2024-25 Titan Athletic Club Board of Directors

President
David Fitch

About My Family: Married to Janice with two children. Nicole graduated from Detroit’s College of Business Administration in 2018 and with her MBA in 2019. She spent several years fencing Sabre on Detroit Mercy’s fencing team. Brandon graduated from UDM with a degree in Robotic and Mechatronic Systems Engineering. We are all avid UDM basketball fans!

Occupation: Retired Commercial Loan Group Manager and Senior Vice President

Education: Marketing degree from University of Detroit in 1979 and MBA from U-D in 1983

How Long Have You Been a Titan: I attended UDM in 1975 and started going to Basketball games when Dick Vitale was the Coach. I became a season ticket holder and joined the Titan Club in 1983 and joined the Cal Club in 1996. I was a member of the College of Business Administration Alumni Board from 2003-2006. I have been an active member of the College of Business Administration Advisory Board since 2009.

Favorite "Fan" Moment In Titan Athletics: Watching the Men’s Basketball team beat UCLA in 1999 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis.

Vice President
Bob Rogowski

Occupation/Education: Retired, most recently served as Administrative Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan / B.A. in Political Science (1977) and M.A. in Public Administration (1979), both degrees from the University of Detroit.

How Long Have You Been A Titan Fan: I used to listen to Titan basketball games on the radio during my high school years, but didn’t attend a game on campus until I enrolled at U-D in 1973. My first game sitting in the bleachers coincided with Dick Vitale’s debut as head coach. I’ve been hooked ever since and guesstimate that I’ve attended more than 600 games at venerable Calihan Hall.

Favorite Moment In Titan Athletics: From my senior year, traveling with hundreds of fellow students in a caravan of buses headed down to Rupp Arena to watch the Sweet 16 matchup between U-D and #1-ranked Michigan (3/17/77).

Summary of activities involving Detroit Mercy: I currently volunteer as a Career Advisor at the school’s Center for Career & Professional Development. I’ve been a longtime representative on the College of Liberal Arts & Education Alumni Council (served as President 2008-10). Previously served six years on the Titan Club board. Loyal supporter of the Theatre Company. Participated in special working groups that helped plan the University's 125th anniversary celebration and UDM’s participation in the City of Detroit’s tricentennial "Detroit 300" observance. Recently assisted the Library archivist in a project that helped systematically organize a collection of Titan basketball game programs and other memorabilia.

Greg Marzec
Secretary of the Board

Education: B.S. Computer Information Systems from Detroit Mercy in 2017

Occupation: Digital Sales Specialist at Bosch Rexroth

How Long Have You Been A Titan Fan: I transferred to Detroit Mercy after my freshman year in 2014 to become a member of the men’s lacrosse team. I was a member of the team from 2014-2017. I was a member of the Detroit Athletic Director and MAAC Academic Honor Roll, the MAAC All-Academic Team, as well as the Titan in the Academic Excellence Award. Additionally, I earned the All-American Athlete Award from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the Won the Larry Bleach Award and was Co-President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee in 2017.

Favorite "Fan" Moment In Titan Athletics: Attending the Detroit Mercy basketball games and getting the Buddys Pizza deal after the Titans scored enough points for free pizza!

What Made You Want To Become An Elected Member Of The Titan Athletic Club Board: Wanting to give back to the University that gave me such a great opportunity.

Titan Club Appreciation Dinner Chairman
Bryan Wollenweber

Occupation: I currently work in the automotive industry as an advertising buyer. I work mostly with local ad agencies to support the brands I work with.

Favorite Fan Moment in Titan Athletics: My favorite moments date back to the 80's watching the Titan basketball team take down Bradley and Memphis in front of sell out crowds at Calihan Hall

How Long have you been a Titan Fan? I guess you could say I was born into Titan athletics. I grew up going to and watching Titan basketball throughout the 80's and 90's. While I did not attend the University, I have always had an affinity for the university and its athletics.

Joe Berkowski

Occupation/Education: CFO Argent International, an automotive supplier / B.S. in Management Science, 1973 MBA in Accounting, 1975

Family: Married to Ina Fernandez. Two children and three grandchildren.

How long have you been a Titan: The Berkowski family has had a long involvement with Titan Athletics. Joe Sr. became Registrar in 1952. I recall as a youngster visiting his office on Saturdays and being greeted by the likes of Bob Calihan, Brendan McNamara, and Bob Miller, stopping by to check on the academic progress of their student-athletes. Our family has had season tickets for decades.

Most Memorable: Getting an autographed picture from Dave Debusschere inscribed, “To Joey and Billy Berkowski. Study hard and be a good sport.”

Most Exciting: December 13, 1975. While in Peoria to see the Titans play Bradley in front of a rowdy, sold out house, Bob Calihan had me sit on the bench with the team. We managed to take the lead at halftime, and were pelted with popcorn and mostly empty cups as we ran under the stands to the locker room. Tyler and Long were really enjoying the attention!

Mike McGill

Occupation: Owner of Apartment Cabinets & Countertops, Inc., multi-family remodeling and owner of Enniskerry Marketing Corp., representing the manufacturer of cabinet hardware and stainless steel sinks.

Favorite “Fan” Moment: My brother was a freshman at U of D in the fall of 1968. He was living at Reno Hall and Spencer Haywood lived across the hall. I was still in high school and was following U of D very closely. I remember that I went to the game against St. Bonaventure and never saw Memorial Building more packed than that night. I had to take a seat on the stairs. Spencer had just come back from the Olympics with a gold metal and U of D was rated in the top 10 at the beginning of the year. Bob Lanier, a future Piston All Star, was leading the Bonnies. It was a great game with Haywood and Lanier battling back-and-forth. We did end up winning and from that night on I have been a Titan fan! Then there’s always the Marquette game in March 1978!

What Made You Want To Become A Board Member: Being on the board affords me the opportunity to have a hands on experience with Titan athletics, and enables me to give back to the University.

Tom Buysse

About My Family: My wife Chiara and children Autumn (13) and Luciana (4). My dad Roger too whom the softball field is named after (Buysse Ballpark).

Occupation: Publisher and owner of The Fourth Seacoast Publishing Co. Inc.

Favorite "Fan" Moment In Titan Athletics: Beating St. Johns in the United Center and applauding the team at the hotel upon its return, and then celebrating with other supporters at the Hotel bar.

What Made You Want To Become An Elected Member Of The Titan Athletic Club Board: My marketing skills and my love for the program and the University.

Lori Caloia

Occupation: Physician, Medical Director at Humana

Family:  Spouse Jeffrey (Jeff) Ray and son Jacob Ray (future Titan!?!)

How Long Have You Been A Titan Fan:  My love for the Titans began in 1992, when my sister became a Titan Softball player, and continued in 1996 when I joined the softball team.

Favorite Moment in Titan Athletics: Scoring the winning run from second base on a passed ball against Michigan State. (I always root for the underdog), playing in the opening softball game at Walt Disney Wide World of Sports, and becoming the (then) Midwestern Collegiate Conference runner up (1998).

What Made You Want to Become a Board Member: Looking back, it is easy to see all of the ways that I have benefited from my own collegiate athletic years. I would not be who I am today without the encouragement I received from my coaches, administrative staff, and the faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy.  From working with a team, to learning how to manage my time with school, sports, and extracurricular activities, to finding mentors that helped me along the way. I am grateful in so many ways.  I only hope I can pay forward a tiny bit of what I have received!

Joe Godell

Occupation: Retired from the Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Detroit in 1981

About My Family: Married to my wife Chris for 27 years. My son, Cameron, graduated from Oakland
University and daughter Meghan, who plays lacrosse, will graduate from Detroit Mercy in December 2020.
I have three sisters and a brother and all of my sisters graduated from U-D as did my three brothers-in-law’s.

Favorite Moment In Titan Athletics: Anytime the Titans have hosted an opponent that drew
over 6,000 fans coming through the doors at Calihan Hall

Robert Gorczycki

About My Family: My wife Jane and I have been married for over 30 years and have attended Titan games
beginning with our dating years.

Occupation: Retired from Pepsico. Currently work part time for an estate sale company.

Education: B.B.A. (Management) 1991 from U of D.

How Long Have You been a Titan Fan: Attended many games while I was a student in the 1980's.

Favorite Fan Moments: Going to road games especially the bus trips. I have been to over 45 Division 1 arenas watching our Titans. I have met many great people - some who have turned into good friends. Jane and I have planned many vacation destinations around Titan road games.

Rick Neaton

Education:  A.B. 1972, JD, 1976, University of Detroit

Family:  married to Karen for 47 years.  4 siblings all graduated from UofD.  My paternal grandfather graduated from Detroit College in 1898 with an M.A. in English.

Occupation: President, Rivershore Investment Research, Inc., Managing Member, Rivershore Capital Partners, LLC.

Favorite Fan Moments:  In 1968, watching Haywood break the backboard vs Aquinas and then turn around in a few weeks and edge St. Bonaventure at a jam packed Calihan Hall. Defeating #2 Marquette 70-49 at Calihan in 1972.  Crushing Michigan at Calihan 70-59 and then two weeks later beating MSU in OT in 1973.  Wins at Marquette and over #8 Arizona in 1976-77 season.  Greg Wendt at the buzzer over Dayton in 1985.  Defeating #4 Memphis in 1985. Archie Tullos leading the last place Titans to the finals of the 1988 MCC tournament.  NCAA wins over UCLA and St. Johns in consecutive years in 1998-99.  Our NIT run in 2001.  Watching Ray Sr and Jr hug each other after beating Valpo in 2012 to win the league tourney.  Watching our 2020-21 Titans shock the experts and go 11-3 to finish the season.

What Made You Want to be a Board Member:  I had served on the Board in the late 1980s.  I want to help the Titan Club take the lead in restoring our Athletic program and, especially our flagship sport, men’s basketball.  A highly competitive and winning flagship sport helps increase applications for admissions by new students and can provide additional funds to help improve our other sports teams and their facilities.

Jim Rutkowski

Occupation: Retired President/Owner of HR ONE, INC. – Human Resources Consulting

Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (1973) and three years of graduate education in School Psychology

How Long Have You Been A Titan Fan: I became a fan while attending college during the 1970s and became a season ticket holder and Titan Club Member in 1973. I became a C.A.L. Club member in 2012.

Favorite Moment(s) in Titan Athletics: The triple overtime victory over Michigan State University at Cobo Hall in November of 1996 was probably one of the most exciting games that I have ever attended. However, the victory over The University of Michigan at Crisler Arena is a close second. Finally, even though we lost, traveling to Louisville, Kentucky for our Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1977 was also a very memorable experience.

Brian Thelan

Education: B.S. Marketing, 1979, University of Detroit; M.B.A. Finance, 1983, University of Detroit; M.A. Economics, 1988, University of Detroit

Employment: US Army Tank Automotive and armaments Command (TACOM), Tactical Vehicles Contracting Branch Chief

History with Titan Athletics: Season Ticket-holder for 35 years, Member of Titan/CAL Club for 35 years and former Titan Club Board Member

Family: Married with two children who are both graduates of the University of Detroit Mercy

Hank Durkin

Occupation: I spent 22 years working for The Charlotte (NC) Observer in the newsroom and managing computer systems. Microsoft recruited me in 1998 as a Technical Account Manager and I worked there for 20 years until retirement.

Education: Class of ’73 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

How Long Have You Been A Titan Fan: I lived in the dorms during my four years and went to every home basketball games. I was Editor of the Varsity News and attended the press conference when Dick Vitale was named the basketball coach. I live in North Carolina, which afforded few chances to attend games, but since the early 2000s I have attended just about every Titan sporting event of every sport within a couple hundred miles of my home. For the past couple of seasons I have been supporting the softball team, which spends “spring training” in North Carolina and I attend about 10-12 softball games year.

Favorite Moment(s) in Titan Athletics: #1 The Titans’ upset win over the Marquette Warriors, who were ranked #2 at the time. I sat behind the visitors’ bench in Calihan and razzed Marquette Coach Al McGuire. #2 The Titans fencing squad won the NCAA National Championship in 1972. #3 Meeting Spencer Haywood in the Titan Club Room when his number was retired a few years ago.

Dan Schneble

Education: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering 1972, Master in Business Administration 1975.

Employment: Retired Program Manger Ford Motor Company. Spent 46 years in Product Development and worked on multiple vehicle programs; the most notable the Taurus/Sable. Led the “411” Team that redesigned Ford’s Product Development process, and was the first engineer to go to China for Ford. Also, developed Ford’s first electric bike, eGO, for Think!

History with Titan Athletics: I began at U-D in 1967 and within the first week I was a gym rat at the Memorial building (Calihan Hall). I have been attending games ever since and I am a proud member of the “Group of 18” largest bloc of season ticket holders. When I was an undergrad, I was member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and played intramurals. I have been a Titan Club member over the years and was a member of the Engineering Alumni Board when Leo Hanifin was Dean. I am presently serving on the Titan Club Golf Outing Committee.

Favorite Moment(s) in Titan Athletics: I have many. Harassing Al McGuire when he came to U of D. Watching Spencer Hayward take over and dominate a game. Larry Salci shooting free throws. Thunder and Lighting playing for Dickie V. Doug Anderson Dunking. Terry Duerod lighting them up and Antoine Davis making shoots that I didn’t think would ever go in.

Dan Kennedy

Education: BS in Criminal Justice 1989 University of Detroit

About my Family: Wife of 30 years, Jodi, 24-year-old son Zachary (proud Titan alum. 5-year MBA and Lacrosse) 21-year-old daughter Kylie (Senior at Grand Valley) Lives in Rochester Hills

Occupation: Executive Director of Sales at Flex-N-Gate (Tier 1 Automotive Supplier)

History with Titan Athletics: My father Angus Patrick Kennedy was a Titan (Business, football/basketball ’46-’50), My mother Catherine Ann Hamilton was a Titan (Teaching ’50-’52), My sister Ginny was a Mercy grad (basketball and Nursing ‘74). I played basketball for the Titans (’85-’89) and my, Son Zachary played Lacrosse for the Titans (’17-’21)

Favorite Moment(s) in Titan Athletics: When my mother and father would come watch me play and sit with my father’s Coach Bob Calihan. Walking to center field for Lacrosse senior night with my son Zachary and wife Jodi

Jeff Lanier

Education: BS in Civil Engineering at Michigan State University, 1996.

About my Family: Heather and I have been married for 22 years. Our daughter, Leila (18), just completed her first year at UDM in the business school and playing on the women’s soccer team. Our son, Jonah (16), is finishing his sophomore year at Rochester High School.

Occupation: Senior Consultant at SME. My current responsibilities include managing large scale, brownfield redevelopment projects in urban areas, securing grants and loans, and helping mentor future leaders. I also serve as a Vice Chair of ACE Mentor of Southeast Michigan, which helps inner city high school students learn about the architecture, construction, and engineering career paths.

What Made You Want to Become an Elected Member of The Titan Athletic Club Board: I want to help foster a positive culture of teamwork, family, and athletic excellence by bridging the gap between Athletics and the University. There are so many passionate people at UDM that I’ve been fortunate to work with in the past year.

Favorite Moment(s) in Titan Athletics: I could probably come up with a few historic basketball moments, but instead I’ll keep it personal. I would have to say it’s a tie between watching my daughter play her first minutes as a division 1 athlete this past season and the moment I found out she made the Horizon All-Freshman team.

Titan Athletic Club Past Presidents

Frank Kilkullin-HS-TC-President — Frank Kilkullin
1995-97

A-Mark Wollenweber-TC Past Pres- — Mark Wollenweber
1993-95

A-Rick Dammon-TC-Past Presidents — Rick Dammon
1991-93

A-Mariora Manica-Past TC President — Mariora Manica
1987-89

Doug Winkworth: 1989-91
Jim Trent: 1984-86
Phil DiMambro: 1982-84
Brian Boyle: 1980-82
Arnie Mistura: 1979-80
Tom McGann: 1977-79
Bill Ebben: 1976-77
Stan Bartnicki: 1974-76
Fred Smith: 1972-74
Robert Rutt: 1970-72
John Lubeck: 1968-70
Ken Elliott: 1966-68
Gerry Diehl 1965-66