Detroit — More than 300 freshmen at the University of Detroit Mercy got their college careers off to a bright and early start Aug. 24-25.

As part of the Jesuit- and Mercy-run university’s freshman orientation, UDM students took to the streets in the adjacent Fitzgerald neighborhood to clean up sidewalks, stencil dilapidated houses and plant community gardens in an effort to spruce up the northwest Detroit neighborhood.

The project is part of the university’s ongoing collaboration with the city of Detroit and local organizations in revitalizing the area around McNichols and Livernois (6 Mile).

“This project introduces students to the mission of the university. We want to be distinguished for having students who lead and serve,” said Fr. Tim Hipskind, SJ, director of service learning in the Institute of Leadership and Service at UDM. “Second, projects like these show we’re in Detroit by choice. We want the students to get a taste of Detroit from the beginning. Dr. (Antoine) Garibaldi, (university president), has made it a high priority from the start to have UDM be a part of the revitalization of Detroit.”

Three hundred and forty-seven freshmen cleared and stenciled 74 dilapidated houses in the neighborhood, cleared eight alleyways, raised four community gardens and surveyed sidewalks in need of repair for the city.

In addition to providing a service-learning opportunity, the project offers the university a chance to show neighborly support to the surrounding community.

“Everyone in the community looks up to the university,” said Jillian Grabowski, a Clinton Township native and senior biology major. “They love hearing about UDM, so it’s important for us to reach out to them, showing that we’re in the community when they need us, because they’re so supportive of us.”