Get to Know: Yolanda Grandison ’04, ’06, growing crops and jobs in Africa

Yolanda Grandison is a woman of many interests. After earning a biology degree elsewhere, she came to University of Detroit Mercy to earn a master’s degree in Health Services Administration and another in Computer Information. She has a full-time IT position in the medical field in Detroit. But it’s what …

Class of 2021 Alumni Spirit Awards: Hank Durkin ’73 — IT pioneer

Each year, University of Detroit Mercy chooses an alumnus of each of its Colleges or Schools to honor as someone who has excelled in his or her profession, demonstrated outstanding leadership in work and devoted himself or herself in service to the larger community. Award recipients reflect the University’s mission …

Grants aid Detroit Mercy students and community work

Detroit Mercy’s DCDC has taken up new offices at Neighborhood HomeBase on McNichols Road near Livernois Thursday. It’s designed to be a space for neighborhood meetings and a resource for revitalization of the area. Recent charitable grants totaling more than half a million dollars will support scholarships, programs, faculty research …

$100-million campaign success ushers in new era (and there’s still time to give!)

On Dec. 14, Detroit Mercy celebrated the institution’s record-breaking $100-million campaign and began a new phase of growth for the next decade with a strong momentum. Detroit Mercy’s Build a Boundless Future: The Campaign for University of Detroit Mercy has exceeded the goal and surpassed $111 million in commitments, with …

Get to Know: Michael Brunker ’74, spending ‘his Heaven doing good on Earth’

Michael Brunker remembers the exact moment his life changed. It was in 1963 on his 11th birthday. Ernie Harwell, then the Detroit Tigers’ legendary announcer, called his mother’s name in a local raffle. She won his-and-hers cars, which his father promptly sold. The 1963 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Fury helped …

Alumni tell why they’re thankful for Detroit Mercy

A few weeks ago we asked our alumni to let us know what they received from Detroit Mercy that they are thankful for. Printed below are several responses we hope remind you of the importance of being thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all alumni of University of Detroit, Mercy College of Detroit and University of Detroit Mercy!

“Mercy College provided me with the fundamental skills needed to succeed in corporate America. As a college graduate from Mercy, I learned how to navigate life, build social skills and improve my academic resilience needed to later pursue a Ph.D. from Wayne State University. Thank you for allowing me to grow as an undergrad in a safe learning environment at Mercy College.”
Marsha (Meaux) Parker, Mercy College of Detroit ’86

“I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the University of Detroit Mercy for my MBA. I had great professors like Dr. Peterson, Dr. Sabbaghi, and Mr. Howard who mentored me and supported me throughout my time at Detroit Mercy. I could not have been able to pursue a career in higher education administration or further my education without their support. I owe these three great professors and Detroit Mercy a lot, as I would not be where I am today without this institution and them believing in me. I thank God for this institution!”
Vincent Harris Lyons, Detroit Mercy ’16

“Every day, I thank God for blessing me with The University of Detroit Mercy. In February of 1993, I met with Ms. Kathy Bush in the basement of the Briggs Building. I applied with a 2.7 GPA. She accepted me with the condition of The Challenge Program. I am the man, husband, father and Catholic School Educator I am today because of Detroit Mercy. Detroit Mercy gave me a chance.
“I was taught and guided by some of the best professors any student could ask for. They taught me I was knowledgeable, brought out my gifts and gave me the confidence I needed. I graduated with a 3.76 GPA.
Everything I do today is through the lens of Detroit Mercy. Their values, diversity and history have shaped me. Everyone who knows me knows that Detroit Mercy is the best.
“There is nothing I would not do for Detroit Mercy. Next to God, my wife, and children, there is nothing I love more than Detroit Mercy. I am thankful and blessed to have degrees from here because they are a mark of a University that values history and traditions that have been built by our Catholic faith, Jesuit and Mercy values, a commitment to diversity, true knowledge and wisdom.”
Anthony Sahadi, Detroit Mercy, ’98, ’05

“I’m thankful that tuition for graduate classes was lowered last year, making it easier for me and the other students after graduation. I won’t be burdened with ridiculous student loans. A lot of the programs I had looked at were going to be between $65,000 and $100,000 for a three-year program! The cost of the program played in role in my choosing University of Detroit Mercy.”
Katie Carlisle, Detroit Mercy, ’21

“I am thankful for Detroit Mercy giving me a wonderful undergraduate experience with faculty that became like family to me!”
Monica Nessim, Detroit Mercy, ’19

“I am thankful for the nursing career University of Detroit Mercy has given me over 20 years as a BSN graduate.”
Lori Carr, Detroit Mercy, ’97

Sandie Graber is thankful for these people who were fellow students in the MBA program 10 years ago.

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we finished our MBA program with these special people! I miss you all so much and it was great catching up tonight on all we’ve accomplished! I am THANKFUL for  all 12 of you! Anne we had a toast in your honor!
Sandie Graber, Detroit Mercy, ’09