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

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Air date: 12/28/25

[00:28:40]

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air date: 12/21/25

[00:28:02]

It’s always great to hear the voice of long-time Ask The Professor host Edwin DeWindt; and this week’s episode takes us back to Christmas of 1996, when Edwin was joined by Professors George Pickering, Claire Crabtree, Dan Maggio, Hugh Culik and special guest Patrick Parsons.

ATP 2616 transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Microgrant Program.

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 26.

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 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”

During the 2024 presidential election, UDM hosted filmmaker Becca Finley, who gathered the thoughts and impressions of UDM students on the election. Those interactions are included in the documentary titled “Citizens Revival.”

A director’s cut screening and discussion will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 in Room 317 of the Briggs Building on the McNichols Campus. Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.

The film preview will be followed by a Q&A with several of the film’s creators and participants, including Detroit Mercy students. This is a free screening with limited seating, RSVPS are required. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

Register here.

Start 2026 with a bang at University Recreation’s New Year’s Rec-Solutions! Save the date for this fun event to help usher in the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. inside of the Whitty Student Fitness Center.

Free food is available to the first 100 participants. Also included will be giveaways, raffles, vendors, interactive demos, sports and fitness challenges, music, inflatable games and a few surprises! Stay tuned for more.

Every other Tuesday evening, University Ministry will host Mass and Meal, a time for the UDM community to come together at the table to celebrate our faith and fellowship. All are welcome to attend Mass at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Chapel followed by a home-cooked meal prepared by Fr. Jeff.

The first Mass and Meal will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with additional dates on Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.

As Luke 22 reminds us: “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me…”

For questions, please email Fr. Jeff at dorrje@udmercy.edu.

Welcome to the winter 2026 semester, Titans! Kick off the new semester with a week packed full of exciting events Jan. 12-16 on the McNichols Campus, sponsored by the Student Life Office.

From making your own “Zlipperz” to keep you cozy during those long Michigan winter months to the cosmic Bowling Bonanza at the Garden Bowl, you don’t want to miss out on the fun this week!

The schedule of events is as follows:

• Monday, Jan. 12, 3-5 p.m. — Make Your Own Zlipperz: Student Union Lower Level
• Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5-6:30 p.m. — New Years Rec-Solutions: Fitness Center
• Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2:30-5:30 p.m. — Soup’s On!: Student Union Lower Level
• Thursday, Jan. 15, 12:45-2 p.m. — SGA Meet the Senators: Fountain Lounge
• ALSO Thursday, Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m. — Karaoke: Ballroom
• Friday, Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m. — Bowling Bonanza: Garden Bowl

Mark your calendars, bring a friend (or meet new ones) and join the fun!

The spirit store/bookstore on the McNichols Campus is open all week ahead of the start of the winter semester on Monday, Jan. 12. Students are able to buy books ahead of that time all week inside of the Student Union.

Hours for the first few weeks of the semester are as follows:

January 5-11

• Monday, Jan. 5 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 6 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 7 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 8 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 9 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 10-11 — Closed

January 12-18

• Monday, Jan. 12 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 13 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 14 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 15 — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 16 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 17 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 18 — Closed

January 19-25

• Monday, Jan. 19 (MLK Day) — Closed
• Tuesday, Jan. 20 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 21 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 22 — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 23 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Full bookstore info.

Detroit Mercy Law will hold a candid conversation on “Careers in Arts & Entertainment Law,” hosted by the Arts, Communication, Entertainment & Sports Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

This discussion will take place on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Riverfront Campus inside Room 226. A reception will follow in the atrium.

Featured Speakers:

• Paul Rosenberg ’96 is a globally recognized force in the music industry, known for being a longtime manager of Eminem, founder of Goliath Artists and president of Shady Records. He is also the former chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings and has produced acclaimed projects such as “8 Mile” and “How Music Got Free.”
• Howard Hertz received his law degree from Wayne State University in 1976 and formed the law firm of Hertz Schram in 1979. He specializes in entertainment law and has represented numerous artists and entities in the entertainment field. He is a member of the Board of Directors and president of the Detroit Music Awards Foundation and a former member and advisor of the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter (Grammys).

These distinguished professionals will share insights on arts and entertainment law, including career paths and industry opportunities. Please contact Brittany Dawson at dawsonba2@udmercy.edu with any questions.

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. 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.

It’s time for the annual Titans men’s and women’s golf raffle. Your participation helps make a difference with proceeds to directly support team travel expenses throughout the season.

Purchase raffle tickets today and show your Titan pride. Tickets are $50 each, and prizes are as follows:

• First place: $1,000
• Second place: $500
• Third place: $100

Special bonus: Buy four or more tickets and receive a Nike Titan Golf team cap.

Winning tickets will be drawn during halftime of the UDM men’s basketball game on Friday, Jan. 30, at approximately 8 p.m.

Checks can be sent to the UDM Golf Program, c/o Chuck Batcheller, Calihan Hall, 4001 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221. Credit cards, cash, Venmo (@Charles-Batcheller) or PayPal (@cbatcheller1987) are also accepted. Ticket numbers will be assigned upon receipt of payment.

For more information, please contact Coach Batcheller at batchech@udmercy.edu or 248-234-1867.

Thanks for supporting our dedicated student-athletes!

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

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

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

Detroit Mercy wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

Following are the campus-specific schedules in observance of Christmas and the holiday season:

• The McNichols Campus will close at the end of normal business hours on Tuesday, Dec. 23 and resume operations on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Winter classes begin Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
• The Riverfront Campus will close at the end of business hours on Monday, Dec. 22 and resume operations on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Winter classes for Detroit Mercy Law begin on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
• The Corktown Campus will be closed Dec. 22 and resume operations on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Winter classes for the School of Dentistry begin on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
• The Novi Campus will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 20 and resume operations on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Classes for the School of Optometry begin Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

For those who are interested in making an end-of-the-year donation to Detroit Mercy, please visit www.udmercy.edu/giving/donate.

We hope everyone has a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season!

Start the new year with connection and community spirit. The Connected Communities 5K Walk/Run is back for its second year, bringing together neighborhoods for a day of fitness and networking.

The event kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. Participants will start at 1004 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, and cross the finish line at The Raw Space, located at 8420 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit.

Whether you walk or run, you’ll experience an energetic community and meet some amazing people.

This event is sponsored by The Raw Space, Pillar + Pride and Avenue Runners.

Register here.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing employees who joined us for the annual Christmas Party. Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you enjoyed the festivities, food and fun.

Relive the wonderful moments by checking out the photo gallery from the event.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Come out to support the local Detroit community and cheer on the Titans men’s basketball team on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., as they take on Siena Heights inside historic Calihan Hall. Bring a toy for donation and receive a free ticket to the game!

Your toy donation will support local Detroit charities and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and you’ll enjoy an exciting matchup, all while helping Titan Athletics make an impact on the community.

Fans and children will also have the opportunity for pictures with Tommy Titan dressed as Santa.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and root for the Titans!

University of Detroit Mercy’s Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) received several honors and a pair of grants this fall for its work in the community.

The organization, which fosters student and community collaboration for a more food-sovereign Detroit, was recognized with a Spirit of Detroit Award by Detroit City Councilmembers Coleman A. Young II and Angela Whitfield Calloway. Nearly a dozen members of TENN received their own plaque acknowledging the award, which highlights outstanding achievement or service to the residents of Detroit.

State Rep. Helena Scott also honored TENN with a special tribute for its work combating food insecurity and promoting equity and sustainability in the community.

“The students were so excited,” said TENN Program Manager Chelsea Manning. “They’re all so busy with taking more classes than I can imagine, and yet, they’re so dedicated to the organization.

“It’s just a really amazing validation that we are reaching our goals and our mission.”

A pair of grants will help TENN’s mission at UDM and in the community surrounding the McNichols Campus.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded a $180,000 grant to TENN, in collaboration with UDM’s College of Health Professions and the Martin Park and Fitzgerald Neighborhoods, to create a Wellness Council. A $5,000 grant from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan will also support the Wellness Council.

Manning said the Wellness Council will identify needs and develop projects that TENN, its partners and other groups at UDM can implement in the community. The grant from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan is focused on cultivating resident leaders and building the foundation for the Wellness Council through training and workshops.

Manning, who is in her third year as TENN’s program manager, said receiving the grants is a tremendous honor for the organization and its mission.

“These awards will enable us to expand programming while deepening TENN’s relationship-based model,” she said. “Through this support, we look forward to collaborating with the community to identify new opportunities for TENN and other campus partners to enhance health and wellness in the Martin Park and Fitzgerald/Marygrove neighborhoods.

“These grants also affirm the strength of TENN’s strategies and our commitment to community partnerships.”

The Wellness Council is expected to start by spring 2026, with the ultimate goal of sustainability.

“Our goal is to have a lot of capacity building for neighborhood leaders so that this work is sustainable if we can’t carry it on,” Manning said.

In addition to TENN’s awards and grants, Manning was recognized at the Detroit District Two Leadership Breakfast, hosted by Councilmember Whitfield Calloway. Manning was among nearly 20 people honored for their contributions to the well-being of the district’s community this year.

Organizations such as TENN allow UDM students to live the University’s Jesuit and Mercy mission through community engagement.

Last year, TENN delivered more than 24,000 pounds of food in the community, feeding 200 families.

“Chelsea and her team of 12 amazing student leaders are working with community leaders to provide transformational experiences for other students by helping them realize that they can make a difference in the areas of food security and sustainability,” said Fr. Tim Hipskind, S.J., director of Community Engaged Learning at UDM. “In doing so, they are providing experiences that counter the social fragmentation that plagues our world these days by equipping student and community members to work together across difference.”

Through her role, Manning has experienced firsthand how students are impacted by volunteering with TENN.

‘It’s really amazing to see the growth in the students,” Manning said.

Learn more about TENN.

UDM giving opportunities.

Looking for a place to study for finals? The McNichols Campus Library is again offering extended hours to support students during final exams week.

Library hours are as follows for the week:

• Monday, Dec. 8 — 8 a.m. to midnight
• Tuesday, Dec. 9 — 8 a.m. to midnight
• Wednesday, Dec. 10 — 8 a.m. to midnight
• Thursday, Dec. 11 — 8 a.m. to midnight
• Friday, Dec. 12 — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 13 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s almost chili time! Calling all faculty, staff, students and alumni for the annual chili cook-off at the Titan Winter Blast, set for Saturday, Jan. 24 prior to the men’s basketball contest against Oakland on the McNichols Campus. The cook-off is from 12-3 p.m., with the Titans game against rival Golden Grizzlies beginning at 3 p.m. inside of Calihan Hall.

Grab a co-worker, fellow classmate, your student organization or club members, or an alumni to join the the chili-cooking fun!

Registration ends Friday, Dec. 12. For more information please contact Arneshia Austin at austinad1@udmercy.edu.

Sign-up today!

Detroit Mercy’s annual Late Night Munchies meal Monday, Dec. 8 from 8-9:30 p.m. inside of Titan Dining Room helps usher in the start of finals week on the McNichols Campus.

The 2025 meal from Metz features chicken and waffles, yogurt parfaits, breakfast tacos, and more to help fuel the prep for finals. Also included inside of TDR are fun activities such as caricatures, henna, a photo booth and music. Everyone is welcome!

University Ministry will host a special time of prayer and reflection for peacemakers Monday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m., inside of the Holy Spirit Chapel, located in the Student Union, Lower Level.

Together, we will pray the Rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion, in support of Pope Leo XIV’s monthly intention for December: That Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

Enjoy free hot chocolate and receive a blessing before finals in a space free of stress with your UDM community.

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.