The third "Roundball Luncheon" of the season concluded Friday, but this was not your ordinary pre-game booster session.  Sure, we still got to hear Titan head coach Ray McCallum talk about his team and what they expect heading into a big game with reigning Horizon League-champ and NCAA finalist Butler, but Friday's event was more about giving back for a woman who has given so much to University of Detroit Mercy.

UDM lost a dear friend and long-time beloved colleague last summer. Kathy Bush, who most recently served as associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Education, passed away July 20, 2010.

For nearly three decades, Kathy was the face of UDM to many students, parents, and alumni. A three-time graduate of the University of Detroit, with an A.B. in History and Political Science (1977), an M.A. in History (1982), and an M.A. in Education (1985), she went off to explore a bit of the world after her undergraduate years. She worked at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., taught at Southwestern High School in Detroit, and served at Maryhouse in New York City. Returning to the University three decades ago, Kathy worked as an admissions counselor and director of the Challenge Program, as director of University Academic Services, and, most recently, as the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Education. While she was the director of UAS, the office won awards from the State of Michigan, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and ACT for its work with challenged undergraduate students. Kathy was also the moderator for UDM's Ask the Professor radio show.

Her special love was with the Titan athletic teams and she was a huge basketball fan.  She cheered on the Titans on the court, but also mentored the athletes in the classroom and their personal lives.  Friday, Coach McCallum shared stories of men who credited Kathy with helping them be where they are today-- as UDM graduates.

Kathy's mother, sister and nephew were all present and delighted when Coach McCallum presented a Detroit Titan jersey with the patch sewn-on to Kathy's mother, Elizabeth.  You could see the appreciation in their eyes and in talking with the family following the event, they wanted to make sure Kathy's spot at Calihan Hall remained filled.  They had planned to sit in Kathy's normal perch and do their part in cheering the Titans to a homecoming win against Valparaiso Sunday afternoon.

Special thanks to Dino's of Ferndale-- who provided a tasty meal, Sodexho for room set-up and breakdown and Titan Athletics for providing beverages and donating patches so that all proceeds could go directly to the scholarship fund.  Butler head coach Brad Stevens was kind enough to drop by and say a few words as well.