2022 Detroit Mercy News Releases

The Ignite Scholarship for Clinical Psychology master’s program students will help address the growing needs for mental health clinicians. Learn more about this significant scholarship by attending our Jan. 19, 2023, virtual program information session from 6–7 p.m.

Detroit Mercy wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season! Find University closure hours here.

Phil Cousineau has used his education from the University to carve a unique and fascinating niche in the world and led him on a multi-disciplinary career since he graduated in 1974.

Desmond Ferguson '00 made his name on the basketball court, but is now helping sports teams across the world stand out with his company's custom uniforms and sportswear.

Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D., will be inaugurated as University of Detroit Mercy's 26th president Friday, March 24, 2023 at 3 p.m. in Calihan Hall, McNichols Campus.

Detroit Mercy faculty were members of a group that traveled to Brazil this past summer as part of the Fulbright-Hays program, a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Bureau of Cultural Affairs.

Ben Kendell '18, '19 will be the fifth male Titan to compete in the U.S. Olympic trials.

Detroit Mercy empowers students and faculty to integrate their intellectual, spiritual and social development. Nowhere is this more clearly on display than in the McAuley School of Nursing’s Fresh Incentive Program.

Men's basketball student-athlete Antoine Davis became the Horizon League's career scoring leader on Thursday, Dec. 1, breaking a 37-year-old mark held by Loyola Chicago's Alfredrick Hughes.

The McNichols Campus is a bit more interesting with the addition of a sculpture commissioned by alumnus Tom Page ’71, ’76. The as-yet-unnamed sculpture honors and reflects the University’s Jesuit and Mercy foundations, traditions and values and paying homage to Detroit Mercy’s bright future.

Fr. Edward Dowling, S.J., an Engineering professor at University of Detroit for decades, kept an expansive, in-depth and world-famous maritime collection of Great Lakes ships. It’s now housed at the McNichols Campus Library.

Three students each received the College of Engineering & Science’s first Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) awards, which are individual scholarships worth $10,000.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts has its own tradition of displaying ofrendas, and one of them included in this year’s display was created by Detroit Mercy Architecture student Arianna Carrera.

More than 100 staff members, administrators and faculty participated in the first Fall Clean-Up Day on Nov. 9. The event was designed by University President Donald Taylor to build community on the campus among departments.

Detroit Mercy wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving! The University will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 27 in observation of the holiday.

Faye Alexander Nelson ’75, ’81 led the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy from 2003-13, a role that helped spark the renaissance the city is experiencing today.

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

The College of Business Administration master’s and MBA programs earned top rankings for 2022, according to the college ranking organization, University HQ.

On Nov. 8, the University lost one of its most cherished Jesuits, Fr. Gerald “Jerry” F. Cavanagh, S.J. He was 91.

In Computer Animation and Voice Acting, students in the Communications Studies and Theatre programs work together to create animated films using Adobe Character Animator. They’re tasked with handling a variety of steps in developing a short film, from scriptwriting to directing to producing to editing. 

Kristin Johnston, Detroit Mercy’s first University-wide director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, began her position Aug. 1, and has wasted no time in helping focus and unify the university.

The Titan basketball programs open the 2022-23 seasons this week, with Detroit Mercy men's basketball standout Antoine Davis taking aim at scoring records and leading the Titans to the postseason, and new women's basketball head coach Kate Achter entering her first season at the helm of the Titan women's program.

Danielle Cermak graduated in 2000 with a degree in Biochemistry. That same year she raised her right hand and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force — where most would imagine her life of service began.

Patrick Kelly, S.J. ’83 has long been invested in sports, from playing them to writing and teaching about them. Recently, he took his passion to a higher calling as he was part of an international summit on sports and accessibility at the Vatican from Sept. 29-30.

Detroit Mercy’s new esports club is using video games to create a community for Titans, and battle against other colleges and universities.

Detroit Mercy’s College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing will host Chris Riopelle, CEO, and co-founder of Strive Health. This event takes place Nov. 10 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Detroit Mercy School of Law Atrium.

Detroit Mercy Law recently established the Arts & Entertainment Law Clinic in partnership with the City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship. The Arts and Entertainment Law Clinic is the only clinic of its kind in Michigan.

The College of Engineering & Science’s ninth annual Research Symposium, which highlights the research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students, is set for Friday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students in Detroit Mercy’s Communications Studies program have honed their filmmaking skills by telling the stories of local baseball history for a new documentary. 

2022 Homecoming had something for everyone, with hundreds of alumni, students, faculty and staff, family and friends helping celebrate the annual event on the McNichols Campus from Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Samaiyah Abdur-Rahman reached the pinnacle of her small business career by participating in New York Fashion Week with The Model Experience in Brooklyn, NY.

Stacy Gnall and Tyehimba Jess will be on the McNichols Campus during October to read from their award-winning poetry works.

Tanvi Patel '02, a graduate of Detroit Mercy and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, is front and center in the Army's new advertising campaign, "Decide to Lead."

Thanks to a grant received from The Kresge Foundation and mutual partnerships with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, the Detroit Mercy School of Architecture & Community Development’s nonprofit community design organization, DCDC, was able to host a six-week high school summer internship program.

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites the Detroit Mercy community to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is annually celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Leanna Alaiwat ’19, a physician assistant, has posted hundreds of videos on social media accounts, explaining gynecological procedures to the public to educate them and the response has been massive.

Alumnus Thomas Page ’71, ’76 recently commissioned a sculpture to honor and reflect the University’s Jesuit and Mercy foundations, traditions and values while paying homage to the institution’s bright future. An unveiling of this sculpture will take place during the University’s Homecoming.

Joseph Zalke ’60 has strengthened his relationship with the University in many ways and recently solidified it with a $1-million gift to the Student Union renovations.

The Full-time Accelerated Social Work Transfer (FAST) option is the first of its kind in Michigan and allows community college transfer students to earn their Bachelor of Social Work in approximately one year starting summer 2023.

From Sept. 20-Dec. 13, 2022, University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Health Professions will offer a number of information sessions for individuals interested in a variety of programs.

Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture & Community Development along with Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) will host an exhibition, “Their Untold Stories: Black Landscape Architects Michigan Connection” as part of Detroit's Month of Design from Sept. 19-30.

The new Student Union offers a one-stop-shop for students and their families as they consider a Detroit Mercy education.

The exhibit honors the legacy of the Hawkins family, founder of Hawkins Apparel Company and Detroit's first black-owned women's clothing store, and features an open display of historical items that includes apparel.

Detroit Mercy earned a No. 202 rank in the National Universities category of U.S. News & World Report's “Best Colleges” 2023 edition.

University of Detroit Mercy was honored once again as one of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Schools for 2022-23, based on the University’s efforts to help student veterans achieve success during their studies.

The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) and University of Detroit Mercy's Department of Performing Arts is please to announce its 2022-23 season entitled "Believe," featuring three mainstage works to be performed at The Marlene Boll Theatre in downtown Detroit.

University of Detroit Mercy will host the 17th annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit conference Oct. 14-15 in the new Student Union on the McNichols Campus. The conference theme for this year is “Earth is our Mentor, Measure and Model.”

The Center for Practice & Research in Management & Ethics (PRIME Center) will host Mike Darrow, president and CEO of TrueCar, who will present “Creating the Online Automotive Marketplace.”

The tradition continues as University of Detroit Mercy plans to celebrate Homecoming Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. The annual gathering is open to students, alumni, friends, family, faculty, staff and the community.

Day of Giving celebrates and educates students about how alumni contributions of time, talent and treasure help current students and enrich the University.

A National Science Foundation (NSF) grant has helped 14 students achieve their engineering dreams at Detroit Mercy. 

More than 500 incoming freshmen began their academic careers at the University with two weeks of activities.

University of Detroit Mercy Professor Juan Carlos Flores is the recipient of a $295,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to create the first critical edition of writings by 13th Century philosopher Henry of Ghent.

Incoming freshmen at University of Detroit Mercy will begin their college careers by performing service work in communities near the McNichols Campus as part of Prologues, Transitions and Viewpoints (PTV).

University of Detroit Mercy's 2022-23 academic year officially began Aug. 16 with the annual President's Convocation on the McNichols Campus. President Donald B. Taylor presented his vision for Detroit Mercy during his first State of the University address.

Alumnus Richard Dolinski '61, '63, '66 used his University of Detroit degrees to springboard a 32-year career at Dow Chemical. At 81, he continues to pursue innovative and research-intensive approaches to education and childhood development.

The McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) is one of 50 schools from 28 states that will participate in a national initiative designed to create inclusive learning environments and build a more diverse nursing workforce. 

Jesuit Fathers Xavier Jeyaraj and Ted Penton will offer two brief panel presentations on Jesuit efforts in social justice and ecology from a global and national perspective followed by a discussion on the Detroit context.

A report on lunar habitat architecture produced by College of Engineering & Science graduates received INCOSE’s best paper award in its modeling, simulation and analysis category.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that curtails government action on climate change, the Catholic Studies Program of Detroit Mercy hosted a dialogue on July 14 bringing the religious and moral case for addressing climate change.

Rev. Deidric Tupper, pastor of New Faith Temple Church of God in Christ and CEO of the New Faith Temple Community Development Corp., alongside his wife Natasha Tupper, founder of The Polished Institute, have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

Titan supporters enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, hosted at the Detroit Golf Club, as they witnessed Tony Finau win the tournament and break its scoring record.

Through a microgrant from the University, Nour Lyon ’12, an assistant professor in the Physician Assistant Program, and Detroit Mercy students have put together care packs and distributed them to people in need across Detroit.

The University's 26th president, Dr. Donald Taylor, began his tenure as leader of Detroit Mercy on Friday, July 1. Learn more about his vision for the University.

A Detroit Mercy Theatre Company production of Sophocles' “Antigone” has been honored at the 2022 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s national competition. It is the first Detroit Mercy show since 1978 to receive such recognition.

Detroit Mercy, in partnership with Miner’s Den Jewelers, has a special offer available for alumni and friends.

Detroit Mercy will once again host alumni and friends at the Rocket Mortgage Classic on July 28-31 at the Detroit Golf Club.

Detroit Mercy students find more similarities than differences during the University's short-term study abroad program to Cuba.

This spring, several Detroit Mercy College of Engineering & Science students brought microscopes to show dozens of local kindergarteners the science behind fruit flies. Students helped kindergarteners look at fruit flies underneath dissecting microscopes and distinguish differences in eye color and wing structure.

Earl Cureton ’11 has spent his adult life alongside some of the greatest basketball players in the world. But at an age when many people are beginning to slow down, he is finding new purpose in giving back to people and communities in Detroit.

The Vivere ex Missione awards are presented each year to four graduating students whose time at University of Detroit Mercy was marked by leadership, service and scholarship. Nominations are made by students, staff and faculty and the awardees are chosen by a committee of staff and faculty.

There were 1,512 people who earned degrees from University of Detroit Mercy, with more than 1,000 students participating in the four ceremonies at Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus.

University of Detroit Mercy announces the appointment of Jocelyn M. Boryczka as the new dean of Detroit Mercy’s College of Liberal Arts & Education. Her appointment begins Aug. 1.

Robert McKeon Aloe, a 2006 alumnus of Detroit Mercy's College of Engineering & Sciences, works as a manager for Apple in California, but when he's not working for the innovative tech company, he's using data science to experiment with espresso.

The PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic is coming to the Detroit Golf Club July 28-31. Get your general admission or cabana/suite tickets today before they sell out.

Mehar Soni's love for literature, blossoming from her grandmother reading to her as a child, fueled the Detroit Mercy Class of 2022 valedictorian's dentistry dreams.

Detroit Mercy junior Jeremiah Steen knows there's more to life than just himself and wants to have a positive impact on people and the city of Detroit.

From pulled scholarships to giving up soccer to living through a war, nothing has been normal or easy for Willy Isiani. But the men's basketball student-athlete realized his dream at Detroit Mercy and earned a degree in Business Administration.

Stephanie Baiyasi-Kozicki ’15, who received a Health Services Administration certificate from Detroit Mercy, is among 1,100 people nationally who have been selected recipients of the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship.

When Lourdes Lewis walks across the Calihan Hall stage to receive her Health Services Administration degree in mid-May, she’ll fulfill two promises. One she made to her late husband; the second she made to herself.

Sandy Wang may be young, but she is a trailblazer. The Riverside, Calif., native is the first of five children, a first-generation American, first in her family to go to college and, upon graduation from Detroit Mercy Dental next month, will be the first doctor in her family. 

Former collegiate standout and coaching veteran Kate Achter has been named Detroit Mercy women's basketball head coach. Achter was an All-American student-athlete at Bowling Green and has coached at Loyola Chicago, St. Bonaventure and Xavier. 

Detroit Mercy freshman Alexander Kalaj won a sustainability contest after pitching ways to address blight in the city of Detroit.

Mohammed Harhara was a senior in high school when he moved more than 6,500 miles from his home in Saudi Arabia, it was just the first step that led him to Detroit Mercy.

Joseph Silveira has always been interested in what makes buildings special; in fact, it’s what brought him to Detroit Mercy.

Taking part in freshman orientation firsthand led Zena and Tanya Moaikel to become orientation leaders as soon as they could to help other incoming students transition into Detroit Mercy. 

Detroit Mercy’s multidisciplinary patient-centered program, coined Faces on Design, pairs seniors from the College of Engineering & Science and Nursing students from the College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing to improve lives by designing assistive devices to combat the lack of solutions within the disabled community. 

A pair of phone calls during the winter of his senior year of high school helped Thomas Mueller ’21 realize he belonged at University of Detroit Mercy.

In April, Detroit Mercy published a special publication titled "Catalyst for Transformation," which honors Antoine M. Garibaldi's 11 years as president of the University.

Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi was announced as the new chairman of the Board of Directors for Visit Detroit on Feb. 8.

For the third year in a row, Detroit Mercy's graduate programs have ranked among the nation’s best.

After more than 30 years as an educator, scientist, packaging expert and leader, Michael Okoroafor ’82 says his new position is the pinnacle of his career. As the first chief sustainability officer at McCormick & Company, Okoroafor is now tasked with executing the company’s sustainability efforts worldwide.

To honor Women’s History Month, Detroit Mercy’s Office of Marketing & Communications spoke to Titan student-athletes and coaches about their experiences in sports, which Title IX made possible. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of that landmark legislation.

When Detroit Mercy freshman Madelyn Bahoora and her sisters had to find a first communion gift for their cousin, they wanted something that was going to stand out and be sentimental. The Bahoora sisters — Madelyn, Taylor and Danielle — turned their gift idea into a business in 2016 and work together to create customized rosaries for a growing clientele.

Suchi Reddy, a 1991 graduate from the School of Architecture & Community Development, is receiving wide acclaim for two very different high-profile design projects – both developed during the pandemic – that have earned her praise and showcase in the New York Times for the innovative way they blend art, design and technology.

The 30-credit graduate program beginning in fall 2022 requires no pre-requisite coursework and is open to those with undergraduate degrees in any discipline. Courses are available online and during the evening.

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) needed to adapt last year to continue performing in the midst of a global pandemic. Those adjustments not only led to new, invaluable experiences for Detroit Mercy students, but showered DMTC with praise from a prestigious theatre festival.

Detroit Mercy men's basketball senior Antoine Davis was named the Horizon League Co-Player of the Year on Feb. 28 and was the first player in Horizon League history to be voted First Team All-League four times.

As Detroiters flocked to see The Lion King at the Detroit Opera House and marvel at the spectacle, they should know that an alumna from Detroit Mercy’s Theatre program is helping make that magic happen.

Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D., brings nearly three decades of higher education leadership in the areas of program development, accreditation, alumni relations, community partnership development, corporate and philanthropic fundraising success and commitment to adult/post-traditional students, international/global and online education, following decades as a researcher and educator at Catholic institutions.  

Detroit Mercy senior Antoine Davis became the first Titan men's basketball student-athlete in school history to earn CoSIDA Academic All-District honors after he was recognized by the national organization. The honor combines standout performances on the playing court and in the classroom.

Tariq Masri-Zada, a senior Biology major in the ReBUILDetroit program, is researching the effects of even small amounts of alcohol and drugs on response time of drivers. He driven in this research because his uncle was killed by a drunk driver.

The grant will expand Detroit Mercy’s iDRAW program by implementing AP Computer Science Principles courses and developing high school teachers to deliver high-quality computer science instruction.

Detroit Mercy has received more than $2.13 million in grants recently to support the extensive programming the University and its students do in the community.

The covenant represents a renewed commitment of these institutions to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.

When Dave Wozniak had belongings stolen from his home, 15 years ago, it wasn’t the electronics that he was upset losing. It was the sentimental items. His father’s 1964 University of Detroit class ring was one of them.

New Orleans Pelicans head coach and Titan Hall of Famer Willie Green ’03 returned to his native Detroit Feb. 1 ahead of Detroit Mercy Night at Little Caesars Arena.

University of Detroit Mercy’s online graduate nursing program was ranked No. 103 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs, marking the third-straight year the University was included in the rankings.

Professor Nihad Dukhan specializes in the science and technology of metal foam, having researched it for nearly 20 years. During his Fulbright experience, he investigated new technology through modeling, computer simulation and experiments.

February is Black History Month and University of Detroit Mercy is celebrating with a series of in-person and virtual programming on the McNichols Campus.

Professor Alan Hoback and student Brendan Lubiarz surveyed hundreds of homes in southeast Michigan to determine how easily they would be able to install electric vehicle chargers.

The Pistons will host Detroit Mercy Night when the New Orleans Pelicans and head coach Willie Green '03 visit Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. The ticket package includes a limited edition quarter-zip, seating in the Titan section, all-you-can-eat seats and a donation to the University.

Mellody Hobson, president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks Corp., will participate in a virtual fireside chat, where she will discuss several financial-related topics.

Detroit Mercy hosts Day of Giving to educate students about how alumni contributions of time, talent and treasure help enrich the University. Students can participate in virtual and in-person activities to earn prizes.

Detroit Mercy is commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a webinar featuring Professor Alex Zamalin and a student panel.