BY AUSTIN LUOKKALA Much of the NFL decided to show a sign of unity recently ago in the wake of comments by President Trump. This does not exclude the hometown team, the Detroit Lions. During the national anthem two weekends ago, players, coaches, team officials and even the owner […]
Author: thevarsitynews
Students offer cures for weekend boredom
BY JOAN-MARIE JEFFERSON and CLAIRE PATTERSON VN STAFF WRITERS The life of a college student is always busy and hectic but somehow there is always time for fun on the weekends. The possibilities are endless when looking for some weekend fun, especially off campus – from being busy trying […]
Freshmen numbers rise again
BY MIJAI LEWIS VN SPECIAL WRITER For three straight years, freshmen undergrad enrollment has increased at Detroit Mercy. Aside from recruitment efforts, what’s drawing these students here versus another college or university? The Varsity News asked five freshmen why they chose Detroit Mercy. Megan Karjo is a freshman majoring […]
18 years later, murdered coach Ricky Byrdsong’s kind spirit lives on in hearts, good work of others
BY VERSHAY BURKS VN SPECIAL WRITER More than 18 years later, the memories remain vivid and the pain heartfelt. It was the July Fourth weekend in Skokie, Ill., 1999. Half past 8 p.m. on Friday, July 2, in a neighborhood known for its safety and diversity, Ricky Byrdsong […]
Detroit Mercy cyclists to hit road Friday for midnight ride
A scene from a past Midnight Bike Ride. (Photo courtesy of Detroit Mercy Marketing.) BY JEFF LANE VN SPECIAL WRITER The Midnight Bike Ride – set for this Friday, Sept. 15 – is one of the school year’s biggest events “The bike ride is probably the most enjoyable […]
Celebrate Spirit kicks off Thursday
BY CLAIRE PATTERSON VN SPECIAL WRITER Celebrate Spirit has been a University of Detroit Mercy tradition for 18 years. It was once called Mass of the Holy Spirit, part of a 500-year-old tradition to celebrate the beginning of a university’s academic year with a eucharistic liturgy. “We are celebrating […]
Keegan-Michael Key has not forgotten Detroit Mercy
BY ASHE’ LEWIS and ISAIAH JONES VN SPECIAL WRITERS There is no escaping Keegan-Michael Key. The university’s most famous alum is everywhere – starring on numerous TV shows, in movies and, soon, on Broadway (with Amy Schumer). But with all his success, he hasn’t forgotten his alma mater […]
Rapping helps Titan player chill
BY JALEEL HOGAN VN SPECIAL WRITER Detroit Mercy basketball player Ed Carter has a hobby that many other basketball players have as well. Carter, a sophomore, loves to rap when he isn’t on the court. “Rapping is a way for me to talk about my pain and struggle through […]
Students keep experience fresh for veteran food services worker
BY JOAN-MARIE JEFFERSON VN SPECIAL WRITER James Nickens takes pride in his job and his duty to serve others. Nickens has worked for the University of Detroit Mercy for 29 years – now in culinary arts with Metz Culinary Services, the university’s new food-service partner. “I love dealing with […]
‘It’: Heavy with heart, intensity
BY DEEJ OSTER, JR. VN CO-EDITOR “You’ll float, too.” “It,” the most recent Stephen King adaptation, is heavy with heart and intensity. The film follows a group of kids who band together when a shapeshifting demon, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children. Terrifyingly played by […]