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

Air date: 1/26/25

[00:28:40]

Host Matt Mio is joined by Professors Danielle Maxwell, Jim Tubbs, Erin Bell, Dan Maggio and Dave Chow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 1/19/25

[00:28:42]

With Professors Matt Mio, Beth Oljar, Danielle Maxwell, Jim Tubbs, Erin Bell, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning and Dave Chow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 1/12/25

[00:28:44]

With Professors Matt Mio, Heather Hill, Stephen Manning, Erin Bell, Jim Tubbs, Danielle Maxwell, Beth Oljar, Mara Livezey and Dave Chow.

ATP 2519 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 1/5/25

[00:28:45]

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

ATP 2518 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 12/29/24

[00:28:46]

Enjoy this classic ATP episode from New Year’s Eve 1985.
Featuring Edwin DeWindt, George Pickering, Wallace Peace, Mary Jo Nichols and John Klemanski.

ATP 2517 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Titan Winter Blast, Detroit Mercy’s annual signature winter event, returns Saturday, Feb. 1, followed by a UDM men’s basketball contest with Green Bay, all taking place on the McNichols Campus.

All Titans — students, alumni, staff, faculty, friends, family and guests — are invited to join us at the Student Fitness Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some winter festivities and camaraderie!

Various teams of chili chefs from across the University’s campuses will turn up the heat at the wildly popular chili cook-off! Refreshments will be provided by Eastern Market Brewery and the EA Café, the student-run coffee cart. Snuggle up for some horse-drawn trolley rides and have a blast at the outdoor ice-skating rink, playing cornhole, fowling, cookie decorating, games and activities and more!

Following the fun at the Student Fitness Center, head over to Calihan Hall to cheer on the Titans as they battle Green Bay at 1 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 and a ticket to the men’s basketball contest.

Register for Titan Winter Blast.

Please join us for the President’s Town Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Student Union Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus. This is a casual gathering for employees with an opportunity to ask questions of members of the President’s Council, share ideas and mingle with colleagues. An exciting announcement will also be shared and celebrated!

Wine and light refreshments will be served. This event is in-person only.

An invitation will be sent in early February for the President’s Forum on Feb. 27 from 12:45-2 p.m. in Chemistry 114 (and virtually). University updates will be presented at that event.

Students, the STAR Center needs help picking and selecting a name for the new mannequin inside of the STAR Center!

Visit this form to help pick and select the name for the new mannequin. The deadline is Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m.

The STAR Center, brand new in the 2023-24 school year, is a state of the art 5,000 square foot center located on the McNichols Campus in the College of Health Professions (CHP) Building on the second floor.

Submit entries here!

Associate Professor of Biology Stokes Baker presented his work on integrating bee biology research with lab courses at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology symposium on bee research.

Lisa 2, a novel by Professor of English Nick Rombes, was published in December by Calamari Archives out of New York City. His conversation about the novel with musician Mike Shiflet, who wrote an original soundtrack to accompany the novel, appeared at Vol. 1 Brooklyn.

Detroit Mercy community, please join us as we remember, celebrate and share memories of Sr. Judy Mouch, RSM on Monday, Jan. 27.

A Mass of Remembrance will be held in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Union at 4 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life reception and program at 4:45 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus.

For those who would like to make a gift in memory of Sr. Judy, the University has established the Sr. Judith A. Mouch, RSM Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship has been established to honor her, a beloved member of both the Sisters of Mercy and Detroit Mercy communities.

This scholarship, initiated through a gift from the estate of Mercy College alumna Patricia Beck, will support nursing students annually, continuing Sr. Judy’s legacy of compassion and service. We invite you to celebrate her life and impact by contributing to this scholarship fund.

Sr. Judy was a much-beloved member of the University community since 1995. She entered eternal life on Dec. 14, 2024 at age 77.

Many UDM students and employees exemplify the mission of Detroit Mercy as we learn and work together. The Mission Effectiveness Team is once again soliciting nominations for the University’s Mission Leadership Awards — the Vivere ex Missione Award and Agere ex Missione Award.

All members of the University community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are invited to nominate students and employees for the Vivere and Agere ex Missione Awards. You are also welcome to re-nominate an individual who was not selected in a previous year.

The Vivere ex Missione Award (“to live out the mission”) is presented annually to graduating students who best exemplify the mission of Detroit Mercy. An undergraduate and graduate student are selected from the McNichols Campus, and a law and dental student are selected from the Riverfront and Corktown Campuses. This award is presented at the students’ respective commencement ceremony.

The Agere ex Missione Award (“to do the mission”) is presented annually to three individuals employed at the University — a faculty member, staff member and administrator — who exemplify the mission of Detroit Mercy. This award will be presented at the Spotlight on Excellence Celebration on May 13.

Nominators are asked to speak to how their nominee fosters four guiding values inspired by the University’s mission: education of the whole person; service that leads to justice; recognition of the sacred in all; and building a community of inclusivity.

The nomination deadline for the Mission Leadership Awards is Friday, March 14.

Find out more about the awards, including a list of past recipients, and nominate students or employees at the Mission Leadership Awards webpage.

For more information or any questions, please contact the co-chairs of the Mission Effectiveness Team, Ashlee Barnes (barnesav@udmercy.edu) or Mary-Catherine Harrison (mc.harrison@udmercy.edu).

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE!

Mission Week 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 Friday, Jan. 24 through Friday, Jan. 31, as follows:

• Friday, Jan. 24 at 1-2 p.m. (Zoom) — Workshop: “Integrating Catholic Social Thought, Mercy Critical Concerns and the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences as Empowering Assets for Decision Making” (for employees)
• Saturday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Stillness: Silent retreat at Maxis Spirituality Center with University Ministry (preregister)
• Sunday, Jan. 26 at 6:30-7:45 p.m., Commerce & Finance Building, Room 118 — Faith with Friends: Dinner and a Guided Prayer Experience (for students)
• Sunday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., St. Ignatius Chapel — Sunday Mass
• Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m., Student Union — New Employee Orientation to Mission 101 with HR and OMI offices (for employees)
• Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 12:45-1:45 p.m., Student Union, Room 208 — Mission Deep Dive 201: Delve into the spirit and story of our founders (for employees)
• Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 1-2 p.m., Fountain Lounge — Beats of Unity Drum Circle: Creating community rhythm
• Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 12-2 p.m., St. Ignatius Chapel — OMI Mass and lunch: Pizza served in Commerce and Finance Building after Mass
• Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3-4 p.m. — M.U.G. Hour: Mingle, unwind and gather with free cookies, trivia and prizes
• Thursday, Jan. 30 at 12:45-2:45 p.m., Chemistry Building, Room 114 — UDM Mission and Values Forum: Report from the Mission Effectiveness Team (for employees)
• Friday, Jan. 31 at 1-2:30 p.m., Fountain Lounge — Jummah Connect: Prayer, snacks and conversation with Oussama, our Muslim chaplain
• Friday, Jan. 31 — Wellness and Mindfulness Seminar (for CHP staff and faculty)

More on Mission Week!

Join University Ministry in celebrating religious diversity at an interfaith dinner set for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus. All Titans are invited.

We will break bread together and enjoy listening to a guest panel representing the Sikh, Hindu and Native American cultures present on the topic of spirituality and radical hospitality. Free food will be available for all in attendance and will feature halal, Kosher and vegetarian options.

This will also be a +1 spiritual and service hour opportunity for UDM students, and the first 25 guests to arrive will receive a free t-shirt!

For more information, please contact Anita Klueg at kluegag@udmercy.edu.

RSVP HERE!

Detroit Mercy’s Alumni Relations Office is accepting nominations for the 2025 Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards. This annual event during Homecoming recognizes seven alumni for their significant accomplishments in both their professional careers and in their commitment to community. Nominations are due Jan. 30.

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 for 2025 Spirit Awards HERE!

Please join the College of Engineering & Science for UNREAL, the second annual Science Communication art exhibit at Detroit Mercy. This exhibit, which runs from Feb. 10-14, will feature about 30 works of science-informed art that touch on topics like futurism, science fiction, inventions, fantasy, metaphor, challenging the impossible, and utopias and dystopias.

This FREE event will take place in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building from 2-7 p.m. each day of the exhibit. Tickets are not required for entry, but please RSVP below so we know how many to expect.

This event is made possible in part by the Titan Innovation Fund and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

RSVP HERE!

University Recreation’s Adventure Series takes Titans for an exciting skiing or snowboarding trip to Mt. Brighton on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6-9 p.m.

Grab some friends and your winter weather gear for a fun night on the slopes! Tickets are just $20 and include admission along with your choice of ski or snowboard rental. Limited transportation is available, so be sure to secure your spot early.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get outside to hit the slopes and enjoy a fun evening with fellow students and staff!

SIGN UP HERE!

Fund your student org project today!

Apply for a grant of up to $200 (10 grants available) to be awarded to UDM student organizations and their org university 800 accounts in support of activities that promote Detroit Mercy’s mission. Celebrate Spirit themes (radical hospitality, stewardship of creation, solidarity, joy) or Mercy critical concerns and Jesuit values (racism, immigration, non-violence) are given priority.

The mini mission grant encourages students to actively participate in embodying the Detroit Mercy values and empowers students with seed money to take action on their ideas and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and initiative. It also helps to cultivate a sense of community and belonging by emphasizing fellowship and collaboration to promote positive change, which involves social change, by addressing poverty, advocacy for marginalized communities or pursing environmental sustainability.

Only four criteria are needed for a project or activity to receive a grant:

• The project or activity must promote one or more elements of Detroit Mercy’s mission.
• Students must be personally involved in the project or activity (no pass-through funding of other people’s projects).
• You must be a student at the University during the time the project or activity takes place.
• The grant monies must be spent by April 30, and a short summary of the event (used for media purposes) and three to four pictures/short videos of the event must be submitted to the University Ministry Office.

The application is available now, and grants will be awarded until Feb. 28.

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

Apply here!

Join University Ministry for Beats of Unity Drum Circle, which takes place during Mission Week 2025 on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Union on the McNichols Campus. Mission week celebrates the gathering of our community to honor, reflect on and learn more about our mission and identity through our Mercy heritage and Ignatian traditions.

All are welcome to this free event and no experience is necessary. Drums provided or bring your own.

For more information or questions, please contact University Minister Daniel Greig at greigda@udmercy.edu.

REGISTER HERE!

Are you curious about Detroit’s connection to the Underground Railroad? Would you like to attend a Baptist service or celebrate Black History Month with an educational experience? Do you want to get out into Detroit and experience the city?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then join University Ministry and the African American Studies Program for a Faith in the D event on Feb. 16! This day includes a trip to Second Baptist Church for Sunday service, a tour of the worship space and history of their Underground Railroad history and culminates with lunch in the city.

Lunch and transportation are provided at no cost. All are welcome!

We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the University Ministry Office (Lower Level of Student Union across from the Book Store). Transportation will be provided to Second Baptist Church. If you are driving yourself, please meet us at 10:15 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant (details on this coming soon!) We will return to campus at approximately 2:30 p.m.

For more information or questions, please contact University Minister for Faith Formation Anna Bryson at lawleran@udmercy.edu or visit our office in the Lower Level of the Student Union (across from the Book Store).

RSVP HERE!

NOTE: The first Creative Writing Collective has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 28 due to inclement weather.

Detroit Mercy students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends are invited to join UDM’s Creative Writing Collective (CWC) on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 5:30-6:45 p.m.!

Poet-in Resident and Adjunct Instructor Stacy Gnall and Senior Adjunct Instructor Michael Lauchlan will lead a conversation on “braiding” in poetry for this first installment of the winter semester. The gathering will take place in the Briggs Building, Room 205.

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 dates this semester:

• Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.: Special virtual CWC gathering
  Register at https://linktr.ee/DetroitMercyEnglish
• Monday, March 24, 5:30 p.m., Briggs Building, Room 301

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.

Detroit Mercy’s Psychology Department is excited to invite you to an open house and alumni panel for our Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program! The first event is set for Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the Commerce & Finance Building, Room 208. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual option is available on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 965 4187 3178, Passcode: IO-Psych.

This event is your chance to explore how our program prepares students for careers in human resources, organizational culture, leadership development and more.

The first three panelists are Allison Urban, HR Generalist at Opus IVS, Erin Riden, Regional HR Leader at Trane Technologies, and Lindsay Myers, an HR Generalist at Williams International. These accomplished professionals will share insights on driving organizational growth and effectiveness across industries.

Three dates total are being offered — Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 — and all three will take place in the Commerce & Finance Building, Room 208 from 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Why attend?

• Learn about our flexible 33-credit accelerated program designed for working professionals
• Discover opportunities like 250-hour internships and community engaged learning
• Hear from successful alumni about their career journeys and program experiences
• Network with faculty, current students and fellow attendees

For more information, please contact program director Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster at zimmerka@udmercy.edu or (586)-873-1743.

Join us to take the first step in advancing your career in I/O Psychology!

Are you passionate about helping others, understanding the human mind and making a meaningful impact? Put that passion into practice and join us for a virtual open house on Monday, Jan. 27 from 6-7 p.m. to learn about Detroit Mercy’s Clinical Psychology Master of Arts program!

A Zoom link will be provided upon registration for the event.

In this interactive session you will meet program director Lee Eshelman and get your questions answered directly. You will also learn about the program’s focus on training mental healthcare providers in psychotherapy and psychological assessment.

If you’re considering a career in mental health, this is a great opportunity to learn more about how our program can help you achieve your goals as well as discover career opportunities including roles in hospitals, mental health clinics and outpatient care centers

Learn more about the Clinical Psychology M.A. program HERE.

For questions or more information, please contact Eshelman at eshelmlr@udmercy.edu.

REGISTER HERE!

Our day-to-day lives often force us to face immense challenges, whether it is isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, loss of family and friends from war and violence or encountering racism in the workplace. Bridges not Fences 6: Stories of Trauma and the Road to Healing offers a series of events to counter these experiences.

This event series will start with a workshop where you can craft a story of your own with storyteller Satori Shakoor. This workshop will be followed by further development of stories, culminating in the sharing of select stories at Bridges not Fences 6 and introduction of various methods of healing.

Bridges not Fences 6 will be attended by licensed professionals in the event that audience members need further support.

All are welcome to participate and attend.

Please save the date for the two upcoming events:

• Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Engineering Innovation Space: Storytelling Workshop. Come craft your story with storyteller Satori Shakoor (limit 25 attendees)
• Wednesday, April 9, 5:30-8 p.m. in Health Professions Facility (CHP), Room 124: Bridges not Fences 6. Hear stories of trauma and healing from those in our community. Stay to learn methods of healing.

More information and links to register will be shared in the coming weeks.

School of Dentistry Dean Mert N Aksu recently shared insights on the potential short- and long-term effects of discontinuing community water fluoridation in an article in Becker’s Dental +DSO Review. Aksu highlights water fluoridation’s critical role in preventing tooth decay and promoting public health.

The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company brings Tennessee Williams’ classic American play, The Glass Menagerie, to life across two weekends beginning Feb. 7 at the Marlene Boll Theatre located at 1401 Broadway Street in downtown Detroit.

Set in St. Louis during the 1930s, the play follows the struggles of the Wingfield family as they navigate dreams, desires and the delicate balance between reality and illusion. Amanda, a faded Southern belle, yearns for her past glory as she cares for her restless son, Tom, and fragile daughter, Laura. Amanda pushes Tom to find a suitor for Laura, leading to the arrival of Jim, a gentleman caller, whose visit has unexpected consequences for the family.

The plays run Friday, Saturday and Sunday across two weekends, Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 3 p.m.

Special Events:

• Friday, Feb. 7 — Opening Night Reception & Celebration: Celebrate the opening performance with cast and crew. Sponsored by Thomas E. Page ’71, ’76.
• Friday, Feb. 7 — Also CHASS Night at the Theatre: $5 tickets for students and alumni of the College of Liberal Arts & Education/College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences with code CHASS25. Free tickets to faculty/staff of CLAE/CHASS by emailing theatre@udmercy.edu.
• Saturday, Feb. 8 — High School Night: Free tickets and talkback following the performance for high school students and their families. Call 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu for reservations.
• Sunday, Feb. 9 — Unmasking Tennessee Williams: Explore the profound themes, complex characters and emotional depth that define Tennessee Williams’ plays. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to his work, this talkback promises to provide a deeper appreciation of Williams’ enduring legacy in American drama. Presented by UDM Professor of English Michael Barry as part of the Detroit Theatre Discussion Project.
• Friday, Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day Special: All tickets $10!

For more information or any questions please email theatre@udmercy.edu or visit www.udmercy.edu/life/theatre.

Get Tickets Here!

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

Now in its 55th year, the prize continues Dudley 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 Honors Convocation on March 23.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 7. First prize is $150 with second prize of $75 and third prize of $50. The judges of this year’s contest are Reem Abou-Samra, Maisy Card and Robert Laidler.

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 UDM’s Poet-in Residence Stacy Gnall at gnallsc@udmercy.edu.

Submit your poem here!

Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Architecture & Community Development Noah Resnick was awarded the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan President’s Award for creatively bridging the education of the architect and the profession of architecture.

The President’s Award was created in 1992 by AIA Michigan to honor architects who practice in the education or corporate sectors and who have made exceptional contributions to the profession and their community through academia, business or government.

From SACD Dean Dan Pitera: “Resnick is a nimble educator and professional who has directly developed an expansive educational vision for SACD that draws from both the academic and professional environments. For almost two decades, Noah has been an intentional champion for a mission-driven and student-centered approach to educate SACD’s graduates focused on practicing and contributing to AIA with a global perspective. SACD’s faculty, staff, and students would like congratulations Noah on the great honor!”

The Detroit Mercy Writing Center is offering three upcoming online training sessions to help student writers improve their writing and critical thinking skills.

All sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1-1:45 p.m.

The sessions are as follows:

• Jan. 21 – Integrating Source Material: Participants will learn effective methods for incorporating research and citations into scholarly projects
• Feb. 4 – Using Microsoft Word for Formatting and References: Learners will review essential tools in MS Word for professional document formatting and reference management.
• Feb. 18 – Avoiding Plagiarism: The host will review tools and strategies to ensure originality and proper source acknowledgment and citation.

Zoom links will be provided the day before each event to those who have RSVP. The Writing Center will provide proof of attendance to professors upon request.

RSVP HERE!

Registration is open for students, staff and faculty to present at the 19th annual University’s Celebration of Scholarly Achievement & Community Engagement (CSACE).

CSACE, to be held from 12-8:30 p.m. April 3 at the Student Fitness Center, is an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to be recognized for their work throughout the academic year. It will feature research posters, artistic displays, performances, lightning talks and more.

Presenter registration and abstract submissions are due by 5 p.m. March 3. To register, visit the link below. For more information contact Michele Favoretto at favoremi@udmercy.edu.

Register here.

Detroit Mercy’s University Recreation (URec) has something for everyone this winter 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.

URec strives to have a diverse selection of programming available to students and employees. Winter 2025 intramural programming includes basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), pickleball, dodgeball, esports and tennis. The leagues are FREE for all.

Please contact URec Assistant Director Allen Seales at sealesv@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1781 with any questions, comments or concerns.

Register now!

Join us for an evening of powerful conversation with Harvard and Yale trained property law scholar Bernadette Atuahene and special guest Orlando Bailey, Emmy award-winning journalist and executive director of Outlier Media, on Friday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. at the Riverfront Campus, Room 226.

Atuahene will share her new book Plundered: How Racist Policies Undermine Black Homeownership in America, in which she tells a riveting, braided tale about racist policies, how they take root, why they advance and flourish and who profits.

During the conversation, she and Bailey will dive into some of the most pressing issues facing Detroit today. They’ll explore housing affordability, racialized property tax administration and the ongoing legacy of racist policies.

This candid and thought-provoking discussion promises to challenge your thinking and inspire meaningful conversation. Come ready to engage, ask questions and leave with a deeper understanding of how racist policies shape communities.

Refreshments will be provided, and the cost of general admission includes a copy of Plundered!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER 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. 15.

Sign up by Wednesday, Jan. 15 in order to take advantage of the five-month payment option.

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’s College Panhellenic Council (CPC) sororities want to recruit you!

Sign up and join Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Beta Gamma and Sigma Sigma Sigma in a week of connection, conversation and fun starting Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Not sure if sorority life is for you? Potential new members can get a preview and ask any questions at orientation on Jan. 21 during dead hour or at 7 p.m. Check out the open house at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom to preview all three amazing groups and kick off the week!

REGISTER HERE!

The University is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Detroit Mercy Photography Contest with a big shout out to Jordan Shear, Law student, for winning the Best of Show award for the photo titled “Red, Gold, and Renaissance.”

This contest has been a wonderful opportunity to bring the Detroit Mercy community together and share a collective love for photography. At UDM, we celebrate success not only in academics but also in creativity, as part of our commitment to educating the whole person.

First-place winners and honorable mentions, listed below by category, are as follows:

• Abstract/Conceptual
  First Place: Julia Archer, Architecture & Community Development student — “Tuckaleechee” 
  Honorable Mention: Sulman Hans, dean of School of Optometry — “Eye of the Titan” 
  Honorable Mention: Dominika Owoc, Architecture & Community Development student — “Look Up!”
• After Dusk to Dawn
  First Place: Danica Bogdanovic, Architecture & Community Development student — “Detroit Raving Spirit”
  Honorable Mention: Nicholas Yaquinto, Engineering & Science student — “Sunsets in the 313” 
  Honorable Mention: Avishek Mukherjee, faculty member of College of Engineering & Science — “Port Crescent Aurora”
• Digital Manipulation
  First Place: Colin Gaddey, Engineering & Science student — “Crossroads in The Sky”
  Honorable Mention: Batoul Mortada, Engineering & Science student — “Digital Mirage”
  Honorable Mention: Dominika Owoc, Architecture & Community Development student — “UDM Tower”
• Nature/Scenic
  First Place: Margaret Swanney, Architecture & Community Development student — “Wrobel Domowy”
  Honorable Mention: Tessa White, Architecture & Community Development student — “The Dolomites”
  Honorable Mention: Colin Gaddey, Engineering & Science student — “Detroit Tree Python”
• People
  First Place: Julia Manni, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences student — “Man in Monaco”
  Honorable Mention: Lynn Vitale, administrator, Admissions and Recruitment — “Fourth of July”
  Honorable Mention: Jude Rodriguez, Engineering & Science student — “Noel”

Shear will receive a $500 gift card and a 20×30 mounted print of the winning photograph. All first place winners will receive a $100 gift card and a 16×24 mounted print of their winning photograph.

The winning photos will be on display in the lobby of the McNichols Campus Library. Be sure to stop by in person to view the photos or visit the UDM Photo Contest website at the link below to view the winners and the honorable mentions.

Many thanks to all who participated and a special thanks to Anthony Cressey for organizing the contest, as well the community members who generously volunteered their time and effort to judge the entries.

2024 Detroit Mercy Photography Contest.

Fitness classes offered by University Recreation begin Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Student Fitness Center. Here’s what is being offered:

• Yoga — This one-hour session is designed to help you to unwind, stretch and strengthen in a supportive environment. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, this class will help you find your balance and peace.
  When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.
  Where: Group Exercise Room
• Titan Training — This high energy session combines cardio and strength training to help you build muscle and improve your overall fitness.
  When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  Where: Upstairs on the fitness floor

Mats and equipment will be provided for both classes.

Don’t wait—spots are filling up fast! Reserve yours today and kick off your fitness journey with us.

Reserve your spot here!

Clinical Assistant Professor Mark Mortiere ’82, ’86 has been selected by the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Board of Trustees as the recipient of the 2025 Dental Faculty Award.

The award recognizes two dentist members actively involved in the education of dental or graduate dental students from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to organized dentistry.

Detroit Mercy’s STAR Center has received provisional accreditation. CHP’s Simulation, Technology and Research (STAR) Center recently received notification that it earned provisional accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

Provisional accreditation is granted through Dec. 31, 2025, at which time the STAR Center will apply for full accreditation. This achievement is due to the dedication and hard work of Nina Favor, faculty and staff in the College of Health Professions, administration and University leadership.

Join the University and all Detroit Mercy fans in Calihan Hall on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. as the Titans men’s basketball team takes on rival Oakland University! The contest will be a RED OUT so be sure to wear red!

Free T-shirts will be given out to the first 300 fans, so be sure to get there early! Students get in FREE with their Student ID.

For ticket information, click here!

All students are invited to join University Ministry and Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) on Monday, Jan. 20 for Intersectional Immersion Day, our first monthly Immersion Day of 2025! The event will take place from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, starting at the Mercy Gathering Place in Shiple Hall.

From there we will travel to Zaman International in nearby Inkster, Mich. This organization is committed to facilitating change and advancing the lives of marginalized women and children by providing a variety of housing, food and employment needs for many women, particularly female immigrants, in the metro Detroit area.

There will be educational, reflective and service-based portions of the day. Lunch, snacks and transportation will be provided to all participants. Please note, this event coincides with Martin Luther King Day, and there are no classes that day.

Be sure to register by Jan. 15 to secure your spot or be added to the waitlist.

For any questions, please contact Associate University Minister Becky Vires at rvires@udmercy.edu or visit the University Ministry office in the Lower Level of the Student Union across from the Bookstore. We look forward to seeing you there!

SIGN UP HERE!

If you are looking to reserve a room for a meeting or event on the McNichols Campus, you can now do so in CourseDog!

Based on the expected head count, date of event and time of the event, the system will let you know what rooms are available in REAL TIME!

If you have any questions, please contact University Services at universityservices@udmercy.edu or the Registrar’s Office at registrar@udmercy.edu.

Reserve Spaces here!

Students prepared for graduation in December 2024, May or August 2025 with a minimum GPA 3.80 may apply to be selected as the Detroit Mercy 2025 Valedictorian.

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

• 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 3. There will be no exceptions to the submission date.

For additional information including access to the applications and nomination form, please click HERE!

If you are a December 2024 graduate or have applied for graduation in May/August 2025 and have a minimum GPA of 3.30, you may also be interested in membership in Kappa Gamma Pi (KGP), 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, please complete the online Kappa Gamma Pi membership form.

Your application and $75 fee must be received NO LATER than Friday, February 21.

Once you are a member of KGP, you will be eligible to apply for the 2025 Kappa Gamma Pi Cornaro Pi Scholarship for Graduate Studies. Two recipients will receive $3,500.00 each to be applied as needed for graduate expenses at any accredited college or university. This is a non-renewable grant.

For additional information about the Kappa Gamma Pi Organization, click HERE!

The Detroit Mercy Libraries, along with Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) and The Varsity News, are happy to announce the recipients of the second annual Adia J. Palmer Memorial Scholarship: Hisham Almadani, Taspiya Begum, Isabelle Francis, Cecilia Grimes, Desseray Martin and Kateri Sollars.

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 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. All six of the scholarship recipients exemplify this spirit.

Hisham Almadani, a Communication Studies major who plans to graduate next academic year, is all about “the story.” Whether it’s writing for The Varsity News, covering the esports industry or writing poetry in his Arabic mother tongue, which began when he picked up a pen in the fifth grade (before properly learning English), he has loved nothing more than telling stories.

But, Almadani said, “As much as I live by the ink of my pen, my life is not just about words – it is about the people who fill the spaces around me and in my pages,” which is one of the reasons he is also pursuing a Leadership minor and serves as co-president of Detroit Mercy’s Muslim Student Association. He creates educational videos for the club that have garnered tens of thousands of views online and serves as a social media intern for the University’s Marketing & Communications Department. “Whether on or off campus, I find purpose by being of service to others.”

Since 2021, Taspiya Begum, a Biology major, has contributed to many UDM communities, including the Chemistry Club, the Malta Volunteer Dental and Medical Clinic, TENN, Undergraduate Student National Dental Association (USNDA) and the First Gen Network. Outside of UDM, Begum is involved at her local mosque, babysitting and using her language skills – activities that have strengthened her patience, empathy and collaboration skills, all of which will be helpful on her path to dental school and as a future dentist.

“Volunteering and serving my community remind me of the importance of giving back and the fulfillment that comes from helping others,” said Begum.

A second-year Political Science and Cybersecurity major, Isabelle Francis has made the theme of radical hospitality and reaching the magis central to her learning and experience at Detroit Mercy.  Francis serves as secretary – and previously served as sustainability senator – of the Student Government Association, and is also involved with the Political Science Student Association and Ethics Bowl. However, the experience she has had raising awareness of food injustice and sustainability through her volunteer work at TENN has influenced how she envisions her work and life after graduation.

“My plans are to go to law school and practice cyberlaw and intellectual property law. I also plan to go to graduate school for cybersecurity,” said Francis. “I hope to make sustainable and environmental change outside of TENN when I graduate using the knowledge of food injustice I have learned to create a more environmentally friendly community.”

Cecilia Grimes, a Psychology major, has been a friendly and familiar face at the McNichols Campus Library since her first year at the University. In her role as a library assistant, Grimes is a calm and collaborative presence helping at the circulation desk and with interlibrary loan (ILL). When not volunteering at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or working as a restaurant host, she attends Black Student Union meetings and regularly takes part in campus fundraisers.

“In the future I want to get my master’s in Clinical Psychology. Psychology is something that I have always loved,” said Grimes. “I love helping people by giving them an outlet to talk about anything and everything. Being a listener is one of my best qualities.”

A Communication Studies major, Desseray Martin has a passion for meeting new people and creating memorable moments. A Varsity News staffer, she is also an in-arena host for live athletic games, a role that requires her to engage with fans and bring energy to the crowd and events. She also serves as president of Section 313, a vibrant organization that drives fan activities, builds camaraderie and enlivens team spirit.

While her professional goal is to work in sports media as a broadcaster, Martin said that writing will always be one of her top interests. “From self-expression to advocacy and empowerment, all are encompassed in writing. I am deeply committed to creating spaces for myself and others where language inspires sharing our unique stories. I am writing either to motivate, inform or encourage.”

Over the past few years, Kateri Sollars, a Psychology major with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Creative Writing, realized she has a passion for journalism, interviewing people and listening to their stories. She started writing for The Varsity News “for fun,” and was later convinced by Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Varsity News Advisor David Cassilo to take it as a class, despite her packed schedule. Since then, she has gone on to enhance her interviewing – and social – skills as co-host, alongside University Minister for Faith Formation Anna Bryson, of the What’s the Tea with Ministry? podcast.

These skills come in handy in Sollars’ extracurricular life as well. As president of the Black Student Union, she hosts events like the Pajama Mixer, works in the Admissions Office and serves as a sacristan in the Chapel. About this last experience, she said, “Being able to serve my campus church brings me a lot of peace and strengthens my connection to my religion. I have also formed a lot of valuable relationships as a sacristan at UDM.” Sollars hopes to secure an internship at the Detroit Free Press upon graduation and will begin graduate school in fall 2025.

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!

Detroit Mercy students, staff and faculty can earn $40 through a mental health study at the University. The Department of Psychology is looking for participants for the study.

To qualify, you must be 18 or older, have experienced a traumatic event and have the ability to complete questionnaires and interview about current mental health symptoms in English. Each in-person appointment will take approximately 60-90 minutes.

Participants will be asked to fill out a few self-report questionnaires relating to traumatic experiences, relationships, emotions and coping. They’ll also be asked to participate in a confidential videotaped clinical interview regarding traumatic experiences.

The study will use the information to help clinicians diagnose trauma-related conditions and design better programs for people who have experienced traumatic events.

Please call 313-993-1486 or email Katelyn Lowe at loweke@udmercy.edu with any questions or to see if you may quality for the study.

The College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing will host a presentation and roundtable discussion on human trafficking in observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. in the Ford Life Sciences Building, Room 118.

Detroit Mercy Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student Isabell Miller will present and lead the discussion on this topic in order to raise awareness and educate the UDM community on how to potentially identify and prevent this crime. Miller is a recipient of the distinguished Oakland University’s Nightingale Award in 2022 for developing a screening tool to identify and treat victims of human sex trafficking.

Students, faculty and staff are welcome! Snacks will be provided.

Please join us and educate yourself on this very important issue!

Professor of Mathematics Jeffe J. Boats‘ debut novel, Blood Game, comes out on Feb. 4 and is available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers worldwide. Blood Game is the first in a series of savvy tech thrillers and tells the story of an intelligence analyst on the autism spectrum who gets a long-awaited mission in clandestine operations.

Detroit Mercy’s English Department kicks of this year’s Triptych series with poet Brandon Som, who will read his work on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Som is a Chicano and Chinese American poet. His most recent poetry collection Tripas (Georgia Review and University of Georgia Press) was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry and was a finalist for the National Book Award. He is also the author of The Tribute Horse (Nightboat Books), which won the 2015 Kate Tufts Discovery Award.

Som lives in San Diego, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kumeyaay Nation, and teaches literature and creative writing at University of California San Diego.

Now in its third year, Triptych is a virtual reading series featuring award-winning poets in conversation with Detroit Mercy’s poet-in-residence, Stacy Gnall. Triptych events are held via Zoom on Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. and are free and open to the community!

SAVE THE DATE for authors K-Ming Chang (Feb. 27) and Aracelis Girmay (March 20).

Register here!

Service immersion trips offer a unique opportunity to step outside your own community and engage with a different culture, offering your gifts and presence in the spirit of service and solidarity, while immersing yourself in education on the critical issues of our day.

This trip to Joppa Mountain, Tenn., takes place during spring break, March 1-7, and is an immersive experience that not only focuses on personal growth and reflection but also involves direct service to those in need. The community around Joppa Mountain is deeply affected by the decline of the coal industry, challenges related to refugee and migrant resettlement and a lack of access to essential resources such as food and housing.

As part of this trip, participants will engage in hands-on service, including building homes, working in food pantries and learning about the systemic issues that contribute to poverty and displacement. This journey fosters relationships of mutuality and solidarity, encouraging participants to live simply and connect authentically with those they serve.

The fee for this trip (organized in partnership with Glenmary Missions) is $400, which includes transportation from UDM, lodging and program costs. Participants will stay in Glenmary Missions’ volunteer house on the mountain, which consists of multiple rooms, bunk beds, a kitchen and reflection room, located on a small farm surrounded by gorgeous Appalachian views.

This trip is for current UDM students only. All faiths or non-faiths are invited to apply. There are eight student spots available on this trip.

The application deadline is Jan. 15 with an initial deposit of $100.

Please reach out to Sammy Eckrich at seckric@udmercy.edu with questions.

Fill out interest form here!

ALL students, as well as faculty and staff, are invited to attend Mass with the Detroit Jesuit Community and participate in prayer and worship for their own spiritual growth. Masses are held every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:15 p.m. in the Lansing-Reilly Chapel (Jesuit residence).

Please enter through the glass doors just inside the McNichols Campus front gate.

The Detroit Jesuit Community resides on two campuses: in Lansing-Reilly Hall on the McNichols Campus of Detroit Mercy and also in the Jesuit Residence at U-D Jesuit High School. That’s where the Jesuits live as friends in the Lord at the service of mission.

Our hometown of Detroit made The New York Times‘ list of places to go in 2025.

The annual list features 52 locations around the globe to travel to each year. Detroit is the 39th location on the list this year and was applauded for its “remarkable signs of renewal,” in an entry written by Lauren Matison.

Read more.

Join the University and all Detroit Mercy fans in Calihan Hall on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. as the Titans women’s basketball team takes on rival Oakland University! The contest will be a RED OUT so be sure to wear red!

Free T-shirts will be given out to the first 200 fans, so be sure to get there early! Admission is FREE to all students with their Student ID.

For ticket information, please click HERE!

Come and join University Ministry in Montgomery, Ala. during spring break!

When: March 1-8 (spring break)

What: Service Immersion Trips are an opportunity to encounter a community outside of your own, offer your gifts and friendship in service 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 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.

Where: Montgomery, Ala. We are hosted by an organization called Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South, Inc. Their center is located in a building that was previously a convent, consisting of private bedrooms with two beds each, shared split bathrooms, a kitchen and a reflection room where we have our nightly reflections.

Who: For current UDM students only. All faiths or non-faiths are invited to join. There are 8 student spots available on this trip.

Transportation: Provided! We will meet at UDM and drive down together in a van, leaving early Saturday, March 1 and returning Saturday, March 8.

Registration Cost: $400 (covers 3 meals/day, lodging, transportation, museum tickets and all programming). The total cost per person is higher, but Ministry pays the remainder. We do not want this expense to be an obstacle to your participation–scholarships are available! Reach out to Sammy at seckric@udmercy.edu to request a scholarship application.

Application Deadline: Jan. 15 with an initial deposit of $100. The remaining cost is due a week before the start of the trip. An application can be requested below.

SIGN UP HERE!

Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) was proud to take part in Gleaners Food Bank‘s annual fundraiser, highlighting the vital partnership between our organizations. TENN Program Manager Chelsea Manning and Health Services Administration intern Kyndal Wofford represented TENN and shared insights in a dynamic three-minute interview with Fox 2 News about their delivery program and the essential support they receive from Gleaners.

See the interview HERE.

As many UDM community members know, the University ranked among the top 50 institutions of higher education in the U.S. for 2025. This incredible rank is due to all of your efforts to make UDM a college of choice for our students. Thank you for your diligence and hard work to help all students succeed!

In total, 112,084 students and alumni were surveyed for The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)/Statista Insights Analysis. More than 1,500 colleges throughout the U.S. met eligibility criteria. In addition, the top 500 colleges in the country were awarded this year. For the 2025 rankings, UDM benchmarked against Loyola Maryland, Creighton University, Marquette and Loyola Chicago.

As part of our coverage and communications of this ranking, UDM receives the WSJ/Statista analysis. This analysis provides in-depth information about the rankings and specific areas where UDM scored well and areas where we might improve. Please take some time to review this information. In the near future, more discussion will take place around the institution about this analysis as UDM seeks to integrate findings into current and future marketing and recruitment efforts.

To review the latest WSJ/Statista Insights Analysis, please click HERE.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to MarCom at marcom@udmercy.edu.

Three Detroit Mercy Theatre Company productions have been honored recently.

Two productions were selected for recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 3. The festival, which highlights excellence in collegiate theater, will take place in Madison, Wisc., in January.

DMTC’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] has been selected as a full production, one of the highest honors awarded at the festival. Additionally, Photograph 51 will be presented in the Associate Production category, with a featured scene showcased during the Costume Parade event.

This is just the fourth time since 1970 that DMTC has been invited to perform a full production at KCACTF, placing the program among the top collegiate theater programs in the Midwest.

DMTC is currently preparing to bring Complete Works to the festival, which will provide students with opportunities to perform for regional audiences, engage in workshops, and connect with theater professionals. Photograph 51 was invited to perform, but due to scheduling conflicts will not participate in the festival.

In addition, DMTC’s fall 2023 production of A Year with Frog and Toad earned six Wilde Awards, given to professional productions across Michigan. More than 100 productions were reviewed for honors.

The production shared best musical honors with six other productions; Sarah Rusk was among 11 honorees for best director of a musical, Luke Adamkiewicz and Alexander Knightwright shared best actor in a musical honors with 10 others; Mary Elizabeth Valesano was one of nine receiving a best costumes honor and Daniel Grieg was one of eight honored for his musical direction.