The School of Dentistry's graduation speaker is Gillian Barclay, D.D.S. '90, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., vice president of the Aetna Foundation. In her role at the foundation, she leads the development, execution and evaluation of the organization's national and international grant programs and cultivates new projects within its three its three focus areas: reducing obesity by promoting wellness and healthy choices, improving equity in health and health care and promoting integrated health care.

Dr. Barclay earned her doctorate of dental surgery at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and has taught at the Harvard School of Public Health and Hunter College of the City University of New York.

The School of Law's graduation speaker is Debbie Dingell, president of D2 Strategies and chairwoman of the Manufacturing Initiative of the American Automotive Policy Council. She is an active civic and community leader in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. and completed over 30 years at General Motors as a senior executive where she headed the GM Foundation and the public affairs department.

Jane K. Nugent '48

At Saturday's commencement, the University will honor one of its most outstanding alumna and distinguished businesswomen and philanthropists, Jane Kay Nugent (pictured). Serving the community has always been a priority for her and she has received numerous awards for her accomplishments. UDM President Antoine Garibaldi, Ph.D., will present Nugent with an honorary degree for her many years of volunteering in the community.

During her professional career, Nugent has been recognized for breaking the "glass ceiling" during her role as vice president of administration at Detroit Edison (now DTE Energy) from 1982-90, one of the top electric utility companies in the nation. She was responsible for overseeing the department of general purchasing, information systems, business services, security, buildings and properties, food service, general facilities administration, real estate and rights of way for the company. Nugent also made history when she became the first female vice president of the Economic Club of Detroit.

Nugent received degrees from the University of Detroit, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, as well as professional certification as a certified administrative manager and accredited executive personnel.

A past president of the International Association for Personnel Women and the Women's Economic Club, she served as the president of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan and the boards of many organizations, including Bon Secours of Michigan Healthcare System, First Bank of America-Southeast Michigan, Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and United Foundation. Nugent is a member of the College of Business Administration Hall of Honor and the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

Nugent has devoted her life to philanthropic causes, especially children, women's issues, education and health care. She has learned a great deal since her days at Edison, as a strong community partner, fostering employee involvement and setting a great example as a good corporate citizen in Detroit.

UDM Dental School will host the event; 4th year students of the dental program with our faculty supervising will put on the bulk care of the event.  The "Give Kids a Smile" program has been a success for the past decade.

"There are so many children in our area that have not seen a dentist," said Mert Aksu, dean of the School of Dentistry. "UDM's dental clinic provides care to the homeless, the elderly and AIDS patients, and this event reflects the University's mission to help others," he added.

"Give Kids A Smile" is a program designed for children, ages four through 16. The children get comprehensive dental care on the day and will be provided vouchers to come back to the UDM Dental Clinic to continue the free care thereafter. All participants will take home a free oral health kit containing toothpaste, floss… and a big smile.

This year's program received a $5,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation.

For more information, go to http://dental.udmercy.edu/gkas/ or call the UDM School of Dentistry at 313-494-6645. The school is located at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, off I-96, near downtown Detroit.

In July of 2011, DCDC was selected by both the Kresge and Ford Foundations to lead a renewed effort to engage residents and key stakeholders in the city of Detroit to actively participate in the planning phase of Mayor Bing’s “Detroit Works Project Long Term Planning” Initiative. From November of 2011 through December of 2012, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, led by Associate Professor of Architecture Dan Pitera, FAIA, guided a collaborative effort to fully engage all citizens and community leaders in a dynamic conversation that was instrumental in shaping the recently released Detroit Future City strategic framework. Over this time period, the University has received approximately $2,000,000 from the Ford Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in support of this process.

The Design Center’s contribution to the Detroit Works Long Term Planning Project, now entering a new phase under the name “Detroit Future City,” has been crucial to the project’s success. One of the key characteristics of this process, in contrast to typical urban redevelopment plans of the past, is the unprecedented level of meaningful community engagement that was built into the process. The plan will certainly prove to be transformational in the evolution of Detroit in terms of the impact it will have on future land use, prosperity, and quality of life for Detroit’s residents, and in the arena of urban design and urban planning, it is certain to receive global recognition for the groundbreaking nature of the Design Center led community engagement process.

The Center co-authored the plan, reaching out to 163,000 community members in over 30,000 meetings with area stakeholders. “People are our greatest asset,” said Pitera. “And it’s the people who will define the vision of the project. We didn’t come in with an idea of what the end result would look like. The vision is being created by the Detroit community, through the process of engagement", he added.

The expertise of the Design Center staff has developed over the past 19 years and has earned a global reputation for setting the highest standard for the meaningful participation of stakeholders in various projects. DCDC has completed hundreds of projects over the years that have been guided by an exemplary community participation process. With the Detroit Works Project, that expertise has evolved remarkably to engage the entire city in order to give Detroiters a meaningful voice and ownership in the process of envisioning new potentials for the city.

One of the most important successes of the civic engagement process so far is that the collaborative work of the Design Center has helped to knit together the beginnings of a strategic coalition of community leaders that will be crucial for the implementation of these ideas. Dozens of key community leaders in the public, private and philanthropic communities have already come together to help craft the plan, and those networks of collaboration will be extremely valuable as the project moves forward.

As the Detroit Future City initiative now moves into various stages of implementation, the Design Center will continue to play a vital role in the process and the ongoing conversation with all Detroiters. Their expertise will also be instrumental in helping neighborhood groups and non-profits develop project plans on a more local scale.

To view the Detroit Works plan, visit the website at: http://www.detroitworksproject.com.

Local & National Media Coverage Highlights

January 16, 2013

• Detroit Metro Times
  Detroit's vision and revision
  Which brings us back to Dan Pitera, an associate professor of architecture at UDM and executive director of the university’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center, which, as the school’s website notes, is focused on “fostering university and community partnerships that create inspired and sustainable neighborhoods and spaces for all people.” http://metrotimes.com/detroit-s-vision-and-revision-1.1430411?pgno=1

January 13, 2013

• DETROIT FREE PRESS
  John Gallagher: Tale of two futures? Future City blueprint shows what Detroit could be...
  "You can almost close your eyes and imagine what the city would look like in 50 years if every recommendation is followed," said Will Wittig, dean of architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy. http://www.freep.com/article/20130113/BLOG31/301130166/John-Gallagher-Tale-of-two-futures-Detroit-Future-City-blueprint-maps-an-alternative-to-a-blight-metropolis?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE (same article ran in the Battle Creek Enquirer) http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20130113/NEWS01/301130011/Blueprint-shows-what-Detroit-could-be?nclick_check=1

January 9, 2013

• THE DETROIT FREE PRESS
  Detroit Works unveils 'Future City' concept, suggests uses for vacant land
  Following two years of study and 30,000 conversations with the public, the Detroit Works Long-Term Planning team is unveiling a book-length final report this week that holds out the promise of a better, if different,Detroit.That long-term report was produced by a team of urban planners led by project manager Toni Griffin, a New York-based expert on urban redevelopment, and including multiple Detroit-based experts, including DanKinkead, an architect with the firm Hamilton Anderson Associates, and Dan Pitera, a professor of architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy. Theresa Foundation and other philanthropic funders paid for the staff work and the report itself.
  http://www.freep.com/article/20130108/NEWS01/130108058/detroit-works-future-city-concept-land-use
• THE DETROIT NEWS
  Long-term Detroit neighborhood stabilization plan to be unveiled
  "This cannot live in city government alone," said Dan Pitera, executive director of the Detroit Collaborative Design Center. He served as director of civic engagement for the project. Pitera and his colleagues said their multi-layered project would require the participation of all segments of the city. "It cannot be (accomplished thorough) non profits alone," he said. "It cannot live in business alone,institutions alone - it has to live with all of that. For this to continue,this kind of multifaceted structure should exist and should move forward for that to happen."
  http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130109/METRO01/301090356/Long-term-Detroit-neighborhood-stabilization-plan-unveiled?odyssey=mod|news well|text|FRONTPAGE|p
• MLIVE
  Detroit Future City plan lays out blueprint for reinventing neighborhoods
  Dan Pitera, executive director of the Detroit Collaborative Design Center,said an organization of block clubs, businesses, non profits and other entities  is being formed to oversee implementation of the plan, which includes economic growth, land use, city systems, neighborhoods and public assets elements. For the parts of the city that are already thriving, listed as the Central Business District, Midtown, New Center and the Cinches, the plan is to incentivize retail development and create salable districts.
  http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/01/detroit_future_city_plan_lays.html
• FORBES
  Detroit's Innovative Survival Plan Is A Model For The World - But Will It Work?
  "We're talking 50 years out, but that doesn't mean we have to wait 50 years to see these changes," said Dan Pitera, a professor of architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy, who is director of civic engagement on the Detroit Future City project.
  http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2013/01/09/detroits-innovative-survival-plan-is-a-model-for-the-world-but-will-it-work/
• ARCHITECTURAL RECORD
  Detroit Initiative Unveils Recommendations for City's Renewal
  "They aren't all interested in the same thing‹some are interested in land use, some are interested in blue-green infrastructure, some in civic engagement," said Dan Pitera, the director of Detroit Collaborative Design Center, who led Detroit Works' community outreach. But Detroit's lessons go beyond other shrinking cities. "This plan is about adapting to change," said Pitera.
  http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2013/01/130109-Detroit-Initiative-Unveils-Recommendations-for-Citys-Renewal.asp
• THE HUFFINGTON POST
  Detroit Future City: Detroit Works Project Strategic Long Term Plan Presents New Concept
  Local voices involved included Professor Dan Pitera of University of Detroit-Mercy, Melissa Dittmer of Rogue HAA and Dan Kinkead, an architect with Hamilton Anderson Associates.
  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/detroit-future-city-detroit-works-project_n_2436626.html (same article in Michigan Chronicle), http://www.michronicleonline.com/index.php/local/breaking-news/9205-detroit-future-city-detroit-works-project-strategic-long-term-plan-presents-new-concept

Signs all over campus and in the Student Center building on the McNichols Campus will promote the event and will give UDM community members ideas for random acts of kindness. If enough students participate, the tweets will be compiled into a collage at the end of the week and displayed on campus.

For those students and employees who do not have a twitter account, they can still participate by emailing Nickie Stanley, student, president and co-founder of the UDM chapter of the FEA at stanlenr@udmercy.edu. Individuals can notify her of the acts of kindness or post it on the UDM facebook page, to be included in the collage.

"Let’s see how much good UDM can generate as a community in honor of the children and teachers lost on December 14," said Stanley.

This event is inspired by the “26 Acts” movement promoted by Ann Curry, a NBC reporter, in which people are encouraged to do a random act of kindness and tweet about it for each of the 26 lives lost on December 14^th.

For more information and ideas about the #26Acts movement, please visit http://www.udmercy.edu/slo/26acts/index.htm and http://www.facebook.com/26acts.

UDM’s Visit Day is an opportune time for high school juniors and seniors to meet one-on-one with advisors that represent the 60 plus academic programs offered.  Information on how to finance a UDM education will be available along with on-site admission, which is offered to those interested in an undergraduate degree.

To make a reservation, or for more information concerning the open house, call the UDM Admissions Office at 313-993-1245, toll-free at 1-800-635-5020, or e-mail admissions.events@udmercy.edu.

On-site admission will be offered to students seeking an undergraduate degree. Students interested in on-site admission will need to complete an application for admission prior to the event at www.udmercy.edu/apply and bring student copies of transcripts from all schools previously attended.

To make a reservation, or for more information concerning the open house, call UDM Admissions at 313-993-1245, toll-free at 1-800-635-5020, or e-mail admissions.events@udmercy.edu.

In 1976, Kopit was commissioned to write an original radio play by the NPR drama project “Earplay”. Just prior, his father had suffered a debilitating stroke, which inspired Kopit to write the play about the language disorder and psychological perspective of a stroke victim. The character of Emily is an amalgam of two women who were both patients at the rehab center that cared for his father. Written in 1978, Wings was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and also a Tony nominee for Best Play. The first professional stage performance of Wings took place at the Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut on March 3, 1978, where it won The Best Plays of 1978 in the Burns Mantle Theater Yearbook.

This production is directed by David L. Regal and features associate guest artist Melissa Beckwith, who returns to the UDM Theatre Company stage after her poised and witty portrayal of the mother in Boris Vian's, The Empire Builders.

The cast of Wings is rounded out by the physicians attending to Emily, Dr. Ross and Dr. Murray (played by Patricia Thompson and Jordan Robinette, respectively). Nurse Wright (Michelle Renaud) and Nurse Fent (Shaunte McArthur) offer care and support to the confused Emily as she works toward recovery with therapist Amy (Lena Denard), fellow stroke patients Billy (Joel Frazee) and Mr. Brownstein (Dr. Arthur Beer) and Physical Therapist (Reshawn Wilder).

The Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy continues its mission of providing the Metro Detroit community with thoughtful, high-quality, and professional productions. The Theatre Company offers students of the Performing Arts Department the rare opportunity to work on and off stage with theatre professionals. By working with professional directors and associate guest artists, students are encouraged to work at a high level, producing rapid growth throughout their undergraduate education.

For more information on becoming a student or an associate guest artist, please contact Greg Grobis at 313-993-3273.

Individual ticket sales are now on sale. Admission to the 2012-2013 season will be $20 for adults and $17 for Seniors, Donors, Alumni, Detroit Residents and UDM and Marygrove Faculty and Staff. Student individual tickets are $10. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by contacting Lisa Rybak at 313-993-3270.

The Theatre Company events with Wings:

• February 8 @ 8 p.m. Free for Students
• February 9 @ 8 p.m. Alumni Afterglow: Held immediately following the performance in the Marygrove Art Gallery. Food and drinks are provided through our generous sponsors. Connect with UDM Alumni Donors and Theatregoers. Everyone is welcome!
• February 10 @ 2 p.m. Talkback: A talkback is a post-show discussion where the audience meets with members of the artistic staff and cast. This is a chance to ask any questions about the show or artistic process and gain more insight into the author’s work. Everyone is welcome!
• February 15 @ 8 p.m. Pay-What-You-Can/ Free for Students
• February 16 @ 8 p.m. Livernois Corridor Community Night: Created to bring together our neighbors in the Livernois Corridor. Following the performance the audience is invited to mingle at the 1917 American Bistro on Livernois Ave. Jazz music, hors d’oeuvres and discount drink specials will provide a great after party! Everyone is welcome!

The UDM Theatre Company’s box office on non-performance days is located in Reno Hall room 43 on the University of Detroit Mercy campus (4001 W McNichols Rd, 48221). Hours of operation are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. On performance days the box office will open 45 minutes prior to curtain at the Marygrove Theatre (8425 W. McNichols Rd, 48221). To subscribe, or for more information, call the theatre box office at (313) 993-3270, or reserve tickets online at theatre.udmercy.edu.

“The Super Bowl is a huge event for the advertising world, since a lot of business occurs during the commercial breaks, ” the professor explained. During the Ad Nauseum, Bernacchi discussed advertising and what students should be aware of when watching the commercials. "Students are talking about the game, why not have them learn about the business behind the messages.” This year, the Super Bowl spent up to $4 million for a 30-second advertisement spot.

In conjunction with his discussion, Bernacchi discussed the variety of marketing courses at UDM and students consider marketing as a career. He is co-founder of the website, "America's Marketing High School," found at americasmarketinghighschool.org, with Paul Galbenski of Oakland County Schools. Both Bernacchi and Galbenski developed marketing and advertising coursework related to the Super Bowl for high school teachers to use throughout the nation as well, which can also be found on the website.

For the second year, a community service project accompanied the discussion and the University asked every teacher and student in attendance to "Tackle Hunger" by bringing 2-4 cans to the event. The items will be collected at the Ad Nauseam event were donated to Kids Against Hunger and distributed throughout Metro Detroit.

UDM also offers competitive scholarships to prospective students pursuing their undergraduate degree in marketing or related fields. The America's Marketing High School Scholarship is worth up to $1,500 per year.

Media:

Press:

January 23, 2013

Automakers poised to make big plays with Super Bowl ads
The Denver Post, American International Automobile Dealers
"Automakers always have a massive presence," said Mike Bernacchi, a marketing professor at the University of Detroit Mercy,  who tracks Super Bowl advertising trends. "The fact they keep showing up is a statement of how they expect the economy and auto sales to go this  year, and this year is building on last year." More >>

January 29, 2013

Super Bowl XLVII: America¹s Marketing H.S. Harnesses Power of Pop Culture
Oakland Schools Michigan
250 local students are learning that the entertaining Big Game commercials also mean Big Business. The students are taking part in America’s Marketing High School (AMHS) – a unique curriculum combining video lectures, podcasts and marketing course-work, culminating in an intense Super Bowl ad review and rating event known nationally as “Super Bowl Ad Nauseam”. More >>

January 30, 2013

The Super Bowl will be the auto show - mIKE-rOSCOPE Vol 23 issue 08
WJBK - FOX 2, FOX 9 - Minneapolis
The game will feature at last count 9 AUTO BRANDS plus Cars.com. The POST GAME SHOW will be sponsored by Toyota and while we can find NO evidence of a Toyota MVP mobile being gifted, there WILL BE some kind of a vehicle given by someone. Finally, it has been rumored that Beyoncé (SB 2013's ½ time main performer) will be given a Corvette (inautonews.com, in its NAIAS issue). More >>

January 31, 2013

Stateside for Thursday, January 31, 2013
Michigan Radio Newsroom
We discussed Super Bowl advertisements with Mike Bernacchi and Bob Kolt. Michigan Public Radio's Jake Neher provided a look at Michigan legislation with a specific focus on right-to-work. More >>

“What game? 20 percent only in it for Super Bowl ads”
Diana Dillaber Murray / The Oakland Press
Twenty percent of the more than 110 million people who are expected to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday will only tune in to see the commercials created by the best of the best for the annual occasion, not the game. More>>

February 1, 2013

“Nowadays, Super Bowl ads have their own ads”
Tom Long / The Detroit News
In many cases, a Super Bowl ad is no longer just a Super Bowl ad. It's a contest. It's a tease. It's a YouTube sensation. It can even be a weapon attacking other Super Bowl ads. More>>

“Slow sales, slammed Super Bowl ad have Lincoln struggling in 2013”
Alisa Priddle / Detroit Free Press
Lincoln is off to a rough start in 2013. Ford’s luxury brand saw U.S. sales fall 18% in January, production of the all-new MKZ midsize sedan has been slow to ensure quality and a much-hyped Super Bowl ad is being panned before it airs. More>>

Feb. 3, 2013

Is a Super Bowl Ad Worth the Price Tag?
Beyond Madison Avenue
Marketing professor Mike Bernacchi at the University of Detroit Mercy agrees, saying "Šinevitably you have to ask how effective it is." You have one 30-second spot to persuade someone to remember your product and ultimately purchase it. What do you do? Companies are in a race to see who can go out of the box the farthest. For some companies they hit a home run but for others they tank. More >>

UDM Marketing Professor Hosts 27th Annual Super Bowl Ad Nauseum
WWJ-CBS Detroit
Since 1985, University of Detroit Mercy Marketing Professor Michael Bernacchi has hosted his "Super Bowl Ad Nauseum," in which high school students discuss the effectiveness of Super Bowl advertising.... More >>

February 4, 2013

Super Bowl Ads 2013: Which was the Best?
Pat Batchellor / WDET - News
Watching Super Bowl ads has become almost as popular as watching the game itself, with companies dropping big dollars to produce memorable commercials. WDET's Pat Batcheller spoke with Marketing Professor Mike Bernacchi of the University of Detroit-Mercy about which ads this year were the most effective and least effective.... More >>

“Automakers raise their game for Super Bowl XLVII ads”
Brent Snavely / Detroit Free Press
Chrysler pulled off not one, but two Super Bowl surprises this year with separate 2-minute ads, starring Oprah Winfrey embracing the military in a commercial for Jeep as well as Paul Harvey's ode to farmers called "So God Made a Farmer," in a commercial for Ram pickups. More>>

February 5, 2013

Chrysler, auto industry score big in Super Bowl ads
Detroit Free Press
"This was the auto bowl," said Michael Bernacchi, professor of marketing for the University of Detroit Mercy. "They really led the charge." More >>

Lincoln Releases Its Second Super Bowl Ad
InAutoNews
"The best thing I can say about the ad is that it is different," said Michael Bernacchi, professor of marketing at the University of Detroit Mercy, about the first ad. "But is it appropriately different? This is different almost to the point of being dysfunctional." More >>

UDM Campus Kitchen's mission is to distribute leftover cafeteria food to senior citizens and shelters in the community who need food. It is a student run organization that trains students to manage and operate anti-hunger non-profit organizations.

“The program (the first of it’s kind in the state), is in keeping with the University’s mission of being a student-centered program,” University Minister Drew Peters commented. Student responsibilities include planning a menu, cooking, organizing drivers and completing paperwork. The program allows students to build leadership and team building skills.”

“The program is run by University students and the outreach is to the local community, which reflects the mission of reaching out in an urban context,” Peters said. UDM encourages its students to engage in service and the immediate community around the University.

To RSVP for this very special fundraising event, contact coordinators Norm Schmitt (nschmitt@schmittllc.com), Cathy Schmitt (cdschmitt@mac.com) or call: 248-540-8157 or 248-613-3080. Families and walk-ins are welcome.

If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation by sending a check to University of Detroit Mercy c/o Campus Kitchens at 4001 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI, 48221-3038.

For more information on the Campus Kitchen at UDM, visit www.udmercy.edu/institute/campus_kitchen.htm.

Foreclosure Defense Detroit’s primary goal is to provide free legal advice to low income homeowners facing foreclosure through the UDM Law Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Clinic.  During the free legal workshops, there will be a presentation for struggling Detroit homeowners to learn about the foreclosure process, applicable laws, available legal defenses, possible alternatives to foreclosure, and preventative measures.  The workshops will also cater to homeowners seeking a modification to their mortgages and those who are only seeking general information about the process.  Several Detroit and Oakland County housing counselors will be present for homeowners seeking a modification to their mortgages.  Clinic faculty, students, and housing counselors will be available after the presentations to meet privately with homeowners seeking assistance regarding their individual cases.

Homeowners are asked to bring with them supporting documents, such as:  copies of mortgage and/or loan documents; any and all foreclosure notices and other legal documents; copies of correspondence from your mortgagor, servicer, or foreclosing entity; and financial documents and proof of income, if you are seeking a modification.  Homeowners who need additional information regarding the workshops may contact the UDM Law Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Clinic at (313) 596-9846.

About UDM Law’s Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Clinic

UDM Law students, working under the supervision of licensed attorneys/faculty members, represent victims of predatory lending practices in federal and state courts to stop homeowners from losing their homes due to foreclosure.  Clinic students handle cases involving mortgage fraud, foreclosure rescue scams, and loan servicing errors.  They have the opportunity to interview clients, argue motions, negotiate settlements, and conduct trials.  In addition, students engage in community outreach through presentations and development of written materials to educate homeowners on foreclosure remedy options and rescue scams.

About University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Founded in 1912, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a Catholic institution sponsored by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.  The School is approved by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. 

UDM Law was an early pioneer in the country in organizing an outreach clinic, when the Urban Law Clinic was founded in downtown Detroit in 1965.  Over the years, the clinical program has expanded to ten clinics, each of which addresses a distinct area of the law, in order to meet the increasing and evolving needs of the citizens of metropolitan Detroit as well as military veterans across the country.  Every student must participate in at least one semester in the clinical program to graduate from UDM Law, giving them invaluable and rewarding work experience while helping those in need.  The School opened a new facility to house all of its clinics on December 11, 2012.  The new facility is conveniently located on 585 Larned Street, a half block from UDM’s Riverfront Campus, which includes the School of Law’s principal building, Dowling Hall.

For more information about the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, please visit www.law.udmercy.edu.

Lois Leveen, award-winning author of  "The Secrets of Mary Bowser" will be speaking at UDM's McNichols Campus on Tuesday, February 12 from 7-8:30 pm. in Commerce and Finance #209. Her novel interweaves historical events and real people in introducing readers to little known aspects of this amazing women.

"We're delighted to host a program about Bowser, who as a young African American woman took extraordinary risks to change the course of American history, said Rosemary Weatherston, director of UDM’s Women's and Gender Studies Department and associate professor of English.

“Her story isn't just edifying, it's inspirational, especially for UDM students who are thinking about how they can make a difference when it comes to important present-day causes."

This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from Poets & Writers Inc. Detroit. It is being co-sponsored by UDM’s College of Liberal Arts and Education, Departments of English and History, and African American Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies Programs.

You can hear Leveen on two recent radio broadcasts.  She appeared Feb. 7 on The Craig Fahle Show (beginning about 1/3 into the show). And she appeared on the show Livewire, which you can listen to in the audio player below.

A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow Leveen's talk. Barnes and Noble at UDM will have copies of The Secrets of Mary Bowser available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Rosemary Weatherston at weatherr@udmercy.edu.

Elmore Leonard studied Philosophy and English at University of Detroit and earned his bachelors degree in 1950. In 1997. Leonard was awarded an honorary degree from UDM, Doctorate of Human Letters. He was also awarded the UDM Alumni Achievement Award in 2007.

An author of more than 45 novels/screenplays, Leonard is currently executive producer for the television show Justified on FX, based on his novel "Fire in the Hole". Many of Leonard's novels have been adapted to film, such as Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Hombre, and "Rum Punch" which was filmed as Jackie Brown.

Leonard discussed his latest novel "Raylan", as well as his life and career as a writer. Similar to his father, Peter Leonard is also a successful writer and has written six novels. He discussed his most recent work "Voices of the Dead" and "Back from the Dead."

"Raylan" is the fourth installment of Leonard's mystery and crime series that follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens and his ongoing battle with corruption in a Kentucky coal-mining town.

The UDM Bookstore has several of Elmore Leonard and Peter Leonard’s novels available for purchase.

Elmore Leonard was awarded the 2012 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation. The award recognizes his outstanding achievement in fiction writing. Also, the film adaptation for Leonard's 1957 short story 3:10 to Yuma was one of 25 films to be added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress for 2012 and was chosen for preservation because of its cinematic importance and lasting cultural significance.

To learn more about Elmore Leonard and Peter Leonard visit their websites at http://elmoreleonard.com/ and http://www.peterleonardbooks.com/.

Press:

"I grew up Catholic, went to Mass every day in grade school and high school; was taught by the Jesuits; spent two and a half years in the Navy during the war; returned, and was graduated from another Jesuit school, the University of Detroit. I even taught catechism in the ’60s, although I just told stories for the most part." More >>

Moderating the event is distinguished alumnus and president and chief executive officer of Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Change Agents, Marilyn French Hubbard, Ph.D. (’75). Hubbard was formerly vice president and chief university officer for Henry Ford Health Systems and founder of the National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs.

She has spent the last 20 years serving in leadership positions in health care, entrepreneurial and higher education environments.

The panel is also comprised of alumni Ina Fernandez (’74), managing partner of Liberty Capital Management; Feras Shammami, (’97, ’00, ’01), vice president of JP Morgan Chase Bank; and Jean-Paul Meutcheho, (’98), director of corporate sustainability at Global Advanced Metals.

Chrysler Corporation is sponsoring the College of Business Administration event.

The “Diversity” panel discussion is the keynote event for the College of Business’ Alumni Week on March 18-22, which will include several corporate executives who will serve as guest lecturers throughout the week.

February 26, 2013 / Fairfield University

"Immigration: Undocumented Students in Higher Education" study findings unveiled in Washington, D.C.
Research, conducted by Fairfield University, Loyola University Chicago, and Santa Clara University, adds to debate on policies for undocumented students

The presidents of 25 Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) recently signed a moral statement, pledging their support, to the education and care of undocumented students, and many were at the event to support these individuals who were brought to the U.S. as young children by parents who either overstayed a legal visa or entered the country without the authorization of the federal government. Researchers said their obstacles, issues, and desires serve as a to do list of what any new practices and procedures must address.
More >>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA ALERT
Immigration: Undocumented Students in Higher Education

Findings of major national study of undocumented students at Jesuits colleges and universities to be unveiled and discussed at Washington, D.C. event February 26. In the United States today, many undocumented students, bright, talented, and motivated young men and women who were brought into this country by parents without the authorization of the federal government or who entered the U.S. legally but overstayed their visas, find themselves prevented from developing their full potential, limited in their ability to contribute to the civic life of their surroundings, and living in fear of being deported.

• Who: Collaborative group of three Jesuit Institutions - Fairfield University (Fairfield, Conn.); Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Urban Research & Learning (Chicago, IL); and Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, Calif.)
• What: Results of a National Study: “Immigration: Undocumented Students in Higher Education”
   
  A major, multi-year Ford Foundation-funded study to understand the issues and complex lives of undocumented students in higher education, with a focus on the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The three lead Jesuit institutions – Fairfield, Santa Clara and Loyola University Chicago - each partnered with another Jesuit university in their region – Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey (Fairfield), Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles (Santa Clara), and University of Detroit Mercy (Loyola University Chicago), doing in-depth interviews with students, staff and community advocates.
  
  Researchers found some undocumented students dream of becoming teachers, accountants, nurses, doctors and engineers. However, those professions are off limits because they require certifications that undocumented students are unable to obtain. Some shared that they feel disconnected from campus life. Many other findings to be shared.
• When: Tuesday, February 26, 2013
  7:45 a.m.; continental breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m.
• Where: Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
• Why: Present and disseminate research results within parameters that:
  • present a way of proceeding on immigration that informs and helps shape the national educational discourse
  • improve institutional practices for undocumented students at Jesuit institutions nationwide
  • explore the obstacles, needs, and desires of impacted students, and provide them with a more fulfilling educational experience.
  • make a substantive contribution to the common good of the nation from a principled Catholic perspective
  • suggest a new model of leadership in this area.
• Participation: The event will bring together Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) presidents, faculty and administrators, national legislators and students. There will be an opportunity to talk one-on-one with speakers and researchers following the event, including students. In a gesture of solidarity, a group of AJCU presidents have signed a moral statement to work together to help undocumented students. We anticipate that many of the presidents who signed it will also attend the event.

Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life is spearheading this project. The Center for Faith and Public Life studies areas where religion and socio-political issues intersect. Fr. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., is the director of the center. For more information, please visi www.fairfield.edu/immigrantstudent - Loyola -

Media Contact:
Maeve Kiley
Director of Communication
312.915.7712
mkiley2@luc.edu

The Volunteer Reading Corps helps the youngest learners build a strong reading foundation. Volunteers commit one hour weekly or bi-weekly to tutor two students for a half hour each.  Tutoring locations are within the city of Detroit with many close to UDM's campuses.

Saturday’s Reading Corps Rally and Training was a call to action for new volunteers as well the nearly 900 current tutors from across metro Detroit. All new volunteers received reading tutor training at the rally or scheduled another training time. New volunteers will be assigned a pre-kindergarten student and move up as their student progresses from grade to grade. The rally and training were part of the DPS "Reading Corps Week" in celebration of recent MEAP test reading gains and to attract new volunteers.

Rally program participants included DPS leaders, Detroit Free Press Editor and Publisher Paul Anger, City of Detroit First Lady Yvette Bing, UDM President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., Compuware Corp. Chief Administrative Officer Denise Starr and other Compuware leaders who have served as Reading Corps tutors, City Year Detroit Corps members, and current and future tutors. Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley served as host and emcee for the event.

More information about the DPS Volunteer Reading Corps Rally and Training event is available at http://detroitk12.org/readingcorps. Individuals can also sign up electronically to volunteer at http://readingcorpsrally.eventbrite.com.

Her talk will highlight what students can take away from their UDM education and how it will lead to a successful career.

Young is the head of CpK Interior Trim Operations at Chrysler, which  has three plants located Ontario, Canada that manufacture and assemble instrument panels and interior components for the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. She has 35 years of experience as a successful leader in the company and is one of very few women to have been a manufacturing plant leader. Young is one of 10 people in her family to graduate from UDM.

Refreshments will be served from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Attendance also counts as one Leadership Development Workshop.

The program is sponsored by the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), The Institute for Leadership & Service, and CLAE Alumni Week.

For more information, please contact the Emerging Leaders Program at zimmerka@udmercy.edu.

Judge Kethledge (see biography) will be introduced as the group’s speaker by Judge Michael J. Riordan, a 1990 graduate of the University of Detroit School of Law. Judge Riordan was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2012 and was elected to a six-year term commencing January 1, 2013. Previously, Judge Riordan worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; as an Assistant General Counsel for the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; and as a Senior Attorney in the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Federal Bar Association (FBA), founded in 1920, is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law. The UDM Law Student Chapter of the FBA works to promote interaction and learning between law students and federal judges and lawyers. They work with state and national chapters of the FBA to strengthen student interest and knowledge of the federal legal system. The faculty advisor for the UDM Law Student Chapter is Professor Michael Bryce, who is leading a robust schedule of events for the Chapter this year with support from the Student Bar Association.

About University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Founded in 1912, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a Catholic institution sponsored by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The School is approved by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information about the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, please visit www.law.udmercy.edu.

Judge Raymond M. Kethledge - U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Judge Raymond M. Kethledge was confirmed on June 24, 2008, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which hears appeals from the federal district courts of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Judge Kethledge is a highly accomplished and well-respected attorney who has litigated in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. Judge Kethledge is known for his outstanding intellect, excellent writing skills, strong work ethic, and integrity.

Judge Kethledge has a distinguished record as a practicing attorney, at both the trial and appellate levels and as a public servant. Beginning in 2003, Mr. Kethledge worked as a partner in the law firm of Bush Seyferth Kethledge and Paige PLLC, representing clients ranging from DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Genworth Financial to an individual criminal defendant. Judge Kethledge has appeared frequently in court, briefing and arguing appeals and motions in class actions and other complex litigation. Prior to returning to Michigan in 1998 to join the prestigious Detroit firm of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, Judge Kethledge served with distinction as a law clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court and Judge Ralph Guy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Kethledge also served as Counsel to then-Senator Spencer Abraham, handling matters related to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Judge Kethledge has exceptional academic credentials. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, in 1993. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in history in 1989.

Judge Kethledge has long been dedicated to pro-bono service and charitable causes. He has used his legal skills to assist numerous individuals on a pro-bono basis. He and his former firm were very active in the community, sponsoring fundraiser and scholarship programs. Judge Kethledge worked with Community Legal Services, a provider of legal services to the disadvantaged in Michigan, helping numerous homeowners keep their homes. He has also worked with the New Leaders New Schools charitable organization, which assists in placing school principals in economically depressed areas.

The students will be trained to perform elder-specific life reviews by utilizing the StoryCorps method. When completed, the residents will be presented with an edited digital copy of their oral history and a scrapbook. Digital Copies will be submitted to the StoryCorps project for archival within the American Folk life section of the Library of Congress.

This project was the idea of UDM junior nursing student David Gakstatter. He is one of 11 UDM student leaders to be awarded a Ford Motor Company grant, which is administered by the UDM Institute for Leadership and Service, to make this project possible.

Gakstatter will work in conjunction with UDM Assistant Professor of Nursing Jean Gash in researching the effect that this elder interaction will have on the nursing students performing the oral history interviews. They hope to see a positive change in the way the elderly are viewed by the students, which will impact their future nursing care of this growing population.

Students and neighborhood residents who have an annual household income of $51,000 or less qualify for this free face-to-face confidential income tax preparation and E-Filing.

All of the UDM accounting student and faculty volunteers have completed rigorous IRS training to prepare tax returns under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  Beta Alpha Psi, the honor society for accounting students, is moderated jointly by UDM professors Dr. Jeanne David and Dr. Rose Yang.

For more information on specific documentation needed to qualify please visit the CBA Welcome Center room 112 in C&F. To make an appointment, call Patrick Soltys at (313) 570-7989, walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.

On-site admission will be offered to students seeking an undergraduate degree. Students interested in on-site admission will need to complete an application for admission prior to the event at http://www.udmercy.edu/apply and bring student copies of transcripts from all schools previously attended.

To RSVP or for more information, contact the UDM Admissions Office at 800-635-5020 or admissions.events@udmercy.edu.

The day will be broken into three panels addressing the impact of immigration on the economic development of our cross-border region:

• Local Approaches to Immigration: Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
• High-Skilled and Low-Skilled Immigrants: Can Both Be Valued and Promoted?
• The “Friendly” Border: Economic and Human Rights Issues on the Canada-U.S. Border.

Panelists will hail from such organizations as the American Immigration Council, Brookings Institution, Economic Policy Institute, United Auto Workers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Consul General of Canada, among others.

The focus of the symposium in immigration as a tool of economic development is unique. What is often lost in the heated debates over border security and what to do with undocumented immigrants is the reality that immigration, if properly channeled, can significantly enhance the economic well-being of metropolitan areas, states and regions. This symposium focuses on exactly how immigration can best accomplish that goal.

Commenting on the timeliness of the symposium, David Koelsch, an Associate Professor and Director of UDM’s Immigration Law Clinic, stated, “The timing of the UDM Law Review symposium could not be better: policymakers at the national level are debating the biggest overhaul of the immigration system in two generations, Michigan’s Governor is recognized as a visionary in this area, and the pending appointment of an emergency manager in Detroit may allow bold, local initiatives to welcome immigrants to thrive.” When asked about the significance of the symposium’s title, and specifically regarding Michigan’s role in a global economy, Koelsch said, “Michigan is poised to take full advantage of the economic benefits of immigration: our universities attract the best and brightest international students, Michigan is home to dozens of large multinational corporations with global workforces, and Michigan offers a quality of life and affordability that is very attractive to foreign nationals.”

Just as with UDM’s leading role in the Detroit Works/Detroit Future City project, the symposium demonstrates that UDM is committed to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of our city, our state, and our region. The symposium will offer practical solutions rather than obtuse academic theories.

For additional information, please see the link on the home page of the UDM Law website at www.law.udmercy.edu. Advance reservations are required for this private event.

About University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Founded in 1912, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a Catholic institution sponsored by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The School is approved by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

For more information about the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, please visit www.law.udmercy.edu.

MVU online instructors will provide a student teaching-like experience to UDM education students who enroll in Advanced Instructional Technology /Teaching in the Virtual Environment, a course UDM will offer this summer to undergraduate and graduate students.

This course is designed to meet the challenge of preparing teachers to successfully engage students in successfully delivering content in the online environment. Face-to-face sessions will be combined with hands-on teaching experience in virtual classrooms through Michigan Virtual School®, Michigan’s state sponsored virtual school.

“I applaud the University of Detroit Mercy for taking the initiative to introduce educators to online and blended learning environments,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of MVU. “Increasingly individuals pursuing a career in the teaching profession will need a practical understanding of instructional strategies and techniques in the world of online learning.”

Both pre-service (undergraduates) and certified teachers will have the opportunity to explore teaching in the virtual setting in this course. Theoretical principles in online teaching and learning will be integrated with instructional technologies to design and implement various aspects of online teaching in the participant’s specialized content area.

“University of Detroit Mercy’s Teacher Education Program is so excited to enhance the skills of our teacher candidates by collaborating with Michigan Virtual University,” said Lorri J MacDonald, Ed. D., Chair, Department of Education, University of Detroit Mercy. “This is truly a win-win arrangement. MVU teachers win by gaining experience in mentoring teacher candidates. UDM teacher candidates win by gaining experience in teaching with the latest embedded technology. Michigan students win by learning from 21st century skilled teachers in their classrooms. It doesn't get any better than that!”

This course is the second step in a MVU-UDM effort to acquaint teacher education students with the challenges of teaching online. The relationship began last fall when three UDM pre-service students participated in a six-week online job shadowing experience with MVU online instructors.

Earlier this year, six more students completed the shadowing experience. Students who enroll in this course will be entered into online courses with MVU teachers as guest teachers, and will have the opportunity to interact with high school students in Michigan Virtual School courses.

The course will be offered from May 6 – June 22. Full-time educators who enroll in this course are eligible for a 60 percent discount on tuition. Students interested in the course, should call 313-578-0401 for more information. Students must receive instructor approval prior to enrollment.

About MVU
MVU is a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation established by the State of Michigan in 1998 to serve as a champion for online learning. It is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual School®, Michigan LearnPort®, and Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute™. Visit www.mivu.org for more information.

We are especially pleased that Pope Francis is a member of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits). He is well known for his commitment to social justice and his compassion for the poor.

Throughout the University community, we will be praying for him and for the Catholic Church as he guides the Church and its people in the coming years.

As we rejoice in the election of the Catholic Church's new Pope, let us express our confidence and trust in Jesus Christ, who has guided the Cardinals in this important selection.

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.
President, University of Detroit Mercy

Blessings from UDM's Religious Sponsors for Pope Francis

In the name of the Society of Jesus, I give thanks to God for the election of our new Pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., which opens for the Church a path full of hope. Read More >>	Thoughts from the Sisters of Mercy in Argentina on the new Pope, Francis I: “Francis I was the Jesuit Provincial during the military rule... Read More >>	It has been a truly historic day for the Society of Jesus as we learned that our brother, Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio, was selected to lead the Catholic Church as Pope Francis I. Read More >>

Press

March 18, 2013
Pope Francis' Jesuit order has historical, educational links to Michigan
Patricia Montemurri / Detroit Free Press

... "Jesuits take a vow of mobility or, as our founder St. Ignatius Loyola said, 'to go anywhere in the world for the good of souls,' " said the Rev. John Staudenmeier, who is University of Detroit Mercy's assistant to the president for mission and identity. Read More >>

March 15, 2013
President Garibaldi joined Archbishop Allen Vigneron and Metro Detroit business and government leaders for the 2013 Paul W. Smith St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Detroit Athletic Club. While there, WJR's morning show host interviewed Dr. Garibaldi about the new Jesuit pope and UDM's future plans.

YouTube: Three Jesuit priests at UDM, including Fr. John Staudenmaier, S.J., UDM's assistant to the president for Mission and Identity, are featured in this March 13, 2013 report on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7 Detroit) about the election of the first Jesuit pope, Francis.

Alumni Guest Artist Bios

For ticket information, call the theatre
box office at (313) 993-3270, or go
online at theatre.udmercy.edu.

“It will be a different show every night, with fresh surprises and some of the most exciting talent from our 42 year history” says Dr. Arthur J. Beer, who is supervising the event. Award-winning surprise guests are flying in from New York City and Los Angeles to perform and remind us of the great things the Theatre Company has produced over the years.

The idea for A Cabaret Showcase began to develop during the Theatre Company 40^th anniversary celebration as faculty and alumni revisited the company’s history. These conversations have come to serve as the inspiration for an evening of entertainment that features the work of alumni along side of current students in the program.

UPDATE: Award-winning alumni guest artists from New York City and Los Angeles will be performing live performances during A Cabaret Showcase. Headlining the Friday, April 12, Opening Night performance will be Keegan – Michael Key from Comedy Central’s Key and Peele and the 313 improv group. Broadway actress and Artistic Director of the New York City’s Greenwich Village’s Cherry Lane Playhouse Angelina Fiordellisi will perform on April 12 and 13. Rising star Jamie Moyer will return to Detroit and perform on Saturday April 13.

Fresh off the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies is Joe Kolinski who will be performing April 19, 20 and 21. Kolinski’s numerous Broadway credits include the original cast of Les Miserable. Founder of the Motor City Lyric, Mary Callaghan-Lynch will perform April 19, 20 and 21.

Recently opening as George in Jerry Mitchell’s Kinky Boots on Broadway, Marcus Neville will be appearing via video in each performance. Other video performances and interviews include Broadway actress Mary Gutzi, Hollywood star Amy Yasbeck and Anita Barone.

A Cabaret Showcase will feature local alumni including Greg Trzaskoma who has nine feature films on his resume. Local favorite and Six time Best Actress Awardee Mary Bremer will be among the performers. Harry Wetzel and Eric Maher both with directorial and design credits as well as full time jobs as technical directors will return to their acting roots to perform at our Cabaret.

Our list of performers also includes James Mio, Conor Draves. Drew Parker, Dax Anderson, Patrick Cronin and Ryan Carlson. Also performing is Karen Kron, Robin Lipnicki Mewha, Sarah Mertz Galloway, Maggie Wysocki, Yasmine Jaffri and Mary Vinette.

And there is more! Not only will the graduating seniors of the program show off their talents but there will be surprise video appearances from current Broadway and Hollywood performers! You won’t want to miss this Cabaret Showcase! Each performance will be similar in material but we promise to have a few surprises along the way.

Supervised by Dr. Arthur J. Beer, A Cabaret Showcase’s production team is rounded out by Stage Manager Mathew Lira, Scenic Designer and Production Manager Melinda Pacha, Technical Director Rudy Schupebach, Director of Marketing and Management Greg Grobis and Box Office Manager Lisa Rybak.

The Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy continues its mission of providing the Metro Detroit community with thoughtful, high-quality and professional productions. The Theatre Company offers students of the Performing Arts Department the rare opportunity to work on and off stage with theatre professionals. By working with professional directors and associate guest artists, students are encouraged to work at a high level, producing rapid growth throughout their undergraduate education. For more information on becoming a student or an associate guest artist, please contact Greg Grobis at 313-993-3273.

Patrons attending A Cabaret Showcase are encouraged to enter the University of Detroit Mercy campus via the Livernois entrance. Once through security, patrons should turn left, follow signage and park in faculty and staff Lot A. Follow signs to the entrance of Grounds Coffeehaus in the Student Union Building.

Individual ticket sales are now on sale. Admission is $20 for adults and $17 for Seniors, Donors, Alumni, Detroit Residents and UDM and Marygrove Faculty and Staff. Student individual tickets are $10. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by contact Lisa Rybak at 313-993-3270.

The UDM Theatre Company’s box office on non-performance days is located in Reno Hall room 43 on the University of Detroit Mercy campus (4001 W McNichols Rd, 48221). Hours of operation are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. On performance days the box office will open 60 minutes prior to curtain at the Grounds Coffeehaus (4001 W. McNichols Rd, 48221 – Use Livernois entrance). To subscribe, or for more information, call the theatre box office at (313) 993-3270, or reserve tickets online at theatre.udmercy.edu.

Special events with A Cabaret Showcase:

Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m. – Opening Night

Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. - Alumni Afterglow: Held immediately following the performance in the Student Union Building. Food and drinks are provided through our generous sponsors. Connect with UDM Alumni Donors and Theatregoers. Everyone is welcome!

Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. - Talkback: A talkback is a post-show discussion where the audience meets with members of the artistic staff and cast. This is a chance to ask any questions about the show or artistic process and gain more insight into the author’s work. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. Pay-What-You-Can

Saturday, April 20 @ 8 p.m. Livernois Corridor Community Night: Created to bring together neighbors in the Livernois Corridor. Following the performance the audience is invited to mingle at the 1917 American Bistro on Livernois Ave. Jazz music, hors d’oeuvres and discount drink specials will provide a great after party! Everyone is welcome!

###

 For ticket information, call the theatre box office at (313) 993-3270, or go online at theatre.udmercy.edu.

Friday April 12: Keegan -Michael Key can currently be seen on Comedy Central in the sketch comedy show Key & Peele. Keegan was one of the founders of Hamtramck Michigan's Planet Ant Theatre, and also co-founded the Detroit Creativity Project. The Detroit Creativity Project teaches students in Detroit improvisation as a way to improve their communication skills. He was a member of the Second City Detroit's mainstage cast before joining the Second City e.t.c. theater in Chicago, where he won the 2002 and 2003 Joseph Jefferson Award for ‘Actor in a Revue’ and was nominated in again in 2004. Keegan performs with The 313, an improv group formed with other members of Second City Hollywood that appears around the country. Key can also be seen on the big screen in movies including Role Models, Due Date, and Just Go With It.

Saturday, April 13: Jaime Moyer is an alumni of The Second City-Detroit, and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and A.E.A. She is the creator of the viral hit "Fancy Catz" which can be seen on YouTube at The Second City Network, and has appeared in several short and feature length films. Jaime was awarded the sole prize of Maestro at The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin, Texas in 2011. She has many directing and sketch writing credits, and currently resides in Los Angeles where she teaches for The Second City-Hollywood. In Los Angeles she can be seen performing weekly at The Second City Hollywood and iO West with The 313, 2BQ, Smokehouse, Chalet, Cherry, and Sweet & Salty. Jaime also plays the role of JoAnn on Redeeming Dave.

April 12 and 13: Angelina Fiordellisi’s work as an actor has been seen on Broadway, National Tours, Off-Broadway, Dublin Fringe, Regional theater, children’s theater, film and television. Angelina has served as the Artistic Director of New York's off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre in historic Greenwich village since 1996. She founded the non-profit Cherry Lane Alternative and the Obie-Award winning Mentor Project Program. In 1998, she built the Cherry Lane Studio theatre, and in January 2009 she was offered the 90-seat Cherry Pit, located at Westbeth Community Center. Angelina spent 8 seasons as a participating artist and Advisory Board member of The New Harmony Project, 3 seasons in the Carnegie-Mellon Showcase of New Plays, four seasons with New York Stage and Film at Vassar, one season with Labyrinth Theater Company at Bard, and one season at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Additionally, Angelina has developed and produced the work of over 50 dramatists including Pulitzer winner Suzan-Lori Parks, Ward Just, and Margo Jefferson.

April 19, 20, 21: Joe Kolinski lit up the stage at UDM throughout its 1974-1976 seasons. He featured in plays ranging from A Middsummer Night’s Dream and Blood Wedding to Two Gentlemen of Verona and U.S.A. (A New Musical Version). Since graduating from UDM, Joe’s career has shown no signs of slowing down, having been featured in the original cast of Les Miserables on Broadway. He has also featured in other Broadway plays including A Christmas Carol, The Human Comedy, The Three Musketeers, and Dance a Little Closer. Not limiting himself to one medium, Joe has also been on several episodes of Law and Order and lent his voice talents to the 1997 cartoon hit Anastasia. He has most recently been seen in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies.

April 19 and 20: Mary Callaghan Lynch (Soprano) pursues an active international career. She has performed numerous roles with Michigan Opera Theatre, including Berta in IL Barbiere di Siviglia, Zerlina in Don Giovianni, Musetta in La Boheme, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, Flora in La Traviata, and the second Niece in Peter Grimes in which she performed with L’Opera de Montreal. She has performed leading roles with Dayton Opera, Toledo Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera. She has appeared at the Village Gate in New York City and as Beatrice Beehan in Conversations with an Irish Rascal at the Northlight Theatre in Chicago. She received the prestigious McAllister Award for opera singers, she has recorded numerous television and radio commercials, and also serves as classical voice coach for “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. She is the founder & artistic director of The Motor City Lyric Opera where she produced and portrayed the role of the mother in Menotti’s “Amahl & the Night Visitors,” an annual production from 1999-2005.

Marcus Neville enjoyed a flurry of diverse performances while at UDM from 1979-1983, including roles in The Fantasticks, Medea Et La Force De Voodoo, Captain Cook, and The Brig. Since graduating he has found success in many Broadway productions, including City of Angels, The Full Monty, Li’l Abner, and Mimi Le Duck. He can currently be seen performing on stage in New York as George in Jerry Mitchell’s Kinky Boots.

1972-1975 UDM alumnus Mary Gutzi is best remembered for roles in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Comedy of Errors, The Wizard of Oz, and Tess of the D’Ubervilles. She has also been in several Broadway productions, such as Les Miserables in 1987 and Just in Time in 2010. She was most recently seen as Dobbs in the ABC primetime drama Last Resort.

Amy Yasbeck graduated from UDM after 3 successful seasons, and has enjoyed an illustrious career in television and film ever since. Perhaps best known for her role on Casey Davenport on Wings, Yasbeck also had memorable parts in other legendary series such as Dallas, Magnum P.I., The Cosby Show, and Quantum Leap. She has acted in many successful Hollywood comedies, such as Pretty Woman, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Mask, and Dracula: Dead and Loving It. She was most recently a featured guest star in an episode of Fox’s hit series Bones.

Anita Barone captivated audiences during her 4 year tenure at the University, playing diverse roles in Heat, Kismet, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Holy Ghost, and a host of others. Since then she has enjoyed several leading roles on television, including The Jeff Foxworthy Show as Karen Foxworthy and The War At Home as Vicky Gold. She has also made many notable guest appearances in series such as The Larry Sanders Show, Party of Five Curb, Your Enthusiasm, Castle, and Desperate Housewives. She can currently be seen playing Officer Georgia Jones on the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up!

Individual events include: Hampton Hotels Men’s 3-Point Championship, State Farm Women’s 3-Point Championship, Pepsi MAX Battle of the Champions and Denny’s Slam Dunk Championship.

An impressive dunker who has received national attention for his ability to slam the ball, Anderson will be competing in the Denny’s Slam Dunk Championship. Anderson, who averaged 12.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, recorded 77 dunks on the season with four of them making the SportsCenter Top-10 plays, including three that finished No.1.

Another player already named to the Denny’s Slam Dunk Championship roster is High Point’s senior forward Corey Law, who won the State Farm Dark Horse Dunker competition. The State Farm Dark Horse Dunker Facebook bracket was a five-week knockout competition that began with 16 under-the-radar dunkers who had what it takes to compete against the D-I field in Atlanta. Fans determined the winner by voting during each round at the official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CollegeSlam).

JUDGES:
Fan involvement continues as voting via Twitter will serve as the “Fifth Judge” in the Denny’s Slam Dunk Competition. Fans can vote on every dunk by simply tweeting #CollegeSlam, followed by the player’s last name and a score between one and 10 (e.g. #CollegeSlam #Smith10). From there, an average rating will be calculated and that rating will be paired with the four celebrity judges’ scores to make up each player’s total score.

The four celebrity judges for the 2013 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships are:
-Harry Douglas, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons;
-Julio Jones, Pro Bowler and wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons;
-Demaryius Thomas, former Georgia Tech standout and 2013 Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Denver Broncos; and
-Roddy White, four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons.

OF NOTE:
Alumni of the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships include Gary Payton (Oregon State), Steve Nash (UC-Santa Clara), Allan Houston (Tennessee), Bobby Hurley (Duke), Michael Finley (Wisconsin), Wes Matthews (Marquette), and Mario West (Georgia Tech). Also, six current members of the Harlem Globetrotters are alumni of this event: Kris Bruton, William Bullard, Herb Lang, Bryan Narcisse, Darnell Wilks and John Williams.

For more information, visit http://www.collegeslam.com, find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/collegeslam) and follow us on Twitter (@CollegeSlam <https://twitter.com/CollegeSLAM> ).

For media interested in attending the event, please contact Lauren Price at lprice@intersportnet.com.

Jacob was recently inaugurated as the 89^th president of the American Institute of Architects, chosen to represent over 80,000 AIA members. He has more than 25 years of AIA participation holding numerous leadership positions.

Jacob is the managing principal at Urban Studio Architects in Tampa, Florida. Urban Studio Architects is an architecture and interior architecture practice with a focus on sustainable design practices in a variety of project types. Jacob oversees the day-to-day business operations, the development of the firm's strategic direction, and the implementation of business development.

This event is free and open to the public and is part of the 2012-2013 School of Architecture Lecture Series, presented by the Great Lakes Fabricators and Erectors Association.

For more information, please contact the School of Architecture at 313-993-1532 or http://architecture.udmercy.edu/news_events/events/lecture_preview.htm.

UDM program staff will be available to meet with students and aid in program planning. Students who choose to attend programs offered at Macomb’s University Center have access to Macomb Community College’s services and facilities.

For more information, go to http://www.udmercy.edu/learn/colleges-schools/macomb-uc/index.htm, or contact Donna Gormely, UC Coordinator at 586-263-6232 or gormeldm@udmercy.edu.

UDM programs at Macomb University Center:

Liberal Arts & Education

• Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies

Economics

• Bachelor of Arts with a major in Financial Economics
• Master of Arts in Financial Economics
• Master of Arts in Economics 

Health Professions

• Bachelor of Science with a major in Health Services Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Completion Cohort Program
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Major in Health Systems Management
• Master of Science in Health Services Administration

UDM program staff will be available to meet with students and aid in program planning. Students who choose to attend programs offered at WCCCD's University Center have access to WCCCD's services and facilities.

For more information, please contact Betsey Konieczki, UC Coordinator at 313-962-7152 or koniecba@udmercy.edu.

UDM programs at WCCCD:

• Health Information Management, Bachelor of Science

• Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work

• Teaching of Mathematics, Master of Arts in the Teaching of Mathematics (online)

• Finance, Graduate Certificate in Finance

• Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts

• Educational Administration, Master of Arts

All program courses are offered at this location for students to complete their respective degree or certificate program in its entirety at this location.

This event will provide students with a basic knowledge of key sectors of the U.S. energy industry, with a focus on how clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal and biofuels have become part of the total energy industry. Energy efficiency and green buildings will also be discussed. The focus will be on how clean technologies work and how the technologies and projects are financed.

With over 30 years of experience in project and corporate finance, he is the founder of Advance Capital Markets, Inc., a Washington D.C. investment firm that specializes in finance for the energy and power industries. He has served as a financial advisor to power companies, utilities and a number of successful entrepreneurial enterprises and arranges financing for wind, solar, biomass and geothermal projects.  Ware has guided several companies from start-up through venture financing and later growth stages, including the IPO process.

His career began in 1973 at the Federal Energy Office, where he was part of the team that implemented the U.S. Government's response to the 1973 oil embargo. Ware holds a B.A. degree from the University of Detroit and an M.A. degree from Ohio State University, where he was a fellow at the Mershon Center for National Security Studies.

This event is sponsored by the UDM Colleges of Business Administration, Engineering & Science, Liberal Arts & Education and the School of Architecture. For more information, contact Dennis Carlesso at 313-993-1429.

The new program is a partnership between faculty and students in the Postgraduate Orthodontics department at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and the Detroit Department of Human Services facilitated by For The Seventh Generation, an organization that matches donations of goods and services with foster children, foster families, and young adults aging out of the foster care system. Seventh Generation is a project of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation in cooperation with the 3rd Judicial Circuit of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Human Services.

The children, ranging in age from seven – eighteen, are the first in what is projected to be a group of fifty initially served by what will be an ongoing program serving permanent wards of the court living in Wayne County. Orthodontic care takes approximately two years.

“In the past, orthodontic services were not available to this group of deserving individuals,” said Dr. Richard Kulbersh, chairman and program director of orthodontics at UDM. The program doesn't stop at treatment. In an effort to provide useful data to concerned agencies and care providers, research will also be conducted to determine the outcome and benefits of receiving this care,” Kulbersh explained. “It is hoped that over the course of treatment a positive outcome will be developed both from a personal, inter-personal and scientific perspective.”

“Finding orthodontic care for 'our' kids is one of the larger challenges we face as an organization,” said Lorraine Weber, executive director of For The Seventh Generation. “It's a huge relief to have this program in place for permanent wards of the court, and we're grateful to the University and the Department of Human Services for stepping forward and making this happen.

“Making it possible for a child to smile without embarrassment – perhaps for the first time in that child's life – makes a huge difference, particularly in the case of young people who have already faced the kinds of hardship that lead to being placed in our foster care system, she added.”

The Livernois Community Storefront is a temporary community space that occupies a vacant storefront at 19410 Livernois Avenue. The location will serve as a welcome center for the Avenue of Fashion, Livernois Avenue’s business district and will hold community events.

“Light-Up Livernois” will kickoff the community storefront with a festive weekend full of fun on Friday, May 31 and Saturday June 1, 2013. Friday evening will feature a fashion show of Livernois clothiers, music and art from the neighborhood. Saturday’s activities will include yoga, paint-your-own pottery, a fashion workshop, theatre and a parade down Livernois. Local artists and food vendors will participate on both days.

“There are gems all over the City of Detroit,” said Dan Pitera, Executive Director, DCDC. “Livernois Avenue with its surrounding communities is one of them,” he added. “The Livernois Community Storefront represents a community driven action and is not the end goal. It will connect and bring awareness to many of the assets within this Detroit gem."

Through its Impact Detroit initiative, and in partnership with Detroit Economic Growth Corporation's Revolve Detroit and Challenge Detroit, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture is spearheading the Livernois Community Storefront project on the Avenue of Fashion.

Tentative event itinerary:

Friday, May 31

• 6 p.m. – Storefront open w/ music, art and Livernois businesses open late
• 7 p.m. – Remarks from organizers and participants
• 8 p.m. – Fashion Show
• 10 p.m. – Close

Saturday, June 1

• 10 a.m. – Yoga
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Livernois Community Parade, begins at Mike’s Fresh Market
• 1-3 p.m. – Paint Your Own Pottery with We Are Clay/Art in Motion
• 3 p.m. – DIY Fashion workshop
• 5 p.m. – Theater Performance by Extra Mile Playwrights
• 6 p.m. – Close

For more information on “Light-Up Livernois,” contact Ceara O’Leary, Project Manager, DCDC, at 313-993-1037 (olearycm@udmercy.edu) or visit the Livernois Community Storefront page at www.facebook.com/LivernoisCommunityStorefront.

Six UDM nursing students, 12 UDM engineering students and 12 engineering students from Baylor University split into four teams, three of which worked with disabled veterans. The devices designed for the specific veteran clients include a pressure-sensing cushion that would alert a paraplegic person to change positions to prevent decubitus ulcers, an innovative bed mattress with an automatic bedpan, and a walker for a man who is unable to use current walker structures. The fourth team is currently developing a car seat that will help disabled mothers remove their children easier.

The University’s joint engineering and nursing projects began four years ago and have worked specifically for veteran clients for the past two. The clients will be at the presentations and may take the devices home that day.

Several of the students plan to continue working on their projects after the presentations. Engineering student, Nick Schenduk was part of a team that received a grant for the device they developed and will present at an NCIIA conference in August. Hussein Bazzi, a nursing student, is working to develop his walker project into a business.

Engineering students got involved in this worthwhile endeavor by taking a required course titled Prototype Design, while nursing students took a voluntary independent study course with Assisting Nursing Professor Molly McClelland, PhD, MSN, CMSRN, RN.