BY Devonne McCullough/ 100 Million Dollar Campaign Story/ Jan.

29, 2020

The University of Detroit Mercy has completed a major goal of raising 114.6 -million-
dollars. This is a historical moment for not only the university, but for faculty, alumni, staff, and
the students.
The 114.6-million dollars will go towards renovations throughout campus, and an
expansion of the student union.
The University of Detroit Mercy students will be able to enjoy a newly renovated student
union. When talking to Arnold D’Ambrosio the Vice President for University of Detroit Mercy
Advancement.
Stated that “We will be raising money for the expansion of the student center. Which will
include a plaza with green space, a new student lounge, and a new office for financial aid.”
The new financial aid office will be focused on creating a one stop area for potential
students and their parents. This will make the process easier for many University of Detroit
Mercy Students.
The new renovated student union is expected to break ground in June of 2020. The
expected construction time will last 12 months.
The university also has plans to expand the administrative office that will be in the
student union as well as other offices from the Fisher building, and Reno Hall.
When talking to D’Ambrosio he stated that “After the student union is completed the
buildings Fisher and Reno Hall will be demolished by the end of 2021. By doing this we will be
reducing our deferred maintenance cost by over 43 million dollars.”
The university will be saving millions of dollars after the buildings have been torn down,
giving the university the ability to invest money into other facilities around campus.
After the buildings Fisher and Reno Hall have been demolished the space will become a
green space with plenty of tress for students and parents to enjoy when walking around campus.
Dennis Carlesso, the Executive Director of Development, stated that “As of right now
TDR and the Loft will remain the same”
There may be more stations just like The Bookmark located in the Library for the
students to enjoy in the updated student center said Carlesso.
Director of Media Relations Gary Lichtman have been on campus longer than many
others. He has witnessed the improvements and the changes that the university has endured.
When speaking with Lichtman he said, “I've been here since 1993 and it's amazing to see
how the campus has evolved over the years.”
 Other departments that will receive major renovations in the future are Communications,
Engineering, and CHP.