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

Air date: 2/1/26

[00:28:30]

Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Erin Bell, Dave Chow, Mara Livezey, Dan Maggio, Danielle Maxwell, Stephen Manning, Heather Hill and Jim Tubbs

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Air date: 1/25/26

[00:28:11]

With Professors Matt Mio, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning, Beth Oljar, Dave Chow, Jim Tubbs, Dan Maggio and Mara Livezey.

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Air date: 1/18/26

[00:27:54]

The professors return to the studio this week to welcome 2026.  Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Danielle Maxwell, Dave Chow, Erin Bell, Jim Tubbs, Dan Maggio and Beth Oljar.

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Air date: 1/11/26

As we look forward to the professors returning to the classroom this week, let’s enjoy this Ask The Professor New Year’s show recorded in January 2012.  Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Jason Roche, Roy Finkenbine, Dave Chow and Jeffe Boats.

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Air date: 1/4/26

[00:28:32]

To celebrate the New Year, we’d like to share these Ask The Professor memories from New Year’s Eve 1985.  Host Edwin DeWindt is joined by Professors George Pickering, Wallace Peace, Mary Jo Nichols and John Klemanski.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Three University of Detroit Mercy online programs are ranked among the best in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings. The latest rankings were published on Jan. 27.

The College of Business Administration’s online MBA Management program cracked the top 10 and was ranked No. 8 in the country, up five spots from last year. This is the 11th year in a row that the program was ranked among the top 25 programs in the U.S.

In addition, UDM’s overall MBA was ranked No. 276 out of 364 programs for 2026. This is the second consecutive year that the overall MBA program has been ranked nationally.

In the College of Health Professions, the McAuley School of Nursing’s online master’s in Nursing program was ranked No. 72 out of 198 ranked programs.

At Detroit Mercy, students receive personalized attention from faculty who care deeply about their growth and development. They leave UDM’s academic programs with more than just a degree — the University’s Jesuit and Mercy values mold graduates into compassionate leaders who are ready for success in today’s highly competitive job markets.

In addition to national recognition for online programs, the College of Business Administration and the College of Health Professions have been lauded for other academic programs.

Last year, UDM’s MBA program was ranked No. 16 for Graduate Management by U.S. News and World Report, while its Undergraduate Business Programs in Management and Entrepreneurship received a No. 18 ranking nationally.

UDM’s College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Only the top 5% of business schools in the world are accredited by the AACSB.

The College of Health Professions, which includes the McAuley School of Nursing and School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, offers more than a dozen academic programs across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

Last fall, UDM’s Physician Assistant Program was recognized as the top PA program in the U.S. The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) honored UDM with its 2025 Excellence in PA Education award, one of the highest national recognitions in the field.

These Best Online Program rankings from U.S. News & World Report follow the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse report that ranked Detroit Mercy No. 36 nationally and No. 2 in Michigan. Detroit Mercy’s national ranking improved seven spots from the previous year.

UDM’s ranking from WSJ/College Pulse makes it the No. 3 Catholic university in the United States and No. 2 ranked university among all Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the country.

Detroit Mercy also ranks among the top 9% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. for career earnings, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce research report Ranking 4,476 Colleges by ROI (2025). This data means that Detroit Mercy graduates can expect to earn more than $2.1 million in salary over their 40-year career compared with those who forgo a college education.

Learn more about UDM’s graduate nursing and MBA programs.  

For those looking for healthy, flavorful meals that won’t break the budget, Detroit Mercy alumna Melba Dearing, executive chef and co-owner of SAVOY Detroit, will hold a special live cooking demonstration on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 4:30 p.m., in Room 124 of the Health Professions Facility.

In partnership with the Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN), Chef Melba will share practical, budget-friendly cooking tips designed especially for college students. Participants will learn how to transform simple, affordable ingredients into a delicious one-pot meal while picking up real-world kitchen skills they can use every day.

This is a free demonstration, and all are welcome.

Chef Melba’s work bridges food, business and community impact. From leading Detroit’s celebrated SAVOY Detroit to supporting student-led food access initiatives through TENN, her approach to cooking is rooted in creativity, intention and equity. This demonstration shows how nutritious meals can be accessible and flavorful.

RSVP here.

Applications are now open for UDM student leadership positions. We are currently recruiting for the following roles:

• International Orientation Leader (International Services Office), Summer 2026
• Orientation Leader (Student Life Office), Summer 2026
• Peer Wellness Educator (Wellness Center), Fall 2026-Winter 2027
• Resident Advisor (Residence Life), Fall 2026-Winter 2027

All students are welcome to apply.

If interested, please complete the General Application Form below, and information on the next steps will be emailed to you upon submission of this form.

Please note the following mandatory components to the process:

• Step 1: Complete General Application Form
• Step 2: Attend group process
• Step 3: Individual interview

Complete General Application Form here

To open Mission Week (Feb. 1-6), University Ministry will host a special time of prayer and reflection on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m., in the Holy Spirit Chapel, located in the Lower Level of the Student Union.

Together, we will pray the rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion, in support of Pope Leo XIV’s monthly intention for January: Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

While the rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer, all are welcome to participate. Rosary beads and easy-to-follow “how-to” guides will be provided.

For any questions, please contact glafond@udmercy.edu.

Mission Week (Feb. 1-7) celebrates the gathering of our community to honor, reflect on and learn more about our Detroit Mercy mission and identity through our Mercy heritage and Ignatian traditions.

A number of activities designed to acknowledge and teach us more about our mission and identity will take place during Mission Week from Sunday, Feb. 1, through Friday, Feb. 6, as follows:

• Sunday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., Sunday Mass (St Ignatius Chapel)
• Monday, Feb 2, at 3:30 p.m., Rosary for the monthly intentions of Pope Leo (Holy Spirit Chapel)
• Tuesday, Feb 3, from 12:45-2 p.m., M.U.G. Hour and Conversation (Ministry Office)
• Tuesday, Feb 3, at 7 p.m., Adoration (St. Ignatius Chapel)
• Wednesday, Feb 4, from 6-8 p.m., Interfaith dinner and panel discussion (Student Union Ballroom)
• Thursday, Feb 5, at 12:45 p.m., Mission Mass, sponsored by Office of Mission Integration (St. Ignatius Chapel)
• Friday, Feb 6, from 1-3 p.m., Jummah Prayer and Social, Theme: The Legacy of Black Muslims in America (Student Union, Fountain Lounge)

The College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (CHASS) will hold a faculty development workshop on Friday, Feb. 6, from 12-1:30 p.m., in Room 208 of the Health Professions Facility.

This faculty development workshop will share several ways faculty can guide students through reflecting on their experiences and learning, after which participants will begin developing a new reflection activity using one of the approaches presented. Participants will leave with drafted plans for new or revised reflection assignments.

The workshop will be facilitated by the following faculty:

• Elaine Webber, CHP
• Irene Brisson, SACD
• Varinder Kaur, CHASS
• Elena Garcia, CHASS

The workshop is open to all faculty (not just those from CHASS), and a light lunch will be provided.

Register here by Feb. 3.

Detroit Mercy’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program brings students from across campus together to learn with, from and about one another to better prepare for collaborative, real-world problem solving. The program offers courses, simulations, community partnerships and emerging international experiences. These offerings strengthen teamwork, communication, ethics, leadership and innovation across disciplines such as nursing, health sciences, architecture and dentistry.

We are expanding IPE opportunities across campus and want to ensure future programs reflect student interests, needs and goals.

Completing our brief survey here.

The Women’s and Gender Studies Program is now accepting submissions for the 2025–26 Undergraduate Writing Competition. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 23.

All current Detroit Mercy undergraduate students are encouraged to submit original work exploring issues related to gender, sexuality and/or feminist thought. Submissions that engage with questions of identity, power, equity and social justice are highly encouraged in the following genres:

• Poetry
• Personal essays
• Short stories
• Academic essays

Total prizes in the amount of $700 will be awarded.

For more information, please email Lee Eshelman at eshelmlr@udmercy.edu or visit the link below.

Submission guidelines and additional details.

Detroit Mercy will host an uplifting event for students focused on mental well‑being and thriving during the college experience on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 12:30-2 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom.

As part of The i’Mpossible Project, Josh Rivedal couples stand‑up comedy with a keynote designed to teach students “How to live mentally well and crush it in college,” bringing mental health awareness to the McNichols Campus.

Rivedal has dedicated his life and career to bring awareness to mental health issues, suicide prevention and social change. In May 2011, he launched the one-man show and suicide prevention keynote Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt at Baruch College in New York City. In 2013, Skookum Hill published his memoir, The Gospel According to Josh: A 28-Year Gentile Bar Mitzvah, now on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s recommended reading list. In 2014, Rivedal launched The i’Mpossible Project and since then has released four additional books. He continues to provide programming that positively influences and affects people worldwide–providing hope, help and life-saving skills.

This event is open to all students and offers an encouraging space to learn, laugh and strengthen mental well‑being.

As part of Black History Month, Detroit Mercy student Cayden Brown, historian of UDM’s Black Student Union, will give a presentation titled Legal Rights in Police Encounters. This award‑winning lecture and training is designed to empower young people with clear, practical knowledge of their rights during police situations.

The lecture will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m., in Room 124 of the Health Professions Facility. All are welcome to attend.

This engaging presentation offers a step‑by‑step walkthrough of what individuals—especially youth of color—are legally entitled to during police encounters. Brown outlines proven strategies for self‑protection without escalation and equips participants with a ready‑to‑use protocol they can carry into subsequent interactions.

Brown has delivered this training nationwide, including its debut at Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp, and now comes to Detroit Mercy for this important campus conversation.

A native of Detroit, Brown is an American child rights defender and award-winning activist, known for his impact on juvenile justice at a notably young age. His work has been featured in Forbes and TIME, and his voice heard before the world’s largest platforms, including the United Nations.

The UDM Shifa Institute will host a talk featuring Clinical Psychology alumna Ashwak Alshami, who will discuss mental health in the Muslim American community.

This event will take place on Friday, Jan. 30, at 2:30 p.m., in the Lower Level of the Student Union. A destresser will follow the discussion. All are welcome to attend.

This is an opportunity to hear from a Detroit Mercy alum conducting meaningful work in the field of psychology.

For questions, please contact Lee Eshelman at eshelmlr@udmercy.edu.

The College of Health Professions (CHP) will host a special presentation in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Chapter on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 12:45-1:55 p.m., in Room 114 of the Health Professions Facility.

Emergency medicine physician Aria Darling will share her personal lived experience with a mental health condition through the NAMI “In Our Own Voice” program.

This session offers an opportunity to learn directly from a healthcare professional who has navigated mental health challenges, helping to deepen understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and seeking treatment.

This event is supported by a Mission Micro Grant and hosted by the CHP Wellness Committee.

University Ministry will celebrate world interfaith harmony at an interfaith panel and dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6-8 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus. All Titans are invited.

Participants will share food together, hear personal stories from a panel of speakers of various religious perspectives on sustaining hope and enjoy a cultural drumming and singing group that includes one UDM graduate student.

Free food for all in attendance includes halal, kosher, gluten-free and vegetarian options.

It is a +1 spiritual opportunity for UDM students in leadership, and students can volunteer at the event as well to count toward service hours.

For more information, please contact Director of University Ministry Anita Klueg at kluegag@udmercy.edu.

RSVP here.

In celebration of Black History Month, the School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD), in collaboration with the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences at Detroit Mercy, will host a month-long exhibition designed by Elgin Cleckley, NOMA. The exhibition will kick off with a public lecture and exhibition opening on Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building Exhibition Space.

The exhibition revisits the drawings and methods British abolitionists once used to show the harsh conditions aboard the Brookes Slave Ship (1781-1804). It includes models representing each of the ship’s 11 voyages, along with full-scale sections from its third voyage, which carried 740 enslaved people, based on historical records. These models are paired with drawings that reflect the 43 days spent crossing the Middle Passage.

At the exhibition opening, Cleckley will join Detroit-based art historian Samantha Noël to discuss the research and creative process behind the exhibition and stories it highlights about the Middle Passage.

Cleckley is an associate professor of Architecture and the undergraduate program director at Detroit Mercy. He leads _mpathic design, a multi-award-winning pedagogy, initiative and professional practice, and has collaborated on multiple award-winning civic projects. Cleckley was a Muschenheim Fellow at the University of Michigan and has taught at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

The free exhibition will run from Feb. 6 through 27, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment.

Each year, the Detroit Mercy English Department honors Dudley Randall, the late poet, publisher and University of Detroit librarian and poet-in-residence, by sponsoring a poetry competition in his name.

Now in its 56th year, the prize continues Randall’s legacy of amplifying creative voices within the Detroit Mercy community.

Detroit Mercy undergraduate students are eligible to submit one poem of 55 or fewer lines. All topics and poetic forms are welcome. The winner of the first prize must be available to read the poem at the annual CHASS Honors Convocation on Sunday, March 22.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 6. First prize is $150 with second prize of $100 and third prize of $75. The judges of this year’s contest are:

• Melba Joyce Boyd, MI Poet Laureate
• Joanna Fuhrman
• Molly Barlow

Find out more about the Dudley Randall Poetry Prizes and read winning poems from previous years here.

For questions or more information about this year’s contest, please contact Stacy Gnall, Detroit Mercy’s poet-in-residence, at gnallsc@udmercy.edu.

Submit your poem here.

Those interested in Detroit Mercy’s Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology M.A. Program are invited to an engaging evening of insight, networking and real‑world career exploration at the upcoming unscripted chat with Lauren Engle ’22, human resources associate at Kasco Construction, Inc.

This conversation will take place on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5:30-6:45 p.m., in Room 234 of the Commerce & Finance Building.

In her role at Kasco Construction, Engle applies her knowledge and skills in I/O Psychology to support workforce recruitment, retention and development. She conducts job analyses, designs and implements performance management systems and provides training and coaching to employees and managers. Engle credits her Detroit Mercy education with helping her build the communication, interpersonal and presentation skills she uses daily.

All are welcome to attend this free event.

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

The Go Move Challenge is back for 2026.

This month-long fitness competition brings together faculty and staff across Jesuit universities nationwide to see which campus can log the most minutes of physical activity throughout the month of February. You can participate individually or as part of a team, and every minute counts.

Throughout the month, we will be rolling out new fitness classes, mini challenges, weekly prizes and end-of-month awards for both individuals and teams. Stay tuned for further details.

Register here.

Detroit Mercy’s Women’s and Gender Studies Program will host a presentation and discussion by Julisa Abad titled “Justice, Violence and Social Determinants of Health.” The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 4-5:30 p.m. in Room 124 of the Health Professions Facility, on the McNichols Campus. All are welcome to attend this free event.

Abad is the LGBTQ community engagement liaison for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and an advocate for justice for transgender people.

This event is co-hosted by the College of Health Professions and Office of Equal Opportunity.

With any questions, please email Mary Liz Valesano at valesame@udmercy.edu.

Detroit Mercy will host an information session for students to learn more about the Michigan Campus Community Challenge (M-C3) Pitch Competition on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. The info session will take place in Room 213 of the Commerce & Finance Building.

The M-C3 is a student entrepreneurial scholarship competition that integrates real-world, project-based learning into the campus experience. The program includes the potential to earn significant scholarship dollars, as well as student and faculty stipends.

Since 2012, about 370 students, faculty and community leaders have participated in this scholarship competition with more than $350,000 awarded in stipends and scholarships.

This faculty-supported competition is open to individuals or teams where students will have the opportunity to solve a real problem in a Michigan community and a chance to win up to $7,500 for their idea.

All students are invited to attend the information session to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply. Lunch will be provided.

For more information or questions, please contact Derrin Leppek at leppekdj@udmercy.edu.

Students who are December 2025 graduates or preparing to graduate in May or August 2026 with a minimum GPA 3.80 may apply to be selected as the Detroit Mercy 2026 Valedictorian.

While the tradition of valedictorians calls for academic excellence (a minimum of 3.80 GPA) and instructional involvement, the role also calls for a graduate who has a meaningful message. Other important characteristics of Detroit Mercy’s Valedictorian:

• Well-rounded
• Strong leadership skills
• Organized
• Team player
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Flexible
• Versatile
• Sensitive towards others
• Able to accept constructive criticism
• Able to meet deadlines

The deadline for submitting your application and nomination(s) is Monday, March 2.  There will be no exceptions to the submission date. 

Access additional information, including application and nomination form here.

If you are a December 2025 graduate or have applied for graduation in May/August 2026 and have a minimum GPA of 3.30, you may be interested in membership in Kappa Gamma Pi, a national Catholic graduate honor society.

A Detroit Mercy nominee must be:

• completing sufficient coursework to have attained a point-standing required for graduation with honors.
• a leader in extracurricular on-campus or off-campus groups and activities; a volunteer for college, community or faith-based service projects.
• one of not more than 15% of the students being graduated from your institution during the current academic year.
• willing to accept membership, knowing the responsibility for continued individual leadership in faith-based, civic and Kappa-sponsored activity that membership implies.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in membership, complete the online Kappa Gamma Pi Application Form.

Your application and $75 fee must be received NO LATER than Friday, Feb. 13. 

Once you are a member of KGP, you will be eligible to apply for the 2026 Kappa Gamma Pi Cornaro Pi Scholarship for Graduate Studies.  Two recipients will receive $3,500 each to be applied as needed for graduate expenses at any accredited college or university. This is a non-renewable grant.

Learn more about Kappa Gamma Pi organization here.

As part of Black History Month, Detroit Mercy will hold a special screening of the award‑winning documentary Redemption Road, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30–8 p.m., in Room 113 of the Ford Life Sciences Building.

The documentary tells a story of transformation, tracing the life of Yusef Bunchy Shakur from a childhood shaped by abandonment and violence to his emergence as a respected community leader and thinker.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Shakur. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend.

This event is supported through a grant from the University’s Mission Micro Grant Program.

For more information, please contact Stacey Stevens at stevenst@udmercy.edu.

Detroit Mercy’s University Recreation (URec) has something for everyone this school year with its intramural sports programming.

Sports leagues and tournaments are offered to all UDM students, faculty and staff, and provide the opportunity to compete against one another throughout the academic year for intramural championship prizes. The leagues are FREE for all.

URec strives to have a diverse selection of programming available to students and employees. Winter 2026 intramural programming includes:

• Futsal (indoor soccer)
• Basketball
• Pickleball
• Spikeball
• Bowling
• Disc golf

Please contact Assistant Director of Recreational Sports Allen Seales at sealesv@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1781 with any questions.

Register here.

The Detroit Mercy Eye Institute is currently offering the Titan community comprehensive eye exams for just $35.

Faculty, staff and students at the University can takes advantage of the $35 exams, 50% off optical frames, contact lens exams starting at $70 and 30% off prescription lenses, among other deals and services.

Titans may utilize their Heritage Vision or UnitedHealthcare (Spectera) benefits for additional allowances.

The Detroit Mercy Eye Institute, located at 41555 W. 12 Mile Road in Novi, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Call 248-675-0800 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more.

The next University Recreation Adventure Series will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, at Mt. Brighton Ski Resort. From 6-8 p.m., participants can enjoy a winter evening on the slopes.

Tickets are $25 and include admission plus a ski or snowboard rental.

Transportation is available, but space is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets can be purchased on IMLeagues or at the Whitty Student Fitness Center front desk.

Detroit Mercy’s Busy Person’s Retreat is a four-week retreat run in daily life. Registration is now open for the retreat, which begins Monday, Feb. 9 and concludes on March 6.

The retreat is designed for those who may not be able to physically get away from life/work for a few days and is held wherever you are, at your desk, in your car, in your dorm room, in your office, outside, etc.

Each week there will be a theme and selection of materials to pray and reflect with. Participants will be assigned a spiritual companion to meet with once a week for about an hour. The spiritual companion serves as a guide through the retreat process.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with others in the retreat for group spiritual direction, where they can reflect on their retreat experience and discuss their spiritual journey in a supportive setting.

All retreat materials will be provided. After you register, you’ll receive the materials along with a form to share your availability for the group meeting.

The retreat is open to students, faculty, staff and administrators, and is free to all participants.

The last day to register is Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the University Ministry retreats website or for questions please contact Anna Lawler Bryson at lawleran@udmercy.edu.

Register here.

All Titans are invited to Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, March 25, for Detroit Mercy Night, where the Detroit Pistons will host the Atlanta Hawks. The game starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at just $35. All-you-can-eat seats in the North End Club are also available.

When purchased through the link below, tickets also include a co-branded Pistons and UDM sweater.

Purchase tickets here. 

Longtime UDM Nursing professor Molly McClelland has always shared close bonds with her twin sister Polly.

Their latest adventure teamed the two of them up with McClelland’s daughter Bailey in a tense survival game.

This past summer, McClelland, Polly and Bailey, a 2024 graduate from Detroit Mercy’s PA program, spent the summer in the Canadian wilderness as contestants in FOX’s survival reality series, Extracted.

The first of 10 episodes airs Monday, Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and streams the next day on Hulu.

The show produced by Sylvester Stallone pits 12 competitors attempting to survive in the wild with no training, no supplies and only two family members as lifelines. Alliances are formed and tensions mount as families negotiate and compete to send essential resources to their competitors. A $250,000 prize awaits the survivalist and family that outlasts everyone else.

Polly was one of the 12 “survivalists;” McClelland and Bailey were Polly’s lifelines back at “headquarters,” also in the Canadian wilderness.

McClelland watched the first season with her family and found out pretty quickly that she would be starring in the second installment.

“We’re all watching this show and at the end my sister Polly made a comment, ‘that would be fun to do,’” McClelland said. “She didn’t tell us she was applying for it until after she did.

“They contacted Polly back and said we’re interested in your team, so then she reached out to me and my daughter Bailey and said, ‘oh by the way I applied for us to be on this show and they like us.’ At that point, ‘it’s like here we go.’ We’re all gamers, and we always just try stuff.”

McClelland, Polly and Bailey began the journey with the show back in April with interviews and headed to the Toronto region in mid-August. After their team was selected as one of the final 12 for the show, they made their way to the wilderness for the beginning of filming.

“They put you in sequester before the show starts and during that period in our hotel room, we had no access to the outside world, no phones or computers. They brought our meals to us,” McClelland said. “Those nine days we still didn’t know if we were going to be selected as one of the final 12 teams. They did interviews with us. At the end, we were selected.”

The next day, McClelland and Bailey were separated from Polly and the show began. McClelland and Bailey arrived at their headquarters along with the 11 other teams.

“We arrived and nobody knew what we were doing. We had a desk assigned to us with a computer where we could see and hear the survivalists, but they couldn’t see or hear us,” McClelland said. “That’show it all started. It was quite the experience.”

The teams kept an eye on their survivalists, while also competing with the other teams at headquarters in different competitions.

“My daughter and I have a great relationship and we get along really well,” McClelland said. “Polly was on camera all of the time. There were times I was scared for her and times I was really proud of her.

“The show pitted the teams against each other, and it became really difficult, because it forced you to backstab each other. Some competitors were ruthless and cutthroat. Others couldn’t do it. Bailey and I had a hard time deliberately sabotaging other teams.”

McClelland, who teaches graduate and undergraduate Nursing courses, and Bailey were the only contestants on Extracted with medical experience (besides the show’s adequate medical personnel). McClelland said it came in handy several times.

“There were a couple of situations where people were looking to us for advice,” she said.

For McClelland’s sister, competing on the show was a chance to prove herself following a health scare.

“Polly’s the adventurous one,” McClelland said of her twin sister, who lives on a farm in Nebraska. “She’s outdoorsy, has climbed mountains all over the world.

“Three years ago, she found out she had stage 3 uterine cancer. She and Bailey were climbing the Grand Tetons and Polly started struggling, wasn’t able to summit to the top and she didn’t know it at the time, but she had cancer. Bailey was with her, so they have that bond.

“Polly went through the whole cancer journey. She’s a survivor. Part of this journey was that Polly wanted to prove to herself that cancer didn’t beat her, cancer didn’t win. She’s always been really physically fit and active and then she’s going through surgery and chemo, it really took her down. So, part of her desire was to show that cancer hasn’t beaten her.”

She can’t talk much about the show, since it hasn’t aired yet, but McClelland did say she is thankful to the many people who allowed her to take part in the show that took her away from the start of the 2025-26 school year, including College of Health Professions Dean Ahmed Radwan and other colleagues at the University.

And she’s also thankful that she competed on the show.

“I never envisioned myself doing this,” she said. “My sister Polly, yes. She’s wanted to do this for awhile. The nature of the show is three people and we like to try stuff. Polly said, ‘we are doing this.’

“The three of us have a really tight bond, but this really brought us close together.”

An information virtual open house for Detroit Mercy’s Clinical Psychology Master of Arts program will take place on Monday, Jan. 26, from 6-7 p.m. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

This interactive session is an opportunity to:

• Meet Program Director Lee Eshelman and get your questions answered directly
• Learn about the program’s focus on training mental health care providers in psychotherapy and psychological assessment
• Discover career opportunities for graduates, including roles in hospitals, mental health clinics and outpatient care centers

For those considering a career in mental health, this is a great opportunity to learn more about how our program can help you achieve your goals.

Please contact Lee Eshelman at eshelmlr@udmercy.edu for more information or with any questions.

Register here

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) continues celebrating the inaugural season of the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre with Poor Clare by Chiara Atik, a hilarious and anachronistic retelling of the true story of St. Clare of Assisi.

Six performances will run in back-to-back weekends, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 13-22.

Set in Italy in 1211, the play follows Clare, a wealthy medieval “It” girl whose privileged life is upended when she meets Francis, a man who has renounced his wealth and social status in service to the poor. Inspired by his radical devotion, Clare begins to reexamine her own life, questioning what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

“There is so much to mine in this play, and the sacrifices that both Clare and Francis made for the greater good really gives one pause to take stock in our own lives. They both listened to the call of God and took great strides to answer and take action and personal accountability,” said director Kez Settle. “It is a story that is topical and timeless in its relevance. And—if you are a history buff—this will provide you with lots of questions for the google search and history book deep dives!”

This production is the second in the Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre, which opened in fall of 2025 and returned theatre back to UDM’s McNichols Campus.

“This story deeply reflects the University’s mission to educate competent, compassionate leaders who are prepared to serve the world,” said Sarah Rusk, managing director of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company. “It offers a meaningful way to celebrate the shared charisms of the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy that guide our work, and it felt especially fitting to incorporate those values into our first season back on campus.”

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

• Feb. 13: Opening Night Celebration. Join the cast and crew following the performance for a reception in the lower level of the Student Union.
• Feb. 14: Community Night. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with $10 ticket for all patrons.
• Feb. 15: Detroit Theatre Discussion Project. Join in the discussion following the first Sunday’s matinee performance as Dr. Heather Hill from the English Department and Fr. Greg Banazak from the Department of Religious Studies at Detroit Mercy to expand upon themes and ideas from the performance in a talkback.
• Feb. 20: Pre-show Mass and Reception. In the spirit of St. Clare and the Franciscan tradition, the Office of Mission Integration invites you to join us for a Mass and reception before the performance. Mass, presided over by Capuchin Franciscan Fr. Johan Paul, will begin at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. A reception with food will follow in the Zalke Lounge of the Student Union, just outside the theatre, prior to the 7:30 p.m. performance. The Mass and reception are free and open to all; tickets are required for the performance.
• Feb. 20: College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (CHASS) at the Theatre. Join CHASS in celebrating the arts on campus with $5 tickets for CHASS students and alumni with coupon code CHASS_5. Free tickets to faculty/staff of CHASS by calling 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu.
• Feb. 21: 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.
• Feb. 22: Closing Night

Get tickets here.

Students have the option to enroll in a payment plan for their winter term tuition. Payment plans are available through your UDM portal until Feb. 17.

For questions, please contact the Student Accounting Office at studentaccounts@udmercy.edu, call Transact at 1-800-339-8131 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or go to studentsupport.transactcampus.com/hc/en-us.

Detroit Mercy students and alumni from the College of Business Administration traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in early January to start 2026.

The trip was conducted as part of an interdisciplinary business course focused on globalization, innovation and technology. The international travel experience included in the course provided students with the opportunity to meet with representatives of local businesses and other institutions in a host country and gain additional perspectives on global business and culture.

Throughout this course and travel, alumni served as mentors. The key characteristics of effective mentors include giving relevant examples from experience, being candid in dealings and advice, understanding how mentees learn/work and challenging mentee with actionable advice.

The key activities experienced during the trip included exploring:

• Tijuca Rain Forest, the world’s largest urban rainforest
• Corcovado, home to the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Pequena Africa, or ‘Little Africa’
• Museum of Tomorrow
• The history and economic impact of Carnival and the Olympics.

Detroit Mercy’s Alumni Relations Office is accepting nominations for the 2026 Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards. This annual event during Homecoming recognizes seven alumni — one from each college and school at the University — for their significant accomplishments in both their professional careers and in their commitment to community. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 28.

If you know of any alumni who are making or have made extraordinary achievements in their careers, please nominate them for this prestigious recognition.

Award criteria includes:

• Nominee should be a respected member of his/her chosen profession (active or recently retired).
• Nominee has been recognized in their industry for exemplary professional achievements.
• Nominee should be engaged in the community, either with Detroit Mercy or another civic/community organization.
• Nominee has demonstrated a willingness to financially support Detroit Mercy at some level either in the past or in the future.
• Nominee must be available to accept the award in person.
• Nominee shall not have received any University of School/College award in the last five years.

The Spirit Awards are held annually during Homecoming weekend. You may view honorees of past awards HERE.

For more information or any questions, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Peggy Pattison at 313-578-0327 or pattisma@udmercy.edu.

Submit nominations here.

Service in the City, sponsored by University Ministry, is back for winter 2026. This program connects UDM students with local education-focused nonprofits in Detroit, giving students the opportunity to make a real impact in the community with a commitment of just one hour per week.

Through this integrated immersion program, students can earn 10-plus service hours and participate in formation opportunities that deepen understanding of community engagement. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 29.

Service opportunities are designed to help students get to know the local Detroit community, and learn how resilient community leaders are supporting each other and co-creating a better future.

Loyola High School, Brilliant Detroit and La Casa Guadalupana are educational non-profits impacting Detroit youth. With just one hour per week, UDM students build relationships in the community, support the next generation and fulfill class requirements, all while developing new skills.

This program is especially popular with students in the Leadership Minor, Honors Program and CEL-integrated classes, but all students who want to make the world a better place are encouraged to sign up.

Please contact Gray La Fond at glafond@udmercy.edu with any questions.

Sign up here.

Celebration of Scholarly Achievement & Community Engagement (CSACE) is a University-wide event featuring research posters, artistic displays, performances, lightning talks and much more. This year’s CSACE symposium is set for Thursday, April 9.

CSACE is an opportunity to recognize the exemplary work across all campuses throughout the academic year and to learn about and support the research achievements of fellow colleagues and students.

All students, staff and faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to register for an opportunity to display or present their academic achievements, scholarly research and publications, community service, artistic creations and talents.

Presenter registration is required to secure a position at the event.

The deadline to register to be a presenter is Monday, March 9, by 6 p.m.

Learn more and register here.

The annual Titan Winter Blast, Detroit Mercy’s signature winter event, returns Saturday, Jan. 24, followed by a UDM men’s basketball contest with Oakland University, all taking place on the McNichols Campus.

All Titans — students, alumni, staff, faculty, friends, family and guests — are invited for the winter festivities, camaraderie and fun inside of the Whitty Student Fitness Center from 12-3 p.m.

Various teams of chili chefs from across the University’s campuses will turn up the heat at the wildly popular chili cook-off! Snuggle up for some horse-drawn trolley rides and have an indoor winter blast playing cornhole and games, participating in activities and cookie decorating, and more! Refreshments will be provided by Eastern Market Brewery.

Following the fun, head over to Calihan Hall to cheer on men’s basketball as they battle rival Oakland at 3 p.m.

Cost for attendance is $5 for students and $20 for alumni, faculty, staff and guests. Children 12 and under are free. Admission includes tastings at the chili cook-off, food and refreshments, all games and activities plus a ticket to the men’s basketball contest.

Register for TWB.

The Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 Feminist Scholarship Grants. This program supports faculty scholarship that centers gender and women’s experiences and advances critical, intersectional analyses of social identities, including race, class, sexuality and other dimensions of identity.

Congratulations to the following awardees and projects:

• Patrice Wade-Olson, assistant professor, McAuley School of Nursing — Enhancing Trauma-Informed Practices in LGBT+ and HIV Care: A Pre- and Post-Test Study of Team-Based Training
• Kirsten Silwanowicz, adjunct professor, School of Law — Bias in the Machine: Legal Strategies for an Inclusive AI Future
• Alexa Rihana-Abdallah, professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering — How is Technical Leadership Assigned in Engineering Student Teams and How Does it Vary by Gender, Race and First-Generation Status?
• Lee Eshelman, associate professor of Psychology and director of Master of Arts Program in Clinical Psychology — Restoring Intimacy: A Qualitative Study of Consensual Sex Among Sexual Assault Survivors

Grant recipients will present their work at the WGS-sponsored colloquium during the Fall 2026 semester.

The Detroit Mercy women’s lacrosse program is looking to add a few more players to its roster this season and is hosting tryouts Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10-11 a.m. at Titan Field on the McNichols Campus.

Tryouts are open to all female UDM students and no lacrosse experience is required — just athleticism, commitment and a willingness to learn.

For inclement weather, tryouts will be moved indoors to Calihan Hall. Gear will be provided for tryouts.

If interested, please contact head coach Emma Kuehl at kuehlek@udmercy.edu or 571-643-8183.

Detroit Mercy students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends are invited to join UDM’s Creative Writing Collective (CWC) on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Mel Converse and Ronan Mansilla will lead a conversation on “Going Cosmic: Poetry in Detail” for this first installment of the winter semester. The gathering will take place in Room 201 of the Briggs Building.

No writing experience is necessary to join the CWC. You are welcome if you have an interest in exploring or developing your creative inclinations.

Save the date for future Creative Writing Collective events this semester:

• Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Room 201 of the Briggs Building, led by Amanda Hiber, senior lecturer in the Department of English
• Tuesday, March 3, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Seibert Center for Innovation and Collaboration, Engineering Building first floor, led by Poet-in-Residence Stacy Gnall and Senior Adjunct Instructor Michael Lauchlan

Please contact english@udmercy.edu with questions or to join the CWC mailing list. Keep up with the Detroit Mercy English Department on Instagram and Facebook @detroitmercyenglish.

The deadline for University Ministry’s Civil Rights Service Immersion Trip during the spring break, March 7-13, in Montgomery, Ala., will close on Jan. 21. Students of all faiths or none are welcome to apply.

Service immersion trips are an opportunity to encounter a community outside of your own, offer your gifts and friendship in service, simplicity and solidarity, and immerse yourself in education on the critical issues of our day, in this case, the Civil Rights Movement.

This trip is designed both to learn from the rich history of the area, visiting renowned museums and historical sites. It also includes engaging in current-day civil rights issues around racism, voting access and even joining a historical rally crossing the Selma bridge.

Fill out interest form here.

Detroit Mercy’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology M.A. Program will host an unscripted chat featuring alumni speaker Arman Bonislawski ’23 on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5:30-6:45 p.m., in Room 234 of the Commerce & Finance Building.

The conversation, titled Real Talk. Real Work Journeys. We Owe It to Each Other, is an opportunity for students to explore real-world career pathways in I/O Psychology through honest dialogue and professional insight.

All are welcome to attend this free event.

Bonislawski currently serves as people operations coordinator at Allstar Services, where he supports day-to-day people operations, including recruiting support, onboarding and offboarding, HR administration and employee relations. He works closely with leadership and operations teams to help with process improvement initiatives for the technical side of HR, talent, training, benefits and project management.

Registration is encouraged.

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

Register here.

The application deadline for University Ministry’s Service Immersion Trip during spring break, March 7-13, to the Appalachian Mountains in Washburn, Tenn., will close on Jan. 21. Students of all faiths or none are welcome to apply.

Service immersion trips are an opportunity to encounter a community outside of your own, offer your gifts and friendship in service, simplicity and solidarity, and immerse yourself in education on the critical issues of our day, in this case, sustainability in Appalachia.

We will stay with Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, an organization dedicated to serving the local community, teaching sustainable practices and offering retreat space to cultivate an ethic and spirituality around the natural world. This trip combines service learning (sustainable gardening, trail and forest restoration, and more) with education on the challenges and solutions to sustainable living in our day.

For any questions, please contact seckric@udmercy.edu.

Fill out interest form here.

Sulman Hans has been named the dean of the School of Optometry, effective Jan. 5.

Hans is a founding leader of the School of Optometry and has played a pivotal role in the development and launch of both the academic program and the University of Detroit Mercy Eye Institute. Since joining the University, he has provided strategic leadership in curriculum design, clinical education, accreditation, and faculty development, helping to establish the School as a vital contributor to optometric education and eye care in the region. He has also served on the school’s leadership team and guided the program through its critical start-up and growth phases.

Since arriving at Detroit Mercy, Hans has been instrumental in building a clinically integrated, mission-driven optometry program grounded in patient-centered care, academic excellence, and community engagement. Through his leadership, the school has developed strong clinical partnerships, expanded access to vision care for underserved populations, and created an innovative educational model that integrates didactic, clinical, and interprofessional learning.

Hans holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. He completed a residency in primary care optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia.

Prior to joining academia, Hans served as a staff optometrist and director of Clinical Services within the Henry Ford Health System, where he developed deep expertise in clinical operations, quality improvement, and healthcare administration. He remains actively engaged in professional leadership and service, including serving on the Michigan State Board of Optometry and working with organizations such as the Michigan Optometric Association, the Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness, the Michigan Health Council, and community-based clinics serving Detroit’s underserved communities.

This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Monday, January 19 — honor the spirit of Dr. King by supporting a local community organization, Avalon Village.

UDM students will meet in the Mercy Gathering Place on the first floor of Shiple Hall at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 to prepare kits to help low-income seniors in Highland Park stay warm this winter. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends while learning about intersectional factors that influence access to vital resources. Participants can also earn five service hours. This opportunity is open to all students.

Come early at 9 a.m. for free breakfast. Lunch and transportation to the volunteer site is provided.

For more information, please contact Associate University Minister Gray La Fond at glafond@udmercy.edu.

It’s rivalry week in Calihan Hall as the Titan women’s basketball team hosts Oakland University on Sunday, Jan. 18 for a 1 p.m. tip!

The first 300 fans will receive a free T-shirt as part of a giveaway sponsored by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Wear RED and help us red out Calihan Hall!

Tickets are FREE for students. Others looking to purchase tickets can visit www.detroittitans.com/tix.

Titans, start the New Year off strong by volunteering for Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) and get to know UDM’s wonderful neighbors.

Get in on the action and sign up for bi-weekly Wednesday deliveries from 1:30-3 p.m. or weekly Friday deliveries from 10-11:45 a.m.

Produce deliveries start Friday, Jan. 9.

Join the fun and community building as TENN packs fresh produce and delivers it to the doors of the University’s neighbors.

With any questions, please email Chelsea Manning at mannincp@udmercy.edu.

Sign up for Wednesdays here.

Sign up for Fridays here.

The Detroit Mercy Libraries, along with Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) and The Varsity News, are pleased to announce the recipients of the third annual Adia J. Palmer Memorial Scholarship:

• Kenyon Lofton
• Jeniffer Rodriguez Garcia

The scholarship was made possible through donations from UDM students, faculty and staff, as well as the friends and family of Adia J. Palmer. Palmer was a Detroit Mercy senior majoring in Communication Studies, who also worked as a library student assistant, TENN volunteer and as a Varsity News writer and photographer. She passed away unexpectedly in March 2022.

The scholarship honors Palmer’s legacy of creativity, inspiration and elevation, and her desire to make the world a better place through joy, peace and love. Both Lofton and Garcia exemplify this spirit.

Kenyon Lofton, an Economics major minoring in English and earning a Legal Studies Certificate, credits a lecture on redlining and the Black Codes given by Charles Cross, senior landscape designer and adjunct professor in the School of Architecture, with sparking his interest in how “the development of… neighborhoods has a direct impact on the overall quality of life of the people in that community.”

Volunteering at TENN reinforced his understanding of the importance of walkability and transportation to neighborhoods, especially when it comes to accessing nutritious food, and inspired him further. “This is… something I’ve noticed… when delivering food to the families in the surrounding neighborhood and the Teresa Maxis Senior Living Apartments… After acquiring my Juris Doctor degree, I hope to combat malicious regional planning and its negative effects on economic development and quality of life for underrepresented and underserved communities.”

Jeniffer Rodriguez Garcia, a first-year Dental Hygiene student, chose her path with the intention to “help people gain confidence and comfort through improving the appearance of their teeth,” and says she “fell in love with the field after shadowing a hygienist.”

Since starting at the University, Garcia has been involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success and TENN. Additionally, she has worked as a student library assistant for the last three years, something she continues today. Upon graduating, Garcia plans to obtain her license to practice in Michigan. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys creative writing, reading, drawing, photography and crocheting.

Whether these recipients plan to use their scholarships for books, course materials or to otherwise ease financial constraints on their educational journeys, we can’t wait to see the difference they make in our communities and the world! Congratulations to these inspirational Titans!

The Women’s and Gender Studies Program has announced the 2025-26 Jane Schubert Student Grant with nominations being accepted until Jan. 23, 2026. Grants support community and academic projects and activities related to women’s and gender issues.

Current undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as University-recognized students organizations are welcome to apply using an online application.

Past grants have been awarded in support of a wide range of activities, community projects, as well as academic projects, such as:

• Bringing an international poet to UDM to recite her work and speak on trauma, journey and the modern stories of Muslim women.
• The publication and performance of a student chapbook of written and visual art that engaged issues of gender.
• A Ph.D. capstone project on vicarious trauma and its effects on sexual assault nurse examiners.
• Travel to an academic conference to present research on mental health interventions for Black women.
• The Chemistry Club’s Women in Science Symposium.

Students should complete the online application form.

Please direct any questions to Lee Eshelman (eshelmlr@udmercy.edu), Women’s and Gender Studies affiliate faculty and chair of the WGS Grants Subcommittee.

Detroit Mercy’s English Department kicks off its annual Triptych series with poet Cate Marvin, who will read her work on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Triptych is a virtual reading series featuring award-winning authors in conversation with Detroit Mercy’s Poet-in-Residence Stacy Gnall. Triptych events are free and open to the community.

Cate Marvin is the author of four books of poetry: World’s Tallest Disaster, winner of the 2000 Kathryn A. Morton Prize; Fragment of the Head of a Queen, for which she received a Whiting Award; Oracle, which was named by The New York Times as one of “The Best Poetry Books of 2015”; and Event Horizon, which appeared from Copper Canyon Press in 2022.

A recipient of the Kate Tufts Discovery Prize, she also co-edited with poet Michael Dumanis the anthology Legitimate Dangers: American Poets of the New Century (Sarabande Books, 2006). Marvin teaches poetry writing in the Stonecoast M.F.A. Program at the University of Southern Maine and is professor of English at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York.

SAVE THE DATE for authors Ross Gay (Feb. 19) and Ilya Kaminsky & Katie Farris (March 19). Triptych events are held via Zoom on third Thursdays in January, February and March, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Register here!

President Donald Taylor recently attended the Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidents Institute, where hundreds of leaders from independent colleges and universities collaborated to address important issues in higher education.

In an interview with Higher Ed Dive, President Taylor shared his insights on the key challenges and opportunities higher education will face in the year ahead.

See full article here: “7 college presidents on 2026’s top challenges and opportunities”