July 2011

University Construction Projects

Multiple construction projects are moving forward at University of Detroit Mercy - all designed to create a more vibrant and interactive campus community. For summaries of past, current and future projects, visit the Facilities Management web page.

McNichols Campus Updates

Student Fitness Center Preparatory work is taking place in anticipation of the new Student Fitness Center, expected to be completed by the summer of 2012. The Hill was removed in late June as part of site work to prepare for the 40,000-square-foot Fitness Center. For more information about the Fitness Center, download this document (PDF).

Site Development

This summer UDM is adding parking spaces and expanding the campus roadway. Parking lot enhancements are taking place in the northeast student parking lot (Lot D). The former Brent Hospital land is being transformed into additional parking, closing a portion of Dexter and more of Florence Avenue. More than 200 parking spaces will be added during the construction, pictured below.

Construction work taking place this summer on Parking Lot D.

Chemistry Building

The historic Chemistry Building, built in 1927, is closed during the highly anticipated renovations. The building is expected to reopen in December 2011 featuring a brand new look and feel to its interior. Core renovations include heating, cooling and electrical upgrades. Porcelain tile will be utilized throughout the floors and lower half of the walls. Also, a new distilled water system will be installed for use in the Chemistry labs. Finally, restrooms will be updated and the gathering space for students and faculty will be redesigned.

IT Commons Approximately 6,000 square-feet of the McNichols Campus Library third floor is being repurposed to include a centralized computing center, IT Commons. All general computer labs will be consolidated into this location to provide teaching labs, computerized test-taking space, and open multi-purpose computer use. The project will be completed when donor funding is secured. Make a gift today!

Warren Loranger Architecture Building

Architecture faculty offices are being relocated to improve both the faculty office environment and student studio space.

Clock Tower Restoration to the Tower began in April and was completed in mid-June. The repairs to the Tower included cutting out and re-pointing deteriorated mortar joints, repairing spalled or shifted stones, sealing bell timbers, resetting loose tile, removing trees and other growth, cleaning the tower, and repairing a large hole in the tower, which appears to be from a lightning strike.

Riverfront Campus Restoration

Renovations to the historic UDM Dowling Hall, home to the School of Law, are under way. This summer progress is being made on classroom renovations, a Welcome Center, redesigned administrative offices and student organization space and lounge, as well as many infrastructure improvements. Visit the Construction Blog for an inside look at all of the renovations and improvements.

*Law School Courtyard Correction:
The June e-Connect stated that courtyard renovations would be completed this summer. The courtyard renovation project has been moved to a later date.

Grad Med

GradMed® short-term health insurance is a valuable benefit provided by the UDM Alumni Association. An ideal product for members of Titan 10 (recent graduates) and alumni in between jobs, GradMed allows you to choose a coverage period and deductible that meets your needs, protecting you from the expenses associated with an accident or illness.

For a complete listing of benefits provided to you as a UDM alumnus, visit the UDM benefits page.

New: 1962-1963 Tower yearbooks online The 1962 and 1963 Tower Yearbooks have been released into the UDM digital archive. The UDM Libraries/Instructional Design Studio (IDS) plan to add yearbooks every two months until the online collection is complete and up to date. To view this and other digital collections, visit the "Special Collections" link on the Library/IDS home page, or go straight to the Special Collections page.

UDM falcons hatch chicks during Tower restoration The University’s McNichols Campus clock tower has been home to a pair of Peregrine falcons for about seven years. In April the pair welcomed four falcon chicks. On June 7, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the help and resources of the University and National Restoration, tagged the University's newest Peregrine residents — one male and three females.

University of Detroit Mercy Awarded 10 Scholarships through RWJF New Careers in Nursing Program The University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Health Professions was awarded $100,000 in grant funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program. Ten scholarships, $10,000 each, will be awarded to students entering the accelerated nursing program during the 2011-2012 academic year. For more information about the grant, please read the press release.

Cleveland area alumni, celebrate the Feast Day of St. Ignatius

All alumni of Jesuit colleges and universities who reside in the Cleveland area are invited to attend a Jesuit Community Mass, celebrating the feast day of St. Ignatius Loyola, with Fr. John Foley, president of the Cristo Rey Network, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. A complimentary dinner reception will follow. For more information and to RSVP, see the Special Events page on the UDM Online Community.