Student can-do attitude improves grades and the community
Biology students earn extra credit points while raising 600 canned goods to support Campus Kitchen this year, thanks to Professor of Biology Greg Grabowski. His students have raised more than 20,000 canned goods to feed the hungry over the past three years. Read the story online.
Professor Tubbs challenges us to live gratefully
For years, the Honors Program at Mercy College of Detroit had the tradition of a "Last Lecture," a talk at the end of the school year that challenged or inspired students and faculty in new ways. In 2002, the Last Lecture was reintroduced to University of Detroit Mercy's Honors Program, and in 2014, it was opened to the entire University community. In the latest talk of the series, Professor of Religious Studies James Tubbs examines what it means to live gratefully. Read his remarks on our alumni blog.
JAFD luncheon focuses on nostalgia in today's world
The Jesuit Alumni & Friends of Detroit will host a luncheon keynoted by Assistant to the President for Mission and Identity John Staudenmaier, S.J., on Wednesday, May 17 at noon at the Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Ave. in Detroit. Fr. Staudenmaier will speak on "Our 21st Century Demon: Nostalgia," discussing how longing for another time or another place can prevent us from encountering God in the only way possible: the here and now. Register online before Sunday, May 14. For more information about JAFD, please email atadmin@jafdetroit.org.
Spirit Awards honor distinguished alumni
University of Detroit Mercy celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of seven notable alumni with the fourth annual Spirit Awards, April 28. Award recipients reflect the University's mission of excellence and service and bring pride to Detroit Mercy. See the Spirit Awards website for more information on the honorees, and view the photo gallery online.
Programs receive support from crowdfunding
Wondering what kind of programs might benefit from the Office of Annual Giving's crowdfunding initiative? Check out the Rx for Reading Detroit program, which works to expand access to high-quality children's literature and support families in reading with their kids. To date, this crowdfunding initiative has raised more than $5,700 dollars. In addition, 63 donors have supported this effort, with 65 days left to participate. Learn more by visiting Impact.
Summertime at Detroit Mercy: Youth camps
The University hosts a number of summer camps, molding young minds in subjects, including architecture, digital media studies, STEM and design. Register today, and take advantage of early bird registration. See the Summer Camp page for more information.
Health programs and facilities continue to grow
Detroit Mercy's College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing officially opened the expanded Health Professions Building, April 28, adding more than 20,000 square feet for labs and study spaces, but that's not all. "The expansion of the building, which houses the College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing, makes way for the University to double the size of its physician assistant program," Dean Christine Pacini said. See the Crain's Detroit Business article for more information.
Start a conversation at Colleague Development Days this fall
All faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to participate in the seventh annual Fall Colleague Development Days on Thursday, Aug. 17 and Friday, Aug. 18 on the McNichols Campus. The Thursday event offers 21 concurrent sessions that will assist in updating and educating faculty, administrators and staff.
On Friday, two plenary sessions will help faculty, staff and administrators "meet, understand and teach today's learners: Generation NeXt." See the Colleague Development Day website for more information and to pre-register. If you have questions, contact the event's coordinator Sheryl Johnson-Roulhac at 313-993-1017 or careerlink@udmercy.edu.
Thumbs Up!
Criminal Justice Instructor Erick Barnes spoke on a panel presented by the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials that featured discussions on race, equality and leadership. Read the C&G Newspapers article, "Local Police Officials Meet to Discuss Race and Law Enforcement," April 12.
Special Consultant to the College of Engineering & Science and former Dean Leo Hanifin was invited to participate in the initial ride of the QLine system through downtown Detroit. For more information about the upcoming QLine, set to officially open on May 12, read the Crain's Detroit Business article, "QLine funders, other backers get ride on Woodward as streetcar dream nears fruition," April 27.
Associate Professor of English Mary-Catherine Harrison was elected president of the Midwest Victorian Studies Association (MVSA). Harrison also presented her research on "Ekphrastic Poetry in the Anti-Slavery Movement" at this year's MVSA conference.
Adjunct Professor of Law Richard Krisciunas was quoted in the Detroit Free Press article, "Police Vow to Find People Captured on Video in Greektown Attack," April 17.
Associate Professor of Communication Studies Tom Stanton was highlighted in the Toledo Blade article, "Author tells of 2 sides to 1930s-era Detroit," April 24.
Associate Professor of Social Work Aloha VanCamp presented her research at the Western Social Science Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco, April 13. VanCamp's research titled, "Student Incivility in Higher Education – A Social Work Perspective," focused on issues regarding student distractions in the classroom.