The University of Detroit Mercy has a long and proud heritage as a major institution of higher education in the city of Detroit. The University�s heritage is traced to its predecessor institutions: University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and Mercy College of Detroit, founded in 1941 by the Sisters of Mercy Detroit Regional Community. In 1990, the University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit consolidated to form the University of Detroit Mercy.

As the new millennium begins, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the University�s past. The year 2001 marks the 60th anniversary of the heritage of Mercy College of Detroit and the year 2002 highlights the heritage of University of Detroit�s 125th anniversary. These important milestones coincide with a major landmark for the city of Detroit—its 300th anniversary.

As the earliest institution of higher education still located in Detroit, the University played an important role in meeting the educational needs of a major urban city—and it continues that role today. The University of Detroit opened its doors to educate the developing city�s lawyers and engineers in downtown Detroit on Jefferson Avenue. Mercy College of Detroit was established in northwest Detroit to educate teachers and nurses for area schools and hospitals. Early on, the University realized the need to combine classroom knowledge with practical, hands-on application; in 1911, the University created a cooperative educational program, the third oldest in the nation, to provide students with real world experience as part of their education. Today, more than 200 area employers participate in the co-op program for student placements. Over the years, as needs changed, the University�s programs expanded to meet the education and career needs of area residents.

Alumni of U of D, Mercy College or UDM can be proud of their school�s invaluable contribution to the metro Detroit area as it prepares graduates to lead and serve their communities.