Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Faculty/Staff Announcements from Campus Connection

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• April 23: Help plan new community engagement experience for PTV

  Thursday April 23, 2026
  

  Interested in being part of an exciting new approach to the engagement portion of Prologues, Transitions and Viewpoint  (PTV) — the orientation program for incoming first-year students on the McNichols Campus?

  We are reimagining the engagement portion using the  “Immersion Day” model developed by University Ministry. While service remains an important component of PTV, the new approach will include community engagement elements to introduce students to Detroit and the amazing organizations and creative ideas used to address particular challenges.

  Faculty and staff who participate may use Mission Leave to get paid for their involvement. Learn more about Mission Leave. 

  A planning meeting will be held between May 5 and May 15 to explain the new approach and begin developing plans. If you are interested, please share your availability during that time frame.

  We are also seeking faculty and staff willing to assist on one or both mornings of PTV, August 26 and/or 27.

  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Dr. Tim Hipskind at hipskijt@udmercy.edu or 313-993-2003.

• April 22: Volunteers needed for 2026 Commencement, May 9

  Wednesday April 22, 2026
  

  

  

  The Detroit Mercy Commencement Planning Committee is seeking dependable student and employee volunteers to help make 2026 Commencement Day a special event for graduates and their families.

  Two McNichols Campus Commencement ceremonies, as well as Baccalaureate Mass, will take place on Saturday, May 9 on the McNichols Campus.

  Please see sign-up below for volunteer opportunities and available time slots. Whether you have availability for one shift or for multiple shifts, your help is greatly appreciated! Breakfast and lunch are provided to all volunteers.

  Volunteer Meeting
  All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. via Teams. For more information, please contact Alysa Jackson (ouelleal@udmercy.edu).

  Dress Code
  Employee volunteers are asked to dress in business casual and/or Detroit Mercy gear. A volunteer name badge will be provided at check-in, which is located in the Athletics Office in Calihan Hall.

  Thank you for supporting graduating Titans on this special and exciting day!

  Sign up here!

• April 22: UDM to hold conversation with Catholic thought leaders, April 25

  Wednesday April 22, 2026
  

  All are invited to a conversation with Catholic thought leaders to reflect together on the “Church’s Mission in this time and place.” The discussion will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom, on the McNichols Campus.

  Panelists are as follows:

  • Archbishop Edward Wiesenberger, metropolitan archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Detroit
  • Helen Marie Burns, RSM, former president of Leadership Conference of Women Religious
  • Bishop John Stowe, O.F.M. Conv. of Lexington, Ky., president of Pax Christi, USA
  • Matt Mio, professor of Chemistry, University of Detroit Mercy, expert on Laudato Si

  The session will be moderated by Bridget Deegan-Krause, author of Together Through Reflection: Themes for Those Who Lead and Serve in Catholic Organizations.

  If you have questions about the event, please contact Fr. Charles Oduke at odukeca@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1651 Register here.

• April 21: Reception to explore history, architecture of Gesu Catholic Church, May 13

  Tuesday April 21, 2026
  

  

  Join Jesuit friends and alumni on Wednesday, May 13 for a wine and cheese reception at historic Gesu Catholic Church.

  Program Details:

  • 5:30 p.m.: Mass
  • 6 p.m.: Welcome and Reception
  • 6:25 p.m.: Program begins

  The evening will explore the history, families, art and architecture of the parish, founded by Jesuits in 1922 and once home to four Detroit mayors, several congressmen and the renowned Fisher Brothers.

  The event will feature rare architectural drawings and antique stained-glass window designs, some dating to the late 1800s, from two Detroit families who worked closely with the Jesuits and the Archdiocese of Detroit. These families, behind the firms Diehl & Diehl Architects and Detroit Stained Glass Works, helped shape the city’s sacred spaces.

  Special guests include Paul G. Diehl, grandson of original architect George F. Diehl and a descendant of the founders of Detroit Stained Glass Works; Patricia Montemurri, an award-winning journalist; and Mary Clare McCormick, a Detroit sacred art archivist.

  The evening will include Mass, a wine and cheese reception, and a tour of the historic worship site.

  Register online by May 1.

• April 20: Learn to drive success at Leadership Slam featuring two UDM alumni, April 21

  Monday April 20, 2026
  

  

  Hear from two inspiring alumni who have used their education, resilience and vision to lead their industries and drive success at UDM’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) Leadership Slam.

  The Leadership Slam is set for Tuesday, April 21. The first session is scheduled for 2-3:45 p.m., and the second slam 5:15-7 p.m., both taking place in Room 208 of the Commerce & Finance Building. Both alumni will be speaking in Slam 1 and Slam 2.

  The slams offer a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable insights. This event counts as [+1 Leadership Development].

  Angelo Vitale ’80, retired general counsel of Rocket Companies, and Michael Birney ’15, CMO of 1 Natural Way, will offer their experiences on their leadership journeys.

  Vitale provided strategic business and legal guidance throughout his career, serving as the first CEO of Rocket Central and EVP/general counsel of Rocket Mortgage, where he specialized in leasing, litigation and regulatory compliance.

  Birney drives business growth with advanced marketing tech, leveraging his experience as a former Google growth strategy manager and MLL champion to apply teamwork and strategy for success.

  For more information, please contact Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster at zimmerka@udmercy.edu.

• April 20: TENN to hold thrift pop-up shop during De-Stress Fest, April 23

  Monday April 20, 2026
  

  

  Need to relax before finals? Engage in some retail therapy during De-Stress Fest by stopping by Titan Equity Nourish Network’s (TENN) Thrift Pop-Up Shop on the second floor of the Student Fitness Center.

  Enjoy sustainable shopping while supporting TENN’s work. Join us starting at 4 p.m. on April 23 and shop till you drop! All proceeds go to a good cause.

• April 20: Pray the Rosary for April intention in Holy Spirit Chapel, rescheduled to April 23

  Monday April 20, 2026
  

  

  Rescheduled to Thursday, April 23, at 1:30 p.m.

  University Ministry will host a special time of prayer and reflection at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, inside of the Holy Spirit Chapel, located in the Student Union, Lower Level.

  Together, we will pray the Rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion, in support of Pope Leo XIV’s monthly intention for April: that priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation may find the accompaniment they need and that communities will support them with understanding and prayer.

  While the rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer, all are welcome to participate. Rosary beads and easy-to-follow how-to guides will be provided.

  For any questions, please contact glafond@udmercy.edu.