

The Office of the Registrar won the departmental candy donation contest by donating a total of 61 pounds, Kappa Beta Gamma won the student candy donation contest by donating more 16 pounds and the Society of Women Engineers won the facade decorating competition with a rendering of a dragon.

This event is only possible with collaboration from the campus community. Thank you to everyone who participated in creating a fun Halloween event for our community.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by the new Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) office for an Open House on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 12-2 p.m. The CCPD is now located in the Student Union, Lower Level, Room 86.

Come meet our team, tour the new office space and learn about the career development resources we offer to students. Snacks and giveaways will be available.

During the Open House, CCPD also invites you to donate to the Professional Clothing Closet. The office is seeking clean, gently used or new men’s professional clothing to re-stock the Professional Clothing Closet.

The clothing closet needs men’s pants, blazers, collared shirts, ties, suits and dress shoes. Due to space limitations, we ask that donations be kept to a maximum of five items per person.

Donations will be accepted from Nov. 20 through Dec. 12.

As Detroit Mercy approaches its 150th anniversary, the University stands at a powerful inflection point — not only to celebrate its legacy but to re-imagine how different groups of actors can represent and amplify a new brand.

The University’s strength has always existed in Community with a capital C: students who serve, faculty who inspire, alumni who lead and neighbors who believe in the institution’s promise. Yet, while these stories abound, they are not always told in a unified, intentional or visible way. In addition, there are some negative legacy stereotypes which have yet to be put to bed.

The Marketing & Communications Department, in consultation with GreenHouse::Innovation, will convene a fall 2025 Marketing Research Roundtable to close that gap by co-creating a shared understanding of what it means to “be Detroit Mercy” — and to empower every participant to act as a storyteller, advocate and ambassador in respective circles of influence.

We will hold a roundtable session on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Student Union, Room 201, on the McNichols Campus. We are seeking a total of 25 full-time employees to participate in this half-day session.

A continental breakfast will be available starting at 8:15, as well as a boxed lunch from Subway at noon. Participants should expect and plan to attend the entirety of the session and freely contribute their thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

If you are interested in attending, please email your confirmation erwingj@udmercy.edu by Nov. 5. Please note that we will stop taking registrations once we hit 25 attendees.

For more information about the branding effort and/or to leave suggestions and comments, please visit our New Brand for the Future website today.

Attracta Kelly, OP, a prominent member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, known for her work as an immigration attorney and director of their Immigration Assistance Office, will be the guest speaker at a special Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive (CLASA) event on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Briggs Building, Room 317.

All are welcome to attend to this free event.

Sr. Attracta will provide an overview of immigration law with a focus on recent legislation, orders and practices related to immigration. She’ll also explore how Church teachings inform her work and share her efforts to help alleviate the suffering and problems associated with border crossings.

A former Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, Sr. Attracta has a history of community organization, including efforts to integrate schools, assemble discussion groups and address basic needs in marginalized communities. She also advocates for immigrant rights and climate action and was awarded the Thomas More Award by the Catholic Lawyers Guild. Sr. Attracta earned her Juris Doctor from Catholic University of America in 1996. She then worked for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Dublin and other places.

For more information, please contact CLASA Director Gail Presbey at 313-993-1124 or presbegm@udmercy.edu.

University of Detroit Mercy’s Office of Academic Affairs will host the annual Faculty Recognition event at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus.

This year, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamela Zarkowski will honor:

• Professor of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Alexa Rihana-Abdallah of the College of Engineering & Science who will receive the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award.
• Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Master of Arts Program in Clinical Psychology Lee R. Eshelman of the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences who will receive the 2025 Faculty Achievement Award.

The event begins with drinks and refreshments at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:45 p.m. The award ceremony will follow dinner.

Register by Oct. 31.

Stacy Gnall, Detroit Mercy’s poet-in-residence and adjunct instructor of English, recently had four poems from her third book manuscript accepted for publication–two in TriQuarterly and two in New Letters.

“Eve” and “Unstockinged” can be read online in TriQuarterly.

“What She Was Wearing” and “Tapestry of Boy with Horse in Quicksand” can be read in print issue of New Letters.

Celebrate Halloween with the Detroit Mercy Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Titans at this frightfully fun event on Friday, Oct. 31 in the Titan Field parking lot.

All are invited to a spooktacular evening of Trunk or Treating from 5-6 p.m.

Then, stick around for the UDM men’s soccer game at 6 p.m. at Titan Field and show your spirit for the Titans as they take on Purdue Fort Wayne.

Costumes are encouraged. There will be a costume contest, so bring your best Halloween look and show off your fang-tastic creativity.

Bring your friends, grab some candy and enjoy Halloween, Titan-style!

Detroit Mercy’s Institute for Leadership and Service is offering an opportunity Monday, Nov. 3 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. to improve our connections with the community partners in the Community Engaged Learning program, by hosting a community forum. The event will take place in the Hall of Fame area of Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus.

The centerpiece of the event will be a panel discussion in which two faculty members and two representatives from community organizations (Pope Francis Center and Brilliant Detroit) will each share their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of Community Engaged Learning partnerships.

Fifteen other strong agency partners are invited, and time will be provided for networking.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Fr. Tim Hipskind at hipskijt@udmercy.edu.

A one-hour roundtable discussion focusing on stress awareness and mental health will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 12-1 p.m. in the Commerce & Finance Building, Room 138.

This session will offer space to share experiences, learn coping strategies and connect with others across the UDM community.

Students, faculty and staff are all welcome. Bring your lunch or enjoy provided snacks as we share strategies to stay grounded and connected.

This event is sponsored by the College of Health Professions, Inclusive Excellence, FRAD and Student Engagement.

Hady Srour, associate professor in Detroit Mercy’s School of Optometry, has been named to Hour Detroit‘s Top Docs List of 2025.

This November, join University Ministry and the Muslim Student Association in making a meaningful impact in the Detroit community by helping to distribute turkeys and essential food items to Detroit families in need.

This service immersion event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students will meet at the Mercy Gathering Place in Shiple Hall and be transported by school van to the Islamic Center of Detroit (14350 Tireman Ave, Detroit, MI 48228).

As a volunteer, you’ll help distribute food and share in a purposeful experience that strengthens bonds with our Detroit community.

Student volunteers will enjoy a complimentary meal following the service portion of the event while engaging in conversations about mindfulness, gratitude and the importance of community resources.

Sign up here.

The College of Health Professions is hosting a special event to celebrate the Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant (PA) program and recognize the incredible contributions of our PA students, faculty and alumni. The event is set for Monday, Nov. 3, from 5-7 p.m. in the Health Professions Facility, Room 124.

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages, explore the STAR Center through guided tours and connect with the vibrant PA community.

RSVP here.

University of Detroit Mercy’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program was recently recognized as the top PA program in the United States.

The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) honored the UDM PA Program with its 2025 Excellence in PA Education Award. It is one of the highest national recognitions in the field.

Read more!

Students, get ready for next semester at One-Stop Advising Day. Faculty and advisors will be available to help plan your courses, review program requirements and map out your academic goals.

This event takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 1-4 p.m. in the Briggs Building, Room 117.

Whether you’re exploring new programs or finalizing your degree plan, this is the perfect opportunity to get personalized, one-on-one guidance.

For questions, please contact Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs Kiantee Rupert-Jones at rupertkn@udmercy.edu.

Did you snap some great photos this summer or over the past year? As we head into the fall term, consider capturing those special moments for your submission to the third annual Detroit Mercy Photography Contest!

The UDM Photography Contest is sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. The contest is open to all students enrolled in fall 2025, as well as all UDM employees across every campus.

Photography offers a mode of creative communication and a lens into the communities we inhabit and visit. Photographs can capture various moments and expressions, people, places and events. As such, the Office of Academic Affairs and Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning invites all Detroit Mercy community members to submit digital photographs for consideration as part of a special 2025 photography contest.

You can submit one photograph per category. First-place winners in each category will receive cash prizes and an enlarged, mounted copy of their winning photograph!

Be sure to visit the UDM photo contest page for some inspiration, contest rules, submission and release forms and to view the previous winners. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 2.

Current categories for submissions:

• Abstract/conceptual/manipulation – Images of unusual patterns, lighting or objects recognized for their design element (i.e., streaking light photos, mechanical structures, reflections in glass or metal, view from a strange angle). Images can be digitally enhanced or altered beyond the minor adjustments to create an entirely different photograph. Be creative. All images must be produced by the photographer (photos taken by someone else may not be used), and the finished entry must still appear to be a photograph – not an artistic impression, drawing or design.
• People – Photos of people, alone or in a group. Such pictures may be candid, humorous, journalistic or interpretative portraits where an emphasis placed on the person, not the environment. The main focus should be people. *
• Nature/scenic – Images or scenes of plant life, landscapes, seascapes, underwater, architectural and industrial scenes. Seasonal scenes that display a fundamental design or mood are also acceptable. The main focus should be nature/scenic.
• Dusk to dawn – Details the photographic imagery captured after the sun goes down. This includes but is not limited to starry skies, life under neon lights, streaking traffic lights, mother nature at night, scenic landscapes and cityscapes, film noir portraits, creative use of light and shadows. *
• Creatures (new category for 2025) – Images or scenes of animal life, wild creatures, insects, etc. (i.e., action shots of your pet, giraffes at the zoo, cows on a countryside, banana slugs in the forest). It may be a scenic environment, but the main focus should be the creature(s) or animal(s). *

*Appropriate and accepted image enhancement in these categories must be limited to minor adjustments such as contrast, exposure, cropping, HDR, dodge and burn.

CALL FOR JUDGES: If you are interested in serving as a judge for the 2025 photo contest, please send an email expressing your interest to photocontest@udmercy.edu for consideration. With any direct questions, also contact photocontest@udmercy.edu.

The photos of last year’s winners will be displayed in the Office of Academic Affairs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please stop by in the President’s Suite if you would like to view them.

Submit your photos today.

Stop by Detroit Mercy’s Writing Center for a meet and greet from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 and discover how we can support your success. The Writing Center is located in the Briggs Building, Room 131.

This is a great opportunity to chat with our team, learn about the resources we offer and find out how we can help you with your writing goals, all while you enjoy some free drinks and snacks.

A thought-provoking lecture entitled “Consulting with Hospital Ethics Committees” will be presented by Assistant Professor Jennifer McCurdy, Center for Bioethics and Social Justice, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

The lecture is set for 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 inside the Chemistry Building, Room 114, on the McNichols Campus.

As part of the Your Health Lecture Series, this talk, co-hosted by University of Detroit Mercy and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, will explore the vital role that hospital ethics committees play in guiding complex patient care decisions. McCurdy will discuss how these committees function, the ethical challenges they address and their impact on patients, families and healthcare teams.

This event is free and open to the public. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

More information and registration.

The 2025 Bruttell Endowment for Social Ethics presents “Black Freedom, Religious Excitement and the Invention of a Public Health Crisis,” a lecture by Judith Weisenfeld, the Agate Brown and George L. Collard Professor of Religion at Princeton University.

This event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m., in the Architecture Exhibition Space, inside the Loranger Architecture Building. The talk is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.

Weisenfeld will examine the rise of mental institutions as public institutions in the late 19th Century and the increasing prominence of a racialized understanding of “religious excitement” as a public health crisis that served as justification for the institutionalization of the formerly enslaved and their descendants.

Weisenfeld’s research and teaching focus on African American religious history, religion and race, and religion in modern American culture. She is the author most recently of Black Religion in the Madhouse: Race and American Psychiatry in Slavery’s Wake and New World A-Coming: Black Religion and Racial Identity during the Great Migration, which was awarded the 2017 Albert J. Raboteau Prize for the Best Book in Africana Religions. She is also the director of The Crossroads Project: Black Religious Histories, Cultures, and Communities, which is funded by the Henry Luce Foundation and supported by Princeton’s Center for Culture, Society and Religion.

For any questions, please contact Chair of the Department of Religious Studies Todd Hibbard at hibbarja@udmercy.edu.

The event is co-sponsored by University of Detroit Mercy College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, the African American Studies Program and the Department of Religious Studies.

Register here.

Writing Center Director and Adjunct Instructor Erin Bell presented a talk titled “Rethinking Writing Center Design in the Age of AI” at the Conference on Community Writing hosted at Wayne State University.