Born in Rome, Italy, and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, new U of D Jesuit staff member Tania Macioce brings a whole new dimension of talent and experience to the communications department this year.
Tania joins U of D as the new graphic design and social media specialist. She takes pictures for social media, designs advertisements, and runs many of U of D’s socials. Tania attended the University of Notre Dame, where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts. The job at U of D appealed to Tania because she, “finally wanted to use my talents for a place where I believe in their mission.” She worked at the Mars advertising agency, with clients such as Campbell’s Soup and Mars candy, for more than two decades. She felt her passion and talent were being wasted there, so she looked elsewhere. At U of D, she can support education and service as she has always wanted to, at the school her two sons attended. Tania’s two boys show her, “the benefits of U of D” firsthand.
Outside of school, Tania is still an avid soccer player, as she was in her high school and college days. Along with playing in adult leagues, she also coaches at Mercy High School, her alma mater. She also loves to, “paint, create art, and support my boys.” Family and friends are paramount to Tania’s life. Her family life is rooted in deep Italian traditions, such as with her favorite food, timballo. Timballo is an Italian baked pasta dish shaped like a dome. It has been a “delicious family tradition” for her, especially since it is “so hard to make.” Part of the tradition is coming together and crafting the timballo as a family.
Friendship has similarly been a big part of Tania’s life. Her fondest childhood memories are of her experiences with her close friends. She recalls how in high school, her friend group would “take over the bio lab” at Mercy and turn it into a spot “where you could always find your friends.” Even in their free time, her friends would stay after school and hang out in the lab. Her favorite class in school was art with Sister Marie. She described Sr. Marie as “super creative… always found a way for you to express yourself through your art.” Marie was one of her greatest inspirations in pursuing an art career. She established her values and priorities early, as she went on Appalachia service trips every year at Mercy High School. She was a captain and leader of the soccer team, and she participated in every service project she could. This is why she was drawn to a place like U of D, which prioritizes forming Men for Others.
Her best qualities are her work ethic, adaptability, and decisiveness. She will continue to bring these qualities to her work at U of D. Tania is a great addition to the U of D Jesuit community, and if you see her, please give her your best welcome! She will surely appreciate it.
