Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Faculty/Staff Announcements from Campus Connection

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  • April 27: Explore UDM summer camps and pre-college programs

    Monday April 27, 2026

    UDM is set to deliver a lineup of summer camps and pre-college programs that offer students from elementary school through college a ticket to academic discovery, career exploration and athletic development this summer.

    • Beginners Investment Camp, June 22-26
    • Youth Exploration Camp, July 20-24 and July 24-31
    • Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), July 13-24
    • NOMA’s Project Pipeline, July 27-31
    • Dentistry Summer Enrichment Program, May 27-June 26
    • Nike Soccer Camp, June 29-July 3 and July 13-18
    • Summer Reading programs throughout summer
    • Special Needs Basketball camp, dates TBD
    • Tennis Program, dates TBD

    Hosted across UDM’s campuses and online, the University’s summer programming reflects its longstanding commitment to community engagement in conjunction with academic excellence, with camp opportunities in health sciences, business, architecture, engineering, literacy and athletics.

    Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can explore basic investment and financial concepts at the free Beginners Investment Camp, scheduled for June 22–26 on the McNichols Campus. Participants will also hear from industry professionals about career opportunities in the field.

    Building on its 60-year legacy of educating high-quality health professionals to meet growing workforce demands, the University’s immersive Youth Exploration Camp aims to inspire the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. The camp offers two free, hands-on sessions, July 20-24 and July 24-31. Middle and high school students will be introduced to essential clinical and healthcare skills, including CPR training and emergency response procedures, and will take part in simulation-based escape room challenges at the University’s Simulation, Technology and Research (STAR) Center.

    The College of Engineering & Science (CES) has once again partnered with the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) to offer a series of interactive STEM camps for students in grades two through eight, along with a digital advertising camp, at the McNichols Campus from July 13-24. CES and DAPCEP have partnered for more than 30 years to inspire and prepare hundreds of underrepresented minority students for careers in engineering and science.

    Aspiring young architects can attend Project Pipeline Camp, hosted by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), July 27-31 on the McNichols Campus. Designed for students in grades 6-12, the program connects underrepresented youth with design professionals and uses the city as a classroom to empower them to be advocates of change through design.

    The Dental Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a fully funded, four-week residential early admissions program May 27-June 26 on the Corktown Campus for college juniors, seniors and recent college graduates. Through academic enrichment, mentorship, professional development and hands-on dental experiences, the program prepares students for the transition to dental school. SEP expands access, supports students facing systemic barriers and helps build a diverse, community-focused dental workforce.

    Led by Steve Shelton, head women’s soccer coach at UDM, and the Titan coaching staff, the Nike youth soccer camp offers high quality training for ages 6–16 in a fun, challenging and supportive environment. Two sessions run on the McNichols Campus, June 29-July 3 and July 13-17, where players build strong fundamentals, elevate their game and learn to compete at their best.

    Among other athletic camp offerings are a tennis camp and special needs basketball camp, with camp dates to be determined.

    The University will also continue its partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, offering online summer reading programs for students from pre-K through 12th grade. The program focuses on building reading skills and cultivating a lifelong love of books.

    Camp dates, age requirements and registration details vary by program. Learn more about Detroit Mercy summer camps or sign up for a session.

  • April 27: Faculty and staff needed for reimagined PTV, Aug. 26-27

    Monday April 27, 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.

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

    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 in attending, please share your availability during that time frame.

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

  • April 27: Leadership Academy establishes strong foundation with inaugural cohort

    Monday April 27, 2026
    A group of people posing for a photo

    The Detroit Mercy Leadership Academy represents a significant investment in developing leadership excellence across the University. The program brought together staff, faculty, administrators and department chairs for a focused and collaborative learning experience designed to strengthen leadership skills, build institutional capacity and foster a shared culture of excellence.

    The inaugural cohort participated in six monthly sessions, earned a microcredential in leadership and successfully completed the program on April 10. Participant feedback underscored the value of dedicated time for reflection, peer exchange and meaningful skill development.

    The Leadership Academy has established a strong foundation for future cohorts and reinforces the University’s commitment to “growing our own” leaders. The Office of the Provost looks forward to continuing and expanding this initiative in the years ahead.

    Special thanks to Professor and Coordinator of Leadership Minor Don DiPaolo for leading the program, with the support of Registrar Emeritus Diane Praet and Ericka Jones from the Office of Academic Affairs, for their leadership and commitment to this important initiative.

    A group of people posing for a photo

  • April 26: Reception to explore history, architecture of Gesu Catholic Church, May 13

    Sunday April 26, 2026
    Image of inside of Gesu church with stained glass windows

    Image of inside of Gesu church with stained glass windowsJoin 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 22: Volunteers needed for 2026 Commencement, May 9

    Wednesday April 22, 2026
    Three photographs of students at Commencement 2025

    Three photographs of students at Commencement 2025

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

    Monday April 20, 2026
    Two photos, one of Angelo Vitale and one of Michael Birney

    Two photos, one of Angelo Vitale and one of Michael BirneyHear 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.

Thumbs Up

Friday April 17, 2026

Dental Clinic IT Director Charles Laird ’97, Director of Axium Integration and Clinical Associate Professor Cindy Bauer, Director of Clinical Business Operations Gwendolyn Graham ’04, ’06 and ’10 and the School of Dentistry were awarded the Axium Summit 2026 Trailblazer award for their innovation, leadership and positive community impact in the Axium community. The award was announced and presented at the recent conference in Austin, Texas.

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