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 mug all week, budgeted meals cooked as a team—turned daily choices into values in action. Working alongside community partners, she learned the crucial distinction between giving aid and practicing solidarity, a shift that now guides her approach to nursing, advocacy, and cross-cultural care. Sammy opens the curtain on how we design trips that go beyond manual work: strong partners who teach context, daily prayer and evening reflection that turn experience into meaning, and museum visits that immerse us in the living history of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Together, we explore the program’s Jesuit and Mercy roots, the Mercy Critical Concerns, and the vocational “sparks” that often follow—students bringing their skills back to Detroit, reimagining majors through the lens of sustainability and data for good, and choosing careers with compassionate impact. Expect stories that are honest, grounding, and practical: what a typical week looks like, why relationships matter more than checklists, and how standing in the places where history happened changes how we show up today.

Ready to rethink spring break—and maybe your path? Listen, subscribe, and share with a friend who’s curious about service, social justice, and meaningful travel. If this conversation moved you, leave a review and tell us: where should we go next, and what would you want to learn there?

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 action verbs: educating the whole person, cultivating a diverse community, embodying mercy and compassion, fostering faith and justice, and serving and leading in Detroit.

The process of creating these values involved representatives from all eight colleges working to find language that would be welcoming and inclusive while remaining faithful to both founding traditions. Father Charles shares how they deliberately moved away from insider jargon to create accessible phrases that anyone—regardless of background, role, or religious tradition—could connect with. "We have a big tent," he notes, "and that language of inclusion is what made it possible."

Through rich examples and personal insights, Father Charles reveals how these values integrate the priorities of both the Sisters of Mercy and the Jesuits while creating something uniquely Detroit Mercy. He explains how they're already being implemented across campus and how they help answer the "why" behind our university's work. As we approach our 150th anniversary, these values provide a framework for sustaining hope and continuing our transformative mission.

Whether you're a student, faculty member, staff, or alum, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the Detroit Mercy community and how these core values can help us develop that sense of Titan pride that makes us who we are.

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 structured reflection. Beyond collecting service hours, participants examine the systemic issues behind Detroit's educational challenges. They learn startling statistics, like how 47% of Detroit students are chronically absent, missing more than 10% of the school year due to complex barriers including transportation difficulties, safety concerns, and economic hardship. Through guided discussions, students connect these realities to broader patterns of educational inequity while imagining practical solutions.

The experience transforms both tutors and students. As sophomore Chrestina Yaqoob shares, what began as a course requirement evolved into a passion project. At Brilliant Detroit's New Martin Park location, tutors don't just help with reading—they become consistent presences in children's lives, participating in everything from impromptu dance breaks to exploring hydroponically grown vegetables. When Christina misses a session, students immediately ask, "Where's Ms. Chrestina?"—a testament to the meaningful connections formed.

The program beautifully embodies Detroit Mercy's Jesuit and Mercy traditions through its commitment to both reflection and action. As program coordinator Becky Vires explains, "We don't act without reflection, and we don't reflect without action." Each semester, approximately 40 Detroit Mercy students participate, though there's capacity for many more, especially through Brilliant Detroit's numerous neighborhood hubs.

Ready to make a difference in Detroit's educational landscape? Visit University Ministry at the beginning of each semester to join this transformative program that goes beyond tutoring to address the root causes of educational inequality while building meaningful relationships with the next generation of Detroiters.

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 multi-campus university. Beyond simply responding to discrimination complaints, her work focuses on proactively building an environment where no one's education is limited "because of who they are."

What's particularly striking is Megan's natural disposition toward questioning arbitrary rules. From becoming a vegetarian at age seven to challenging her Catholic school uniform policies as a teenager ("Show me in the policy where it says I can't do this"), she's been fighting for fairness her entire life. This personality trait perfectly positioned her for a career ensuring equal access to education – something she considers "the worthiest goal" possible.

Beyond her administrative duties, Megan finds joy teaching in the Women and Gender Studies program, where she witnesses students making powerful connections between academic concepts and their lived experiences. 

Want to support equality in your own life? Start by recognizing that human diversity isn't going anywhere, regardless of political climate. As Megan reminds us, "No one can take your principles away from you." In challenging times, remember that the work of creating equal access benefits everyone – and that, historically speaking, "the right prevails."

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, inviting individuals to reflect on their actions, words, and interactions throughout the day.  The episode also covers the community gatherings that occur during Iftar, where breaking bread together cultivates connections among diverse individuals.

Join us to celebrate the values of inclusivity and connection that Ramadan inspires!  

Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we honor the lives and legacies of six African Americans on their path to sainthood, shining a light on their profound impact on the Catholic Church. Ever wondered what it takes to be a saint? Uncover the steps from being named a Servant of God to achieving sainthood, and learn about the vital role of living a virtuous life and the need for miracles in this sacred process. 

In our special bonus episode of "What's the Tea with Ministry," and in celebration of Black History Month, we delve into the remarkable stories of Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Julia Greeley, and Sister Thea Bowman and more. These trailblazers not only advanced education and charity but also promoted cultural awareness within the Church, all while facing racial challenges. We discuss the ongoing importance of recognizing and addressing racism, amplifying a universal message of love and equality. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Fountain Lounge hallway to admire the portraits of these inspiring figures and reflect on their teachings. Join us for a heartfelt tribute to these extraordinary individuals and their lasting influence on both the Church and society.

Join us on "What's the Tea with Ministry" as we brew an enlightening discussion with our special guests, Ashlee Barnes and Mary-Catherine Harrison, co-chairs of the Mission Effectiveness Team at the University of Detroit Mercy. Ashlee shares her remarkable journey from adjunct faculty to a full-time assistant professor, revealing her passion for nurturing student-centered education. Meanwhile, Mary-Catherine reflects on her 17-year tenure at the university, where her dedication to fostering Detroit Mercy's mission shines through. Together, they unravel the tapestry of the university's Jesuit and Mercy values, offering listeners a glimpse into their collaborative journey.

 As we explore the heart of mission-driven work, discover the impact of the Mission Leadership Awards and the development of core values that help align the university community with its mission. Hear firsthand accounts of the joys and challenges faced by the Mission Effectiveness Team as they strive to foster an environment enriched by mentorship and community engagement. From classroom conversations to broader societal contributions, our guests illustrate how Detroit Mercy's commitment to inclusivity and social justice creates a holistic educational atmosphere that nurtures the whole person.

Join us for a heartwarming episode of "What's the Tea with Ministry" as we welcome new community members Sammy Eckrich and Becky Vires. Sammy, with her vibrant passion for education and eco-theology, takes on the role of University Minister for Service and Justice, connecting faith with action. Meanwhile, Becky, fresh from her college journey, channels her enthusiasm for social justice as Associate University Minister, fostering a spirit of service and intentional community. Sharing a cozy cup of tea—a tradition inspired by Catherine McCauley—we get to know these inspiring individuals who enrich our university with their perspectives and dedication.

As the festive season approaches, we share treasured Advent and Christmas memories, reflecting on the spiritual depth of this special time. Advent becomes more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a journey of stillness, anticipation, and the joy of incarnation. We reminisce about building a giant caterpillar snowman and the thrill of early Christmas mornings, savoring the magic of family togetherness. These stories are not just nostalgia—they're a reminder of the love and hope that the season brings, resonating with the themes of Mary’s journey and the quiet magic of winter.

The holiday fun continues with a lively discussion on unique Christmas traditions and a festive trivia game. Discover the quirky origins of the Christmas pickle and spider, the kiddie table conundrum, and the mystery of Santa's unwrapped gifts. Test your knowledge of Advent/Christmas trivia, from Gaudete Sunday to classic holiday films, and uncover surprising facts about beloved traditions. Through laughter and shared stories, we create a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the joy and wonder of the season, offering inspiration for your own holiday celebrations.

Can a simple cup of tea create a stronger sense of connection and wellness? Join us for an intriguing conversation with Sydney Gordinier and Anasia Staley as they share their journeys in promoting wellness at the University of Detroit Mercy. Sydney, an experienced nurse practitioner, and Anasia, a dedicated fourth-year nursing student, bring their unique perspectives to a dialogue that covers everything from mental health awareness to financial wellness resources. Experience the warmth and community fostered by the tradition of offering tea, a practice rooted in the values of Catherine Macaulay and the Sisters of Mercy.

Discover a wealth of resources designed to support both students and staff in achieving mental, physical, financial, and social well-being. From financial aid and the Catholic Credit Union to free therapy sessions and the Wellness Center's expanded health services, there's something for everyone striving for balance among the seven wellness principles. Listen as we discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in minority communities, and the generational shifts in addressing these challenges. Sydney and Anasia offer valuable insights into the dynamics of campus wellness, encouraging all to take that vital first step in seeking support.

Reflecting on the mission and values of the University of Detroit Mercy, Sydney and Anasia share personal stories that highlight the impact of community and service on their lives. Anasia recounts how her engagement with Detroit's community shaped her education, while Sydney speaks to the powerful connections fostered on campus. This episode is not just about resources and awareness but also about the transformative power of service, kindness, and community in both personal and professional realms. Join us as we celebrate the contributions of these inspiring individuals who are championing a culture of wellness on campus.

Discover how the Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) at the University of Detroit Mercy is transforming Detroit's food landscape through Community collaboration and student-led initiatives. What if students could spearhead a movement that reshapes a community's relationship with food? Hear from Chelsea, the passionate program manager, and Serena, an inspiring student leader, as they share how TENN's mission to address food justice and sustainability is making a tangible impact in Detroit. From battling food insecurity to overcoming challenges like transportation and the lack of affordable grocery stores, TENN's collaborative efforts with local partners are paving the way for a more food-just city.

Chelsea and Serena open up about their personal journeys from being unaware of food insecurity issues to becoming fervent advocates for change. This episode highlights the transformative power of food as an essential human need and a unifying force within communities. TENN's community-centered approach is brought to life with heartwarming stories of garden picnics and produce deliveries, emphasizing the importance of community input and engagement in shaping effective solutions. The richness of shared experiences underscores the vital role of collaboration and the profound impact of providing access to healthy food.

Explore how Detroit Mercy students are finding their niche within TENN's garden initiative and connecting with the university's mission of service and cultural diversity. Serena's path from home gardening during the pandemic to leading TENN activities is a testament to students' meaningful contributions to their community. Chelsea and Serena also reflect on their personal interests, like the joy of backpacking and the sentimental value of stuffed animals, weaving together a narrative of connection and fulfillment. As you listen, you'll be inspired by the vibrant community engagement and how TENN's work not only nurtures gardens but also cultivates a stronger, more connected Detroit.