Detroit Mercy’s 2018 Homecoming is coming fast, Sept. 28–29, and will provide a wealth of opportunities for alumni, friends, family and the community to have fun and re-discover our historic city, Detroit.
Everyone is invited to participate — students, alumni, neighbors, community residents and visitors from out of town. Check out the featured events for the weekend and stay tuned to Detroit Mercy social media feeds for future updates, videos and announcements.
Friday, Sept. 28
Titan 10 Unite Continuing Education Dental Course — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(At Doubletree Hotel Dearborn, Detroit)
Tips and Tricks for Composite Restoration and Solving Post-OP Sensitivity. At the end of this course you will be able to describe the different types of adhesive techniques and most recent dental materials, identify the problems and limitations of current adhesive techniques and materials, and provide the clinician with guidelines to minimize the errors and increase longevity of resin composite restorations.
Law Golf Tournament — Noon
(At St. John’s Golf Course at the Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth)
Detroit Mercy Law kicks off the weekend with a noon shotgun start at St. John’s Golf Course for the annual Law Golf Tournament and Dinner.
Ask the Professor — Live Taping – 3:30 p.m.
(At Library, McNichols Campus)
Do you love trivia? Take part in a live taping of Ask the Professor, one of the longest running broadcast shows in the United States. This quirky, unrehearsed quiz show has been on the air since the 1950s, where the audience tries to stump Detroit Mercy professors. Free gift (while supplies last) to alumni who attend the recording of the show. No Registration Required.
Lecture by Saundra Little — African American Architects in Detroit/Michigan — 5:30 p.m.
(At Library, McNichols Campus)
Karen A.D. Burton and Saundra Little will present a history and exploration of the influence of African American Architects on the evolution of the built environment in Detroit. According to the National Organization of Minority Architects, fewer than two percent of licensed architects in the United States are African American. In 2016, Saundra and Karen launched “Noir Design Parti,” a Knight Arts Challenge-winning project that explores how black architects helped shape the physical identity and the landscape of Detroit. No Registration Required.
Class of 1968 and Project 100 50th Reunion Dinner — 6 to 9 p.m.
(At Fountain Lounge, McNichols Campus)
Are you celebrating your “golden anniversary”? Class of 1968 and Project 100- Join friends and former classmates for dinner and live music to celebrate your 50th Anniversary! Please note that Law and Dental reunions have already occurred, but any 1968 graduate is welcome to attend this dinner. Cost of admission is $30 per person.
McLean Lecture — 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(At Chemistry Building)
Presenting Dr. Mary Ann Meador from the NASA Glenn Research Center to help celebrate and honor Dr. John A. McLean Jr.’s contribution to University of Detroit Mercy, the 80th anniversary of the Chemistry Club and Jane Schley’s 45th year with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Free admission covered through the Chemistry Club and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Kappa Alpha Reunion — 6 to 9:30 p.m.
(At Ball Room, Student Union)
Are you are member of Kappa Alpha? If so, join fellow Kappa Alpha members and alumni.
Engineering & Science Reception – 5:30 p.m.
(At High Bay, Engineering & Science Building)
The Clare Boothe Luce Assistive Technologies Labratory aims to develop mechanical engineering experts who employ technical skills to enhance independence and mobility for older adults and patients with disabilities.
Saturday, Sept. 29
General Admission – 11:30 a.m.
Join us on McNichols Campus for a day of fun activities and homecoming celebrations. There is something for the whole family to enjoy!
General Admission includes:
- admission to the Live Detroit Festival
- campus tours
- tug-o’-war
- mass
- veterans lounge groundbreaking
- men’s soccer game
- student performances and more!
Cost of admission is one non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item per person to be donated to the University’s food pantry. Suggested items include: single serving soups, instant meals, peanut butter, canned fruit, protein bars, personal hygiene items, etc. Register before Sept. 24 — get a free t-shirt!
Decades Dash 5k and Fun Run — 10 a.m.
Run, crawl, walk, jog: we don’t care! Dress up, lace up and enjoy the day! The third annual Detroit Decades Dash “time-warped” again, this time to the 1990’s and we couldn’t be more excited! Whether you’re running in the Fun Run, 5K or strutting your stuff in our costume contest, join us for a fun time! The course will run from the McNichols Campus through the beautiful neighborhoods north of Detroit Mercy. Participants will receive a race shirt and custom medal. Cash prizes will be award for best male, female and group costumes! Pre-Registration Price: $30, Day of Price: $35.
Live Detroit Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(At Kassab Mall)
Festival of activities including informative displays from all colleges, promotions from community businesses, beer tent (for those over 21), iconic Detroit food, DIA Away, car show, a community art project, and our first-ever Homecoming Games.
Homecoming Car Show
Time to pre-register and bring your classic and vintage car to show at Detroit Mercy.
Scavenger Hunt
This hunt is designed to help you explore the iconic features of the McNichols Campus, while you get to know and appreciate the history and beauty of your surroundings. Pick one up in the Expo tent.
DIA Away
Families and visitors of all ages can join us in the Detroit Institute of Arts community trailer for an opportunity to learn some of the ways artists think, then participate in some hands-on stations. AND it’s free!
The Homecoming Games
- 12-12:30 p.m. — Family Games: Starting with potato sacks, ending with fun!
- 12:30-1 p.m. — Win It In a Minute Games: Compete against other individuals in games of skill and time. No team needed. Winners get a $10 food voucher!
- 1-1:30 p.m. — Collegiate Games: Gather your student organizations and compete in a bracket style relay for a chance to win food vouchers and your team’s name on the trophy. Teams consist of 2+ people.
Main Stage — 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Various student cultural performances and athletic demonstrations by the Detroit Mercy Chinese, Arabic and African-Caribbean communities, and the Detroit Mercy fencing team.
Inflatables and Family Fun
We’ve got you and the kids covered this weekend. Bring the family to enjoy a day of inflatables, bubble soccer, giant pong, giant jenga, bocce ball, corn hole, and more.
Iconic Food and Drink
We are representing the D with local food and drink vendors for your enjoyment. If you are a lover of coney’s, shawarma and Detroit pizza then you’ve come to the right event. We’ll be featuring:
- Buddy’s Pizza
- Bucharest Grill
- Coney dogs
- Sanders
- Craft beers from North Center Brewing of Northville, Michigan (alumni owned)
- Wine from Tabone Vineyards of Traverse City, Michigan (alumni owned).
Campus Tours – 11:30 a.m.
(Tours leave from outside each academic building)
Join prospective students and their families on student-led tours, highlighting the newest and most innovative developments across all colleges, departments and student life. No Registration Required.
ROTC Reunion — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(At Calihan Hall, Titan Club)
From 1951 to 1991, more than 4,000 cadets trained on the campus. Today, Detroit Mercy is ranked 12th in the nation for “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News and World Report. By working together, we can build on these two achievements by creating a Veterans Lounge for student Veterans. Join us to see how you can help! Admission is FREE.
Tour du Titan Bike Ride — 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(Meet at Fitness Center)
Join us for a 10 to 12 mile guided bike tour through the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Detroit Mercy Alumnus, Tom Page ’71, ’76, will led the tour. Bring a bike! Cost of admission is $10 per person.
Men’s Soccer Game — 2 p.m.
(At Athletic Field)
Come cheer on our men’s soccer team to victory!
St. Francis Club Tug-o’-War — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(At Kassab Mall)
A smash hit last year, the Tug-o’-War competition – fashioned after the legendary St. Francis Club Tug-o’-War – is going to be bigger than ever and your team needs to compete. Round up a team of four (4) or five (5) people to compete in a bracket-style Tug-of-War tournament. And it’s FREE to compete! However, registration is required. To register a team for the Tug-of-War, email Matt Higley at higleyml@udmercy.edu or visit imleagues.com
Detroit Mercy Community Mass — 4 p.m.
(At Quads)
Celebrate a Saturday afternoon Mass with the Detroit Mercy community.
Varsity News 100th Reunion Celebration — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
(At Student Union Ballroom, McNichols Campus)
The Varsity News is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. If you served as a writer, editor or photographer or otherwise helped create or distribute the student newspaper, please join us for a complimentary reception with light refreshments. Honorary co-chairs for the reunion are former VN alumni, accomplished professionals and legends in their own right, Ron Fournier and Luther “Badman” Keith. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with your Varsity News colleagues from the 1950s to present and to hear Keith enliven the evening with blues music.
Art Show & Garden Tours — 4 p.m.
(At Market on the Ave. on Livernois)
Light up Livernois — 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head just down the street to enjoy a fun evening on the Avenue of Fashion for the annual Light Up Livernois festival.
Theatre Preview — 7:30 p.m.
Performance of Wittenberg followed by an alumni reception at the Boll Theatre in Detroit.
Stroll Competition — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
(At Student Fitness Center)
Various Greek organizations will perform in a stroll tradition. It’s a fun event that unifies campus, builds community and generates interest and fosters fellowship. Appropriate for all ages. $3 admission for Alumni.
For a schedule of events and exciting updates on Homecoming 2018, visit https://udmercy.edu/homecoming or call 313-993-1540. #titanshomecoming