Oral History Project

The Detroit Mercy Alumni Office is excited to partner with PCI in creating an Oral History Project (OHP). Through the OHP, we will be collecting "Titan Tales" from alumni. This is a voluntary project which allows alumni to share their most memorable moments while attending Detroit Mercy.

Project Timeline

Starting in March 2024, we will teaming up with our partner, Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to collect stories from UDM alumni and preserve them in a book that celebrates the impact UDM has had on your lives and who you are today. The project will be completed and publications mailed in the Fall of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about University of Detroit Mercy. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for University of Detroit Mercy. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at University of Detroit Mercy and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

oral history postcard front example
oral history postcard back example

Does University of Detroit Mercy benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at University of Detroit Mercy. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to University of Detroit Mercy at the conclusion of the project.
  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 9/6/2024 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before 9/6/2024 to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

The University of Detroit Mercy Oral History Publication is available for sale only to University of Detroit Mercy alumni.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

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