News Release
UDM Graduates receive 2010 Mission Award
At its May 15 Commencement Ceremony, University of Detroit Mercy recognized two 2010 graduates with the inaugural Vivere ex Mission (to live out the mission) Award that is given to graduating students who went outside the norm to live the UDM mission. Ervis Fama, who graduated with bachelor's degrees in Biology and Psychology, and Theresa Skora, who earned her master's degree in Architecture, were both selected for exemplifying and living out the mission of University of Detroit Mercy.
While working as a teaching assistant in the Biology Department and maintaining his status on the Dean’s List, Fama has demonstrated his leadership as president of the Student Senate as well as serving on the Students Advisory Board for the College of Liberal Arts & Education and co-chair and vice president of the Mission and Values Committee. He has been a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as serving on the Student Advisory Board for the UDM Institute for Leadership and Service. He extends his reach beyond the University by volunteering to the broaded community as well. Ervis has provided community service with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit and the First Albanian-American Bektashi Monastery, where he cooked for gatherings, cleaned and helped remodel the Monastery as a reflection of his deep relationship with God. Ervis has maintained academic integrity while being fully integrated through social development at the University.
Over the last five years, Skora has been involved in almost every program University Ministry runs including Hunger Week, Alternate Spring Break and International Service Experience. She has used her creativity and artistic talents to bring messages of the University Ministry to her fellow students. Many of these deal with the world’s disparities of wealth and poverty. She has also donated time and energy to take part in events dealing with the world and its social justice issues. Skora has also been involved with the University in other ways. She was involved with the Pep Band, American Institute of Architecture Students, Mission-Urban-Social Justice Team of Shared Governance and Ambassador of University Ministry. Skora was also the most active and faithful student member of the Mission-Urban-Social Justice Team of Shared Governance since the team’s conception. Given her rigorous schedule as an architecture student, the time and involvement she entrusted to these programs is a significant accomplishment.
Release date: May 27, 2010
# # #
