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John Grant, Chair
Grant@emteegee.org

Tom Szczepanski, Chair
Tom.Sz.Det@gmail.com

Frank Brady, Chair WUJA Congress
fjbradyjr@gmail.com

Fr. Gary Wright, SJ, Jesuit Liaison
wrightgr@udmercy.edu

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Upcoming Events

Carrying forth the Ignatian tradition at UDM

Featured Speaker:
Fr. Simon Hendry, SJ
Director of Catholic Studies
University of Detroit Mercy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
11:30 a.m.

University of Detroit Mercy
Student Union Ballroom
4001 West McNichols Road
Detroit, Michigan

Join Jesuit friends and alumni for a winter luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at University of Detroit Mercy. Fr. Si Hendry, SJ, will speak on “Carrying forth the Ignatian tradition at UDM” and how this tradition is woven into the very fabric of the community, fostering a culture of holistic development and ethical leadership. As Director of the Catholic Studies program at UDM and former Superior of the Detroit Jesuit community, Fr. Hendry will complement his talk with a moderated discussion with students and faculty who will speak from their experience about how Ignatian spirituality, with its tradition of finding God in all things and a commitment to being “people with and for others”, offers a practical and adaptable path to making a positive impact on the world.

“A few years ago, when we rethought our core curriculum, we wanted to make sure that our entire educational approach reflected the values of a Jesuit and Mercy education, Fr. Hendry noted. “Faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to make Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, deepen their relationship with God, and exercise reflection and discernment. We wanted Ignatian and Mercy values to permeate the curriculum, adding themes of spirituality, personal development and social justice as required learning outcomes.” Fr. Hendry added: “Our community-engaged

learning program focuses on involvement in and collaboration with local communities as a framework for learning rather than just for service.”

The UDM platform integrates intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development by promoting academic excellence, transformative learning, and holistic well-being for everyone in our community. “We encourage students and faculty alike to reflect and discern, to think and act justly, and to use their gifts in compassionate service to others, thus promoting a meaningful vision of faith, reason, and social responsibility,” Fr. Hendry said.

Program Details:
11:30 a.m. – Doors open (check-in and registration)
12:00 p.m. – Lunch begins
12:15 p.m. – Program begins 

Speaker Bio
Fr. Simon (Si) Hendry, SJ, teaches courses in Catholicism, Catholic Church history and spirituality. His research interests include spirituality and social justice. Hendry served as Superior of the Jesuit Community at Detroit Mercy from 2010 to 2016 and has held leadership positions in the Spirituality section of the Catholic Theological Society of America. His Ph.D. dissertation was titled Ruined for Life: The Spirituality of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and he received his doctorate in theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, focusing on spirituality and sociology. Before coming to Detroit Mercy in 2007, Hendry directed the Jesuit Center at Loyola University of New Orleans. He is a moderator of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. He is a co-author of Using Principles of Catholic Social Thought to Evaluate Business Activities, Journal of Catholic Social Thought, 10.1, Winter 2013, 155-177.

Registration is required. Please RSVP below by February 5, 2026.

Past Events

Transforming Business: Ignatian Values at the Heart & Soul of Success

On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, Fr. Nicholas Santos, SJ, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, shared how Ignatian values can transform leadership and redefine success in both business and life. Drawing on his global experience and Jesuit formation, Fr. Santos explored the Jesuit paradigm for business education and emphasized themes of purpose-driven leadership, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. He encouraged attendees to lead with heart and soul, creating success that uplifts both their organizations and the broader community.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Fr. Jake Martin, SJ joined Jesuit friends and alumni in Detroit for an evening of comedy fused with Ignatian spirituality. Fr.Mark Luedtke, SJ, was the co-host of the event held at Detroit Shipping Company.

"What is a Jesuit Brother Anyway?"

On March 26, 2025, Br. James J. Boynton, SJ, president of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, spoke about the role of Jesuit brothers in the Church today. Since the founding of the Society of Jesus, brothers have played a vital role, but their contributions are often less understood. Br. Boynton shared his insights on their vocation, mission, and impact, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for their work within the Jesuit community and beyond. Watch the event video below.

Advancing Care for our Common Home in Jesuit Universities

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Dr. Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD, Founding Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago, gave a JFAN talk discussing how Pope Francis and the Society of Jesus are calling us to action to protect our shared planet and how Jesuit universities across the country are leading the way. This talk explored Loyola University Chicago’s sustainability successes as a case study and shared what each of us can do to advance the cause. View Gesu Church and School’s environmental accomplishments here. Watch the event video below.

Finding God in All Things (...sometimes through the eyes of others)

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Tom Szczepanski, executive officer of Angel’s Place, gave a JFAN talk about how sometimes it takes the eyes of others to open your own. Watch the event video below.

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, PhD, current associate professor of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, gave a JFAN talk entitled “Sport, Human Flourishing and the Common Good: Opportunities and Challenges Today.” Watch the full video below