In this issue

UDM alumni newsletters

Building renovation begins in Volterra, Italy for Residential College

Site of the international college in Volterra, Italy.

The Volterra-Detroit Foundation, led by Associate Professor of Architecture Wladek Fuchs, continues to advance the development of a unique educational facility in Volterra, Italy.

On Sept. 25 2010, the UDM SOA Alumni met at the Detroit Yacht Club to launch the Volterra International Residential College project. Two years later, on Sept. 24, 2012, the contractors in Volterra entered the 18th-century building to start the construction work. They are making very good progress, knowing that they have to finish in April 2013, so the first group of the UDM School of Architecture students can arrive in Volterra in May 2013 to start their full semester program.

The project is organized and managed by the Volterra-Detroit Foundation, started by the alumni and the faculty of the UDM SOA. It will be financed by the alumni donations and by a loan from an Italian bank, Casa di Risparmio di Volterra. The loan is secured by the Volterra-Detroit Foundation patrons and an Italian Government agency. A non-profit subsidiary of the Foundation was created in Italy to handle all legal and financial matters in full accord with Italian law. This subsidiary will handle the management of finances and the day-to-day renovation responsibilities.

Volterra site, aerial view
Building location is circled in this aerial photograph of Volterra.

The Volterra-Detroit Foundation and the UDM School of Architecture have big plans for the use of the Volterra International Residential College. The School's program in Volterra will be restored to a full semester length in 2013. The Foundation will partner with other programs and universities to maximize the use of the building. Once the construction loan has been paid in full, future profits will be used to fund scholarships for UDM SOA students who choose to study abroad in Volterra. Programs for high school students and for our alumni that could run between the regular semesters of study are also being planned.

We would like to thank all of you for your support and your donations. Please see our website, www.volterra-detroit.org, for more information about how you can help.

We are looking forward to seeing you as guests of the Volterra International Residential College in the future.

Update your information on the Online Community

Have you recently moved? Do you want to receive Spiritus, our alumni magazine? Do you want to be aware of the events planned for our alumni? Make sure to update your contact information on the UDM Online Community.

Save the Date: Homecoming 2013!

It is time to plan on visiting McNichols and Livernois to celebrate Homecoming 2013! The Titan men’s basketball team will challenge University of Illinois at Chicago on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Calihan Hall. An alumni tailgate will precede game. Stay-tuned for additional details!

UDM Online Community is going MOBILE!

Check out the new mobile version of the UDM Online Community! See what the mobile site has to offer by visiting the preview page. Let us know what you think!

Alumni Benefit: Recent graduate season ticket discount

Recent graduates of UDM are eligible for discounted basketball season tickets! To learn more, visit the UDM benefits page on Community.

Shopping for UDM graduates?

UDM has the perfect gift. We have U of D alumni and Mercy College of Detroit alumni t-shirts and U of D alumni ties. Find the order form on Community. Also, stop by the UDM Bookstore in the Student Center on the McNichols Campus for dozens of gift ideas!