2023 Detroit Mercy News Releases

A fern tree on the McNichols Campus is covered in Christmas lights. The Student Union, Engineering Building and Clocktower are visible in the background.

With the holidays right around the corner, members of the Detroit Mercy community share their favorite memories and traditions.听

Three versions of Tommy Titan are split amongst three photos, two as a mascot and the one on the right as a physical person, during a game at Calihan Hall.

A reader鈥檚 response to a feature on the new Tommy Titan in the Spring 2023 edition of Spiritus prompted a deeper dive into the origins of the beloved mascot, with it coinciding during a historic basketball season in 1976-77.

The Jesus statue on the McNichols Campus at sunrise during the fall.

As the 麻豆传媒社区 community celebrates Thanksgiving, several Titans share their holiday traditions and who they are thankful for at the University.

Meet 麻豆传媒社区 Pride: Fostering campus inclusivity

The 麻豆传媒社区 Pride club has played a significant role in making the campus more inclusive and welcoming to all students, especially those who identify as queer.听

Six 麻豆传媒社区 students in the Class of 2027 pictured in a collage.

With the fall semester in full swing, several Titan freshmen share how their experience at 麻豆传媒社区 has been thus far.

Jerica Williams coaching

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the beginning of Detroit Mercy's men's basketball home opener, City Council Member Angela Calloway will present the prestigious Spirit of Detroit Award to Jerica Williams for her outstanding achievement in becoming the program's first-ever female men's assistant coach.

The McNichols Campus clocktower and several trees of various colors during the fall.

Detroit Mercy recently named nine leaders in healthcare, education, business, technology, architecture and mission work to its Board of Trustees, the University鈥檚 governing body.

Two groups of three students look at their psychology books while instructors/faculty stand behind them and offer assistance.

Detroit Mercy's Ignite Scholarship, provides qualified students with significant financial assistance for the three-year program which prepares individuals to become master鈥檚-level psychological practitioners or to pursue additional graduate study.

A combined photo of Lauren Harman, Joe Maki and David Shears during their time serving in the military. Harman's photo is a selfie of her in a vehicle while wearing her fatigues. Maki, dressed in his military uniform, is holding a military weapon at his side with a mountain range in the background. Shears rubs his head while sitting down in his military uniform.

Student veterans at each of Detroit Mercy鈥檚 campuses have bravely served and defended our country in many different branches of the military. In recognition of Veterans Day, Detroit Mercy is proud to highlight several student veterans.

Jeremiah Steen speaks at a podium.

Senior Communications major Jeremiah Steen received the Spirit of Hope Award from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission for his commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy.

Brian Owen points to the display for an exhibit of paintings owned by his family. The paintings, hanging on the wall and behind showcase glass, are part of the McNichols Campus Library's latest exhibit.

A Grosse Pointe man鈥檚 discovery of a 100-year-old Detroit Free Press article led to the exhibit on display at University of Detroit Mercy鈥檚 McNichols Campus Library and may have a unique family connection.

At left, two people sitting at a table shake hands and smile for a photo indoors. At right, six people sit at a table and sign papers, with four more standing behind them indoors. Banners in front of them read University of Detroit Mercy College of Engineering & Science and Oakland Community College, Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technologies.

Detroit Mercy and Oakland Community College (OCC) have announced an articulation agreement making it easier for OCC pre-engineering graduates to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in various engineering disciplines at 麻豆传媒社区.

A professor stands and talks to three students sitting in a business classroom. Other students sit in chairs nearby.

Detroit Mercy ranks No. 455 out of 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide for salary earned over the 40-year length of a career according to research published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce in 2022.

The logo for Detroit Mercy's Latinx Student Union.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Detroit Mercy鈥檚 Marketing & Communications highlights Latinx Student Union.

An outdoor photo of the McNichols Campus on a sunny day with students walking on campus amongst trees, buildings and a clock tower.

Detroit Mercy was ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for a fifth year in a row, earning a No. 185 rank in the National Universities category.

Pray for peace in the Middle East

Once again, our hearts are filled with grief over the ongoing turmoil in Israel and Palestine. We hope that all members of our University community join together in prayer听to end the violence and to grieve the lives lost听on both sides.

A graphic featuring logos for Wayne State, Detroit Mercy Titans and Michigan First Credit Union for the City College Series. Additional text reads November 2, 7 p.m., Calihan Hall, $2 tix at door, cash only, all funds raised for Detroit Public Schools, K-5.

The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics is proud to announce that the 5th Annual City College Series DPS Benefit Game is set for Thursday, Nov. 2 as the men's basketball team host city-rival Wayne State in an exhibition contest at 7 p.m. inside Calihan Hall.

Two men smile and shake hands and look at each other, with logos for University of Detroit Mercy and Macomb Community College on a board behind them.

To address a high demand for nurses, University of Detroit Mercy and Macomb Community College are collaborating to bring a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nursing completion program to Macomb County.

Three images are combined into one full width image. From left to right: A little girl smiles as she and other kids play bubble soccer; children climb a rock wall in front of the clocktower; two 麻豆传媒社区 men's soccer players celebrate during the team's Homecoming game.

Whether it was laughing at a theatre performance, touring historic neighborhoods on bicycles, taking in the glow of a bonfire, catching up with friends and classmates or enjoying the fall festival, Detroit Mercy's Homecoming had something for everyone.

A rendering of Timber Integrative Means + Biophilic Resilience, showing its building and neighboring areas in Detroit's Rivertown district, including the General Motors Renaissance Center in the far background.

A project that started out with a simple L-shaped building led to international recognition for three Detroit Mercy students in the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE) Top Ten for Students Competition.听

Fr. Albright sits in a chair at his desk with a computer in the background.

麻豆传媒社区鈥檚 longtime professor of Biology Fr. R. Gerard Albright, S.J., died Sept. 22 at the Colombiere Jesuit Community in Clarkston, Mich. He was 97 and had been with the University for more than 60 years.

Students and others during the 2022 Bioneers conference, working outside on logs.

Detroit Mercy will host the 18th annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Conference on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 12-13. The theme of this year鈥檚 conference is 鈥淩evolution from the Heart of Nature: Take Action in Detroit.鈥

Michigan's Poet Laureate Nandi Comer to read her work at 麻豆传媒社区

Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer will read her work and engage in dialogue about craft and culture with Detroit poet Brittany Rogers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at University of Detroit Mercy.

An outdoor photo on the McNichols Campus, featuring students sitting on benches, the Memorial clock tower, water fountain, trees, flowers and buildings during a sunny summer day.

Detroit Mercy was ranked No. 52 nationally and second in Michigan, according to results released Sept. 6 by WSJ/College Pulse. 麻豆传媒社区 was the third-highest ranked Jesuit university and only Mercy institution ranked.

An aerial shot of Calihan Hall with the rest of campus, including the clocktower, visible in the background.

University of Detroit Mercy鈥檚 Department of Athletics will hold the annual Road to a Championship fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 6, at Z鈥檚 Villa in Detroit.

A large group of people with bikes outdoors in front of a clock tower at left, in the middle a photo of a bonfire at night and on the right, students help children shoot a toy bow and arrow.

Students, alumni, employees and their friends are all invited to join the festivities at the University鈥檚 Homecoming scheduled for Sept. 29-30 at Detroit Mercy鈥檚 McNichols Campus.

Shakesha Alexander '19 talks to someone at the Pup Culture Lab's grand opening.

Shakesha Alexander 鈥19 uses her love for animals to support the mental health and well-being of local students and staff as director of animal-assisted interventions for the River Rouge School District.

Two photos of students outdoors, on the left two students push carts past the Shiple Hall sign and on the right, three students wearing red University of Detroit Mercy t-shirts pose and smile in front of a colorful brick wall.

Students from Detroit Mercy's largest freshman class on the McNichols Campus in 14 years participated in Prologues, Transitions and Viewpoints (PTV) during the final part of orientation, Aug. 22-25.

Dan Pitera poses for a portrait.

麻豆传媒社区 School of Architecture & Community Development Dean Dan Pitera was recently awarded with what is considered to be AIA Detroit鈥檚 highest honor.

An arial photograph of 麻豆传媒社区's School of Dentistry.

Recently, an international team of researchers led by Eric Krukonis of the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry revealed for the first time the atomic structure of ToxR, a protein bound to the DNA of two promoters of the genes that control the virulence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera.

An exterior photo of the Fisher Administration Center, with flowers and trees seen in front of it on a sunny day.

The Fisher Administration Center, a longtime fixture on the McNichols Campus of the University and landmark on Livernois Avenue, is set to be demolished this year.

Paul Manuszak plays lacrosse in a pair of photos indoors.

Paul Manuszak '22 left his engineering job to follow a yearning for faith-based missionary work. He'll work with the Jesuits in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Belize beginning on Aug. 1.

A graphic featuring the text 2023 Alumni Achievement Awards, with photos of the seven winners and their names below.

Each year, Detroit Mercy honors an alumnus from each of its seven schools or colleges for the way they have excelled in their professions and demonstrated leadership and service to the larger community.

An aerial photograph of Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus, featuring the city of Detroit skyline far off in the distance.

Detroit Mercy, in partnership with Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla., has been awarded a new Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA) grant to Brazil. It is the University鈥檚 fourth such grant.

Fr. Patrick Dorsey smiles outdoors.

University of Detroit Mercy has named Patrick Dorsey, S.J., to the position of director of development for University Special Projects.

Roughly 100 people sit on the Student Union plaza steps outside on the McNichols Campus of University of Detroit Mercy.

Detroit Mercy and General Motors joined forces to host the GM Student Corps/麻豆传媒社区 College Experience event on July 11. In its 11th year, this transformative program offered nearly 100 students from 14 high schools in southeast Michigan "a day in the life of a college student."

Mark Haidar smiles in this black and white photo.

Between war and poverty, there was very little that Mark Haidar had power over while growing up in a refugee area in Lebanon.鈥疊ut an IBM computer, donated to his school by the United Nations, helped him feel empowered as a child and started a successful journey in technology.

Kathy Dul Aznavorian speaking from a podium, with a red, white and blue University of Detroit Mercy banner hanging from it.

Kathy Dul Aznavorian never envisioned that she would enter the business world when she came to University of Detroit as a mathematics student. But a movie she saw the summer of her freshman year changed her course to Accounting.

Spring 2023 edition of Spiritus magazine is available online

The Spring 2023 edition of Spiritus magazine is now available digitally online!

Janson Fu stands behind his astrophotography equipment for a photo.

When Janson Fu isn鈥檛 handling all the responsibilities that come with being a law student, he has his eyes on the stars. His hobby of astrophotography involves photographing the night sky and celestial events.听听

top exterior of supreme court building

As many of you know, the U.S. Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to overturn affirmative action on June 29, 2023, will have a significant impact on institutions of higher education throughout our country. We pray for all of our friends and member institutions who will experience an array of challenges due to this decision, but most importantly for all students who will be directly affected by the court鈥檚 actions.

A graphic features Antoine Davis dribbling a basketball on a court. Text reads, Signed, Antoine Davis, Portland Trail Blazers, Exh. 10 Contract. Logos on the graphic feature Detroit Mercy Titans, Portland Trail Blazers and NBA. Photos on the left and right of the graphic also are of Davis, one hugging his father and the other shooting a basketball and wearing a red No. 0 Detroit Mercy jersey.

Former Titan men's basketball standout Antoine Davis officially made the next step in his basketball journey, signing a free-agent contract with the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA on Friday.

At left, a small medallion featuring Fr. Gerald Cavangh's likeness on it sits in a case, with a program underneath, reading Fr. Gerald F. Cavanagh, S.J., 1931-2022. The medallion reads, Fr. Gerald F. Cavanagh, S.J., Fisher Chair of Business Ethics. On the right, five people smile as they sit indoors around a table.

More than 150 people came together on June 3 to celebrate the life of Professor Emeritus Fr. Gerald Cavanagh, S.J. Proceeds from the event will support the new Cavanagh Fund for Ethical Solutions to Social Problems.

play sport and spirit

In March, Patrick Kelly, S.J. 鈥83 published 鈥淧lay, Sport, and Spirit,鈥 reflecting on what鈥檚 lost when the element of play is marginalized in sports.

Detroit Mercy names Fr. Charles O. Oduke as vice president for Mission Integration

The Rev. Charles O. Oduke comes to Detroit Mercy from Le Moyne College. He is a Catholic priest who was a Jesuit for two decades.

Five people are pictured standing and working on a mannequin patient inside STAR simulation center classrooms.

The new Simulation, Technology and Research (STAR) Center is designed to promote student-faculty collaboration in one space, enhance flexibility of the curriculum and the scenarios help students understand the benefits of different ways of treating patients.

Students sit inside of a classroom and listen to a teacher who sits on a higher chair, with three television screens around them.

For more than a decade, the Leadership minor has been an important part of the college education for hundreds of 麻豆传媒社区 graduates. More than 500 students are enrolled in the minor each semester.

Grant to help build diverse pipeline of researchers

A six-figure grant from the National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will fund programming designed to recruit and train a diverse group of undergraduates to pursue postgraduate education and careers in biomedical sciences.

Photos of spectators in a suite during the Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club.

Detroit Mercy is offering Titans and the community several ticketing options for the tournament, including a pair of exclusive experiences. The PGA event is June 27 through July 2.

Hisham Almadani holds a gaming controller while sitting in a dark room, with the only light coming from a computer.

Detroit Mercy student Hisham Almadani grew up playing a wide variety of video games and hopes to make a career writing about esports.

Law students place third in national competition

An all-female team of Detroit Mercy Law students won third place in the National Patent Application Drafting Competition.

Graduates walk outdoors on the McNichols Campus near the Jesus statue.

More than 1,000 graduates participated in four ceremonies during 2023 Commencement at University of Detroit Mercy on Friday and Saturday, May 12-13.

Four people wearing graduation regalia are pictured inside of Calihan Hall during a ceremony. One person claps and another stands at attention next to him. A University of Detroit Mercy red banner is draped over a podium.

The听Vivere ex Missione听awards are presented annually to four graduating students whose time at University of Detroit Mercy was marked by leadership, service and scholarship.

麻豆传媒社区 faculty receive 2023-24 Fulbright awards

Associate Professor of Biology Stokes S. Baker and Professor of Philosophy Gail Presbey received awards from the Fulbright Program to study abroad.

Ryan Birney stands outdoors in front of a lacrosse goal smiling, with a clock tower and flag flying in the background at left, in the photo at right he plays in a lacrosse game, wearing a Titans No. 9 uniform.

Ryan Birney joins his three older siblings in graduating from the University when he crosses the Calihan Hall stage to receive his Business Administration degree during 2023 commencement. All four starred in lacrosse at Detroit Mercy.

Several images of Fr. Cavanagh including old yearbook, teaching and immersion trip.

Fr. Jerry Cavanagh's unparalleled life and career as a founder of the field of Business Ethics will be celebrated during a special event.

Matthew Snyder stands in front of the School of Law, next to a sign that reads Detroit Mercy Law.

Even after rising to a vice president position in the financial world, Matthew Snyder鈥檚 childhood dream of attending law school tugged at his heart.听After a detour of nearly a decade, Snyder is ready to take on the legal world.

Angel Mangham wears a graduation cap and gown and speaks from a podium inside of a classroom.

Angel Mangham has made her mark at Detroit Mercy and within the School of Architecture & Community Development. As president of the school鈥檚 chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, she works to amplify the voices of Black architects.

Keagan Tremel poses for a photo in front of a palm tree on a beach.

When Keagan Tremel walks across the commencement stage to pick up her diploma, it will be an especially important accomplishment. Not very long ago, she was told she may never walk again.

Kirstin Finnila sits on a bench outside of the Engineering Building on 麻豆传媒社区鈥檚 McNichols Campus.

Kirstin Finnila has balanced puppies and studies as a Civil Engineering student at 麻豆传媒社区. She is known to do her homework while sitting with the puppies in their pen.

Trey Hester sits in a dental clinic station, ready to work.

As a child, Trey Hester was bullied for having a misalignment with his teeth. His own dental work to fix it sparked his interest in dentistry, and the 麻豆传媒社区 School of Dentistry graduate pays it forward today.

Event organizer Sajay Rai, second from left, poses with the first place team of Mark Formosa, left, JP Martin and Preston Duller for a photograph.

Students from University of Detroit Mercy won first, second and third place in the ninth annual Detroit Chapter ISACA Cybersecurity Scholarship Case Competition.

Kara Wolfbauer stands on the Buysse Ballpark field in front of a scoreboard, trees and McNichols Campus buildings on a sunny day.

Kara Wolfbauer isn鈥檛 going to remember every detail of her college experience, however, Detroit Mercy's Class of 2023 Valedictorian will remember exactly how the University made her feel.

An aerial photograph of 麻豆传媒社区's McNichols Campus.

For the fourth consecutive year, Detroit Mercy's graduate programs have ranked among the nation鈥檚 best.

麻豆传媒社区 President Emeritus elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Antoine M. Garibaldi was recently elected as a new fellow to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Michael Ford stands outdoors in front of an iconic statue in downtown Detroit, surrounded by more than a dozen children in sweatshirts and coats.

Michael Ford鈥檚 love for music and community inspired him to found The Hip-Hop Architecture Camp, which blends his passions, while also empowering underrepresented youth to explore architecture.

Three assisted technology devices worked on by University of Detroit Mercy Engineering and Nursing students. From left: a wheelchair storage device for Holly; a custom shower chair for Pete; and a device that allows Scott to transition from his wheelchair to an RV bed.

Student groups unveiled and presented their life-changing assisted technology devices in the College of Engineering & Science to their clients and public on Monday, April 24.

Donald B. Taylor and Ann Serra meet with U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar (left photo) while they pose with Thanedar and his wife for a photo (right)

U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar听received an overview of 麻豆传媒社区 and learned more about the institution鈥檚 history, mission and vision for the future.

At left, five people standing in robes inside of a building and smiling and at right, five people stand inside of a church with stained glass windows in the background.

President Donald Taylor was officially inaugurated as the 26th president at University of Detroit Mercy on March 24 and delivered an address to more than 500 people in attendance at Calihan Hall.

A stock photo of a man sitting at a desk with two computer monitors in front of him.

University of Detroit Mercy announces the availability of full-tuition scholarships of up to $12,000 each for graduate students enrolling in the College of Engineering & Science鈥檚 Vehicle Cyber Engineering (VCE) graduate certificate program.

At left, four skaters wearing medals sit on the boards next to an ice rink with other people behind them. On the right, two Detroit Mercy students sit laughing inside of the College of Engineering & Sciences Building.

In addition to studying engineering at the University like her parents, Catherine Cole competes at a high level in synchronized skating, which has recently included competitions across the globe during her final semester of college.

Detroit Mercy Awarded 2023-24 Military Friendly Designation

For the tenth consecutive year, Detroit Mercy has been recognized as a 2023-24 Military Friendly School in the Military Friendly list of schools that serve veterans and service members.

Antoine Davis speaks from a podium indoors at left, with sitting people behind him. President Donald Taylor, left and Antoine Davis stand next to a large banner reading 'Men's Basketball, Antoine Davis, 0' with another frame holding a picture of Davis, a basketball net and a plaque with his name on it. Davis wears a Titans #0 jersey and holds up his hand, waving.

Following the final men's basketball regular-season game Feb. 25, the Titan Athletic Department held a jersey retirement ceremony for standout student-athlete Antoine Davis at Calihan Hall.

Shawna Stewart '15 poses for a photo while holding a box containing The Starter Kit, which she created for nursing students.

Shawna Stewart 鈥15 was drawn to the medical field in order to care for people. Now working as a nurse in Detroit, she鈥檚 trying to help make things more affordable for nursing students.

Kresge, Ford foundations and others support wide array of 麻豆传媒社区 outreach

Detroit Mercy has received nearly $1.4 million in grants over the past year to support educational service work done in the community as part of its Jesuit- and Mercy-driven mission.

Kyra Harris Holden smiling outdoors

Detroit Mercy Law alumna Kyra Harris Bolden '14 recently made history when she was sworn as Michigan Supreme Court justice on Jan. 1. Bolden is the first Black woman to serve on the state's highest court.

An aerial photo of the School of Law in downtown Detroit with cars and other buildings pictured on a sunny day.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law graduates achieved a first-time pass rate and overall pass rate on the July 2022 Michigan Bar Exam that far surpasses state averages.

A yellow and green graphic with text reading Celebrate Black History Month

The University is commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs on the McNichols Campus in January and February.听

Online Graduate Nursing ranked 37th nationally by 'U.S. News & World Report'

University of Detroit Mercy鈥檚 online Graduate Nursing Program was ranked No. 37 nationally in鈥'U.S. News & World Report鈥檚'鈥疊est Online Programs for 2023.

miao headshot

Miao Qian, who teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in developmental psychology at Detroit Mercy, is one of "Diverse: Issues in Higher Education鈥檚" 2023 emerging scholars.

Antoine Davis claps his hands and yells while wearing a red Detroit Mercy uniform. Cheerleaders and other people are pictured behind him inside of an arena.

Detroit Mercy men's basketball standout Antoine Davis etched his named in the NCAA record books Saturday and now holds the No. 1 spot in Division I history in career 3-pointers made.

castillo, rekdak and giannelli head shots

Poetry readings will take place virtually on the third Thursday of January, February and March at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.听They are free and open to the public.

New, Eligible 2023-24 麻豆传媒社区 Students can expect $4,500 more in aid

Beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, eligible students can expect more financial aid thanks to a nearly 15% boost in federal funding for the Pell Grant program.

Detroit Mercy Finance professor awarded Fulbright Program fellowship

Professor of Finance and the director of Graduate Business Programs Omid Sabbaghi recently conducted research and taught at Khazar University in Azerbaijan as part of the Fulbright Program.

Register for the RAVE Emergency Alert System

Detroit Mercy strongly recommends that all faculty, staff, students, parents and University friends register for the institution鈥檚 RAVE emergency communications to ensure that you are among the first to receive alerts on campus-wide class cancellations or other emergency notices.

Graphic featuring snow and Tommy Titan. Text reads, Titan Winter Blast, Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Don't miss out on all the winter fun including horse-drawn trolley rides, chili tasting, food and drinks, family-friendly fun and activities and more, at the Titan Winter Blast on Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus.

A photo of Antoine Davis, with text reading High School Day, January 14, Calihan Hall, udmercy.edu, University of Detroit Mercy

High school students are invited to Detroit Mercy High School Day on Saturday, Jan. 14, to catch Titan standout Antoine Davis and the Titans battle Robert Morris at Calihan Hall.