It’s fall, so that must mean Homecoming at Detroit Mercy.
The tradition continues Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 and is open to students, alumni, friends, family, faculty, staff and the community.
The Fall Festival-themed event aims to reconnect past, present and future Titans through three days of celebration. Homecoming kicks off with the presentation of the Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards and is followed by numerous other presentations, sporting events, reunions, a tailgate and bonfire and more.
Events on Saturday will include an unveiling of a sculpture to honor Detroit Mercy’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions commissioned by University of Detroit alumnus Thomas Page ’71, ’76.
According to Page, the focus of this artwork is to represent the Ignatian-Jesuit characteristic of “cura personalis,” or care for the whole person. In addition, the piece will honor the important tenets of excellence, leadership and character of the institution’s co-sponsor, the Religious Sisters of Mercy.
Ultimately, University officials are enthusiastic to pay tribute in an artistic way to the Jesuit and Mercy values and traditions and look forward to the bright future of Detroit Mercy as reflected by the appointment of the new president, Donald B. Taylor, and the official opening of the newly renovated Student Union.
“We plan to place this sculpture at the intersection of student residential buildings and McNichols Campus learning spaces to encourage everyone to gather around it,” Page explained. “Our hope is that students will also create meaning for the sculpture as they see and experience it each day, and hopefully as they meet around it for events and activities,” he added.
Page is also working with Jason Roche, associate professor of Communication in the Department of Communications Studies, on a documentary that explains the concept behind the sculpture. In addition, a naming competition for sculpture may be developed in the near future.
Page has remained a steadfast supporter of his alma mater for decades. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1971, a master’s degree in Urban Studies in ’76 from University of Detroit, and he credits his education for his success. His career in law enforcement began with the Detroit Police Department before he headed out to Los Angeles where he worked for some 20 years with the LAPD. It was there he began work on a new initiative, helping to create a standardized, effective approach to combat drug-impaired driving.
The sculpture is being created by brothers Erik and Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center, an organization that creates award-winning artistic objects using glass, wood, metal and other mediums. One of their well-known pieces is “One World…Under Michigan Stars,” created and installed at Belle Isle this past year.
Those planning on participating in Homecoming are asked to bring one non-perishable food or personal hygiene item per person for the Detroit Mercy Student Food Pantry. Suggested items include single-serving soup, instant meals, peanut butter, canned fruit, protein bars or personal hygiene items.
To register and for more information, please visit udmercy.edu/homecoming.
