What's the Tea with Ministry?

What if a single week could expand your world—and reshape how you serve back home? We sit down with campus minister Sammy Eckrich and nursing student Kylee Foster to trace the arc of Detroit Mercy’s service immersion program, from building a ramp in Appalachia to standing beneath the steel columns of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. The thread that ties it together is simple and demanding: service with, not for. Kylee shares how a mindful, shared living routine—one ...

What makes Detroit Mercy unique among thousands of universities worldwide? Father Charles Oduke, Vice President for Mission Integration, reveals the answer through our newly articulated core values that braid together our Jesuit and Mercy traditions. "These values aren't new—they're newly articulated," Father Charles explains, highlighting how they've always been part of our identity since the 1990 consolidation of the two sponsoring traditions. What makes them special is their emphasis on a...

The Service in the City program stands at the heart of Detroit Mercy's commitment to educational equity and community engagement. This powerful tutoring initiative connects university students with three vital community partners—Loyola High School, La Casa Guadalupana, and Brilliant Detroit (now Brilliant Cities)—each addressing unique educational needs within our city. What distinguishes this program from conventional volunteer opportunities is its thoughtful balance of weekly service and s...

Megan Novell brings a passionate optimism to her role as Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at University of Detroit Mercy. Despite the complex challenges facing DEI work today, she remains steadfastly committed to creating spaces where everyone can thrive regardless of gender, race, disability, or any other aspect of identity. During our wide-ranging conversation over cups of tea, Megan unpacks the intricate work of ensuring compliance with civil rights laws across our mu...

Step into the heart of Ramadan as we explore its profound significance in the Muslim faith. In this enlightening episode, we engage with guests Oussama Ajerd and Hisham Almadani to share personal insights and traditions surrounding this special month. Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a time for spiritual growth, charity, and community bonding, enriching lives through shared experiences. Listeners will learn that fasting fosters a deep sense of God-consciousness...