Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Faculty/Staff Announcements from Campus Connection

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• September 15: Michael Lauchlan to read from new poetry collection ‘Running Lights,’ Sept. 25

  Tuesday September 15, 2026
  

  

  Celebrate the publication of Senior Adjunct Instructor Michael Lauchlan‘s new collection of poetry, Running Lights, on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., at 27th Letter Books, located at 3546 Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

  Enjoy a special evening of new work by Lauchlan, Detroit Mercy’s new poet-in-residence, along with special guest authors Cal Freeman, Stacy Gnall and Alise Alousi.

  This event is free and open to all.

• September 15: Ben Peters to deliver two talks on nonviolence during Founders Week, Sept. 23

  Tuesday September 15, 2026
  

  

  The Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive (CLASA) invites the UDM community to two free discussions on nonviolence on Wednesday, Sept. 23, featuring Ben Peters of University of St. Joseph. Both talks will take place in the Briggs Building, Room 317.

  The first presentation begins at 4 p.m. Peters will be joined by Karen Donahue, RSM, a longtime member of the Mercy Justice Team. Donahue will discuss how the Sisters of Mercy gradually changed their focus from service to addressing the five Social Concerns that were at the root of many contemporary problems and how nonviolence intersects with the other four Social Concerns. Peters will then present “Artisans of Peace: A Counter-tradition of Nonviolence in US Catholicism.” The term “artisans of peace” came from a recent Vatican statement at the U.N. calling for peace in our war-torn world.

  A second talk at 7:30 p.m. will spotlight Peters’ new book, Catholic Pacifist: The Long and Lonely Quest of Gordon Zahn. The discussion will explore the life of Zahn, a Catholic peace activist, who promoted the life story of Franz Jägerstätter, the Austrian who was beheaded in 1942 for refusing to fight in Hitler’s army. Jägerstätter was beatified in 2007, just before the death of Zahn. UDM Senior Adjunct Instructor Michael Hovey, who worked with Zahn during his time with Pax Christi USA Center on Conscience and War, will also participate in the conversation.

  Both events are cosponsored by CLASA, Gesu Peace & Justice Committee and the Office of Mission Integration.

  For more information contact CLASA Director Gail Presbey at presbegm@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1124.

• September 14: Celebrate Spirit! launches new school year, Sept. 17

  Monday September 14, 2026
  

  

  Celebrate Spirit! is the official kickoff to the new academic year and a University-wide celebration that welcomes our entire community of students, staff, faculty and administrators.

  The celebration is set for Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Whitty Student Fitness Center. The 150th Jubilee Mass of the Holy Spirit begins at 11:30 a.m. 

  The celebration includes a Catholic Mass, and individuals from all faith traditions are warmly invited to participate or observe in a manner that feels comfortable to them.

  Celebrate Spirit! will be presided over by Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, STD, JCL, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) and Pope Leo XIV’s envoy to the United States. The event is hosted by University Ministry and Mission Integration. All are invited to wear red, orange or yellow as part of the event.

  A lunch and reception will be provided in the Fountain Lounge & Terrace of the Student Union at 1 p.m.

  Celebrate Spirit! is open to all members of the Detroit Mercy community no matter their religious affiliation.

  Click here to volunteer at Celebrate Spirit!

  Celebrate Spirit! 2026 invites the Detroit Mercy community to reflect on “Faith In Action” as this academic year’s theme as part of our 150th Celebration.

  Faith is not stagnant—it is active. It is not an individual proclamation or checklist—it is something that exists in community and in relationship. Just as God animates our lives, we are called to actively respond to God in all things. This active faith moves us to imagine a prophetic future for our community. In our Ignatian and Mercy traditions, faith-in-action requires discernment and imagination—Where are we headed? Where does the world call us to be?

  Learn more about Celebrate Spirit!

  

• September 14: Volunteer for ‘Thank a Donor Day’ on Tuesday, Sept. 22

  Monday September 14, 2026
  

  

  Students, looking for volunteering opportunities?

  Hand out prizes, help students with thank-you notes, run game stations, assist with thank you photos and videos, and more during ‘Thank a Donor Day,’ set for 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Union.

  If you need volunteer hours as part of service requirements for your organizations, there is an opportunity to help out with the annual day on the McNichols Campus.

  The Annual Giving and Alumni Relations departments host the ‘Thank a Donor Day’ and will have several opportunities to volunteer.

  To learn more about the various opportunities and times available for you to fulfill your required hours, visit the link below!

  Volunteer at ‘Thank a Donor Day.’

  

• September 14: Discussion on Voting Rights Act set for Constitution Day, Sept. 17

  Monday September 14, 2026
  

  University of Detroit Mercy will recognize Constitution Day with a conversation on the Voting Rights Act on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 4-6 p.m. The annual event will be held in the Bargman Room, located on the second floor of the McNichols Campus Library.

  Professors Roy E. Finkenbine, Genevieve Myers and Yao Lin will discuss the history of African American voting rights and their denial, as well as campaign for and passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They will also explore the content and impact of the Act and two Supreme Court opinions — Shelby v. Holder and Louisiana v. Callais — that have significantly limited its effect.

  UDM’s Constitution Day discussion is hosted by the Black Abolitionist Archive, the University’s History, Political Science and Pre-Law programs and the McNichols Campus Library.

• September 14: Faculty and staff open pickleball returns Sept. 16

  Monday September 14, 2026
  

  

  As part of University Recreation’s ongoing efforts to promote health and wellness within the UDM community, faculty and staff open pickleball returns this fall.

  Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, these sessions are for all skill levels.

  Meet at the courts inside the Whitty Student Fitness Center every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m., beginning Sept. 16, for fun and engaging open pickleball games. Paddles and balls are provided for FREE.

  Learn more about pickleball here.

  Here’s what you can expect:

  • Beginner-friendly environment with opportunities for skill development. Watch for further details on a clinic to be hosted with an expert instructor.
  • A supportive and inclusive community of fellow faculty and staff members.
  • Friendly matches weekly.

  Participation is completely voluntary, and there’s no pressure to attend every session. Simply come as you are, ready to enjoy some friendly competition and Titan camaraderie

  For more information, please contact Allen Seales at sealesav@udmercy.edu.

  Join our Microsoft Teams group for more info: Faculty and Staff Pickleball Teams 

  

• September 14: Course Program of Study open forum set for Sept. 16

  Monday September 14, 2026
  

  An open forum on Course Program of Study (CPoS) is set for Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 12:50-1:50 p.m. inside of the Engineering Building, Room 220.

  Over the past few months, faculty have received updates about Course Program of Study and its implications for financial aid and enrollment status compliance, including potential impacts on advising. Because this has raised many questions, an open forum is being held during the open hour to address them directly.

  The session will begin with a brief recap of what CPoS is and why it exists, with the majority of the time reserved for questions from attendees.

  Faculty and staff who went to ensure a specific question is covered are encouraged to email it in advance to courseeligibility@udmercy.edu, though questions are also welcomed at the session itself.

  All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support of students through this transition.