When Karen Waters came to University of Detroit Mercy in 1995, she brought with her the lessons and experiences of a long career in social work. She ended that career with a five-year stint as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit.
As an associate professor of Social Work, she shared her experiences with her students for more than 20 years, furthering the Detroit Mercy mission of building graduates with academic knowledge and practical experience.
Waters also served on the African-American Studies Committee, which helps set the course for the program, which now offers a minor. It’s this committee that inspired a large gift from Waters and her husband, Thom.
The committee is made up of people from many disciplines, and Waters said interacting with the committee members toward a greater goal was one of the highlights of her Detroit Mercy career. As one of the longest-tenured African-American faculty members, and someone with field experience in social work, Waters brought a unique perspective to the committee, and she found she was inspired by the other members.
“I was — and the University is — enriched by the range of people on that committee” she said. “They are progressive thinkers, generous with their time, and committed to the University and the African-American Studies program.”
That’s why Waters, who retired in 2016, and her husband established the endowed Drs. Karen and Thomas Waters African-American Studies Program Enrichment Fund, which she hopes will allow the program to grow.
“I wanted to help this program do bigger and better things,” she said. “I wanted to help broaden the program, and help them offer events that are for all students, not just those within the African-American Studies program.”
“I’m a ‘macro’ person,” Waters said. “Having events like a speaker series open to the entire University community will let students step into an area where they may be uncomfortable and when you do that, your world becomes bigger.”
Director of the African-American Studies Program Alex Zamalin, who is also associate professor of political science, welcomes the gift because it will help build on an enthusiasm for the department’s programming.
“I’ve seen firsthand how much students appreciate the courses and programming offered in the African-American Studies program and how excited they truly are about discussing topics that matter to them, and the city of Detroit in which they live or they attend school,” he said. “It is clear that the program is so important for their success at the University. The African-American Studies Program Enrichment Fund will give the program the opportunity to expand our lecture series and facilitate student workshops, which help enhance student educational goals and contribute to the general social justice mission of the University.”
The Campaign for University of Detroit Mercy is raising funds to ensure students benefit from Detroit Mercy’s commitment to updated and expanded programming. Please consider making a gift toward the $100-million goal online or by calling 313-993-1250. Gifts of any size can make a major difference. To contribute to the Drs. Karen and Thomas Waters African-American Studies Program Enrichment Fund, contact Teri Carroll, director of development for the College of Liberal Arts & Education at 313-993-1429.
