Ta-Nehisi Coates brings thousands to campus

More than 3,500 people gathered at Calihan Hall on Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus to hear the National Book Award-winning author of "Between the World and Me" share his thoughts about the history, and future, of race relations in the United States, April 4. See the Detroit Mercy news release, video coverage and Michigan Chronicle article of the event.

Titan Talk: Fashion Show co-founders Sehie Olivia Koh and Asia Rawls

This episode of Titan Talk features co-founders of the Annual Charity Fashion Show Sehie Olivia Koh and Asia Rawls as they discuss their experience at this year's "CCC The Movement."

Detroit launches Fitzgerald neighborhood rehabilitation initiative

The City of Detroit held a press conference in the Fitzgerald neighborhood (Livernois and McNichols) across from Detroit Mercy. Within two years, more than 100 vacant homes will be rehabilitated, 16 will be demolished, a two-acre park will be created and 192 vacant lots will be landscaped, April 5. See media coverage of the press conference from the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Radio, Crain's Detroit Business, The Detroit News and MLive.

We Want Great Teachers initiative

University of Detroit Mercy strives to strengthen its collaborative efforts with Detroit Public Schools and demonstrate Detroit Mercy's commitment to building boundless futures.

Associate Professor of Education and Former Deputy Mayor of Detroit Isaiah McKinnon, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamela Zarkowski, President Antoine M. Garibaldi, and Assistant Professor of Education Alan Grigg hosted approximately 120 Detroit Public School teachers and staff to launch the initiative, "We Want Great Teachers," a program to encourage more students to pursue careers in education, April 6. See the photo gallery, WXYZ coverage and FOX 2 News highlights of the event online.

Stem X Day

More than 150 high school students from Ladywood, Cass Tech, Melvindale and Huron Valley participated in the College of Engineering & Science's first annual STEM X Day, April 7. STEM X allows high school students to experience first-hand the excitement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Detroit Mercy. See the news release and photo gallery of the event online.

Slide Rule Dinner lights up the night

Approximately 300 students, faculty, staff and alumni attended the Engineering & Science 85th Annual Slide Rule Dinner at the DTE Energy headquarters, April 8. See the photo gallery and award winners online.

Students tidy up the neighborhood

Students from the Criminal Justice program and Detroit Mercy's Eta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Omega came together for a cleanup in support of a Ford Community Corps Project, focusing on reducing and recognizing local crime rates, April 9. Making the area cleaner helps boost locale morale, as well as boost the perception of safety and a well-looked-after community. The cleanup crews worked on Livernois and McNichols surrounding the McNichols Campus.

Spring Blowout, April 18

The Student Alumni Association welcomes all to join in the annual Spring Blowout on Tuesday, April 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kassab Mall. Escape from finals weeks and enjoy some games, food and watch the seniors paint and sign The Rock before commencement.

Destress Fest, April 20

University Recreation will host the annual Destress Fest on Thursday, April 20. Come to the Kassab Mall and Student Fitness Center from 5 to 8 p.m. and enjoy some nitrogen ice cream, therapy dogs, glow yoga, bubble soccer, raffles and refreshments.

Spring Forward Block Party, April 22

Join the Live6 Alliance and celebrate community and a re-imagined streetscape on McNichols Road with the Spring Forward Block Party from 2 to 8 p.m. on McNichols Road between San Juan and Prairie. Bring your bike to try out the temporary bike lanes! Volunteers are needed April 20-22 to help set up the event; see the event flyer for registration link and more information.

Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards 2017

On April 28, University of Detroit Mercy will honor seven distinguished alumni with the fourth annual Spirit Awards. Award recipients reflect the University's mission of excellence and service and bring pride to Detroit Mercy. The 2017 recipients are:

• Rainy Hamilton, Jr. '78, '79, Founder/Owner, Hamilton Anderson Associates, School of Architecture
• Michael J. Brenner '67, Executive Vice President & CFO, Related Companies, College of Business Administration
• Carl E. Misch, D.D.S,'73, Founder and Director, Misch Implant Institute, School of Dentistry
• Charles E. Lucas, M.D. '59, Professor of Surgery, Wayne State University Medical School, College of Engineering & Science
• Mary Maurita Sengelaub, RSM '49, Retired President, Catholic Healthcare Association, College of Health Professions
• Charles R. Rutherford '53, '57, President, Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society and Retired Of Counsel – Dykema Gossett, PLLC, School of Law
• John P. Hayes '71, Retired President/Owner, Third Avenue Media, LLC, College of Liberal Arts & Education

April Cascade web training

Cascade training sessions continue through the month of April, every Thursday beginning April 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 9 of the Commerce & Finance Building. To ensure everyone has a computer to use, please RSVP using the sign-up links. Please sign up for introductory/non-technical sessions here.

Accounting student and program highlighted

Accounting student Holly Hedemark has been selected to receive the prestigious 5th-Year Accounting Scholarship from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA). The pass rate of the College of Business Administration's first-time candidates on the Certified Public Accounting exam ranks 19th in the nation for programs of 10-20 candidates, ahead of institutions such as Harvard University (ranked 31st) and the University of Chicago (ranked 26th).