2024 Detroit Mercy News Releases

A Christmas tree with colorful lights shines on the McNichols Campus, with TITANS lettering aglow and Holden Hall in the background.

Detroit Mercy wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season! The University has updated hours of operation across all of its campuses during the holidays.

Kara Wolfbauer stands on the ice holding a microphone during a live spot at Little Caesars Arena during a Red Wings game.

Kara Wolfbauer '23 found her calling behind the microphone as a student at Detroit Mercy and has flourished in the Detroit professional sports scene following her graduation.

A mural on a long wall depicts passengers getting on a train, in Detroit.

Detroit Mercy alumna Bethany Howard '21 runs the impactful City Walls program, which was launched by the City of Detroit in 2017 and has turned nearly 300 walls across the Motor City into beautiful works of art.

U.S. Sen. Peters and National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. look at a vehicle during a visit to UDM's College of Engineering & Science.

Information sessions for the VCE program and other College of Engineering & Science graduate programs take place on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. There are scholarships up to $12,500 available for students who enroll in the program for winter 2025.

Commuter Student Association students sit together in a classroom as they watch a movie.

The majority of students on Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus are commuters who live off-campus. Commuter Student Association (CSA) provides activities to help them grow and stay connected with the campus.

A man sits at a machine during an eye exam while a woman looks at images of the eye.

This new school will be located in Novi, Mich., and is the 25th School of Optometry nationally and the second in Michigan. The first class will begin in the fall of 2025 and prospective students can submit applications starting in December.

Colorful leaves fill the trees near the Fisher Fountain and Student Union, with a clock tower in the background outdoors.

The University of Detroit Mercy Board of Trustees approved three new members at its Oct. 25 board meeting.

Eight people and a mascot cut a ribbon inside of an annex.

On Nov. 14, the Steve & Kathy McShane Makerspace & Collaboratory was officially opened. Inside the College of Engineering & Science, the re-envisioned annex has been designed as a workshop for students from different disciplines to work together.

Freshmen walk down Kassab Mall past the TITANS sign during First-Year Convocation.

This fall, there are lots of new faces at University of Detroit Mercy, which welcomed in its largest first-year class in more than 30 years. Several Titan freshmen talked about how their experience has been thus far.  

Grants support Detroit Mercy Law, other programming

Detroit Mercy's School of Law will continue its work helping address wrongful convictions thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Oakland County Bar Foundation.

OCC RN to BSN partnership

The partnership offers associate degree nurses an accelerated pathway to earn a bachelor of science degree in Nursing in 12 months. Students will take seven-week courses with classes offered in online, in-person and hybrid formats. Those accepted into the program can attend either full- or part-time.

Students walk on the sidewalk in front of the Engineering Building during a summer day, with trees in the foreground and a clock tower in the background.

In an effort to support industry-sponsored partnerships, University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering & Science was recently one of five institutions in a consortium awarded $2 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Witch

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company's first production of the school year is a modern retelling of a Jacobean drama in "Witch," across two weekends Oct. 25-Nov. 3 at the Marlene Boll Theatre in Detroit.

A group of people, including Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Dean Mert N. Aksu and Sen. Bernie Sanders, pose for a photograph at a press conference announcing a partnership between Vermont State Dental Society and University of Detroit Mercy. Logos and renderings are shown at each end of the table.

This new dental clinic and education program would bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state.

Dozens of students walk on the McNichols Campus during the first day of classes.

For a sixth year in a row, University of Detroit Mercy was ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Colleges 2025 edition.

An aerial view of the McNichols Campus in fall 2024.

Robert P. Jones, founder and president of the Public Religion Research Institute, will lead a free, two-part discussion about the state of American democracy on Oct. 23-24 at Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus. The series is open to the public.

More than a half-dozen students sit inside and work on an activity during the Bioneers conference.

The interaction between people and the world we live in is the theme of the 19th annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit (GLBD) Conference at University of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus Oct. 17-18.

stock high tech person

The event offers a platform for experimentation, learning and advancing the ethical use of AI in healthcare while promoting social equity and ensuring environmental sustainability. By bringing together students, professionals and community members, the event aims to develop actionable AI solutions that can transform health outcomes for Detroit residents.

Two photos feature members of the Titans men's soccer team with Adam Clarke, who in one photo wears a Detroit Mercy men's soccer shirt and the other a Team IMPACT t-shirt.

Jackson Towers, a UDM graduate student and captain for the Titans, and many others from the men's soccer squad have connected with Adam Clarke through a program called Team IMPACT, which helps kids and teams change each other's lives through their shared love of sports.

McNichols Campus at sunset includes clocktower

The 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranking has put UDM at No. 43 in the nation, nine places higher than it ranked the University last year.

Detroit Titans Logo

The third annual Road to Championship fundraiser, which directly benefits Titan Athletics, is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit. The event will feature special guest appearances, door prizes, and unique “experience” auction items.

Dozens of people wearing red UDM t-shirts and others stand and pose for a Class of 2028 photo outdoors in front of Holden Hall and the TITANS signage.

New Titans took part in move-in day to Shiple Hall, First-year Convocation, PTV and more to help kick-off their college careers.

A graphic for the National Alliance on Mental Illness I am NAMI walks, featuring two people in the foreground and dozens of people walking in the background. A Mental Health for All badge is also displayed on the graphic.

Some 2,000 supporters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are expected to participate in a 5K walk on UDM’s campus to raise funds and awareness of the organization, which is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Four different pictures from past Homecoming events, including a bonfire, soccer game, bike ride and a student posing with Tommy Titan.

Students, alumni, employees, family, fans and friends are all invited to join in the festivities at the University’s Homecoming, set for Saturday, Sept. 28 on the McNichols Campus.

Allison Sherman holds a 2023 cross country plaque outdoors at a championship meet, standing in front of a Horizon League banner.

A standout both athletically and academically at Detroit Mercy, Allison Sherman '24 was named as one of two Horizon League nominees for NCAA Woman of the Year.

A graphic featuring four athletes, participating in various sports, one carrying an Olympic torch, one in softball, one in basketball and one on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are under way and one athlete with Titan ties is competing at the games in former men's basketball student-athlete Bul Kuol. He joins the ranks of Titans who have competed in various sports over the years.

College of Business Administration accreditation extended

The College of Business Administration has received a five-year extension of its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Detroit Mercy's CBA has remained fully accredited since 1949, making this the 75th anniversary of its accreditation.

Four students stand around the EA Cafe coffee cart inside of the Engineering Building.

Over the past year, Bianca Candela and a few of her peers have made pushing a gray utility cart across the McNichols Campus part of their Wednesday morning routine. The cart is the movable home of the Entrepreneurship Association’s EA Café.

Eight people stand and mingle inside of Boost Detroit with photos, television screens and a countertop pictured in the photo. The words DETROIT BOOST are displayed on the wall.

Detroit Mercy’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship works with local entrepreneurs who want to address social issues and help communities through business.

University names new dean of Libraries

Kate Harger will join University of Detroit Mercy as the new Dean of Libraries. She will join the University August 1.

Suchi Reddy stands in front of her me + you installation inside of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

Suchi Reddy, a 1991 graduate from the School of Architecture & Community Development, will debut a new iteration of her "me + you" design for the reopening, set for June 6-16 in Detroit.

A red and black graphic with white text reading Titan Basketball Coaches Cook-Out, BBQ at Calihan Hall, Wednesday, July 31, 5-7 p.m., with coach Kate Achter and coach Mark Montgomery.

Join the Department of Athletics for a basketball coaches cookout on Wednesday, July 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the tennis court pavilion behind Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus.

A photo of healthcare professionals gathering in a circle to discuss something.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) and Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) open doors to higher-level nursing positions and careers. University of Detroit Mercy will host information sessions for both programs in June and July.

Students and scholarship donors sit around a table and mingle at a reception event.

Scholarships are a way to make education accessible to all, and University of Detroit Mercy is no stranger to granting scholarships to a wide array of students. Through the generosity of private donors and philanthropic organizations, the University gives Titans the chance to pursue the education of their dreams.

Kadyja Ka poses for a photo with President Donald B. Taylor

At an age when her peers are finishing high school and preparing for life’s next adventure, Kadyja Ka found herself celebrating a different milestone: graduating from college.

Three photos feature pictures of the suite at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, including people watching the golf tournament and at right two people wearing Titans gear posing for a photo.

University of Detroit Mercy is offering the Titans and the community several ticketing options for the tournament, including a discounted rate for private suite tickets next to green of hole No. 15.

Three photos feature graduates during commencement ceremonies inside of Calihan Hall.

The world welcomed new Titans with more than 1,000 University of Detroit Mercy graduates receiving their diplomas across four Commencement ceremonies May 10-11 on the McNichols Campus.

A portrait of Erin Letourneau.

Erin Letourneau's college journey is not just one of academic excellence, it’s a testament to her relentless pursuit of personal growth and community engagement, shaping her into an influential leader within the campus community.

MacKenzie Patterson stands smiling inside of the St. Ignatius Chapel.

MacKenzie Patterson's dream of becoming a doctor took shape at 11 years old after watching the great care doctors provided her mother. Patterson, one of the Class of 2024 Valedictorians, will graduate Saturday with a Biology degree and is preparing for the next step in her educational journey: Medical school.

Nisha Miah poses in a pink shawl.

Nisha Miah's tumultuous upbringing has led her to a deep sense of empathy for people and has shaped who she is today. When she read University of Detroit Mercy's mission statement and vision during her college search, she knew it was where she needed to be.

Jacob Yasso stands smiling inside of the Gardella Honors House with stained glass windows behind him.

Jacob Yasso felt supported by the University from the moment an Admissions counselor visited his high school during senior year. The Pre-Law graduate became a campus leader during his four years as a Titan and will be the first in his family to graduate college May 11.

Iryna Olkhovetska poses in front of her thesis presentation, titled "Paradigm Shift: Rethinking the Notion of Detroit's Suburban Neighborhoods by Exploring European-Inspired Design Strategies."

Iryna Olkhovetska made the difficult decision with her family to leave their home in Ukraine and move to the United States in search of a brighter future six years ago. Today, she is proud to be an American citizen, embracing her identity as both a Ukrainian and American and striving to honor her roots while building a future in the land of opportunity.

A student studies at a desk in the library.

The new partnership aims to improve matriculation to graduate and professional schools, improve professional licensing passage rates, and improve employability for graduates.

Kevin Lynch stands next to his father and the Detroit Mercy School of Law Riverfront Campus sign during a campus tour.

Kevin Lynch spent nearly a decade in human resources before going to law school. He graduates from Detroit Mercy Law ready to become an attorney like so many family members before him.

A photo of Afsana Uddin.

Afsana Uddin has been attending classes at University of Detroit Mercy since 2012. But it was the service learning programs that truly inspired her and helped her see that good health starts long before a person needs a doctor.

Eight people stand outside of a building, some holding up a peace sign and all smiling.

Meet the Class of '24: Dental grad Maria Latorre Sanchez says “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how fast you get up.”

Three students work in a chemistry lab.

One of the most active and longstanding clubs on Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus, the Chemistry Club meets both the academic and social needs of people with an interest in chemistry.

A person speaks at the Eye Institute opening while many people stand around the room listening.

For UDM President Donald B. Taylor, this new clinic represents another example of the institution’s Jesuit and Mercy mission in action and opportunity to expand UDM’s health care footprint in southeast Michigan.

U.S. Sen. Peters and National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. watch students talk near a vehicle in the Engineering Building while others look on.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters ’84 and National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr., visited Detroit Mercy's Vehicle Cyber Engineering Program to see how students are engaging in critical cybersecurity labs.

A photo of the Engineering Building near the clock tower with red banners that feature the UDM logo and World Needs Titans on it.

Two UDM graduate programs were ranked in the top 20 in the nation and several other programs were included in the 2024-25 U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges edition.

A TENN student delivers a bag of food to a community member.

University of Detroit Mercy offers students a diverse array of volunteer programs, covering all aspects of its community, such as food security, literacy and immersion into other cultures. 

The McNichols Campus is covered in snow during the winter as seen through this aerial drone photo.

Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, Detroit Mercy will offer free tuition to first-year students who meet certain eligibility requirements. They may renew Titan Edge for up to four years total.

A graphic featuring a photo of Mark Montgomery, with text reading Mark Montgomery, Head Coach, Detroit Mercy Men's Basketball and featuring logos for Detroit Mercy Titans and Nike.

UDM has hired Mark Montgomery as the program’s 23rd head coach in school history. Montgomery was chosen from a pool of more than 100 national candidates.

UDM to celebrate student, faculty research projects

Detroit Mercy will recognize the academic work of students, staff and faculty at the 16th annual Celebration of Scholarly Achievement (CSA). This University-wide event will feature traditional research posters, artistic displays, performances, lightning talks, a keynote address by an internationally known speaker and more.

UDM community reflects on faith as religious observances intersect

As the holy seasons of Lent and Ramadan intersect, believers worldwide and within our Detroit Mercy campus find themselves in a unique moment that emphasizes shared values and understanding across faith traditions.

Megan Novell holds an award while standing in front of a green backdrop with a blue, neon sign that spells Detroit Mercy.

In recognition of Women's History Month, Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department introduces you to Megan Novell, who reflected on the month, female role models and more.

Anita Klueg speaks at a podium.

In recognition of Women's History Month, Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department introduces you to Director of University Ministry Anita Klueg, who shared the challenges she's faced as a woman, what inspired her to work in ministry and more.

Neil Mandt talks at UDM.

Former Communication Studies student Neil Mandt returned to Detroit Mercy to talk with students about his 30-plus year career in the entertainment industry and the future of media and technology.

Three actors look into a book in a promo photo for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) presents the raucous comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)[revised][again] at the Marlene Boll Theatre inside Detroit’s Boll Family YMCA April 12-21.

Women's History Month Q&A: Get to know Marwa Abdel Latif

In recognition of Women's History Month, Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department introduces you to Assistant Professor of Chemistry Marwa Abdel Latif, who reflected on her female role models, what led her to academia and more.

A graphic features a photo of Kate Achter, wearing a red Detroit Hustles Harder t-shirt. Text reads, Contract Extension, Kate Achter, with a Detroit Mercy Titans logo above.

University of Detroit Mercy Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels, Jr., announced that head women's basketball coach Kate Achter has agreed to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. 

Women’s History Month events offered

University of Detroit Mercy is celebrating Women’s History Month with a series of events highlighting the contributions of women around the world.

Madeline Dugan, right, talks to an assistant coach during a Titans women's lacrosse game.

In recognition of Women's History Month, Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department introduces you to women's lacrosse head coach Madeline Dugan, who spoke about her career in athletics and more.

UDM and men's head basketball coach Mike Davis mutually agree to part ways

University of Detroit Mercy Director of Athletics Robert Vowels announced today that the University and head men’s basketball coach Mike Davis have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately.

Ahmed Radwan headshot

Ahmed Radwan sees great opportunities for the College of Health Professions after beginning his tenure as dean on March 1.

Roy Finkenbine speaks at the podium while Ilyon Woo stands next to him during Love Stories from the Underground Railroad in February 2024.

The Black Abolitionist Archive lives in University of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus Library as a testament to the enduring struggle against slavery and the pursuit of freedom.

Models of buildings are positioned on a desk.

Scores of UDM students and faculty will help nonprofits in Detroit and southeast Michigan reduce their carbon footprint as part of a $3.79-million grant award to support energy efficiency.

An aerial photo of Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus on a sunny summer day, featuring buildings, trees, cars, houses and downtown Detroit in the background.

Due to 2024's FAFSA delay, UDM has extended their reply deadline from May 1 to June 1.

An aerial image of the Briggs Building (and other buildings on the McNichols Campus), which is home to the College of Liberal Arts & Education

The Full-time Accelerated Social Work Transfer (FAST) option is the first of its kind in Michigan, featuring three consecutive semesters of seven-week modules and intersession courses that can be taken online, in-person or through a hybrid method.

Justin Williams stands at the front of a classroom during a class.

Justin Williams, associate professor of History and director of the African American Studies Program at Detroit Mercy, talks about Black History Month and the many ways it can be recognized.

An aerial photograph of Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus.

University of Detroit Mercy has recently received more than $2 million in grants to help educate students and their work in the community. 

Three students who are members of The League pose for a photo on the left side. On the right side, members of The League talk amongst each other.

The League is a learning community for Black male students, faculty and staff on University of Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus. It aims to foster mentorship and enrich the lives of Black male students.

Horse drawn carriages outside of the Student Fitness Center at the Titan Winter Blast.

At the heart of the Titan Winter Blast is the famous chili cook-off. The event also features horse drawn trolley rides that tour the McNichols Campus, a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating station and many games, such as a Detroit staple fowling, or bowling with a football.

A student uses her computer during an MBA class.

UDM was ranked 13th nationally in the Best Online General Management MBA Programs category, while its online Graduate Nursing Program was No. 62.

Nick Boynton's headshot is next to the Science magazine cover in which his paper was published. The magazine has an illustration of a planet with text that reads In Hot Water.

As humans work toward a more sustainable future on Earth, imagine having one material that can act like many of the plastics used in daily life. Now consider those same principles being used in outer space, where resources and capacity are precious commodities. Thanks to research by Nicholas Boynton ’19, these concepts may one day become a reality. 

Meet Campus Activity Board: Engaging students through events

UDM's Campus Activity Board is a space of creativity and collaboration formed to create as many campus activities as possible to engage the student body. It is tasked with planning annual favorites such as the Halloween Boo Bash and the new Ugly Sweater Contest hosted in December. 

A photograph of the Student Union on Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus during snowfall. The University of Detroit Mercy Lillie B. Kassab Mall Memorial and clocktower are visible in the foreground and background, respectively.

All FAFSAs that have been submitted are in a holding period until the Department of Education makes a correction in updating numbers in the FAFSA formula. This correction will result in more students getting more financial aid, but the fix will take time.

UDM sororities pose for a group picture after bid day.

Joining Greek life can offer many benefits to its members, including opportunities for leadership development and charitable or service work.

Senator Gary Peters is pictured in a pair of pictures inside of the Engineering Building, on the left with a professor looking at equipment and on the right talking with a UDM student as they look at a laptop computer.

Detroit Mercy received a $497,080 award from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to sustain its work in establishing the Metro Detroit Regional Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute, a regional cybersecurity consortium.

A graphic for Black History Month that reads February is Black History Month.

University of Detroit Mercy is commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs on the McNichols, Riverfront and Corktown Campuses.

A sculpture promoting the PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. White letters spelling out Detroit make up the sculpture with the 'O' being a giant PGA golf ball with the Rocket Mortgage logo on its center.

Detroit Mercy is offering an exclusive experience for this year's PGA event at a new price point — only $250 per ticket. Proceeds support the scholarship endowment.

Ben Kendell points to the sky after winning a race outdoors, wearing a red University of Detroit Mercy racing big with numbers on his jersey reading 9 and 286. Logos on his jersey read University of Detroit Mercy and Adidas.

Former student-athlete Ben Kendell '18, '19 is set to become the fifth Titan male to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials, competing in the marathon Feb. 3 in Orlando, Fla.

Two photographs from DMTC’s production of Photograph 51 are combined into one image. On the left, an actress holds an image in her hand while she and an actor look at it. On the right, four actors gather behind a table filled with science materials as they have a discussion.

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) presents the Michigan premiere of Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler, a captivating and thought-provoking play that tells the story of unsung scientific hero Rosalind Franklin, at the Marlene Boll Theatre inside Detroit's Boll Family YMCA from Feb. 9-18.