FALL 2021

Introducing our 13th President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D.

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Inside this issue: Re-envisioning the Motherhouse P. 4 Historic graduation season P. 12 Legendary Coach Schaetzle to retire P. 19 The Centennial Countdown P. 23

1 A Message from Chair NeCastro

There are some strange things about serving as an interim university president. Take this column, for instance. It’s my frst chance to address the Lastly, the Mercyhurst Mercyhurst community in this forum, and it’s also my last. Although this community always looks is such an unusual role, it’s been one of the most engaging and inspiring to the future with a sense chapters in my professional and personal life. of optimism. This is an infectious quality, one that As I write these words, I’m happily anticipating the arrival of our new makes all of the hard work president, Dr. Kathleen Getz. And by the time you read them, she will have we do feel justifed and assumed the presidency. This period of waiting gives me a chance to refect meaningful. Presiding at on the last six months and all that has transpired. commencement gave me a When I began this brief journey, my goal was simply to keep the trains true sense of this excitement for the future, and for what we do and why we running. I wanted to help us all to move beyond the uncertainty of a change do it. We prepare our students for the future, and there is almost nothing so in leadership and to encourage this team of professionals to get back to important. Further, a presidential search is all about the future, and we’ve what they do best — provide an outstanding college experience for those selected a leader who will help us achieve our vision for that future. I feel this lucky enough to pass through our gates. optimism and excitement from one end of campus to the other. But the world of higher education, and at Mercyhurst in particular, stands As we look ahead toward our second century, we are fully aware that our still for no one, interim or not. There was much to be done, and every day work is never done. Dr. Getz will have no shortage of opportunities and brought new opportunities and challenges for the occupant of the ofce of challenges to manage. But she will inherit a rich tradition founded in the the president. In these moments, I learned more about Mercyhurst than I Mercy Mission, a history of successful innovation, and a talented and had learned in my prior 46-year afliation with the school. hard-working team to make her successful. I have every confdence that Here are the three most important things I’ve learned. Mercyhurst will thrive under her leadership and that we are well positioned for the next 100 years. First, and this probably goes without saying, there is something really special about this place. One of our Core Values states that we are “compassionately Let me close by thanking everyone for your warm welcome, your hospitable.” I was warmly welcomed to the university and to my interim role unfagging support and your hard work. A special thanks to the cabinet, by everyone I met. More importantly, we welcome everyone in this way, and who pulled together in a time of uncertainty and transition and continued it leaves a lasting impression — on students, families, staf, and faculty. This to move Mercyhurst forward; and to my assistant, Stacey, for taking on the is truly a great place to call home. As you welcome Dr. Getz to her new home, difcult task of trying to make me look good. I am proud to have been a I’m certain that you’ll make her feel this sense of hospitality as well. member of this team. Second, we are part of a community that embraces hard work. Our mission In anticipation of my return to the board, I look forward to watching our statement says that we have an “appreciation for the dignity of work and a progress, and will do so with pride, afection, and a belief that the best is yet commitment to serving others.”The people at Mercyhurst live this every day. to come. Please know that serving as the interim president of Mercyhurst Every time I asked someone to take on additional work or a special project University has been one of the greatest honors of my life. or to help me work through a difcult situation, they accepted the challenge without hesitation. In Gratitude, Rather than let COVID-19 waylay graduation plans for our students, we planned and executed fve diferent socially distanced commencement exercises over one weekend. We made great strides in our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, we continued to renew campus facilities, and even forged some new partnerships along the way. And, lest we forget, Joseph G. NeCastro we successfully concluded the search for a new president! Chair, Mercyhurst University Board of Trustees

ON THE COVER: ’ Meet Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., who assumed her duties as Mercyhurst's 13th president on July 12, 2021. A formal investiture will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2. Complete details will be posted to the university s inauguration webpage at mercyhurst.edu/inauguration. (Photo by Leena M. Clint ‘16) ’

2 Mercyhurst Magazine is a publication of the Ofce of Marketing and Public Relations.

Magazine Editors Deborah W. Morton [email protected] 814-824-2552 Sean Cuneo [email protected] 814-824-2118

Design Leena M. Clint ‘16 [email protected] 814-824-3677

Contributing Writers Kristian Biega ’20 Brandon Boyd Craig Butler Susan Hurley Corbran ’73 Inside this issue Deborah W. Morton Contributing Photographers 2 Brandon Boyd Craig Butler MERCYHURST WELCOMES Leena M. Clint ’16 NEW PRESIDENT Lauren Esper Read a profle of President Getz as she describes her Ben Friesen vision and message of hope. Ed Mailliard Deborah W. Morton

4 Director of Alumni Engagement THROUGHOUT TIME, Lindsay Cox Frank ’12 ’14M [email protected] THERE FOR EACH OTHER 814-824-2330 University, Sisters of Mercy seek path forward on future of Mercy Motherhouse. Director of Annual Giving Mitchell Marsh ‘20 [email protected] 12 814-824-3625 MERCYHURST CELEBRATES HISTORIC GRADUATION SEASON Send changes of address to:

Read how Mercyhurst marked graduation for the Alumni Relations Classes of 2020 and 2021. Mercyhurst University 501 East 38th Street 6 University Prepares New 23 Historic Memorabilia Sought Erie, PA 16546 Home for Nursing in Countdown to Centennial [email protected] 7 Bidding Farewell to 24 Remembering Them Fondly St. Mary’s Chapel 25 Police Academy Graduate If you haven’ t been receiving the 8 MIAC Ushers in Star-Studded Season Strives to ‘Be the Change’ bi-monthly Alumni eNewsletter, 9 Welcome Newcomers 26 An Educator Ahead of Her Time Mercyhurst does not have an active email address for you. Visit 10 Project Celebrates Rich Heritage of 27 New Partnership Takes mercyhurst.edu/alumni/update to African Americans in Erie Cyber to Next Level update your information and reconnect. 16 Grads Pave Way for New Generation 28 Admissions Introduces of Financial Analysts New Regional Rep Initiative We’d love to hear from you! 18 Athletics — From Tourneys 29 Alumni Adventures in to Triumphs Ireland & Africa Send your story ideas, suggestions and 22 Artist Proves You’re Never Too Old 30 Class Notes comments to [email protected]. to Follow Your Dreams 1 Kathleen Getz named 13th president of Mercyhurst University By Deborah W. Morton

Dr. Kathleen A. Getz assumed the ofce of Mercyhurst University’s 13th president on July 12, 2021, with a level of self-confdence that belied her calm, almost serene demeanor.

“I may not have been the best president for Mercyhurst at diferent times in its history, but I believe I am now,” she said in an interview last summer. “I think the partnering of Kathy Getz and Mercyhurst University will make us both better.”

Getz is well known as a strategic thinker, but where she shines is in communicating her thoughts in a way that is straightforward and easily digestible. Her frst order of business is to “deeply engage” with the college community as an active listener.

From there, she thinks, “we’ll need to talk about stabilizing and growing the enrollment. We’ll want to decide which new programs we should be investing in and address opportunistic challenges like planning for our Centennial. And that’s just for starters.”

As for the proverbial “frst 100 days,” she said, “I will deem mine successful if we have a shared sense of how we are going to move forward to address our challenges and to inspire all of our stakeholders with optimism that the best is yet to come.”

Getz comes to Mercyhurst with 18 years of senior leadership experience in major business schools, including 10 years at Catholic universities. Prior to at American University from 2006 While her senior Mercyhurst, she was dean of the Sellinger School to 2011 and chair of the Department of leadership experience of Business and Management at Loyola University Management from 1999 to 2002. She also served as and many accomplishments — Maryland, a Jesuit Catholic institution whose a professor of management at all three institutions. among them being named one of Maryland’s business school is home to nearly 2,000 students, Top 100 Women for 2018 — position her well for 55 full-time faculty, and 13 full-time staf. From “As a mission-driven, servant leader, Kathy Getz Mercyhurst’s top job, it was her connection to the 2011 to 2014, she was dean of the Quinlan holds a strong record of service to students and university’s values that most appealed to her. School of Business at Loyola University Chicago, communities, of supporting and advancing the one of the largest Catholic universities in the work of the faculty, and engaging donors and “I was struck by the consonance of my own United States. alumni in the mission of her institution,” said Board values with those of Mercyhurst,” she said. of Trustees Chair Joseph G. NeCastro. “She is a “Leading people with whom I share certain core Previously, she was senior associate dean for passionate and accessible leader who we believe is values to transform the lives of students and help academic afairs at the Kogod School of Business ideally suited to lead Mercyhurst into the future.” our community seems to me to be the opportunity of a lifetime.” 2 Values, even those that may seem old-fashioned by University of Pittsburgh. She is quite familiar with today’s standards, have a special place in Getz’s life, Erie, where she and her husband, Gary, lived for MY FAVORITES starting with those instilled by her parents, Frank several years. She worked as an assistant manager and Vivian Eck, and the home they built with their and retail lending ofcer at Mellon Bank from 1981 In her frst interview with Mercyhurst fve daughters in Nisbet, Pennsylvania. to 1986. She was also a member of the St. Patrick Magazine, President Kathleen A. Getz Parish Choir and volunteered at St. Patrick’s Haven, made it clear that she intends to be They were all frst-generation college students, a homeless shelter, from 1989 to 1990. encouraged by their parents to get an education “in a relatable leader by being herself, case you ever have to work,” Getz remembered with The Getzes have taken up residence at the living an authentic life, forging positive a chuckle. They all went on to successful careers, Kern House on upper State Street, marking interactions, and inspiring others to do from teachers, to vice president of a children’s the frst time the recently acquired presidential their best. hospital, to, now, a university president. residence has been used to house a Mercyhurst president. They are the parents of one adult son, “I don’t just want to be the president; I Getz said the success she has enjoyed throughout Dietrich, who lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with his want to be a human being.” life is “grounded in the love and support of family wife, Dr. Christen Laughorn. and friends, as well as lots of optimism and In deference to that wish, President persistence.” Calling herself “a sunny-side up, glass Getz’s selection was the result of an extensive Getz agreed to share some of her is half-full kind of person,” she keeps this quote by search conducted over fve months by an favorite things: Robert Brault always close at hand: 18-member committee under the leadership of FOOD: Ice cream then-interim President NeCastro and co-chaired “Optimist: Someone who fgures by Trustees Stephen J. Fiedler and B. Scott Kern. MUSIC: Everything but rap and hip that taking a step backward after The committee included representation from the hop; rock ‘n’ roll is my go-to. I play instrumentals when I’m working because taking a step forward is not a disaster; Sisters of Mercy, Trustees, alumni, students, faculty, and staf, with guidance from nationally recognized if there are words, I start to sing along. I’m it’s a Cha-Cha.” search frm RH Perry & Associates. learning to play the mandolin and have As much as Getz looks to strengthening the become enamored with bluegrass. I often Getz succeeds Michael T. Victor, who served as say, “Alexa, play world music,” and I get university’s profle, she envisions an even bigger university president from 2015 until early 2021. picture. Her previous university work involved African, Japanese, Indian … I think it is participation in broader community issues. For part of what makes a full human being. example, she was actively engaged in the Results HOBBY: Walking; also enjoy playing the Baltimore Impact Network, a group of 150 piano and gardening. Baltimore-area leaders committed to developing and implementing an efective response to COKE or PEPSI: Oh, Coke! Baltimore’s social and economic challenges. WINE or BEER: Wine “As Mercyhurst approaches her Centennial, TRIP: Southern Spain, our work will focus on building the foundations particularly Andalusia of prosperity and justice across the greater Erie ERIE EXCURSION: Presque Isle. region, by strengthening our academic programs, I remember it with such fondness; my and creating dynamic partnerships with business, husband and I were sailors when we lived government, the Erie Catholic Diocese, in Erie. And I love to swim in the lake. non-profts, and marginalized groups across the region,” she said. BUCKET-LIST TRIP: Hungary. My husband’s heritage is Hungarian and I In beginning her tenure, Getz becomes the frst have a friend who lived there for 10 years woman to lead Mercyhurst in nearly 50 years after the fall of communism. I’ve heard so — since the 1963-1972 tenure of Sister Carolyn many wonderful things about Budapest. I Herrmann, RSM, Ph.D., who was preceded in that really want to go. role by six Sisters of Mercy, starting with Mother Borgia Egan, RSM, in the year of the university’s BOOK: Thrillers, such as those by founding, 1926. Robert Ludlum THEATRE PERFORMANCE: Les Although honored to be joining the ranks of the university’s esteemed female leaders, she doesn’t Miserables (drama) and Much Ado see the distinction as defning. “I don’t think my About Nothing (comedy) strengths lie in being a woman, but in being my SPORT: Hockey own person … likewise, I don’t just want to be the PIECE OF ADVICE: Be true to president; I want to be a human being.” yourself and your values. Getz earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from Gannon University, and a doctorate in Business Environment and Public Policy from the

3 Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst University: Throughout time, there for each other

For nearly 100 years, the Sisters of Mercy Mercyhurst University, meanwhile, is Presently, the university is operating under and the Mercyhurst University community experiencing the inverse, needing more space a short-term lease arrangement with the have thrived in symbiotic association, there to accommodate academic initiatives. Sisters until a formal sale can be completed. for each other through life’s many changes Realizing that this day might come, Mercyhurst Mercyhurst already leases some residential and challenges. and the Sisters entered into a formal space at the Motherhouse; 18 students were The Sisters founded Mercyhurst in 1926 and, for agreement four years ago to establish a path living there at the end of the 2020-2021 many years, not only assumed its leadership, forward for the university’s future purchase academic year. but stafed its classrooms and ofces, guiding of the Motherhouse building. Following the “Committed to good stewardship of buildings it into an era of growth and prosperity. By 2016, university’s Board of Trustees meeting in and property and recognizing that unoccupied only two Sisters worked at the university full February 2021, steps were taken to move space is available in the Motherhouse, the time, and by 2018, there remained just fve ahead on its option to buy the Motherhouse Sisters in Erie are grateful that Mercyhurst Sisters serving as part-time staf, prompting the and allocate funds for renovations. University will share portions of this facility,” university to establish new initiatives to ensure The renovations are consistent with the said Sister Patricia Whalen, RSM, Leadership the Sisters’ legacy remained a guiding force. university’s announcement in 2019 that, in Team, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, New Now, an imposing reality has drawn consolidating with its North East campus, it York Pennsylvania West Community. “The them together again. Like most groups of would make a multimillion-dollar investment university is a beloved educational ministry. women religious in the United States, the in facilities upgrades on its Erie campus, Sharing university programs in this building is Sisters of Mercy are experiencing a decline in particularly in the form of high-tech labs not only a natural ft, but also will beneft numbers as their members age. As a result, and classrooms for its expansive health care both groups.” the Mercy Motherhouse, just up the hill programming. Many of those upgrades are In shaping the transition, two ministries that from the university at 444 East Grandview designated for the Motherhouse, where had been housed at the Motherhouse — the Boulevard, is underutilized. At one time, the renovations began last spring and will continue Mercy Center of the Arts and Mercy Hilltop Motherhouse housed 68 Sisters; now there are until year’s end so they are ready for students in Center — have relocated to other locations. 17 in residence. January 2022. Mercy Terrace Apartments will remain on site.

4 Besides these three, the Sisters also sponsor a number of other ministries locally, among them Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Mercy Center for Women, and the House of Mercy. Further, any agreement, now or in the future, ensures that the Sisters will continue to live in the Motherhouse and that all of their space needs, including worship, community, ofce, dining, and infrmary, will be accommodated. “We cherish our longstanding bond with the Sisters,” said Mercyhurst Vice President for Mission Dr. Greg Baker. “Amid this transition, we remain indebted to and grateful for the Sisters and their steadfast and generous support of the university.” The Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, arrived in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1870, where they taught the children of oil drillers, later expanding new ministries throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. They arrived in Erie in 1917 to staf Holy Family School and, in 1926, founded Mercyhurst. In 1968, they relocated to the new Motherhouse on East Grandview. The university, meanwhile, is deeply committed to the legacy of its founding Sisters. In 2016, the university established voluntary Mercy Mission training for employees, which became known as the Mercy Emissary Program. Today, more than 165 faculty, staf, alumni, and students act as Mercy Emissaries in keeping the mission alive at Mercyhurst. Sister Lisa Mary McCartney, RSM, at Mass in Motherhouse chapel.

“We cherish our longstanding bond with the Sisters. Amid this transition, we remain indebted to and grateful for the Sisters and their steadfast and generous support of the university.” — Dr. Greg Baker

Sister Mary Felice Duska, RSM, leads Sisters in song. Sister Edith Langiotti, RSM, gardening. 5 Sister Patricia Whalen, RSM ’63, at left, and Mercyhurst Vice President for Technology Jeanette Britt ’94 get construction briefng from Mickey Young, facilities manager for the Sisters of Mercy. (© Greg Wohlford – USA TODAY NETWORK) Keeping with traditional values, nursing moves to Motherhouse By Kristian Biega ’20 Since their humble beginnings in 19th to BSN program — will be located in The center area of the Motherhouse, century Dublin, the Sisters of Mercy have the Motherhouse beginning in January including the chapel, common room, pioneered schools, hospitals, and other 2022. The master’s in Integrative Nursing cafeteria, and the McAuley Wing and St. ministries around the world. Leadership will continue as a fully online Joseph Wing, will remain occupied by the The Sisters’ commitment to education graduate program. Sisters. Renovations will continue through and to health care continues today in Erie “The move also allows us to collaborate the fall as the Hilltop and Marian Wings as the Mercy Motherhouse undergoes with the other health sciences ofered at will house classrooms and simulation renovations to house Mercyhurst Mercyhurst, such as physical therapy and labs, while the Grandview Wing will University’s growing health care programs, athletic training,” Kiskadden said. “It will be be converted into faculty ofces. All of driven by the consolidation of its North East a great opportunity for students to learn the state-of-the-art technology and lab campus with the Erie campus. from each other, and that will be a great equipment will move from North East to beneft once they go into practice.” Erie over the winter break so the space “We are honored and excited to be in a will be ready for students as they return place that is so special to Mercyhurst,” The available space in the Motherhouse in early 2022. said Nursing Department Chair Candice lent itself to be just what the program Kiskadden. “Nursing follows the Mercy needed, said Vice President for Technology “We are very lucky,” Kiskadden said. “Not tradition and speaks back to the values and CIO Jeanette Britt ’94, who has been very many schools have that compassion of the Sisters. We plan to continue the overseeing the logistics of the move. and willingness to jump in and help out like the Sisters did. They are very excited tradition to make a positive impact in the “It was truly divine intervention that the Erie community.” to have us with them and we plan on Motherhouse became the solution to our maintaining that good relationship and Instead of being split between the North need for the nursing program. We think respect as well.” East and Erie campuses, Mercyhurst’s it will be a great experience for both the nursing programs — including practical nursing students and the Sisters to be nursing, registered nursing, and the RN together in the same building,” Britt said. 6 ‘If these walls could talk…’ Bidding farewell to St. Mary’s Chapel By Brandon Boyd

Dozens of people flled the pews of Mercyhurst North “As I sat here,” she said, tears welling in her eyes, “I can East’s St. Mary’s Chapel, taking photos on their cell still hear Father May singing and picture me walking phones and reminiscing about days and moments down the aisle.” come and gone. For some, St. Mary’s Chapel was a Newara also visited the Chapel sparingly for place of refection and thankfulness. For others, it was special events and attended classes at home to a new beginning. For all, it was a welcoming Mercyhurst North East. structure that held in it the spirit of the Redemptorist and Mercy traditions. “I have mixed emotions about it all. But I understand the dynamics,” she said. “Things change, and we have As Mercyhurst North East and its entities transfer to to go with the change.” the Erie campus, the building that housed St. Mary’s Chapel stands as a remnant of the past 30 years of The potential buyer for the Mercyhurst North Mercyhurst history and of a full history that dates East campus does not have a religious mission, back more than a century. and, as required by Canon Law, St. Mary’s Chapel has been deconsecrated. Altars, crucifxes, and The chapel, dedicated in 1902, originally functioned the extraordinary stained-glass windows will be as the student chapel for minor seminarians of the removed, and items like the major windows with Society of the Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), religious icons and pews will be repurposed in new whose seminary occupied the campus grounds from churches being built in the southern United States. 1871 to the mid-1980s. However, at least one item from Mercyhurst North “If these walls could talk,” said Deacon Ray Sobina, East will make its way to the Erie campus. a former criminal justice faculty member at the North East campus, “what a wonderous story that The Mary statue from the grotto on the North East would be told.” campus will be moved to the grotto on the Erie campus, a sort of physical representation of the Those gathered for the St. Mary’s Chapel farewell Mercy spirit that comes from Mercyhurst prayer service in May 2021 shared their stories North East and the St. Mary’s Chapel. with one another, and after a brief greeting and introduction, the frst hymn began. “While Mercyhurst North East might be at one kind of end, its true end, its purpose and goal must live on “O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to and now make a new beginning on the Erie campus,” come…” said Sister Lisa Mary McCartney, mission associate, in Linda Newara remembers those ages past. She her speech at the farewell prayer service. “Mercyhurst married her husband, Darrell, on Sept. 14, 1968, at North East was special in its beginning, in its St. Mary’s Chapel, and as she sat in a back pew at the Mercy spirit and way of being, and in our farewell prayer service, she could not help but go educational mission.” back in time to her day of wedded bliss.

7 MIAC marks silver anniversary of Performing Arts Center with star-studded lineup By Brandon Boyd

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture celebrates the & Booze.” Gasteyer is best known for her six-season run on NBC’s Saturday 25th anniversary of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center with Night Live, as well as Broadway appearances in Wicked, Annie, Grease a spectacular lineup of legendary entertainers, musical icons, and Live! and A Christmas Story Live! Her new holiday album, Sugar & Booze, is audience favorites in its 2021-2022 season. a collection of festive seasonal songs that ofers a swinging nod to the “For more than a quarter of a century, the Mary D’Angelo Performing vintage holidays of yore with a modern touch and plenty of style. Arts Center, widely heralded across the tri-state area as an unrivaled The fall half of the season concludes Monday, Dec. 6, with a concert by performance venue, has hosted some of the world’s fnest artists,” multifaceted, award-winning vocalist, songwriter, author, and actor Leslie said MIAC Artistic Director Brett D. Johnson. “Our 2021-22 season is Odom, Jr. Odom currently stars and performs the songs of legendary no exception. We’ve assembled a dynamic roster of world-renowned singer Sam Cooke in the critically acclaimed Amazon flm adaptation of performers whose talents are perfectly suited to our beautiful the Olivier Award-nominated play One Night in Miami, directed by Regina venue and whose artistry is certain to entertain, inspire, and King, but he is perhaps best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in empower Erie audiences.” the smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton. The MIAC Live season opens Thursday, Sept. 23, with comic icon Martin The spring season features performances by legendary saxophonist Short, who will take the stage for a side-splitting evening of impressions, Branford Marsalis, audience favorite Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, songs, and sketches. Short has won accolades in television, flm, and internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble The Ten Tenors, beloved theatre since his breakout season on Saturday Night Live more than 30 humorist David Sedaris, and Tony Award-winning Broadway star Kelli years ago. A two-time Emmy winner, Short is known for his work on O’Hara. SCTV, SNL, and The Martin Short Show, and his flm credits include starring The 2021-22 MIAC Live season is made possible through the generosity of roles in Three Amigos, Cliford, Mars Attacks!, and Father of the Bride. Scott Enterprises, Aetna, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Guelcher, Cumulus Media, the Erie Legendary performer Vanessa Williams takes the stage on Friday, Oct. 22, County Gaming Revenue Authority, B. Scott Kern & Amy Cuzzola-Kern, Curtze, to enthrall Erie audiences with a concert of Broadway tunes, pop songs, Mary Lincoln, Velocity Network, Building Systems Incorporated, Burger King, and heartwarming stories. Williams is one of the most respected and Gary’s Flower Shoppe, Make It Fabulous Catering, Erie Insurance, Humes multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry today. Having Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Ram, Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection, Knox Law sold millions of records worldwide, she has also scored numerous #1 and Firm, Christian Brothers Services, US Netting, Cheryl Vicary, Cheryl Ward, and Top 10 hits on various Billboard album and singles charts. the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Actress, comedienne, and singer Ana Gasteyer kicks of the holiday season on Tuesday, Nov. 30, with a whimsically retro concert titled “Sugar

8 MIAC welcomes Broadway talent Nick Adams as honorary board member

he’s also a champion of the arts and arts and starred as Adam/Felicia in the Tony-winning education. We look forward to working Broadway musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, together to advance the Institute’s mission for which he was named American Theater Hall of strengthening the vibrancy of the Erie of Fame Honoree, Broadway Audience Choice region through richly varied, inclusive Award winner, and Astaire Award nominee. cultural experiences.” He was the fnal Fiyero in the frst national tour Adams returned to his hometown in late of Wicked and Damian in the world premiere May when he performed before a sold-out of Mary and Max at Theatre Calgary. Other audience at MIAC’s frst in-person concert Broadway performances include A Chorus since March 2020. Line, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles, “The Institute is uniquely cultivating an artistic and The Pirate Queen. TV and flm lifeline to Erie that is so important to me,” appearances include The Other Two (HBO Max), Adams said. “I am honored to be a part of Inventing Anna (Netfix), Sex and the City 2, the board and to help continue the cultural An Englishman in New York, Still Waiting in advancement of my hometown.” The Wings, Smash, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, Go-Go Boy Interrupted, and Adams got his start in local theatre, which It Could Be Worse. began an upward trajectory that led him Erie native and Broadway actor, singer, to Broadway. He most recently performed He has also wowed audiences in concert and dancer Nick Adams has been named an American Dream Study with the Forest of Arden performances with the New York Pops at honorary board member of the Mercyhurst acting company under the direction of Michael Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, Indianapolis Institute for Arts & Culture, Executive Arden. He received critical acclaim for his recent Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Naples Director Brett Johnson announced. portrayal of Whizzer in the North American Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic, and as a “We’re thrilled to welcome Nick as our frst tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway guest soloist with New York City Gay honorary board member,” Johnson said. “In production of Falsettos. Notably, he originated Men’s Chorus, among others. addition to being an extraordinary performer,

Anthony Fulgenzio named new vice president for advancement

Anthony V. Fulgenzio, a dynamic and For nearly four years, Fulgenzio was vice experienced fundraiser, has been named vice president for advancement at Lake Erie College president for advancement at Mercyhurst in nearby Painesville, Ohio. Previously, he University. His tenure began Aug. 1, 2021. spent 17 years at Gannon University in major Fulgenzio is a fundraising professional with gifts, related philanthropy initiatives, and over 20 years of experience in higher education advancement communication. His professional and a proven track record for securing afliations include the Council for Advancement transformational gifts. and Support of Education (CASE) and American Fundraising Professionals. As vice president for advancement at Mercyhurst, Fulgenzio will lead philanthropic “These are exciting times at Mercyhurst initiatives and oversee key programs, including University under the leadership of Dr. Getz and major gifts, alumni and parent engagement, planning for the 2026 Centennial celebration,” and planned giving. Fulgenzio said. “I am looking forward to working with the talented advancement team, “We are pleased to welcome Tony to the alumni, and the entire Mercyhurst community.” Mercyhurst University community,” said President Kathleen A. Getz. “Tony understands He and his wife, Gloria, are the parents of the value of a liberal arts education, and he two adult children. He can be reached at will be a dedicated and energetic advocate for [email protected] or 814-824-3320. securing the resources that will enable us to continue our mission of providing our students with the utmost educational experience.” 9 A stop on the trail is St. Paul Cathedral, home of a legendary youth choir. America’s frst Among the highlights on the trail is a baseball team, the Pontiacs, whose story Black concert artist, Harry T. Burleigh, was known to sing songs of his youth here. is honored at Bayview Park. Public history students celebrate region’s rich African American heritage

By Deborah W. Morton

As the national reckoning with racism continues to unfold, a public history With no funds to further develop and publish the work, the tour languished project long in the making at Mercyhurst University has cast a light on the until 2017, when Magoc and community colleagues secured a $3,000 grant rich heritage of African Americans in Erie, Pennsylvania. from Erie Arts & Culture. “African Americans in Erie: A Trail of Shared Heritage” publicly commemorates Two Mercyhurst seniors in 2019-20 “really helped get this project across the the culturally rich, historically courageous, and socially dynamic history of fnish line,” Magoc said. Public history major Hannah Pfeifer ’20 conducted African Americans in Erie County — “a history deeply entwined with this additional research, helped curate oral history interviews conducted at region’s overall development,” said Mercyhurst University History Professor WQLN studios, and edited copy for the tour map. Pfeifer earned the Bishop’s Dr. Chris Magoc, whose collaboration with community partners brought Award for Academic Excellence in Mercyhurst’s Class of 2020 and was the the project to fruition. “These are stories of daring heroism, pioneering frst student to earn a Roy and Rosanna Strausbaugh Fellowship, which innovation, of generational perseverance in the face of impossibly difcult supports student research and production of public history projects. The odds — in short, great American stories.” Fellowship also supported the work of graphic design major Samantha The centerpiece of A Shared Heritage is a walking and driving tour of 29 Sherwood ’20, who developed the project website, making the tour and its signifcant sites of African American history encompassing the entire county. supplemental educational resources digitally accessible. Visitors to the project’s website, sharedheritage.org, will fnd an illustrated The long journey to complete the project may have been fortuitous, Magoc guide to the sites. noted. “What a moment to be bringing this history more fully into our A Shared Heritage is the culmination of a project that began in 2012, when region’s public consciousness, with interest heightened in historic racial the Edinboro Area Historical Society received a grant from the Pennsylvania injustice and the struggle for full citizenship for all Americans,” he said. “We’re Historical and Museum Commission to develop an exhibit honoring the confdent A Shared Heritage will not only help raise public consciousness legacy of local civil rights champions Leroy and Beatrice Smith, and to begin and appreciation of a rich and important history, but also foster interracial development of a countywide tour of African American history. understanding and enliven the regional conversation about how to achieve a more just and equitable future.” Drawing on the extensive research of community historians Johnny Johnson and Sarah Thompson, Mercyhurst public history major Adriana Houseman How right he was. ’12 drafted the original tour of 22 sites as her senior project. “It was The tour was so well received when it debuted in August of 2020 that it outstanding work by an undergraduate student,” noted Magoc, her advisor spurred a partnership with tourism promotion agency VisitErie, which at the time, “but it was intended essentially as a draft.” went on to expand the tour even further. Today, there is a self-guided, audio- narrated tour, which is available through VisitErie’s “Hello Erie” mobile app,

10 Melinda Meyer, chair of Preservation Erie, at left, historian Johnny Johnson, center, and Mercyhurst History Professor Chris Magoc gather at the Erie Cemetery in August 2020 to Partnerships play important unveil “African Americans in Erie: A Trail of Shared Heritage.” role in preserving history The Public History and Museum Studies program at Mercyhurst featuring historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay University is part of the Thomas B. Hagen Department of History. tribute to the City of Erie’s African American heritage. Established in 2003, it works with partners throughout northwestern Pennsylvania to advance the preservation, interpretation, and For its part, Mercyhurst’s Thomas B. Hagen Department of History appreciation of the rich history of the people and places of the region. continues to supplement its work on the project, thanks to an Anti-Racism Grant from the university that department chair Dr. Benjamin Scharf In recent years, students in the program have undertaken other secured last semester. As a result, students will script and produce video projects of note, including “You Are Here, We Are Here: An Illustrated spots highlighting some of the sites, which will be featured on the Shared Walking Tour of Erie’s Historic East Side.” Students collaborated with Heritage website. the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network to create a portrait of Erie’s historic eastside multicultural community. Further, Scharf said the project will be highlighted in the plenary session of the Pennsylvania Historical Association’s annual meeting in October. In another project, students traveled Erie’s streets, photographing “Being selected as the plenary session at the Pennsylvania historic buildings and gathering oral histories from local experts to create “Erie Places, Erie Stories,” contributing to the frst countywide Historical Association’s annual meeting is a great honor for the survey of historic buildings in more than three decades. Department of History, the university, and the City of Erie,” Scharf said. “While most conference sessions are run concurrently with other sessions, In the summer of 2019, then-senior Rose Pregler ’19 ’20M presented dividing up the audience, the plenary session is run alone and kicks fndings of her historic archaeological investigation of the Spring Creek of the conference proceedings. As a result, the focus of the entire farmhouse of U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Nuremberg Trials Chief Commonwealth will be on this project. The decision to highlight this Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson. endeavor is a testament to the important work undertaken by Dr. Magoc, the history department, students enrolled in the public history More recently, students made signifcant contributions to two wayside concentration, and a number of important community partners.” interpretive markers — Russell’s Log Cabins and Open for the Season — which celebrate stories unique to Harborcreek history. The panels were slated for installation this past summer at the Giford-Blanchfeld House. Home to seven generations of the same family, the historic homestead has since become the home of the Harborcreek Historical Society.

11 Marking a year of resilience, resolve, and romance

It was a graduation weekend like none other. For all the taxing moments come to an abrupt end, leaving little time for goodbyes. Members of the that last year’s Commencement Committee navigated to stage fve separate volleyball team rallied upon learning that Mercyhurst would proceed with exercises in one weekend, tensions melted like butter when graduates an in-person graduation. shared their reactions. “I just really wanted to see my friends again,” said Tess, who made the The ceremonies included one for a group of senior athletes who were trip from Royal Oak, Michigan, where she works as a mortgage banker at competing in championships and could not attend with their classmates, Quicken Loans. “We got rooms together in a hotel and it’s just been really another for members of the Class of 2020 who returned a year later after exciting to be reunited.” COVID-19 forced the cancellation of their graduation, and three separate Although Mercyhurst dealt with the pandemic through resilience and events for the Class of 2021 to accommodate social distancing guidelines. resolve, romance blossomed for several couples intent on celebrating their “I am so thankful that Mercyhurst wanted to do this for us,” said Daniel love in spite of it. Leonard, who came from North Bethesda, Maryland, to graduate with the Nate and Becca Myers started dating as sophomores at Mercyhurst, where Class of 2020 on Saturday, May 15, at the Erie Insurance Arena. “It reassured they both pursued education degrees and were active in Campus Ministry. me of what I had thought all along — that our values are the same.” They married in the midst of COVID on July 3, 2020, slashing a 300-person Although a year had passed since he earned his undergraduate degree guest list to 30. in hospitality management, Daniel made the trip to honor his father, who Both said they were fortunate to have secured teaching jobs during the died in October 2019. “Dad instilled in me how important education is, and I pandemic, ironically at the same inner-city school where Becca also recently know he would have wanted me to come back,” he said. “I did it for him.” won the “New Teacher of the Year” award. Business major and volleyball player Tess Ganich had her own reasons for With life settled and a future seemingly secure, Nate and Becca chose to returning to Mercyhurst a year later. The 2019-2020 academic year had celebrate their Mercyhurst experience by making the trip from Sterling,

Nate and Becca Myers Noah and Addison Richmond

12 Virginia, to graduate with the Class of 2020. “I love Mercyhurst,” said Becca. “It has always felt like home.” Nate agreed, and added, “I am so happy that Mercyhurst gave us this opportunity.” For new alumni Noah and Addison Richmond, who met while working for the university’s Ofce of Residence Life, last year’s extended Christmas break posed on opportunity. On Dec. 12, 2020, they eloped. “We wanted to be together in the eyes of God,” said Noah. “We fgured we had two whole months, and doing it that way was a lot less stressful,” Addison added. Braeden Barnett Noah graduated with the Class of 2020, earning a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies. The following day, Sunday, May 16, he celebrated with the Class of 2021, earning his master’s in cyber security, while Addison received her undergraduate degree in interior architecture and design. Addison is enrolled at the University of Maryland, where she intends to continue her studies in architecture. Noah, meanwhile, is looking to secure an intelligence job in nearby D.C. Also headed to the University of Maryland is former Laker defensive lineman Uwaila Omorogbe, who came from his home in Laurel, Maryland, to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in biology on May 15. He will pursue studies in pharmacy. “After living with the pandemic, you learn that nothing is guaranteed,” he said. “I wanted to come back to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and share with my family, who defnitely helped me get where I am today.” His entire family came with him, including parents and younger siblings. “My mom and dad were able to be there in person, and my brother and sisters watched the livestream on their cell phones.” For Braeden Barnett, the Class of 2021 Commencement was more meaningful for having persevered through the trials of Daniel Leonard Uwaila Omorogbe COVID. “We had to adapt to all kinds of new systems and roles; there was a lot of learning, a lot of adjustments, and today’s graduation is an opportunity to celebrate all those successes,” he said. As the Frank Barry Leadership Award recipient, Braeden played a prominent role among his classmates, serving as president of the Ambassadors, chair of the Student Activities Council, and a Mercy Emissary. He was also on the Student Constituent Group that participated in the past year’s Presidential Search. But, the most fun of all was going incognito as Luke the Laker, energizing athletic contests, welcoming new students, and hobnobbing with the president at various functions. “It was the greatest joy of my life,” he said of playing the university’s much-loved mascot all four of his years at Mercyhurst. Braeden so loved the college life that he has plans to make a career of it. He is of to Kent State, where he has a hall director’s post and will do graduate work in higher education administration and student afairs. Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach Jenell Patton (center) is joined by former players (L-R) Tess Ganich, Katie Baird, Leah Kern, and Mary Marusza. 13 Commencement season highlights Senior Class Gifts honor distinctive role models On Friday, May 14, the Mercyhurst 2020 with a bachelor’s degree accumulated $18,332 intended University Class of 2021 presented in sport business management, to help a future Laker who the university with its Senior Class and had intended to return in the embodies Kenny’s spirit and Gift — a scholarship in memory fall and study for a master’s degree legacy in an inspirational and of Kenny Robinson, who lost his in organizational leadership meaningful way. life tragically in an accidental while helping to coach the On hand for the presentation drowning on May 16, 2020. baseball team. were members of Kenny’s family, Earlier that Friday, the Class of Kenny’s fnal tweet was May 10, who came from Pittsburgh for 2020, whose commencement 2020, the day of Mercyhurst’s the day. festivities were canceled a year graduation, which had to The Class of 2020, meanwhile, ago because of the COVID-19 be canceled because of the raised $17,376 to support the pandemic, made their Senior Class pandemic. In it, he said: Mike Folga Legacy Scholarship. Kenny’s twin brother, Keith Robinson, with nephew Maurice Murry, both of Pittsburgh. Keith is wearing a shirt with his Gift presentation — a scholarship “Today was supposed to be the day Even as “Folgs” struggled through in memory of Mike Folga, longtime brother Kenny’s image, and Maurice is wearing a jacket that I walked across that big stage and a dire cancer prognosis, he never refects the “Beat the Odds” scholarship message. equipment manager for men’s shed a few tears, the day where lost the kindhearted spirit that hockey, who died of cancer I looked back on all the times I he brought to his job every day in 2019. wanted to quit but kept pushing. It’s for 18 years as the equipment Both scholarships, noted then- been a crazy fve years but I couldn’t manager for men’s hockey. interim President Joe NeCastro in be more excited to fnally say I am a “He loved our student-athletes,” accepting the gifts, are tributes college graduate.” NeCastro said, “and they from Mercyhurst students who Kenny had “beat the odds” to loved him.” chose to remember such positive reach that pinnacle, an expression and distinctive role models during A special thanks to Mercyhurst he used to describe his own life Trustee Lev Kubiak ’88, who a time of such upheaval in their circumstances and to motivate his own lives. contributes to each year’s fellow teammates. scholarship in order to help Kenny was a key member of the In raising funds for the Kenny the senior class reach the Lakers back-to-back Regional Robinson Beat the Odds $25,000 mark needed to Championship and World Series Scholarship, Mercyhurst seniors endow their scholarship. baseball teams. He graduated in Archival photo of “Folgs,” center, at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Mike Folga Day, Jan. 26, 2019. (Photo credit Ed Mailliard) Marina Boyle shows true ‘Carpe Diem’ spirit With three commencement ceremonies for the Class of and chair of the 2021 Senior Class Gift Committee. 2021, the year’s Carpe Diem Award recipient and class During her tenure, she also received the national speaker had a decision to make. Would she speak at her Jim Mathews Undergraduate Award and Fellowship own graduation and tape her address for the other two, or for Intelligence Excellence. go live at all three? More than her academic accomplishments and her In true form, Marina Boyle said, “It’s been a tough year; I extracurricular activities, Marina was best known around think I want to do it live for everyone.” campus for her bright smile and uplifting spirit. The Carpe Diem Award is presented annually to the “Mercyhurst is truly a place that changes lives,” she said. graduating student who has made the most positive efect “My time at Mercyhurst has been a journey, from a small on the Mercyhurst community and who best exemplifes town in Ireland, or Éire, to Erie, Pennsylvania. Mercyhurst the university motto, “Carpe Diem” — “Seize the Day.” has given me so much, and I’ll always remember it A native of Dublin, Ireland, Marina completed majors in as the place where I made lifelong friends, expanded business & competitive intelligence and international my horizons, and grew in mercy. My journey with hospitality & tourism, and minored in pre-law. Mercyhurst is not over, and I am honored to be recognized with this award as I continue to go out Coincidentally, her sister, Rhona Boyle, won the same and seize the opportunities beyond the gates, award when she graduated in 2013. A pre-med student knowing that Mercyhurst will always be home.” while at Mercyhurst, Rhona is now a junior doctor in Aberdeen, Scotland. Marina has taken a job as a fnancial crimes investigator with Key Bank in Cleveland. Eventually, she would like to Certainly, the Boyle family has made its mark on start her own business and later an NGO that would enable Mercyhurst. For her part, Marina served as an RA, Merciad her to use her skills for humanitarian work. editor-in-chief, International Student Association president,

14 Scott McKenzie named 2021 recipient of Teaching Excellence Award As the saying goes, you had to be there. the provost and other faculty members to ofer Anyone who has had even the briefest encounter heartfelt congratulations. with Mercyhurst University geologist Scott McKenzie McKenzie, for this part, wiped away a few tears, comes away awed by that booming radio-personality thanked all involved, and got back to doing what voice, the wide-eyed facial expressions, and he does best: teaching the subject he loves to the animated gestures. students who love him for it. So, when some of the university’s most None would argue the choice of McKenzie as the distinguished faculty — all former recipients of the 2021 Teaching Excellence Award recipient. The Teaching Excellence Award — decided to bestow the assistant professor of geology and paleontology annual honor on McKenzie, they Zoom-bombed director has taught at the university for more than his remote physical geology class. His reaction did two decades. not disappoint. “Scott McKenzie embodies teaching excellence It was just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, the and the spirit of this award,” said Zurn College Dean students in his Zoom waiting room had all entered, Clint Jones. “Watching Scott teach is like watching and class was underway. a live science documentary. His vast knowledge in Suddenly, eight minutes in, then-Provost Dr. Leanne subjects like oceanography, geology, astronomy, Roberts burst on the screen. Along came Dr. Jim paleontology, and other earth science subjects Snyder, then Dr. Heidi Hosey, and Dr. Randy Clemons, shines through to his students. His excitement and before you knew it, seven of Mercyhurst’s best about the subject matter is contagious, and he were upon him. has the wonderful ability to take complex information and make it simple to learn To say McKenzie was startled would be an across diverse groups of students.” understatement; he was, in a word, fummoxed. Besides the energy McKenzie brings to his “I thought I had made an error with Zoom and Mercyhurst classroom and labs, he has gladly shared invited people in from other classes,” McKenzie said. with the Erie community his passion for dinosaurs “I was about to panic.” and other predators that inhabited the region during But, with the students looking on, Provost Roberts prehistoric times and during multiple ice ages. As let everyone know that the folks who were invading curator of the Sincak Natural History Collection, he their class had something in common and that has staged numerous displays of prehistoric monster McKenzie was about to join their ranks as the fsh, T-rex skulls, full dinosaur casts, exotic fossils, and meteorites at venues like Brown’s Farm and the Tom 2021 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award. Scott McKenzie delivers his acceptance speech after Immediately, the students began cheering, joining Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle. earning the university’s Teaching Excellence Award for 2021. Cancer doesn’t slow Lauren Rogus in claiming top academic award Lauren Rogus ’21 has always loved surprises. Over “I typically love surprises, but I have had quite the the past year, she has been faced with many ups grab bag of good and bad this year,” Rogus said. and downs, but continues to lead her life with a “I know that we all have our crosses to carry but positive outlook and a love for learning. mine has just been a bit heavier lately.” “I am beyond thankful to be the recipient of Through it all, Rogus was adamant about fnishing the Bishop’s Award. I have always valued my her degree in early childhood/special education. education and put my academics frst; I felt like Rogus’ ambition and positive attitude kept her everything I worked for during my four years had motivated through every step of her academic fnally came to fruition,” Rogus said. career. Now, she hopes to use her story to raise The Bishop’s Award for Academic Excellence is awareness about adrenal cancer and her journey presented by the Catholic Diocese of Erie to the to recovery. graduating senior who is judged to have the “I got the call about the Bishop’s Award in the most superior academic record in the class. In her hospital right after having a major surgery. I words, this honor was the best surprise she could started crying tears of joy, so much so that the have asked for. nurses had to ask if I was OK! It defnitely caught Despite an already challenging junior and senior me of guard, and I felt so blessed and excited in year due to COVID-19, Rogus received even more that moment,” Rogus said. serious news in March 2021. She was diagnosed Rogus intends to pursue her master’s in with adrenal cancer, a rare form of cancer that Teaching Excellence in 2022 at Mercyhurst. begins in the adrenal glands located on top of the Despite continuing cancer treatments over the kidneys and afects the hormones produced for next year, she remains in high spirits as she looks nearly every organ in the body. forward to calling Hurst home again soon. 15 Lakers keep Mercy values at heart in fnance careers By Kristian Biega

During the last several years, the economics and fnance industries have “The main result of a Mercy education is that we teach students how become some of the fastest growing and most infuential industries in to see the whole picture. We stress that the goal of business isn’t just the world. The efects of COVID-19 have pushed analysts and advisors to minimize costs and maximize profts; the goal is to fgure out what in every industry to quickly adapt to an even more interconnected and people need and how we can help them,” Simpson said. “No matter what technology-forward world. position they hold, they need to look out for their employees and fellow coworkers. In fnance, they should be asking ‘How can I help someone Despite the pressures of the rapidly growing industries, four recent else?’ rather than ‘How can I help myself?’” Mercyhurst graduates are paving the way for a new generation of fnancial analysts whose primary concern is the people they serve. For 2021 graduates Marina Boyle, Drew Hoover, Peyton Manko, and Amanda Costello, being a successful fnancial analyst not only requires a Mercyhurst Finance Program Director and faculty moderator of the Laker strong educational foundation, but also a foundation of heart, empathy, Asset Management (LAM) Club Mark Simpson hopes that his students and Mercy. know that the value of working in fnance goes beyond the bottom line.

‘21 The importance of her job spans beyond KeyBank’s bottom line or Marina Boyle government regulations; for Boyle, her role is about stopping fnancial Business and Competitive Intelligence/ corruption and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. International Hospitality and Tourism/ “I was given all of the hard skills to do the job well, but the soft Pre-Law Minor skills and values I learned at Mercyhurst have prepared me for the importance of this job. It is more than just stopping fnancial crime, it In her position as a fnancial crimes is thinking of the people who need protection from it,” Boyle said. “As investigator at KeyBank, Marina Boyle ‘21 a fnancial analyst, how well we do this job is directly correlated with is putting her experience with Mercyhurst’s the well-being of others.” Anti-Money Laundering Club and academic courses to good use. Boyle accepted her job at KeyBank in March 2021 and began working after graduation in May. She is working remotely for KeyBank “My role as a fnancial crimes investigator headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. is basically to prevent people from getting rich from the proceeds of crime or to beneft from things that harm other people,” Boyle said. “I have a lot of responsibility to look out for the well- Drew Hoover ‘21 being of others. Mercyhurst prepared me well for that.” Finance and Business Economics Boyle works on an enhanced due diligence team that monitors the most high-risk customers of the bank. These customers can include In moving from intern to full-time employee, those who are at a high risk for money laundering or other fraudulent Drew Hoover ‘21 always keeps community activity. Through periodic reviews of high-risk clients, the team seeks service at the forefront of his position as a to preemptively stop crimes before they happen, rather than react to junior fnancial analyst. fraudulent activity. “My role is very involved with reaching Before being trained on the job, Boyle had extensive experience in out to the community in diferent ways. the feld of anti-money laundering through her classes and club As a mortgage lender, Union Home activities at Mercyhurst. Mortgage focuses more on families rather than commercial real estate. Our company wants to give “My experiences with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Club and AML families opportunities to become homeowners under any classes are what got me this job. I found that so many key concepts were circumstance,” Hoover said. applicable and valuable for my current position,” Boyle said. As an intern with Union Home, Hoover assisted other analysts with Boyle remembers writing a research paper about transaction monitoring reports, but now he works as a junior fnancial analyst specializing in within the restaurant industry and learning about what makes a person business retention. He also helps to oversee other branches to ensure high risk for a bank. Now she is applying those same principles to her job productivity and proftability. at KeyBank. Hoover credits courses such as Financial Institutions and Markets and International Finance as helpful to his success at Union Home. 16 Hoover also served as president of the Laker Asset Management Club, an end result. I also appreciated how my Business Intel classes helped me helping to invest university-endowed funds in the stock market to have a better understanding of the overall market through an analytical raise money for Mercyhurst as well as build his professional lens,” Manko said. experience in fnance. Having a foundation of analytics and strategy was crucial for Manko, In addition to his diverse courses and liberal arts curriculum, Hoover but he did not realize just how key the Mercy values were in the fnance is grateful to Mercyhurst for instilling in him the value of community. world, especially at PNC. Hoover took the values he learned as a resident assistant in Warde Hall “One of the values I learned from Mercyhurst that carries on to PNC is and the Wayne Street Apartments to Union Home to better serve his being selfess and doing to others what you’d want done to you,” Manko clients and co-workers. said. “PNC is a really good company to work for in that respect. They “As an RA, I helped to build a community and make people feel are dedicated to improving diversity, inclusivity, and always putting the welcome. I found in my job that I am continuing that same sense of customers frst in everything they do.” community to all customers of Union Home as well as with my team of co-workers,” Hoover said. Amanda Costello Hoover hopes to use his role to continue to promote building community and helping others achieve their dreams of being homeowners. Accounting and Finance/ “My favorite thing about the mortgage industry is that I can connect with Spanish minor real people and families. We work to support families and help make their Amanda Costello ‘21 never expected to work lives easier in order to focus on other things that are more important,” in health care, but she fnds joy in serving Hoover said. those who serve others in her role at UPMC. Hoover began working with Union Home Mortgage as an intern in May “As a fnance and accounting student, I 2020 and was able to continue his position remotely throughout his never really considered working in the senior year. He accepted a full-time role in February 2021. health care feld. However, my role in the Finance Management Rotation Program at UPMC has been very rewarding and Peyton Manko exciting,” Costello said. Business and Competitive Intelligence Costello is taking part in the three-year leadership development program Peyton Manko ‘21 is proud to work for an at UPMC, which will give her hands-on experience in several areas of organization that values inclusion, diversity, fnance and accounting. Her current role in the rotation is Corporate and putting customers frst. Finance and Accounting, working with fnances for Physician Services. It is undeniable that the COVID-19 “My role is unique because while we do look at analytics and data to track pandemic stalled careers and budgets and revenues, it’s not like your daily ‘desk job,’” Costello said. “It’s opportunities for many graduating a very diverse workplace where every day is diferent. We even meet with seniors, but Manko was able to use the the physicians we work with, which is really cool.” situation to his advantage in his career After their frst rotation, Costello and her peers will have the opportunity with PNC Bank. to tailor the next two rotations to their strengths and interests in After completing his remote internship in October, he accepted a full- fnance. After completing the program, Costello will move into a time role with the Retail Banking Development Program, which will be senior analyst role. helping people fnancially recover post-pandemic. PNC also recruited “All of my accounting and fnance classes from Mercyhurst are so Manko throughout this summer for a new virtual internship opportunity important and useful to me in this role. The advanced classes helped in assisting with the Paycheck Protection Program and other COVID-19- me improve my fnancial analysis skills, confdence in predicting future related loans. trends, knowledge of Excel, and time management abilities,” she said. It is especially crucial that those working in fnance lead with compassion Costello was also an active member of the Mercyhurst community and respect for the customers after the tumultuous year of the pandemic. outside of the classroom as she held leadership roles in Campus Ministry, Manko admires PNC’s commitment to the customers and works to ensure Business Club, and Accounting Club, and was a member of the Laker that they are properly taken care of. Asset Management Club. “I have learned working with PNC Bank that they truly value the customer “My leadership experience in Campus Ministry and the business as their most important asset. Just working to make money or meet the department ended up coming together nicely in my role at UPMC,” bottom line has never been preached to me. All of the higher-ups have Costello said. “Mercyhurst really instilled a love of service in me during had the same mindset, which is great to see throughout the company,” my time there and I am proud to now directly serve the community Manko said. through my work.” As a Business and Competitive Intelligence major, Manko credits the Costello found her opportunity with UPMC through Mercyhurst’s Finance strong foundation of analytics and a global perspective for helping him and Accounting Consortium from the Career & Professional Development in his current role. Center. She began her rotation in June and looks forward to joining as a “I am especially grateful for all of the analytics classes I took in my major full-time analyst after completing the program. at Mercyhurst. They help you use technology efectively to come up with 17 Championships generate revenue, good will Hosting NCAA championships is always an honor, but coupled Women’s Frozen Four. “It is a tribute to Mercyhurst University to with the restrictions and protocols surrounding COVID-19, it proved have successfully conducted an outstanding event with the added no small feat to undertake events of such magnitude — and complexities and health requirements due to COVID-19.” Mercyhurst was on the leading edge when it came to hosting The impact of hosting championship events is not only felt by the championships during a pandemic. university, but also by the larger Erie community. Not only did the Mercyhurst Athletic Department host the Division Between the two women’s hockey tournaments, there was roughly I Women’s Hockey Frozen Four, but it partnered with the Erie $1.1 million of economic impact focused mostly on the hospitality Sports Commission to hold three Division II regional events: Super industry with more than $45,000 in meals for teams and staf alone. Region I Wrestling, Men’s Golf East/Atlantic Super Regional, and the Men’s Lacrosse North Regional. The university also hosted the The Frozen Four, held March 15-20 at Erie Insurance Arena, marked Division I College Hockey America Tournament. the frst collegiate event in nearly a year that had a limited number of tickets available to the public, and Erie was on full display with The DII Wrestling Regional, held February 28 at the Mercyhurst more than 26 million impressions on social media and 100,000 live Athletic Center, was the frst DII championship event held in more viewers on ESPN. than a year and the frst with the increased COVID protocols. The Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four was the frst Division I team During the two-weekend men’s lacrosse regional, players and championship hosted under the new guidelines as well. fans booked more than 1,000 nights of hotel rooms in Erie. The Regional Championship between Mercyhurst and Le Moyne had “It takes a considerable amount of time, energy, and dedication more than 750 fans in attendance and marked the frst event on to host an NCAA tournament and this year was even more campus that did not require masks for vaccinated fans. challenging,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert on hosting the

18 20 years later... Winningest football coach in Mercyhurst history to retire

As the winningest football coach in Mercyhurst Student Life Dr. Laura Zirkle. “I am thankful for history, with 93 victories over 18 seasons, head his leadership and dedication for the last two football coach Marty Schaetzle has chosen to decades. I’ve watched the Schaetzle family retire after the 2021 season. embrace what it means to be a Laker for years, “Football is the greatest team sport in the and we will miss seeing them on campus.” world and what makes it most special are the Under Schaetzle, multiple Lakers have brought athletes,” Schaetzle said. “I have been blessed home major PSAC awards. Trevor Kennedy to teach and coach incredible young men. earned back-to-back Ofensive Player of the Some were football stars; all are life stars. I have Year honors in 2010 and 2011 while Richie learned so much from our players watching Sanders and Brandon Brown-Dukes earned them grow from day one of freshman camp to Freshman of the Year honors in consecutive walking across the stage at graduation.” seasons, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Bryan Schaetzle also thanked the Mercyhurst family, Boyce earned the Defensive Player of the Year from the administration to the student body, award in 2010 and Ian Wild claimed the Pete for their support. Likewise, he gave the nod to Nevins PSAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year his coaches. honors during the 2010-11 academic year. “No coach stays 20 years at one place without Of the feld, many of his former student- fantastic coaches working with him,” said athletes and assistant coaches have joined Schaetzle. “I was fortunate to hire great the coaching ranks, including Brandon Staley assistants, those who taught me much (Los Angeles Chargers), Joe Lombardi and will be with me forever.” (Los Angeles Chargers), Andrew Janocko (Minnesota Vikings), Joe Fever (Cleveland Now in his 20th season at the helm of the Laker Browns), Kirk Campbell (Old Dominion football program, Schaetzle is the longest University), and Fred Hale (University of tenured coach in Mercyhurst football history Notre Dame). and has been the only coach since Mercyhurst joined the Pennsylvania State Athletic The Lakers have also had great success in the Conference. As a member of the PSAC, the classroom during Schaetzle’s tenure. He has Lakers are 72-62 and 44-44 in conference play. coached 11 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and 16 CoSIDA All-District selections. “Marty has been a valuable part of the Mercyhurst has also claimed the Top GPA Mercyhurst University family and a great among PSAC squads three times. partner for 20 years,” said Vice President for

19 Sam Struss named head women’ s lacrosse coach Mercyhurst Director of Athletics Brad Davis future Lakers about where this program is announced Sam Struss as the sixth head heading,” Davis said. coach in Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse “I would frst like to thank my family for history on July 9, 2021. their endless support,” said Struss. “In “We are thrilled to announce the hiring of addition, I would like to thank Brad Davis, Sam Struss to be the next leader of our Andy Simon-Wambach, the entire athletic women’s lacrosse program,” Davis said. “Her administration, and everyone else who was passion, energy, and determination to take part of the search committee for ofering over this program really stood out after a me the opportunity to serve as the next nationwide search.” head coach of the Mercyhurst women’s Struss, a 2015 graduate of Liberty University, lacrosse program.” has spent the last three seasons with the Before venturing into the coaching ranks, Lakers as the assistant coach focusing on Struss was a four-year Division I scholarship the ofensive side of the feld where she athlete at Liberty University where she has helped to coach one First Team All- played 73 games, making 68 starts. Over American, fve All-Region, and eight her career with the Flames, she totaled 108 All-Conference selections. Struss also goals and 55 assists. She also led the team assisted in player recruitment as well as in points during her sophomore (2013) and organizing all aspects of travel, team camps, junior (2014) campaigns. and equipment maintenance. “I have had the pleasure of serving Before her arrival in Erie, Struss Mercyhurst University and this program served as the assistant coach and ofensive over the past three years as the assistant coordinator for fellow Pennsylvania State coach,” said Struss. “In that time, I have Athletic Conference institution Seton Hill truly fallen in love with everything University for two seasons. While with Mercyhurst stands for. I am also grateful the Grifns, she helped to design and for the opportunity to continue working implement the ofensive strategy in with this group of exceptional young addition to aiding in player recruitment women. There is nothing that I want and player development. more than to see these players reach their “She clearly demonstrated her vision for the highest potential both on and of the feld program, and how she will work tirelessly and to grow into amazing adults. It is an to form meaningful relationships with honor to be here, and I cannot wait to our student-athletes both on and of the see what the future holds.” feld. I am very excited for our current and New head women’s lacrosse coach Sam Struss with her team. Happy Anniversary It’s a season of celebration for Athletics at Mercyhurst; not only is the university unveiling the last of its capital campaign projects — the shared softball/soccer turf feld and the new basketball court and related renovations in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center — but between last year and this, 12 teams are celebrating milestone anniversaries. Visit mercyhurst.edu/alumni/events for more celebration details. Congratulations to all! 20th season - Men’s Water Polo 40th season - Football 20th season - Women’s Water Polo 45th season - Men’s Soccer 20th season - Wrestling 45th season - Women’s Rowing 25th season - Men’s Lacrosse 50th season - Baseball 25th season - Women’s Lacrosse 50th season - Men’s Basketball 35th season - Men’s Ice Hockey 50th season - Women’s Volleyball 20 Heart and soul of Laker Lacrosse: Scoble endures live-saving transplant By Brandon Boyd

Ryan Scoble returned to the lacrosse feld buy a house, or start a family. I was in a after recovering from a broken foot and very dark place.” noticed something diferent. Each time he As Scoble wrestled with his health and a practiced, he felt fatigued. After every drill, new way of life, he took another turn for the he felt fatigued. When he participated in worse — he went into cardiogenic shock. warmups, he felt fatigued. A cold virus attacked his heart, and after He told himself it was part of the process of being rushed to the hospital, he was being returning from injury. That it was just the transferred to the Cleveland Clinic to fgure shift of the seasons from winter to spring, out heart transplant options. and that his allergies were the culprit for The Mercyhurst community rallied around his change in energy level. After seeing him Scoble, and a GoFundMe page for him struggling on the feld during a game in raised more than $83,000. After a brief Wheeling, West Virginia, a member of the period of waiting, Scoble got the news on training staf pulled Scoble of the feld and Mother’s Day: the hospital found a match evaluated him. The next day, after getting for his heart, and he would be receiving a X-rays, he was quickly brought back in when heart transplant. the results of his X-rays returned. On the day of his surgery, a team of nurses He had dilated cardiomyopathy. With his picked him up from his room and carted him heart’s ability to pump blood diminished, his to the operating room. lungs were collecting fuid. “I felt like I was going into the biggest game Head coach Christopher Ryan, who of my life,” he said. “I was nervous, scared, describes Scoble as “super competitive” and excited all at the same time.” and “the best teammate he could be,” remembers being in the basement of Scoble’s transplant went well, and despite Old Main when he got a call from Scoble. experiencing severe acute cell rejection, he was able to be discharged from the “As a coach, you’re just waiting for hospital after a month and begin the information. He’s 20 years old, super healthy road to rebuilding his life. and in shape, and you’re around him every day. Guys are getting nicked up, injured, The experience changed Scoble, but his life sick, and you think it’s going to fall into the wasn’t the only one afected. Coach Ryan, regular realm of things.” whom Scoble talked with daily during the entire process, has changed, too. When he heard Scoble crying on the phone, he knew it was outside of that realm. “I told the team, we wouldn’t wish this on our worst enemy, and here it is happening to “You can feel the sadness and worry our friend. You really gain perspective and through the phone. It punches you right learn how to roll with the punches,” he said. in the chin,” Ryan said. “I had a moment of “I’m not the same person as I was the day he clarity that, oh my God, we’re dealing with a told me he needed a new heart.” serious situation.” Coach Ryan and Scoble are not yet sure if he A normal level of ejection fraction, or how can return to the playing feld. If not, Ryan well the heart’s left ventricle pumps blood said a coaching spot will await Scoble. Either with each heartbeat, is between 50 percent way, he will be welcomed with open arms. and 75 percent. Scoble’s ejection fraction was 10 percent. After all, on the playing feld, he always had heart. Now, of the feld, he has heart, too — “Frankly, I was scared going to bed every a new, healthy one, ready to help him take night thinking there was a possibility I would on life once again. not wake up in the morning,” Scoble said. “I focused on negative thoughts like the fact that I was never going to get married,

21 Artist proves age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion By Kristian Biega ’20 Mercyhurst University alumna, former Sister of Mercy, and lifelong learner Dr. Jacqueline Shuler proves that even at 82 years old, no one is too old to follow their dreams or to continue their passions. Shuler has been creating art for more than 60 years — along the way pursuing three degrees in art, teaching preschool-age through college- “My plan was to integrate age students, and designing original works of the words of the Gospel of her own. John with a brilliant palette “Because of full-time commitments to teaching,” of colors,” Shuler said. “John Shuler said, “I had to wait for retirement to really is the most mystical of the start creating daily, but creativity keeps you evangelists and my favorite.” young. I am in my 80s and just now hitting Shuler designed each side my stride.” of the church with a unique Despite never having formal art education image and symbolic spiritual before college, Shuler knew she was passionate meaning in mind. The design about creativity and wanted to pursue art process took her several formally at then-Mercyhurst College. At the months as she continued to North window above entrance of St. Luke Church. time, she was better known as Sister Mary David, teach and take college courses. RSM, and worked closely with her mentor, Sister While construction was Angelica Cummings, RSM. underway, Shuler refused to She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at let herself see any glimpses Mercyhurst in 1965 while teaching full time. of the windows until they She went on to receive her master’s in Arts were fnished. The church was Education from the University of Illinois and was completed in 1966. the frst woman in the U.S. to receive the John “Standing alone in the church D. Rockefeller III Fund Scholarship for doctoral that day, I was amazed by the studies at Carnegie Mellon University. transforming efect of the light Her proudest achievement, however, came from streaming through the colorful a playful challenge while she was attending glass. It fowed softly in rainbow Mercyhurst College and teaching at St. Luke colors all over the pews and the School next door. foor, fooding the space with With the new church under construction at beauty,” Shuler said. the time, Father Robert Goodill, frst pastor The experience was humbling of St. Luke Church, envisioned that the new and emotional for Shuler, and she recalls it as The Power of Roots stained-glass windows would feature images of one of the most memorable days of her life, next infuential Catholics, but Shuler had other ideas. to the births of her two children. “I suggested that the windows have one “It really was beyond me,” said Shuler. “I know Shuler’s commitment to her faith, art, learning, gorgeous abstract image running the full length that there was divine infuence in my work. I and creativity, with its roots in Mercyhurst, has of the church. Father Goodill looked at me like could not have come up with that on my own.” followed her throughout her life. I was crazy,” Shuler said. “He told me that if I Shuler’s current work includes digital art, “Creativity is a refection of God as the Creator of thought I knew so much about stained-glass inspirational quotes, abstract art, and all things. The energy of Spirit moves through all windows, then I should design them myself — calligraphy. She sells her paintings and life, and I like to think of my artwork as energy in so I said ‘sure!’” calligraphy gifts online on Pixels.com and color,” Shuler said. Excited by her new assignment but not knowing where to begin, Shuler took inspiration from her Etsy. com. She has written several books, spiritual life as well as her artistic knowledge of including Living Love, Understanding Preschool color and composition. Art: From Scribbles to Self-esteem, and children’s book Lulu the Lizard. 22 UNPACKED! Sorting through mementos for Centennial celebration

“Faded photographs, covered now with lines and creases, donated collection includes her college keepsakes along with mementos Tickets torn in half, memories in bits and pieces …” saved by her mother, Cleland Driscoll Kelly, Class of 1932, who also was an editor on the Merciad staf. If you are of the generation that would remember the 1968 hit single, Traces, by the Classics IV, you can almost hear it echoing in Although Traces is about a love lost, it points out how even simple the background as you glance through Mercyhurst memorabilia recently things can bring back vivid memories — in this case, of Mercyhurst ’s donated by a friend of the late Mary Lou Kelly, Mercyhurst College Class formative years. of 1960. When the materials were unpacked in the university advancement Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and was active in the English ofces, ardent Mercyhurst fans reacted with nostalgia, history bufs Club, and served as an editor on the Merciad student newspaper and with reverence, and those preparing for the university ’s Centennial the college yearbook. The with delight. Within the collection was a dark green 3 ---by 5 leather bound booklet, The Pioneer Yearbook of Mercyhurst College, circa 1929; a weathered but otherwise unblemished 8 --by 10 photograph of the Class of 1932 (all 12 members); kitschy Mercyhurst mugs and assorted paraphernalia, including vintage dance cards; a 1931 program for the musical comedy production of Sally Ann; issues of the Merciad student newspaper; commencement programs; and a History of Mercyhurst College written by Sister Eustace Taylor, RSM, for Mercyhurst ’s Golden Anniversary in 1976. There is even an unframed authentic watercolor by Sister Angelica Cummings. “These are just the kinds of gifts that will allow us to showcase our unique history in an archival display that connotes meaning as well as a little bit of whimsy,” said Lindsay Frank, director of alumni engagement. “We are grateful to receive these cherished items that have been so well preserved for decades.” Frank said the university would welcome additional artifacts and memorabilia from alumni as it prepares to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026. If you would like to contribute items of historic signifcance, please contact Lindsay Frank at [email protected].

23 Retirements A dozen farewells Twelve faculty members retiring in 2020 and 2021 were honored at an outdoor reception on campus last May. Front row, from left, are Mary Hembrow Snyder (Religious Studies), Mary Ann Lubiejewski (Nursing), Claudia Matz (Liberal Arts), Laura Lewis (Social Work), and Rob Hof (Psychology). Back row, from left, are Larry Gaurilof (Biology), Marilyn Livosky (Psychology), Tom Hubert ’77 (Art), Randy Clemons (Political Science), Dan Burke ’69 (Art), and Tom Donahue (Philosophy). Missing from the photo is Bill Welch ’06M (Intelligence Studies).

End of an era We have reached the end of an era with the retirement of Sue Corbran ’73, editor of Mercyhurst Magazine and the on-campus employee newsletter, The Morning Buzz. For 15 years, Sue was dedicated to chronicling the day-to-day operations of Mercyhurst as well as documenting our history. A recipient of the Staf Senate Commitment to Mission Award, Sue intends to spend her retirement pursuing her interests in history and genealogy and catching up with family and friends.

In Memoriam The Mercyhurst community continues to mourn a treasured faculty member who died in the prime of life. Dr. Simona Carrubba, assistant professor of physics, was a vibrant, brilliant, and dedicated professor. She died on Feb. 6, 2021, after a short yet courageous battle with lung cancer. She was a beautiful human being who loved her students and the Mercy Mission, which she exemplifed in so many ways inside and outside the classroom. She taught courses in general, medical and environmental physics, as well as biomechanics, and was known for the sheer excitement for learning that she generated in her students. We are indebted to Dr. Carrubba and treasure the indelible mark she left on this university.

24 Building a bridge between law enforcement and civilians By Deborah W. Morton

For Ismael Lopez, life as a police ofcer came at but you don’t have to use that to hold you back, As a result, Lopez has been able build rapport a cost. you can use it as fuel to move on and be the with people in his community, so much so that Growing up in a tough eastside Erie change you want to see.” he is now his department’s public information neighborhood, Lopez, who is Hispanic, would In the end, it was his own perseverance and the ofcer and manages its social media. He is even often fnd himself on the wrong side of the law. support of his family, particularly his mother and using TikTok to connect with kids, said his chief, The father fgure in his life was in and out of jail young daughter, Jenalise, that got him through. John Sicilia. and died of a heroin overdose. Then he watched “Even my brother in prison, who is one of those “We encourage Ismael to keep reaching out as his older brother, whom he loved and ‘do as I say not as I do’ kind of guys, supported and humanizing the badge to kids,” Sicilia said. emulated, go of to prison. my decision to become a cop,” he said. “Our community is lucky to have someone of his “I just reached a day when I thought ‘I’ve got to Ultimately, Lopez was voted captain of his class character protecting and serving.” do something diferent,’” Lopez said, a decision and earned the academy’s President’s Award, the Lopez said his goal is to be a bridge between law that led him to the Mercyhurst Municipal Police highest honor a cadet can receive. enforcement and civilians. Training Academy at North East. That was 2015, Today, as a patrolman with the Northern “It’s frustrating because often the minorities and he was one of only two ethnic minorities in a Regional Police Department of Allegheny don’t understand the police, and the police don’t class of 19 males and four females. County, Lopez is still trying to be the change, understand the minorities,” he said. “Honestly, Originally, he believed that he wasn’t good and it is even more challenging in a climate though, there is not one white police ofcer I enough to become a police ofcer, and so he where police ofcers, once revered, are work with who is not well intentioned, but some had something to prove. But what he struggled frequently vilifed. of them are starting to lose hope and patience.” with most was the loss of his friends, who As a minority, he is in a unique position, able to Lopez and a business partner, who is a Marine ridiculed his new lifestyle. identify with both sides in a confict. Corps veteran, have started a company, “When I made the decision to become a cop, “Being Hispanic helps,” he said. “For instance, I ValorLabz, designed to help individuals, people I thought were my closest friends can pull someone over and they’ll immediately particularly those in law enforcement and the disowned me,” he said. “That puts a lot of call me a racist. But then they’ll see my nametag, military, become stronger, healthier versions pressure on a person and can easily deter you and act like, ‘Oh, Lopez, you are Hispanic, not of themselves and, thereby, be better at their from going through with it.” white; I can talk to you.’” jobs. They ofer supplements, training, and other incentives for optimum performance. In fact, that is exactly why Lopez believes there At times, he gets maligned simply for being aren’t more minorities in law enforcement. a cop, and it can be difcult not to react with He said he would like this company to grow “People want change and they want diversity, the same hostility. “I use those instances as an with the goal of bridging the gap between law but nobody wants to step up and be that opportunity to change the perspective,” he said. enforcement and the people they serve. If his change,” he said. “There are a lot of kids I grew up “I treat everyone as if I’m talking to my brother. I prior track record is any indicator, he should be with who aren’t on the right path. Some would love him. But every action has a consequence.” well on his way. say that you are a product of your environment, 25 Always learning, always changing: Bocan recalls career helping others By Susan Hurley Corbran ’73 During the 1970s, well before remote learning Working with a government commission, became common in American universities, Dr. Bocan helped write grants to obtain Dr. Carol Bocan ’59 was teaching distance funding for universities to defray student learning classes. tuition, and coached hundreds of students to In a sort of precursor to today’s online classes, seek grants and scholarships for themselves she developed and produced two dozen as well. She says she encouraged students 30-minute videotapes for a graduate course to obtain as much education as they could in Home Economics Curriculum at Winthrop because education is something they can College. Graduate students across South never lose and the more you get, the more Carolina gathered in small groups to watch her people you can help. videos on open and closed circuit. They’d mail It’s a philosophy she absorbed from the their completed assignments to Dr. Bocan and, Sisters of Mercy. Dr. Bocan explains, “When I once a month, she’d travel to each location for attended Mercyhurst in the late 1950s, we had an in-person meeting. such wonderful nuns. Their attitudes were so That was just one highlight of Carol’s long positive. They encouraged us to help as many career as an educator. people as we can in life. They told us as long as Dr. Carol Bocan came back to campus in 2019 for the you’re using the talents God has given you, you 60th reunion of her graduating class. After earning a Mercyhurst degree in home will end up helping thousands of people, and economics, she taught in several high schools you will be successful.” and produced homemaking programs for a Florida TV market. She earned a master’s Though she retired from Utah State as a degree from Penn State and joined the professor, her career certainly wasn’t over. Mercyhurst faculty in 1967. When her alma mater called in 1991, she agreed to help with the opening of Mercyhurst’s She fondly remembers her time supervising branch campus in North East. She stayed on the Home Management House, where home for three years, teaching and helping get the economics majors lived to get hands-on program up and running. experience running a home, from budgeting to cooking to caring for children. Each term, Carol had returned to her Conneautville, the students cared for an infant from Pennsylvania, home after retirement to nurse St. Joseph’s Orphanage. her mother through a long illness. A few years later, she lost her beloved dog. After a year Though she had no children of her own, alone, she decided she needed another pet, she laughingly recalls that friends who were but her brother and sister-in-law convinced her new parents were soon turning to her for a cat might be a better choice than a dog at expert advice. this stage of her life. Though skeptical, she says In 1973, Carol earned a Ph.D. from Florida State she prayed to St. Francis for help locating a cat University, still specializing in home economics who was a much like a dog as possible. but adding a focus in municipal planning She soon adopted a cat, Luna, who’s happy to as well. curl up on her lap when she reads or watches Teaching jobs followed at Northern Illinois TV, greets her when she comes home, and University, Mississippi University for Women, keeps her feet warm at night. Carol told the Winthrop College, and fnally Utah State, where tale of Luna’s arrival, “How This Dog Lover she became a professor and head of the home Became a Cat Person,” in an article and video economics department. for Guideposts magazine in 2017. Throughout her career, she was in demand Luna was a huge comfort when Carol went as a speaker, invited to lecture around the through her own health scare, a three-year world. She published widely, not only battle with breast cancer. academic papers but also inspirational Dr. Carol Bocan, right, joins classmates Dr. Barbara articles and videotapes. 26 Chambers, left, and Emma Newby Mason during the 60th reunion of the Class of 1959. Partners leverage cyber strengths with promise of doing ‘something big’ By Deborah W. Morton

Three years ago, Erie native Jeremy Young organizations,”Young said. “We were able to brought his fast-growing technology company, identify an overlap of key strategic initiatives that Federal Resources Corp., from the Beltway to Erie included: raising profles to grow our markets, with the promise of doing “something big.” work force readiness, capabilities growth driving Last spring, Young and Mercyhurst University value to mission and technology partners, and announced a partnership consistent with the relentless dedication to our community.” that goal as they established the new Federal Not only does Young see the new partnership Resources Corp. Cyber Education Center at beneftting Mercyhurst students, but providing Mercyhurst University. In addition, Young made a value to his customers through technical, signifcant fnancial gift to the university. professional, and research services. Besides his Federal Resources Corp. specializes in contract work with the federal government, providing IT modernization services to the which is strongly focused on national defense United States government, primarily in the areas and health care – two disciplines in which of cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, Mercyhurst maintains highly respected programs and infrastructure. – Young is actively expanding his operations in the private sector. Recently, for instance, Federal Then-interim President Joseph G. NeCastro at news conference announcing new partnership “We are excited to have forged a dynamic Resources Corp. formed a partnership with partnership with Federal Resources Corp., which Fortune Global 500 Accenture, a professional will further strengthen our thriving cybersecurity services company with leading capabilities in program and related technologies while, at the digital, cloud, and security. same time, create new career opportunities for students in complementary disciplines,” said then- When Young bought Federal Resources Corp. in Interim President Joseph G. NeCastro. “Mercyhurst 2018, he employed seven people; today, from his has been at the forefront of delivering hands-on, headquarters at 440 West Eighth Street in Erie, he practical instruction that students can apply to oversees more than 70 employees across the U.S., their careers, and this is one more example of that including 35 in Erie. His sales, which he projected longstanding commitment. We are enormously in 2019 would reach between $75 million and grateful to Mr. Young for his generosity.” $100 million within fve years, are at $75 million in less than three years. He has set an even loftier Beginning this academic year, Young intends to goal of hitting $250 million by 2026. actively work with Mercyhurst students in the cyber building’s Network Operations Center; From the get-go, Young’s vision aligned with monetizing it, in fact. He foresees the opportunity Mercyhurst University, where he could pair to curate go-to market opportunities, joint his company’s expertise in technology and revenue streams, and strategic relationship connections in government with Mercyhurst building while simultaneously utilizing the space students’ skills in intelligence studies, big data, and his local ofces for paid internships and other and cybersecurity. He has hired numerous forms of student engagement. Mercyhurst graduates from the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences with He further expects to create a pipeline of talent, impressive results. not only for the intelligence and cybersecurity work force, but in business, accounting, risk “The reputation of the Ridge College and the management, marketing, and other skill sets success of its students have contributed much in demand by today’s tech companies. signifcantly to our success as a company,”Young said. “I see this partnership as one of ‘mutual “When we originally sat down with relevance,’ where we can further leverage our representatives from the university, we resources to beneft each other.” mapped out the priorities and agendas of both

Federal Resources Corp. CEO Jeremy Young 27 The position does not require relocation for the job. The Admissions team is currently seeking applicants to represent Mercyhurst in the Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas, but the role is open to interested applicants from other major U.S. cities as well. “As admissions counselors based in Erie, it can be hard to make headway with students in farther areas because we only visit for a short period of time. Someone who already lives in one of these cities would be able to be more hands on and form stronger connections with students,” O’Connor said. The regional representative’s primary role is to visit local high schools during the day and attend regional college fairs in the evenings to meet with students and families. Regional reps will also facilitate correspondence and maintain connections to keep students excited and informed about Mercyhurst. “You will be ‘the face of Mercyhurst’ to students in these areas,” O’Connor said. “From visiting these cities myself, I know that there are many great high school students who would be a perfect ft for Mercyhurst. We want to ensure that they have the support they need to apply here.”

Rebekah O’Connor In addition to local travel, representatives will be invited to Mercyhurst for campus visits and training to ensure that they are up to date with all of Mercyhurst’s Undergrad Admissions to latest oferings. “We are looking for people who are excited about higher education and who can also get students excited about expand reach in key regions coming to college. You do not have to be a Mercyhurst By Kristian Biega ’20 alum — although you are always welcome — as long as you are someone who is passionate about our mission While a large majority of Mercyhurst’s students hail from the surrounding regions and helping students learn about us,” O’Connor said. in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, our 20,000+ alumni represent a diverse O’Connor and the admissions team are excited about community from all over the world. extending their ofce across the U.S. with this role. While The Ofce of Undergraduate Admissions seeks to continue expanding Mercyhurst’s seeing an increase in enrollment from these areas may reach to more students across the United States. To foster this enrollment growth, take several years, the Admissions team believes that the Mercyhurst is initiating a new role on the admissions team — a part-time regional representatives will play a key role in expanding regional representative. awareness of Mercyhurst to potential students. “Our goal with the regional representatives is to utilize someone who is already “Mercyhurst is a great place to represent and work for,” located in key major metropolitan areas to act as a liaison for the Admissions O’Connor said. “From a professional standpoint it’s really department. They will become a more relatable and accessible point of contact for a win-win: you have the chance to be creative and put our potential students,” Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Regional new ideas into practice, while students get to know Representative Coordinator Rebekah O’Connor ’10 said. Mercyhurst on a more accessible and personal level.”

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A REGIONAL REP? A part-time position, regional representatives can expect to work approximately four days a week, six hours a day, from late August to late April. More information about the part-time regional representative position is available at mercyhurst.edu/human-resources or by contacting Rebekah O’Connor at [email protected] or 814-824-2124. 28 MU fag propels alum to top of Kilimanjaro

When all is said and mountain was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done and done — the physical going to Mercyhurst was the most important, life - changing thing I have training mastered, ever done,” he said. the mental toughness Neither a camper nor a hiker, Wagner never even climbed a mountain until tested, the climbing this past June. But, at 13, he read a book by Michael Crichton called Travels, skills perfected — it where he was introduced to Kilimanjaro and the memory stayed with him, was Richard Wagner ’s much like his years at Mercyhurst. determination to fy the Mercyhurst University fag “Mercyhurst was the catalyst for a seismic shift in my priorities,” he said. atop Mount Kilimanjaro “I was an OK student and a really good athlete. During my time there, I that was the deciding matured considerably, and I saw the value in academic rigor, in learning, factor in his success. and in conveying thoughts and sharing ideas. I was able to communicate in writing and developed skills that gave me confdence. That confdence, “The climb from basecamp backed by the liberal arts curriculum and the tremendous quality of went from 15,000 feet to professors, my friends, and fellow students, launched me into grad 19,342 — an elevation school and beyond as a complete individual and lifelong learner.” gain of 4,342. It was tedious, painful, exhausting, and believe me I wanted to quit about 20 times,” Wagner said in refecting upon his 10 - day adventure in Wagner went on to earn a master ’s in international afairs from American June. “That said, the fag provided me with an extra purpose, an opportunity University School of International Services and an MBA from American’ s to represent my alma mater and all those faculty members who had a Kogod School of Business. massively profound impact on the trajectory of my life. Having that fag in Among the Mercyhurst professors he remembers best are two of the political my pack gave me an additional push so that tapping out was not an option.” science department ’s fnest, Dr. Randy Clemons, who retired last May, and The CEO of his own management consulting frm, Richard Wagner & Dr. Michael Federici, who has since moved down South. Company (RWCO), Wagner lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with his wife, Lisa, “I have always viewed Mercyhurst as an institution with international and 12-- year old twin daughters, Lizzie and Rachel. While at Mercyhurst, street cred,” he said. “Given my international business travel, it is not he majored in political science and sociology, played soccer, and uncommon for a complete stranger to come up to me, thousands of miles graduated in 1996. away from the U.S. and comment on my Mercyhurst shirt or hat and say, His years at Mercyhurst had such a transformative efect on him that raising ‘ah yes, Mercyhurst — it is cold there, no? ’” the fag at Uhuru Peak, the highest summit of Kilimanjaro, was a given. “It Cold — for sure — but for Wagner, no place could warm his heart more. was important for me to bring it to the roof of Africa because climbing the Fulbright scholar, soccer alum kicks around novel ideas in Ireland Earning passage to Ireland as a Fulbright, one of the most prestigious dedicated to the bogs. There is so much international exchange programs in the world, Maya Bauer ’20 couldn’t wait history here. I’m trying to present scientifc to begin her research on the Emerald Isle. fact while honoring all the history of the But fate, and the COVID-19 pandemic, had other plans. people and the land.” The women’s soccer alumna and environmental science/Spanish In adapting to her new surroundings and double major was slated to study peat bog degradation during her time as circumstances, Bauer came prepared, thanks a Fulbright. Her goal was to assess the rate of bog degradation using GIS to her years at Mercyhurst. technologies and to gauge public awareness of the importance of “I feel like Mercyhurst taught me that you this ecosystem, especially as it relates to climate change. need to be involved in your community,” said She was scheduled to begin her work in Ireland last September but the Bauer. “If you really dive into the community, pandemic delayed her travel for fve months. When she fnally arrived in immerse yourself, you can have an amazing County Mayo, she was met by even more COVID restrictions, one of which experience.” limited her travel to no more than three miles from her residence. That, in So, despite the travel limitations, Bauer turn, made investigating peatland degradation in west Ireland and its efects joined a community garden, tried rugby, on neighboring populations a defnite challenge. and resurrected her passion for soccer by “I had to fgure out a way to still work on my project without being able to joining Manulla FC in June. “It has been great to play the sport I love in a new meet people or network the way I thought I would,” Bauer said. country; it is an opportunity that I am really thankful to have,” she said. “I have met some amazing friends through this team, and I hope to continue In essence, she had to get creative. As a photography buf, who long my soccer career after I fnish my time in Ireland this November.” contemplated incorporating photography into her career plans, she decided to turn the science-heavy research project into a science communication project. Meanwhile, when it comes time to present her Fulbright project, she hopes to use a nontraditional setting as a backdrop. “I would really like to present Her plan then was to tell the story of the bogs — past, present, and future — my work in a bog, if possible,” she said. “Take people out into the ecosystem through photojournalism. and share with them all the beautiful things I have discovered that may be “Photography was something I could do without having to go far or work in lying beneath the surface.” a lab,” she said. “Poets have written about these bogs; there is art and songs 29 Mercyhurst shines spotlight on cadaver lab with medical-grade lighting Mercyhurst University is shining the spotlight on its cadaver lab, situated in the Hirtzel Human Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory at North East, already one of the top labs of its kind in the country. Work is progressing on upgrades to the cadaver lab’s lighting system, which will now be medical grade and emulate those in operating rooms. “These kinds of lights help immensely with the dissection and identifcation process, and will be of utmost value to our students, especially those in the Physician Assistant Program and those in our new Master of Science Program in Athletic Training,” said Dr. Clint Jones, of the Zurn College of Natural and Health Sciences. The Hirtzel lab ofers many advanced features, among them a room for processing human remains that is consistent with modern autopsy facilities, a digital X-ray system, a green energy recovery and air ventilation system, a high-tech security system, and a cadaver lab equipped with stations for dissection, a standard feature for medical schools but relatively uncommon at small private colleges. The latter enhances disciplines focused on human anatomy, from nursing to sports medicine. When the cadaver lab was frst constructed more than 10 years ago, it included surgical lighting for two of the six dissection stations, explained Dr. David Hyland, professor of anthropology/biology, who has overseen the lab since the beginning. “We realized what we really needed to make for a better experience was to have a surgical light for each of the six cadaver tables,” he said. The lights cost approximately $2,000 each and involve a complicated installation process, he added. Since its opening in 2010, the Hirtzel facility has been housed in the Janet L. Miller Building at 5999 Station Road in North East, which remains part of the university system even with the consolidation of Mercyhurst North East with the main campus. Annual celebration abuzz with Beehive success stories

Local inventors and entrepreneurs showcased celebration event earlier this summer at setting to provide clients with actionable the new products and companies they Mercyhurst University. intelligence,” said IEL Director Brian Fuller. developed through the Northwest Since its inception in 2014, the Beehive, “The lab gives Mercyhurst an opportunity Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network composed of the four local universities — to interact with the community in a positive when the network hosted its annual Beehive Edinboro, Gannon, Mercyhurst, and Penn way by helping to build and strengthen the State Behrend, along with the recent addition entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.” of Blasco Library — has worked to enhance In addition to the IEL, the Beehive includes business expansion and development in Erie Edinboro University’s Center for Branding & and the surrounding region. Strategic Communication, which provides Mercyhurst showcased its new Innovation marketing services, digital design, and video Entente Lab (IEL), in which IEL team members production; Gannon University’s Center for help clients identify key marketing strategies, Business Ingenuity, which provides business competitive business intelligence data, consulting and case-management service potential funding opportunities, strategic for entrepreneurs; and Penn State Behrend’s media options, and graphic design support. Innovation Commons, a product design and Since September 2019, the IEL has helped rapid prototyping center. more than 60 clients with their entrepreneurial Many clients use multiple Beehive services, and small business needs. The lab was made which all partners agree is a tribute to how possible by a grant from the Erie County collegially and efectively the universities and Gaming Revenue Authority. public library work together to improve the “Our students gain valuable skills in networking region’s economy. President Kathleen Getz greets Chancellor Ralph Ford as they interact with clients in a professional of Penn State Behrend. 30 Class Notes

The ’70s The ’00s Larry Walczak ‘74 recently had several of his artworks purchased by Aesthetics, Carrie (Tappe) Schreiber ‘00 was recently named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Inc. for the new Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center being built in Women. She currently works as a Commercial Banker in Baltimore and serves the Pittsburgh area. Walczak has artwork in the permanent collections of The on the Board of Directors for several nonproft organizations including Marian Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Brooklyn Museum of Art as well House Inc., The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, The United Way of Central as several private collections. He currently has a collage in the Erie Art Museum Maryland, and the YMCA of Central Maryland’s Community Leadership Board. Spring Show and an online exhibition by FLATFILES Gallery of New York City. Noelle Lelakus ‘04 ‘08 ‘12 married Matthew McClellan Will Ursprung ‘76 was featured in the 2021 on Feb. 20, 2021, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The Matron of publication of Art Folio in the Sculpture/ Honor was Jo (Alspaugh) Theisen ‘08. Noelle is employed Dimensional section for his steel object collage as a nurse practitioner at AdventHealth Carrollwood and piece, Diaspora de la Penitentiare. Ursprung Matthew is an anchor/reporter at Fox 13 News, both in focuses on creating collages out of found objects Tampa, Florida. by juxtaposing textures to create unique visuals. Art Folio is “a publication of the best in abstract Margaret (Peggy) Harold-Rauch ‘06 completed her Master of Science from and contemporary work from around the world as decided on Bufalo State College in science education. Her master’s paper focused on the by a jury of professional artists, museum curators, gallery owners, public education system in the United States, the Next Generation Science art consultants, and collectors.” Standards (NGSS), as well as utilizing scientifc phenomena in the classroom to engage students. The ’80s Heather (Uhl) Geiger ‘06 and her husband, Aaron, welcomed a daughter, Cora Geiger, on Feb. 5, 2021, in Johns Creek, Georgia. Donald Gibbon, D.O., ‘86 was promoted to the position of Executive Director/Regional Chief Medical Ofcer with Colleen Lanigan Hordych ‘07 and her husband, Jake, welcomed a baby girl, Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health company. In this position, Georgia Marie on Aug. 18, 2020. Georgia joins big sister Lydia. Dr. Gibbon oversees the executive leaders for medical Lisa Bannister ‘08 started a new job as Business and Computer Teacher at Parma management, their market performance, and ensures High School in Parma, Ohio, in August 2021. She was previously employed at high quality of care for Aetna Better Health plans in Lake Erie Correctional Institution in Conneaut, Ohio, since 2016 as a Career Tech Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and business teacher. Virginia. In addition to this new role, Dr. Gibbon remains the Chief Medical Ofcer of Aetna Better Health of West Virginia. He graduated Dara Swisher ‘08 married Brent Shultz on Oct. 10, 2020, in an intimate ceremony from the Kirksville, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and is in Virginia Beach. Dara and Brent are performing and teaching board certifed in Emergency Medicine. artists in New York City.

Thomas Parilla ‘88 was selected Kristin (Peterson) Pierce ‘08 was recently awarded to be a Final Day Speaker at the two 2020 Nautilus Book Awards for her fourth and ffth 2021 Steel, Metals, and Minerals children’s picture books, The Sweet Dreams Express: A Conference. The Parilla Investment Meditative Bedtime Journey and Hazel Mist Hypnotist. As Group currently owns Multiple Gold the author and founder of Inner Compass Books, Kristin & Silver Mines in New Mexico, and 1 creates mindfully crafted children’s books that are full of Fluorspar Mine & Mill in Arizona. impact, inspiration, and empowering messages to help our youngest generation establish self-awareness and The ’90s growth mindsets from an early age. Kathryn (Kolker) Miller ‘09 and her husband, Kevin Courtright ‘91 was named the 2021 Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Christopher, welcomed a son, Cooper James, Faculty Member of the Year. The award recognizes a faculty member who on Feb. 1, 2021, in Fairport, New York. Cooper consistently exhibits exemplary teaching skills, presents a well-developed joins big sister Blakely. personal philosophy of teaching, and demonstrates mastery of their discipline. He is in the Criminal Justice, Anthropology, and Forensic Studies Department.

31 Haylie Starin ‘09 married Gerard Gulasey Jr. on June 12, Deaths 2021. Marissa (Starin) Wayner ‘08 was the Matron of Honor Alumni and Chelsey Starin ‘14 was the Maid of Honor. The bridal Mary (Taylor) Elliott ‘44 Mary (Mehl) George ‘67 party also included several Colleen (McMahon) Doyle ‘50 Genevieve (McManus) Tirpak ‘68 Mercyhurst alumni: Bridesmaids Heather (Schwager) Schmuhl ‘09 and Victoria (Fleisner) Goncar ‘09; Bridesmen Cameron Ives ‘09 and Matthew Williams ‘09; Joan (Oster) Harf ‘51 Elizabeth Carroll ‘68 Groomsman John Wayner ‘08; and Greeter Tyler Meader ‘14. Barbara (Klein) Perusse ‘54 Julie (Penberthy) Harmon ‘71 The ’10s Donna (Byers) Cotter ‘54 Rochelle (George) Wooding ‘71 Catherine (Drouhard) Lewis ‘54 Carolyn Lange ‘72 Sarah Margaret Hlusko ‘11 is engaged to Evan Karl Everhart, Erie metal artist. Katherine (Eichenlaub) Nuber ‘55 Joan (Page) Moore ‘73

Caileen Farrell Fox ‘11 and Patrick Fox ‘11 Jean (Bryson) Burney ‘56 Robert J. Gaughan ‘77 welcomed a baby boy, Bennett Gregory, on July 6, Val (Mancini) O’Melean ‘57 Barry A. Sturm ‘81 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mary (Shine) Hilbert ‘58 Robert M. Conklin ‘82 Ryan Bartizal ‘13 and Jenna Bartizal welcomed baby boy Evan Ryan Bartizal on Nov. 9, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mary Pat (Schaefer) Russell ‘60 Georgia (Botinovich) Hill ‘82

Courtney Hartline ‘15 married Jonathan Puskar Margaret (Tellers) Dupre ‘61 Carolyn Anderson ‘87 on July 17, 2021, in Detroit at Basilica of St. Anne de Ann C. Titus ‘61 Judith (Cofman) Kelsey ‘92 Detroit. Patricia (McMullen) Triandifou ‘62 Janis (Pullinger) Guthrie ‘93 Rachel Sobina ‘17 married Patrick Arthur ‘18 on June 26, 2021, at St. Jude Church in Erie. The Maid Sheila (Himes) Fiscus ‘63 Matthew E. Turner ‘95 of Honor was Sara Danowski ‘16 and Bridesmaids Susan (Lyons) Flaherty ‘63 Erika (Ballman) DeSalvatore ‘00 included Amanda Novosel ‘17 and Amanda Salasek ‘17. Patrick works as a data analyst and Rachel has been Virginia (Curnutte) Umpirowicz ‘64 Melissa (Wagner) Ripley ‘14 a special education and regular education teacher for four years, both in Beachwood, Ohio. Husband of Anthony Piglowski ‘18 was recognized on the cover of Coastal Virginia Business Magazine as one Maryann (Schneider) Yochim Flaherty ‘71 (Bill Flaherty) of the region’s “Millennials on the Move.” Anthony is currently a Wealth Advisor and Client Relationship Peggy (Anibaldi) Patrick ‘68 (Guy Patrick). Guy was also the father of Anna Manager for Freedom Street Partners, a wealth Patrick ’07 and was formerly Mercyhurst Campus Minister during the 1970s. advisory frm based in Chesapeake, Virginia. Read the full article and fnd out more on Sandi Valicenti Burckart ‘63 (Ray Burckart). Ray was also the father of covabizmag.com. Jeanne Burckart ‘90 and brother of Mary Beth Burckart Havasi ‘66.

Nellie Dephtereos ‘19 is pursuing her master’s at the Colorado School of Public Barbara Smith Coates ‘71 (Colby Coates) Health in Denver and wrote a recent column for Colorado Politics, bringing to light the problem of homelessness relative to environmental concerns.

32 MAKE HURST HOME AGAIN Graduate Program Tuition Benefts for Alumni

As an alum of Mercyhurst University, you know what it means to seize your opportunity – to push further in academics, to ask new questions, to create change, and to lead with compassion and hospitality. We are confdent that our alumni have a solid foundation rooted in the Mercy Mission that can help them to succeed beyond our gates. If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies to move into a greater leadership role or change career paths to enter a feld with more opportunity, we are ready to connect you with a fexible and afordable graduate program to help you succeed! WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER SPECIAL ALUMNI PRICING ON TUITION – UP TO 35 PERCENT OFF – FOR SELECT MERCYHURST GRADUATE PROGRAMS: APPLIED INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATIVE NURSING LEADERSHIP Master of Science or Grad Certifcate Master of Science in Nursing CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION SECONDARY EDUCATION Master of Science or Grad Certifcate Master of Science CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION Master of Science or Grad Certifcate Master of Science or Grad Certifcate CYBER SECURITY TEACHING EXCELLENCE Master of Science or Grad Certifcate Master of Science DATA SCIENCE Master of Science or Grad Certifcate

Whether on campus or online, you can continue your education in supportive environments alongside classmates with a shared focus for academic excellence. When you’re ready to apply, we’ve simplifed the application procedure for alumni and waived a number of requirements. Get started at apply.mercyhurst.edu or visit mercyhurst.edu/alumni-benefts for more details! 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546 mercyhurst.edu

2021

HOMECOMING WEEKEND September 24-26 Register today at: mercyhurst.edu/homecoming