Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Faculty/Staff Announcements from Campus Connection

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• January 18: Go Move Challenge returns Feb. 1

  Sunday January 18, 2026
  

  

  The Go Move Challenge is back for 2026.

  This month-long fitness competition brings together faculty and staff across Jesuit universities nationwide to see which campus can log the most minutes of physical activity throughout the month of February. You can participate individually or as part of a team, and every minute counts.

  Throughout the month, we will be rolling out new fitness classes, mini challenges, weekly prizes and end-of-month awards for both individuals and teams. Stay tuned for further details.

  Register here.

  

• January 16: Sulman Hans named dean of School of Optometry

  Friday January 16, 2026
  

  Sulman Hans has been named the Dean of the School of Optometry, effective Jan. 5, 2026.

  Hans is a founding leader of the School of Optometry and has played a pivotal role in the development and launch of both the academic program and the University of Detroit Mercy Eye Institute. Since joining the University, he has provided strategic leadership in curriculum design, clinical education, accreditation, and faculty development, helping to establish the School as a vital contributor to optometric education and eye care in the region. He has also served on the school’s leadership team and guided the program through its critical start-up and growth phases.

  Since arriving at Detroit Mercy, Hans has been instrumental in building a clinically integrated, mission-driven optometry program grounded in patient-centered care, academic excellence, and community engagement. Through his leadership, the school has developed strong clinical partnerships, expanded access to vision care for underserved populations, and created an innovative educational model that integrates didactic, clinical, and interprofessional learning.

  Hans holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. He completed a residency in primary care optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia.

  Prior to joining academia, Hans served as a staff optometrist and Director of Clinical Services within the Henry Ford Health System, where he developed deep expertise in clinical operations, quality improvement, and healthcare administration. He remains actively engaged in professional leadership and service, including serving on the Michigan State Board of Optometry and working with organizations such as the Michigan Optometric Association, the Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness, the Michigan Health Council, and community-based clinics serving Detroit’s underserved communities.

• January 15: Celebrate MLK Day with service immersion in Highland Park, Jan. 19

  Thursday January 15, 2026
  

  This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Monday, January 19 — honor the spirit of Dr. King by supporting a local community organization, Avalon Village.

  UDM students will meet in the Mercy Gathering Place on the first floor of Shiple Hall at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 to prepare kits to help low-income seniors in Highland Park stay warm this winter. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends while learning about intersectional factors that influence access to vital resources. Participants can also earn five service hours. This opportunity is open to all students.

  Come early at 9 a.m. for free breakfast. Lunch and transportation to the volunteer site is provided.

  For more information, please contact Associate University Minister Gray La Fond at glafond@udmercy.edu.

• January 15: Tryouts for women’s lacrosse set for Saturday, Jan. 24

  Thursday January 15, 2026
  

  

  The Detroit Mercy women’s lacrosse program is looking to add a few more players to its roster this season and is hosting tryouts Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10-11 a.m. at Titan Field on the McNichols Campus.

  Tryouts are open to all female UDM students and no lacrosse experience is required — just athleticism, commitment and a willingness to learn.

  For inclement weather, tryouts will be moved indoors to Calihan Hall. Gear will be provided for tryouts.

  If interested, please contact head coach Emma Kuehl at kuehlek@udmercy.edu or 571-643-8183.

• January 15: Submit nominations for 2026 Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards

  Thursday January 15, 2026
  

  

  Detroit Mercy’s Alumni Relations Office is accepting nominations for the 2026 Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards. This annual event during Homecoming recognizes seven alumni — one from each college and school at the University — for their significant accomplishments in both their professional careers and in their commitment to community. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 28.

  If you know of any alumni who are making or have made extraordinary achievements in their careers, please nominate them for this prestigious recognition.

  Award criteria includes:

  • Nominee should be a respected member of his/her chosen profession (active or recently retired).
  • Nominee has been recognized in their industry for exemplary professional achievements.
  • Nominee should be engaged in the community, either with Detroit Mercy or another civic/community organization.
  • Nominee has demonstrated a willingness to financially support Detroit Mercy at some level either in the past or in the future.
  • Nominee must be available to accept the award in person.
  • Nominee shall not have received any University of School/College award in the last five years.

  The Spirit Awards are held annually during Homecoming weekend. You may view honorees of past awards HERE.

  For more information or any questions, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Peggy Pattison at 313-578-0327 or pattisma@udmercy.edu.

  Submit nominations here.

  

• January 15: Upcoming application deadline for civil rights service immersion trip, Jan. 21

  Thursday January 15, 2026
  

  

  The deadline for University Ministry’s Civil Rights Service Immersion Trip during the spring break, March 7-13, in Montgomery, Ala., will close on Jan. 21. Students of all faiths or none are welcome to apply.

  Service immersion trips are an opportunity to encounter a community outside of your own, offer your gifts and friendship in service, simplicity and solidarity, and immerse yourself in education on the critical issues of our day, in this case, the Civil Rights Movement.

  This trip is designed both to learn from the rich history of the area, visiting renowned museums and historical sites. It also includes engaging in current-day civil rights issues around racism, voting access and even joining a historical rally crossing the Selma bridge.

  Fill out interest form here.

  

• January 15: Upcoming application deadline for Appalachia service immersion trip, Jan. 21

  Thursday January 15, 2026
  

  

  The application deadline for University Ministry’s Service Immersion Trip during spring break, March 7-13, to the Appalachian Mountains in Washburn, Tenn., will close on Jan. 21. Students of all faiths or none are welcome to apply.

  Service immersion trips are an opportunity to encounter a community outside of your own, offer your gifts and friendship in service, simplicity and solidarity, and immerse yourself in education on the critical issues of our day, in this case, sustainability in Appalachia.

  We will stay with Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, an organization dedicated to serving the local community, teaching sustainable practices and offering retreat space to cultivate an ethic and spirituality around the natural world. This trip combines service learning (sustainable gardening, trail and forest restoration, and more) with education on the challenges and solutions to sustainable living in our day.

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

  Fill out interest form here.