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  • Titans to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Feb. 15

    Thursday February 13, 2025

    All are welcome for a day of fun and sports as on Saturday, Feb. 15!

    The event starts at 10 a.m. inside Calihan Hall and includes a FREE clinic for girls ages 6-12 includes skills instruction in various sports, a half-time performance and a post-game autograph session, as well as a T-shirt and swag bag. A women’s basketball game follows at 1 p.m. when the Titans take on Green Bay.

    A graphic for National Girls & Women in Sports Day, on Saturday, Feb. 15 in Calihan Hall, featuring images of girls at past NGWSD events and also featuring a QR code.

  • Triptych reading series features poet K-Ming Chang on Feb. 27

    Thursday February 13, 2025

    Ƶ’s welcomes poet K-Ming Chang, who will read for the 2025 Triptych series on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

    Chang is a Lambda Literary Award winner, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree and an O. Henry Prize Winner. Chang is the author of the New York Times Book Review Editors’ choice novel Bestiary, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award and the Otherwise Award. Chang’s books have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, German, Turkish and other languages.

    Chang’s next two books, a horror novel and short story collection, are forthcoming. Chang’s writing is most frequently described as “not for everybody” and occasionally described as “for the freaks.”

    Now in its third year, Triptych is a virtual reading series featuring award-winning poets in conversation with Ƶ’s poet-in-residence, Stacy Gnall. Triptych events are held via Zoom on Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Triptych readings are free and open to the community!

    SAVE THE DATEfor author Aracelis Girmay on March 20.

    A graphic for Triptych online reading and conversation with K-Ming Chang on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. There is a scan code to register for the event in the bottom left-hand corner. There is a photograph of K-Ming Chang on the right side of the page.

  • Radical Hospitality featuring SSC canine Bentley

    Thursday February 13, 2025

    An image of a woman sitting at a desk holding a toy poodle.Radical Hospitality is the intentional welcoming of those we know and those we don’t yet know into a community of belonging. In the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, we are asked to embrace the stranger as our neighbor, in the spirit of love, mercy and justice.

    In the latest feature in the Mission Effectiveness Team series “A Year in Radical Hospitality,” Sarah Foster, RSM, writes about a member of our campus community who expresses welcome, love and acceptance in all of his interactions. Sometimes, Sr. Sarah reveals, it is one of God’s smaller creatures (say, a toy poodle) who recognizes the sacred in everyone he meets.

    If you would like to write or propose a feature for “A Year in Radical Hospitality,” please email MET co-chairs Assistant Professor Ashlee Barnes at barnesav@udmercy.edu or Associate Professor Mary-Catherine Harrison at

    Read the feature and find out more here!
  • UDM celebrates Black History Month with series of programs in February

    Sunday February 02, 2025

    A graphic for Black History Month that reads February is Black History Month.Ƶ is celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs on the McNichols, Riverfront and Corktown Campuses throughout February.

    Below are the event details. Stay up to date with this and other programming by visiting.

    All event dates and times are subject to change.

    Feb. 2-28
    Black Saints Exhibit
    Fountain Lounge

    See portraits and read about Black Catholics who are undergoing the process to be made saints in the Catholic Church.

    Feb. 12
    6 Mile Meetup
    12:45 p.m.
    Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union

    Support Black-owned businesses and enjoy some free food byFork in Nigeria while learning about the African American Studies Program.

    This event is sponsored by the African American Studies program.

    Feb. 14
    Love Stories from the Underground Railroad
    Noon
    Student Union Ballroom

    Professor of History Roy E. Finkenbine will discuss the story of Adam and Sarah Crosswhite, who made their way from enslavement in Kentucky to Marshall, Mich., then faced possible recapture before the community rallied to their defense.

    The University Chorus will perform a couple of songs from the African American experience. Lunch will also be provided for attendees.

    This event is co-sponsored by the Black Abolitionist Archive and Student Affairs.

    Feb. 16
    Faith and Freedom Tour
    8:30 a.m.
    University Ministry Office

    This informative excursion includes Sunday service at the Second Baptist Church, a tour of the worship space and history of their association with the Underground Railroad and culminates with lunch at a local restaurant in the city.

    Lunch and transportation are provided at no cost.

    This event is co-sponsored by University Ministry and the African American Studies Program with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.

    Feb. 18
    Book talk with Edda Fields-Black
    7 p.m.
    Virtual

    Edda Fields-Black, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, will discuss her bookCombee, which explores the work of Harriet Tubman as a spy and a scout in the Carolinas during the Civil War.

    A Q&A will follow Fields-Black’s virtual talk.

    This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies program and the Black Abolitionist Archive, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.

    Feb. 19
    Student Life treat day celebrating Black-owned businesses
    Noon-4 p.m.
    Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union

    Stop by the Student Life Office to enjoy a delicious treat as we celebrate local business Good Cakes and Bakes!

    Feb. 20
    Movie night: The Princess and the Frog
    7 p.m.
    Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union

    Grab your friends and be transported to the bayous of New Orleans during this movie night featuring Disney’s animated musical.

    Feb. 24
    Panel discussion, “The Talk”
    Noon
    Bargman Room, McNichols Campus Library

    A panel of professors, police, parents and local journalist Greg Bowens will discuss “The Talk” that African American parents have had for generations with their children —especially their sons — in an effort to keep them safe when confronted by law enforcement or other authority figures.

    A box lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.

    This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies program, the Black Abolitionist Archive and McNichols Campus Library, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.

    Feb. 25
    Soul food cooking class
    6 p.m.
    Eastern Market

    Further information will be forthcoming.

    Feb. 27
    NOMAS lecture series with Bryan Cook
    5 p.m.
    SACD Exhibition Space

    The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) at Ƶ’s School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) will host the third annual Black History Month lecture series featuring three prominent Black designers.

    The final lecture features Bryan Cook — principal and founder of local firm developARCHITECTURE and long-time advocate for inclusiveness, diversity and excellence in design — who will deliver his talk, entitled “So, You Want to Print a House?” on Feb. 27.

    This lecture series is sponsored by NOMAS and SACD.

    Feb. 28
    Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) game night
    5 p.m.
    Commerce & Finance Building, Room 104

    Head over to Commerce & Finance for some friendly competition and camaraderie with your fellow Titans and UDM neighbors at the TENN game night. Snacks and prizes will be available amidst the fun!

    This event is sponsored by TENN.

    Past Events

    Interfaith Dinner
    Fellow Titans came together to celebrate religious diversity at the Interfaith Dinner, which included a guest panel — representing Sikh, Hindu and Native American cultures — who spoke on the topic of Radical Hospitality.

    The event was hosted by University Ministry.

    Book talk with Kidada Williams
    Wayne State University professor Kidada Williams discussed her book I Saw Death Coming, which chronicles the racial violence against African Americans during Reconstruction and how they responded with resistance and resilience. A Q&A and book signing followed Williams’ talk. A reception sponsored by Alumni Relations preceded the event

    The event was co-sponsored by the African American Studies program, the Black Abolitionist Archive and Alumni Relations, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.

    NOMAS lecture series with Antoine Bryant
    The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) at Ƶ’s School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) hosted the first of three lectures, featuring Antoine Bryant, for its third annual Black History Month lecture series. Bryant, a thought leader and community engagement expert with more than 25 years of experience in planning and design, development and empowerment of underserved communities across the U.S., gave a talk entitled “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: A Detroit Love Story.”

    This lecture series was sponsored by NOMAS and SACD.

    NOMAS lecture series with Saundra Little
    The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) at Ƶ’s School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) hosted the second of three lectures, featuring Saundra Little, for its third annual Black History Month lecture series. Little, a principal and director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Detroit architectural firm of Quinn Evans, who brings more than two decades of architectural expertise, spoke about “Architecture + History Beyond Black History Month.”

    This lecture series was sponsored by NOMAS and SACD.

  • DMTC presents ‘The Glass Menagerie,’ Feb. 7-16

    Saturday February 01, 2025

    The Ƶ Theatre Company brings Tennessee Williams’ classic American play, The Glass Menagerie, to life across two weekends beginning Feb. 7 at the Marlene Boll Theatre located at 1401 Broadway Street in downtown Detroit.

    Set in St. Louis during the 1930s, the play follows the struggles of the Wingfield family as they navigate dreams, desires and the delicate balance between reality and illusion. Amanda, a faded Southern belle, yearns for her past glory as she cares for her restless son, Tom, and fragile daughter, Laura. Amanda pushes Tom to find a suitor for Laura, leading to the arrival of Jim, a gentleman caller, whose visit has unexpected consequences for the family.

    The plays run Friday, Saturday and Sunday across two weekends, Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 3 p.m.

    Special Events:

    • Friday, Feb. 7 —Opening Night Reception & Celebration: Celebrate the opening performance with cast and crew. Sponsored by Thomas E. Page ’71, ’76.
    • Friday, Feb. 7 — Also CHASS Night at the Theatre: $5 tickets for students and alumni of the College of Liberal Arts & Education/College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences with code CHASS25. Free tickets to faculty/staff of CHASS by emailing theatre@udmercy.edu.
    • Saturday, Feb. 8 —High School Night: Free tickets and talkback following the performance for high school students and their families. Call 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu for reservations.
    • Sunday, Feb. 9 —Unmasking Tennessee Williams: Explore the profound themes, complex characters and emotional depth that define Tennessee Williams’ plays. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to his work, this talkback promises to provide a deeper appreciation of Williams’ enduring legacy in American drama. Presented by UDM Professor of English Michael Barry as part of the Detroit Theatre Discussion Project.
    • Friday, Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day Special: All tickets $10!

    For more information or any questions please email theatre@udmercy.edu or visit .

    Get Tickets Here!

    Poster for the Ƶ Theatre Company's production of The Glass Menagerie with dates and showtimes.

Resources, Centers and Clinics

Center for Social Entrepreneurship

The Center provides business expertise and acumen as well as mentors to assist local entrepreneurs, beginning with the “Boost” workshop that aids entrepreneurs in developing business plans to achieve a greater social impact.

Counseling Clinic

The clinic provides no-cost counseling services to Detroit residents who otherwise may not have access to mental health services.

Dental Center

Ƶ Dental offers dental services and education through two clinics, nine outreach clinics, a mobile dental clinic and a school-based dental sealant program.

Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN)

students carrying bags of groceries

TENN is a student-led and community-driven food justice program that delivers fresh produce to 60 families in New Martin Park Neighborhood and 80 seniors at Theresa Maxis Senior Apartments.

TENN

Detroit Collaborative Design Center

The design center provides design services to non-profit community and civic organizations to engage communities and enhance neighborhoods.

Ƶ Eye Institute

The Ƶ Eye Institute includes the state-of-the-art equipment and technology needed to diagnose, monitor, and treat numerous eye conditions. The clinic will also provide affordable eyecare to the uninsured and vulnerable populations.

Law Clinics

Ƶ Law provides legal assistance to Detroit area residents through six clinics: Immigration Law Clinic, SADO Criminal Appellate Clinic, Criminal Trial Clinic, Veterans Law Clinic, Juvenile Law Appellate Clinic and Intellectual Property Law Clinic.

Pre-College Programs

Detroit area students in grades 4-12 participate in more than 15 outreach programs annually through Saturday classes, summer camps, and innovative curricula in the sciences, technology engineering, mathematics, architecture and design.

Psychology Clinic

The Psychology Clinic provides assessment and counseling services for approximately 300 clients annually. Fees are based on ability to pay.

Rx for Reading Program

This program increases access to children’s books and supports families in reading to their children.  The program has distributed more than 2,000 children’s books a month at a variety of locations, including low-income health, dental and WIC clinics; homeless shelters; and Head Start programs.

Alliances and Initiatives

Reimagining the Civic Commons

University of Ƶ serves as one of the institutional anchors for the “Reimaging the Civic Commons” initiative, which is funded through the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation grant. The initiative focuses on the City of Detroit’s neighborhood revitalization priority: the Livernois/McNichols area. The project’s goal is to revitalize the neighborhoods between its two anchor institutions, Ƶ and Marygrove College, creating a denser and more diverse urban community.

Live6 Alliance

University of Ƶ helped to launch the Live6 Alliance in August 2015 to strengthen the Livernois Avenue and McNichols Road commercial corridor in northwest Detroit.

Directories

Media Experts Guide

Image of media experts page

Ƶ scholars are experts in their fields and many have agreed to be available to media. Note that experts' views are their own and may not reflect the views of their colleagues or University of Ƶ. 

Ƶ Media Experts

Migration Research Directory

The is an open-access resource for high-quality research on migration, provided by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Faculty members from Jesuit universities around the world provide important migration and refugee research from a wide variety of perspectives.