Misericordia University Moments Magazine Summer 2024 : simplebooklet.com

2 PRESIDENT 1 ON SOCIAL MEDIA 4 BREAKING GROUND 6 JEREMY KUBA 19 REMEMBERED 8 OT PT RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY 9 ICE HOCKEY HAS A NEW HOME 10 FROM BAKE SALES TO BIG HEARTS 12 MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY MEANS FAMILY 13 STUDENT RESEARCH CROSSES ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES 14 A HISTORIC WIN MISERICORDIA BASEBALL TEAM CLINCHES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 16 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN 18 MISERICORDIA S SECOND OLDEST LIVING ALUMNA TURNS 100 20 SERVICE TRIP TO ALABAMA 22 HISTORY OF THE HALLS 24 SISTER MARY GLENNON 62 SCHOLARSHIP 25 ALEX SNYDER EARNS ALL AMERICAN STATUS IN WOMEN S JAVELIN AT DIII NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 26 ENGAGING IN RESEARCH THE SURF PROGRAM AT MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY 28 NEW MAJORS MU 30 MISERICORDIA SPOTLIGHT 31 LESSONS FROM AN AI THOUGHT LEADER 32 MISERICORDIA ALUMNI EVENTS CONTENTS 2 4 6 13 14 16 18 20 25 26

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1 President on l a i Soc ia d e M With apologies to musician Harry Nilsson and the band Three Dog Night One is not the loneliest number old song but good look it up it is the best number to be in social media circles In May 2024 ED Marketing an international marketing agency selected Misericordia University President Daniel J Myers Ph D as its top ranked university president on social media He finished as number two in their analysis last year MOMENTS 2 The selection as number one comes from an expert panel and is based on Dr Myers robust content as seen on various social media platforms during 2023 A parent of a prospective student nominated Myers to be considered for the ranking I am excited and a little surprised to be recognized this way says Myers Social media is such a contemporary method by which we can engage with prospective students alumni parents friends and the community Because of this fact we have invested much time and energy into making my presence on social media benefit the university as much as possible In the opening weeks of Myers presidency three years ago he shared with the marketing team his idea to establish a strong social media footprint In particular he observed that few if any presidents had a presence on TikTok a popular social media platform featuring short video clips In the early days we did research and experimented with content that would be appropriate to our brand and also engage current and prospective students on TikTok says Myers We had names for each video such as bookshelf and Thanksgiving dinner But we are fortunate to see it grow so much we can no longer name each one In fact Myers has accumulated over 700 000 likes and 12 000 followers on TikTok alone through release of hundreds of video clips He also provides content to Instagram LinkedIn X and recently Facebook These outlets offer more than just an opportunity to entertain they create a platform to deliver important messages on topics relevant to higher education and the people who work and study at colleges around the country and around the world Myers used social media to post about how to manage the delay in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA explore new academic programs and provide support for special fundraising efforts and awareness activities

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I am excited and a little surprised to be recognized this way Pres id ent D an nt D an ide Pres t Dan Presiden Here is a list of President Dan s social media accounts and where to follow him Use this QR code to watch an in depth interview with Myers discussing his use of social media and how it helps position Misericordia University in the marketplace Dan Pre Myer sDan sMU MOMENTS Myers latest online endeavor the new Higher Edification podcast offers a platform for the President to interview higher education leaders from around the country to discuss the latest issues impacting the industry It has been enjoyable connecting with new thought leaders and re engaging with many members of my existing network to help frame the value of higher education and provide insight into the challenges and opportunities we face says Myers Presiden t 3

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OO CENTENNIAL n June 3 1921 the Feast of the Sacred Heart after nearly seven years of setbacks the dream of Misericordia an institution of higher education for women emerged as a reality The Sisters of Mercy had faced loss a pandemic war and financial hardships as they worked to create this ground breaking opportunity literally the first of its kind in Luzerne County Pennsylvania Construction was about to begin Sisters of the Immaculate Heart members of the priesthood and the members of the Mother House Fund Committee joined the Sisters of Mercy at a special ceremony led by Reverend Bishop Michael J Hoban 1853 1926 The first shovel of dirt for the site that would hold the new motherhouse a college for women and a day school was spread by Bishop Hoban and the second by Mother Mercedes McHale 1869 1943 Mother Mercedes later served as honorary president of College Misericordia in the 1930s On July 18 1922 the ground was broken again to lay the cornerstone for the new motherhouse building known as Villa St Teresa A portion of the foundation was erected ahead of time to accommodate Bishop Hoban s schedule Workers placed a lock box in the cornerstone containing architectural plans for the building Officials commissioned a ceremonial shovel for the June MOMENTS 4 C E L E B R AT I O N 1922 occasion Among the names listed on the shovel is Mother Gertrude Kirwan who was part of the Provincial Council and also served on the first Board of Trustees of the College Mother Cecilia Houston also listed on the shovel was the Novice Mistress for the Dallas Community first in WilkesBarre from 1920 until 1924 and then in Dallas from 1924 until 1930 Cecilia Houston and Gertrude Kirwan s names are misspelled on the shovel Since then this shovel has been used in every groundbreaking for new construction on Misericordia s campus With each strike of this shovel Misericordia has carved out a new chapter linking past triumphs with future aspirations Two years later on September 15 1924 College Misericordia was dedicated to a crowd of more than 2 500 Bishop Hoban officiated the ceremony and blessed the building that held the College and the motherhouse However another ceremony also took place that day Members of the Wilkes Barre American Legion Post 132 and a contingent of uniformed Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts solemnly bore an American flag to the brand new staff that flanked the Administration Building A marble marker at the base of the staff was then unveiled It bears the College s original seal which connects it with the motherhouse Villa St Teresa and the names of local businesses organizations and individuals that contributed to purchasing the flagpole This marker documents the military business religious and civic history of the WilkesBarre area World War I veteran William B Healey 1894 1972 was a national vice commander in the early American Legion and held important positions at the state level he later became warden of the Luzerne County prison AV Kozak Co was a marble and granite company that may have engraved the marker Sheldon Axle Company was a significant manufacturer of horseand buggy springs and axles prior to World War I declining in the 1920s with the affordability of automobiles Martin F Murray died 1933 was a well known shoe retailer in Wilkes Barre and an early Wilkes Barre Council member The public support these leaders lent to the Sisters of Mercy s bold endeavor the founding of a Catholic women s college in Dallas Pennsylvania is etched in stone

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Jeremy Kuba 19 remembered during EMOTIONAL SCHOL ARSHIP RECOGNITION BRUNCH Celebrating the life of Jeremy Kuba 19 are from left President Daniel J Myers Ph D Jeremy s mother Roslyn Kuba Scholarship Recipient Jenna Potter 22 25 and Occupational Therapy faculty members Lori Charney OTD 93 Orley A Templeton OTD 14 and Joseph Cipriani Ed D 88 The late Jeremy Michael Kuba 19 was the quintessential Misericordia University student By all accounts of his too short life he was kind intuitive intelligent and a most caring son brother friend and occupational therapy practitioner He left an indelible mark on the campus prior to his sudden death in 2019 just days after his undergraduate commencement Jeremy s legacy was highlighted at the 34th Annual Scholarship Recognition Brunch held on campus on April 14 The Celebrate Gratitude themed program brought together scholarship benefactors and the students who receive their scholarships to share stories on the impact of philanthropy and what scholarship means to them The Jeremy Michael Kuba 19 Occupational Therapy Memorial Scholarship Fund was selected as the 2024 honored scholarship on the fifth anniversary of its establishment by Jeremy s mother Roslyn just weeks after his passing Roslyn s remarks brought many in the audience to tears as she recalled what a wonderful experience her son had as a Misericordia student As a mom there is no greater gift than knowing that Jeremy s life mattered and his legacy will continue People will always say his name and each year somebody will have a life that is a little easier because Jeremy existed in this world I thank A S A M O M T H E R E I S N O G R E A T E R G I F T T H A N K N O W I N G T H AT J E R E M Y S L I F E M AT T E R E D Roslyn Kuba Jeremy Kuba s mother Roslyn and Jeremy Kuba

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Jeremy learned the benefits of occupational therapy OT as he adapted to a number of heart and health conditions throughout his life fueling his desire to help others Occupational Therapy Professor Joseph Cipriani Ed D OTR L and other campus community members highlighted Jeremy s determination and engagement as a student He was an active member and president of the Misericordia University Student Occupational Therapy Association MUSOTA and a participant in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship SURF program He was active in Campus Ministry and remembered for being a supportive leader in a search retreat Jeremy was equally admired for his work at the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library and for defying his physical challenges as an award winning thrower on the Men s Track and Field Team He took a leadership role during his second of two OT medical mission service trips to Jamaica His fatal heart failure the day after returning from the trip left all who knew him shocked and heartbroken Within weeks the 25 000 needed to endow the scholarship in his name was raised by family friends and the campus community The fund continues to grow The scholarship is awarded to a fifth year OT student with financial need who exemplifies Jeremy s leadership and passion for service and lives the charisms of Mercy Service Justice and Hospitality The 2023 24 award recipient Jenna Potter 22 25 a doctoral candidate in OT from Medford New York was selected for her outstanding commitment to her studies and community engagement in many areas similar to Jeremy s To be considered for something in Jeremy s name is something I will hold close to my heart Jenna stated This scholarship has meant so much to me as I continue my journey in my doctoral program Your support creates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond this moment It is not just a financial contribution it is an investment in my future and the futures of countless others who will benefit from your kindness and generosity President Daniel J Myers Ph D reflected on the importance of scholarship support in enabling Misericordia students to pursue their educational and Dan Myers and Roslyn Kuba at the 2024 Scholarship Recognition Brunch professional dreams without financial burden He expressed deep gratitude to all benefactors stating Thanks to our generous benefactors Misericordia awarded more than 1 4 million in scholarships this academic year he said emphatically Each one of our scholarships is special and we thank our donors for helping us enter our second century able to make a Misericordia education attainable for students who may have not thought it possible Gifts to the Jeremy Michael Kuba 19 Occupational Therapy Memorial Scholarship Fund are welcome To make a donation go to www misericordia edu MakeAGift and click on the special link in the designation box for the Jeremy Kuba OT Scholarship or call 570 674 6248 MOMENTS Misericordia again for all you did for Jeremy while he was on this campus and all you do for him in his name Knowing that he was truly loved while he was here gives me great comfort she said 7

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From left to right Dr Lori Charney Occupational Therapy Greg Collins vice chair of the Board of Trustees Dr David Rehm vice president of Academic Affairs Dr Barbara Schwartz Bechet dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education President Daniel J Myers Sister Carol Gallagher Board of Trustees and Dr Kristen Karnish Physical Therapy RIBBON CUT TING CEREMONY MARKS COMPLETION OF N E W O C C U PAT I O N A L A N D P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y FAC I L I T Y Misericordia University celebrated the opening of its new Occupational and Physical Therapy Facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 14 The renovated 38 000 square foot space located in a former assisted living facility adjacent to campus represents a significant investment of 8 5 million The project which began in March 2023 and concluded in January 2024 was overseen by contractor Poole Anderson and architect HC Architects The facility is tailored to support Misericordia s premier Occupational Therapy OT and Physical Therapy PT Programs It includes advanced learning spaces observation rooms labs state of the art lecture halls with interactive technology and specialized areas such as a home health lab and pediatric lab The design also features student lounges faculty offices and clinic spaces aimed at community engagement University President Daniel J Myers Ph D emphasized the collaborative effort with the Religious Sisters of Mercy stating Today is also a day to thank our partners in this exciting project the Sisters of Mercy who have offered to share this wonderful space with us There is no better way to help us carry on their mission than by ensuring that the 350 students in these two critically needed programs have the technology and clinical tools they need to achieve great things Lori Charney OTD associate professor and OT department chair highlighted the facility s educational benefits noting Our students will have access to cutting edge equipment modern teaching technology in the classrooms and specialized labs that will enable them to engage in hands on learning community service research opportunities and doctoral capstone projects Above Snapshots of the new OT PT facility MOMENTS 8 Kristen Karnish PT D Ed associate professor and PT department chair added As you tour you will see technology and equipment that allow us to be truly student centered in our education including cameras and multiple screens for students to have an easy view of skills being demonstrated and to engage in presented material Also you will see the space and equipment that enables us to simulate the physical therapy outpatient clinic hospital nursing home and home care settings

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T his fall marks a historic moment for Misericordia University Athletics as it introduces its brand new men s ice hockey team The team will debut at the stateof the art Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes Barre PA ushering in a new era of excitement and opportunity for players and the university community We sat down with Head Coach Kevin Cole and junior Nick Solema one of the pioneering players to discuss the upcoming season the unique features of the Toyota SportsPlex and their journey so far One of the most exciting aspects of the new program is the exceptional facilities Coach Cole highlighted the significance of the brand new locker room a space that they were able to design with the help of the MU Community This he believes will be a huge selling point for everyone that comes to play for Misericordia Cole emphasized that partnering with the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins provides access to top notch equipment and meals setting Misericordia s program apart from others The support from both the university and the local community has been crucial The university has been great working with us and supporting the coaches especially with recruiting new first year and transfer students said Cole adding this support is a testament to the strong bond within our community As the inaugural season approaches the goals are clear build a cohesive team and set a strong foundation Success is different for a first year team but getting better together daily is key said Cole Players of the team recognize and support Coach Cole s approach New recruits hale from all around the United States and Canada Because so many campus and community members are working for the team s success coaches and players have strong confidence moving forward Solema states The support from the school and the faculty has been very strong I think we re going to be able to build something successful here right from the start Solema feels welcomed by the enthusiasm surrounding the new program The location the rink and how Coach Cole approached this first season encouraged me to transfer here he said Everyone is looking forward to an exhilarating first season at the Toyota SportsPlex The first home game is scheduled for November 8 2024 Visit athletics misericordia edu for the latest news and information Go Cougars

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s e l a S e k a B From s t r a e H g i to B Misericordia s Education Club and the Mercy Girl Effect During a heartfelt ceremony last May Misericordia University s Education Club presented a check for 1 825 to Deirdre Mullan R S M university trustee for the Mercy Girl Effect initiative This accomplishment was inspired by the Mercy Girl Challenge introduced by Pat McCann R S M former member of the teacher education faculty and symbolizes the collective effort of the university s students faculty and staff to make a global impact Mercy Girl Effect The Mercy Girl Effect is more than just a fundraising initiative it is a global advocacy movement that empowers young women through education to resist injustices actively It encourages students to act in solidarity with young women worldwide promoting educational opportunities and fighting exploitation This initiative s mission aligns perfectly with Misericordia University s core values of mercy service justice and hospitality This fundraising success was achieved through a series of engaging events organized throughout the spring 2024 semester The Education Club under the leadership of Kaitlyn Shatzel Vivian Wright Alexandra Pehala and Ariana Nolter orchestrated a Chick fil A fundraiser and a campus wide bake sale These activities along with generous personal donations from the faculty and staff of the university s Teacher Education Department showcased the community s commitment to social justice and education Sister Pat and Sister Deirdre attended the presentation event which marked a significant milestone for the university and the Education Club Their presence highlighted the importance of the Mercy Girl Effect MOMENTS 10

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Steve Broskoske Ed D associate professor and club advisor expressed immense pride in the students dedication Today s presentation is a testament to our students hard work and dedication inspired by Sr Pat McCann s challenge Their unwavering commitment has raised substantial funds and awareness for the Mercy Girl Effect empowering young women globally he remarked Scan to see ceremony on FOX56 News Adding a touch of humor and spontaneity to the event Sister Pat jokingly called out President Dan Myers saying For 100 you can stand in the photo President Myers embracing the spirit of the moment opened his wallet and donated on the spot much to the delight and applause of everyone present This impromptu gesture underscored the infectious enthusiasm and wholehearted support for the cause within the Misericordia community Scan for the Mercy Girl Effect MOMENTS The story of the Mercy Girl Effect at Misericordia University is a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and service that defines the institution This achievement is a shining example of how the values ingrained in our institution can be translated into impactful actions Scan to find out more about MU s TED program 11

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Misericordia University F A M I L Y At Misericordia University a strong bond extends beyond campus and into the hearts of students alumni and their families no matter where they live Recently Paula and Mark Johndrow Northeast Pennsylvania natives currently living in Texas returned to campus for a VIP tour from Mark s brother Dave Johndrow 89 director of Information Technology Family connections run strong here as Dave s wife Mariarose is a 89 and 13 MBA graduate of MU and his son in law Matt Laporte is a 15 and 17 OM graduate Campus is open to all alumni to return for a visit with their families Please reach out to our Alumni Relations office if you are so inclined and a member of staff would love to show you around Shown from left to right at the Emerging statue in Rosenn Plaza are Mitch Johndrow Paula Kimic Johndrow 92 Sean Johndrow Mark Johndrow 93 and Dave Johndrow 89 MOMENTS 12

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student research crosses academic disciplines Mikayla s inspiration for this research stems from her experiences shadowing physical therapy professionals in nursing homes Observing therapists and patients struggle to access necessary services due to inadequate reimbursement sparked her desire to investigate this issue further Mikayla s dedication to enhancing patient recovery and well being through her research aligns closely with Misericordia s commitment to compassionate care and its mission of service Initially Mikayla believed her undergraduate and graduate degrees would help her design new programs specifically for therapists However she now realizes that her dual educational experiences will also allow her to better understand and leverage the data available to therapists throughout her career Mikayla s research has received strong support from faculty members across multiple departments Fanchao Meng Ph D Assistant Professor of Computer Science has been instrumental in helping her formulate her research questions and approach Dr Meng praised Mikayla s interdisciplinary approach stating Her merit is extensive and diverse and beyond being a talented student I m deeply impressed by her exceptional insight into the cross between Computer Science Math and Physical Therapy Regarding her collaboration with faculty Mikayla expressed The faculty engagement in my research project has been amazing I ve been able to bring my ideas to experts across different fields and their support and guidance have been invaluable in shaping my research Ultimately Mikayla hopes her research will underscore the critical role of physical therapy in patient care and advocate for better financial support to ensure patients receive the necessary services for optimal recovery MOMENTS Mikayla Calitis a first year Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT student with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science is undertaking research to examine the impact of declining healthcare reimbursement rates on patient outcomes While her research is still in its infancy she aims to uncover insights that could improve patient care by highlighting the influence of financial support on service quality and availability ultimately enhancing patient recovery and well being 13

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The Misericordia University Baseball team culminated an electrifying season by winning the DIII College World Series Bringing home the first Division III baseball championship to a Pennsylvania school and the first team based national championship to Misericordia the players and coaches marked the university s centennial year with an historic unforgettable achievement MOMENTS 14 Coach Pete Egbert reflected We have had some really talented clubs over the past number of years but one of the things this group did better than others was their leadership The road to victory was not without its challenges Starting the season with a 7 7 record the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to turn their fortunes around They came together each player contributing to the collective effort that would ultimately see them crowned national champions The team s mantra throughout the tournament win or die on the field encapsulated their commitment and drive to succeed The leadership group including experienced players like Garrett McIlhenney provided guidance and motivation ensuring the entire team focused on their common goal The influence of these leaders helped foster a culture of excellence and dedication that permeated the squad McIlhenney shared Winning a national championship also taught me to surround myself with those who aspire also to be great If you surround yourself with people who want to win everyone will be that much more motivated A vital element of the team s success was the strong leadership and unity among the players With six graduate students leading the way the team developed a close knit bond on and off the field This camaraderie and mutual support were crucial in navigating the pressures of the championship run As The national championship win resonated far beyond the confines of the baseball field impacting the entire Misericordia University community and its supporters The team s success brought a sense of pride and accomplishment to the university inspiring students alumni and local supporters alike The outpouring of support was palpable with hundreds gathering to celebrate the team s return home highlighting the deep connection between the team and its community The journey to the championship provided invaluable lessons for the players lessons that extend beyond the baseball diamond The experience underscored the importance of perseverance teamwork and leadership These lessons will remain as the players progress in their lives and careers shaping their futures profoundly McIlhenney emphasized Winning a 2024 NCAA DIII Na

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national championship has taught me a lot about life I must continue to give 110 in whatever I am working towards in life The bond formed among the team members built on shared experiences and collective effort will endure long after the final game This sense of brotherhood and mutual Reflecting on the significance of the achievement Coach Egbert remarked It is a place that I really care about Furthermore the community here has been really supportive and outstanding So just to be able to give this back to them It is the first Division Three Pennsylvania school to win a Division Three baseball championship and we can do it in the hundredth year That is special to us As the team basks in the glory of their historic win they are also mindful of the future The victory has set a new standard for the program that future The Misericordia University Baseball team s national championship is more than just a trophy it symbolizes what can be achieved through hard work unity and a relentless pursuit of excellence This historic win will be remembered and celebrated for years marking a defining moment in the university s history Chuck Edkins director of athletics shared It has been a privilege to watch this outstanding group of gentlemen and their coaching staff who have represented this university in first class fashion There s a lot of ways to do things the right way and the wrong way and all the subcategories of both options For those of you that were there you saw how our young men and how our coaching staff reflects the mission of this university in everything that they do tional Champions MOMENTS respect is a testament to the positive culture within the Misericordia baseball program Coach Egbert highlighted Just the bond that these guys built 43 young men and four coaches who just got really close over the course of the year teams will aspire to match The championship has laid a solid foundation for continued success with the current squad serving as a source of inspiration for those who will follow in their footsteps As most of the squad stood among national leaders and other NCAA national champions at the White House in Washington D C on July 22 it further solidified that they were a part of history 15

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Sekerchak Misericordia s second oldest living alumna turns 100 Turning 100 years old on April 23 2024 Olga Sekerchak Savage 46 celebrated surrounded by family and friends and was proud to share centenarian status with her soon to turn 100 alma mater The Hernando FL resident is Misericordia University s second oldest known living alumna She offered a hearty Happy Birthday to the campus in preparation for its centennial on September 24 Her secret to a long life a frozen Snickers bar every day Flanked by balloons flowers and boxes of Snickers bars sent by the university Olga says her secret to a long life is eating a frozen Snickers bar daily True to her word she shared the frozen treats and her thoughts about her and the university starting a second century with Misericordia s Mark DiPippa director of Development and Joe Musto major gifts and planned giving officer during a visit in March According to the United Nations population projections for 2024 there are an estimated 722 000 centenarians age 100 worldwide As life expectancies increase that number is expected to quadruple by 2054 Currently 78 of centenarians are women MOMENTS 18 My fondest memories of being on campus are of the people I met she says with the enthusiasm of an 18 year old while pointing out friends such as the late Mary Elizabeth Rienzo Noll 47 and the late Nancy Fraley O Donnell 46 in pictures from her albums and the Misericordia archives We were like a family My time at Misericordia was definitely one of the best times in my life she offered I loved the nuns I couldn t ask for anything better The youngest of seven children of parents who immigrated from Slovakia to Swoyersville PA Olga never imagined she would go to college She had to be prompted by one of her Swoyersville High School teachers to apply for a College Misericordia scholarship Not only did she earn a scholarship making her the only member of her family to attend college but her academic success included being named both high school and college valedictorian A day hop as commuter students were called the science major served as class secretary and treasurer was a chemistry lab assistant and was a member of the Debate Club Pasteur Chemistry Club Glee Club and National Federation of Catholic College Students

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Savage 46 Olga Sekerchak Savage 46 celebrates her centenarian status with sons from left Robert Kenneth Peter Michael and Donald each wearing their Mom s Favorite caps Olga and Dr Peter Savage While a student she met the love of her life Dr Peter Savage a medical student who became general practitioner Olga and Peter were lifelong residents of Plymouth and Harveys Lake PA Married for 60 years until his passing in 2004 they raised five sons The oldest Attorney Peter lives in Eagle s Mere PA Following in birth order Dr Kenneth of Inverness FL is a retired cardiologist Dr Robert from Wellesley MA is a retired plastic surgeon and Dr Donald of Shavertown PA is a retired ophthalmologist The youngest Dr Michael is a cardiologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia Olga Sekerchak Savage 46 shares her favorite snack frozen Snickers bars with her son Kenneth left and Misericordia s Mark DiPippa To hear centenarian Olga Sekerchak Savage 46 share memories of her time on campus go to Video Link misericordia edu olgasavage MOMENTS A highly proficient life long golfer Olga is proud to have scored three holes in one and earned the title of runner up in the women s club championship at the Wyoming Valley Country Club She enjoyed the camaraderie and played well into her 80s 19

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Service trip to Alabama From May 13 18 2024 a group of nine Misericordia students and two staff members embarked on a Service and Social Justice Experience with Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South Inc in Montgomery Alabama During their time there the volunteers tutored assisted with physical education classes and participated in Fun Day at Resurrection Catholic School In addition to their service work the group had the opportunity to visit several significant historical sites including the Rosa Parks Museum the Civil Rights Visitor s Center and Memorial the Freedom Rides Museum the Legacy Museum From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and the Memorial for Peace and Justice Their journey also included following the Civil Rights voters trail from Montgomery to Selma stopping at the Lowndes County Interpretive Center and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge the site of the historic Bloody Sunday march 59 years ago Hundreds were injured during the march thus the name Bloody Sunday The group shared a memorable dinner with several individuals who played significant roles in the Civil Rights Movement Among the guests were Nelson Malden Rev Martin Luther King s barber and a student activist during the Movement Charlie Hardy a former teenage taxi driver during the Movement and Doris Dozier Crenshaw whom Rosa Parks recruited to join the youth component of the NAACP The Misericordia students approached these interactions with open minds and hearts eager to learn from those who lived through this crucial period in history Reflecting on the trip senior Occupational Therapy major Bridget Ferris remarked The children that we learned to love on this trip are live in a system that wants them to fail The government has a long history of failing its citizens so we cannot trust that things will improve for those children We must use our

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Something I learned is that we have come a long way but we have to keep pushing and not stop until the work is done Em Nolan Junior Bridget Ferris Bianka Avila Em Nolan Kimberly Powell Rebecca Fick Victoria Pellew Karla Carrasco Ava Rockey and Ashlee Charles participated in the trip They were accompanied by two Misericordia staff members Lindsey Riddell from the Mission Ministry and Service Office and Kas Williams associate vice president for Mission Integration and Institutional Diversity Williams reflecting on the significance of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge shared For our students to stand where the demonstrators stood was truly overwhelming When we drove back over 50 miles the students reflected on how far the demonstrators had to march to Montgomery On this trip our students were able to learn something that could never be taught in any history book They were able to listen learn and touch history from the storytellers point of view That is the Misericordia way the heart of Mercy MOMENTS voice and vote to ensure the children we love can be treated like first class citizens Sophomore Early Childhood Education major Bianka Avila added Some highlights were seeing all the museums It touches you once you see everything with your own eyes 21

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History of CENTENNIAL C E L E B R AT I O N As Misericordia celebrates its 100 year legacy we take a moment to reflect on the enduring spirit of our institution Technology has evolved and fashions have changed but our mission remains steadfast We pay homage to the history of two buildings that embody the four charisms of service mercy justice and hospitality Alumnae and McHale halls North Hall construction 1972 Alumnae Hall 2010 Alumnae Hall construction circa 1962 Over the years thousands of students have walked the hallways of Alumnae and McHale halls Whether they wore bell bottoms or skinny jeans they likely all felt the same butterflies in their stomachs and hopes in their hearts of making friends achieving good grades and creating their path to success University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Maureen Cech says that although the buildings have been renovated to become more modern appealing to students and energy efficient the spirit of Misericordia has stayed the same The buildings and the people within them still stand for the same sense of community that the institution has always fostered she says These halls play a significant role in the lives of students as a home hub for fellowship and connection at events and personal development through the Student Success Center Writing Center and the CAPS Center which provides important counseling services for students McHale Hall which opened in September 1972 was initially named North Hall because of its location on campus It was renamed in 1977 for Sister Mary Celestine McHale Ph D who established the Administrative Office of the College President in 1957 and Nesbitt Hospital services were relocated to the lower level of Alumnae Hall June July 1972

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the Halls CENTENNIAL Sister Mary left big shoes to fill shoes that some students say still walk the halls today Cech says stories about Sister Mary she has heard from students about paranormal activity are not plausible or consistent in their details yet they continue to be told Many students refer to said ghost as Old Lady McHale It is possible Sister Mary s spirit flips a light switch here and turns a TV off there to remind students who set this institution on its path to success While student folklore about the afterlife surrounds one hall another building situated a short distance away is newsworthy for its role in bringing new life to campus and the Wyoming Valley Alumnae Hall which opened in 1963 was named in honor of previous generations of students It uses the feminine form of the word because at that time Misericordia was still a women s college The college became fully co educational in 1979 1980 with male residential students According to the article Hospital Hails Heroes of Agnes in the Times Leader on June 9 1997 Nesbitt Memorial Hospital was closed for 40 days due to flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Agnes Alumnae Hall s basement served as a temporary hospital with about 300 patients admitted 52 babies delivered and close to 5 000 emergency cases treated Photos courtesy MU Archives Drying out documents in the lower level of Alumnae Hall June July 1972 National Guard helicopter lands on CM campus with Alumnae Hall in background June 1972 McHale Hall 2009 National Guard helicopter lands on CM campus with North Hall in background June 1972 MOMENTS served as president until 1964 During Sister Mary s tenure she completed several building projects including the Science Building Alumnae Hall and Merrick Hall now Banks Student Life Center C E L E B R AT I O N 23

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2 6 n o n n le G y r a M P I Sister H S R A L O H C S The Sister Mary Glennon 62 Scholarship allows its recipients to pursue their passions in higher education and rewards outstanding academic achievement Named in honor of Misericordia University s longest serving academic dean Sister Mary Glennon 62 The scholarship program awards six full tuition scholarships annually Current student and scholarship recipient Matthew Coates shares how this opportunity has shaped his academic and personal journey The scholarship has had a tremendous impact on me as an individual says Matt The full tuition scholarship has allowed me to take risks and chase my passions It has given me the confidence and ability to take unpaid internships and grow my skills in my desired field The cost of college can be high and I am beyond thankful for this scholarship Matt s is emphatically positive when he describes the opportunity I was extremely excited and honored to receive this scholarship The fact that members of Misericordia University believe in me enough to gift me my education was a true honor It inspires me daily to live up to the name of Sister Mary Glennon and not squander my opportunities This scholarship also played a pivotal role in Matt s decision to attend Misericordia University Misericordia University was already at the top of my list Once I received High school students interested in applying for the competitive scholarship should visit misericordia edu GlennonScholarships or scan the QR code for information MOMENTS 24 the Sister Mary Glennon Scholarship coming to the school was a no brainer The academics athletics and community checked all the boxes for me I was thrilled to accept and attend Misericordia This scholarship embodies Sister Mary s dedication to academics and symbolizes the institution s commitment to making a high quality college education accessible to deserving students The full tuition award is bestowed in the spirit of MU s charisms Justice Mercy Service and Hospitality explains Stephen Secora director of Admissions

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ALEX SNYDER Earns All American Status in Women s Javelin at D3 National Championship My initial reaction was that I was thrilled with the distance of my throw as that was a personal best for the season I was excited to receive AllAmerican status for the second year in a row and to represent my school at such a large meet Alex shared Her preparation involved fine tuning her technique Mentally she focused on staying calm and sticking with what she knew how to do She practiced with Aliah McPhaul assistant coach for track and field every weekday leading up to the meet incorporating active recovery to help her body prepare Aliah highlighted the impact of Alex s achievement Alex has a great impact on the team I believe it lit a fire underneath everyone wanting to experience a special moment like she did in their own way There is massive support from everyone on the team especially in the throws group They are always training with one another almost every day and that helps bring out their competitiveness and uniqueness says Aliah Chris Wadas head coach of Men s and Women s Track and Field and Cross Country shared his insights on Alex s journey Alex is a very competitive and hard working athlete Her work ethic and drive combined with Aliah s knowledge of the event have been a big factor in getting the results Alex has the last two years he says Alex underscored Coach Wadas observation about her competitive spirit I feel honored that I was able to perform at the national championship meet in back to back years Although I feel happy about my accomplishments earning second and third places in the past two years leaves me wanting to prove that I can earn 1st place she added As a junior Alex will not be competing during the 2024 2025 academic year as she will be focusing on preparing for graduate school but will return in the future to complete her eligibility Misericordia University s Track and Field team has earned many individual and team honors under Coach Wadas Alex s All American status in women s javelin is another significant milestone for both her and the university s athletic program MOMENTS In a remarkable display of skill and determination Alex Snyder a standout track and field athlete from Misericordia University achieved AllAmerican status by placing third in the women s javelin at the Division III National Championship With an impressive mark of 45 39 meters Snyder s performance secured her a spot on the podium 25

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Engaging in Research THE SURF PROGRAM AT MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY At Misericordia University the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship SURF Program offers undergraduate students an extraordinary chance to immerse themselves in research Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs this paid one on one research opportunity is open to students across all disciplines and levels not just science majors The SURF program aims to bridge the gap between students and faculty fostering a collaborative environment where rigorous thesis driven research can thrive This initiative showcases Misericordia s dedication to academic excellence and the intellectual growth of its students The SURF program at Misericordia University embodies the true spirit of academic inquiry and collaboration It provides students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in meaningful research develop professional skills and contribute to their fields of study We are incredibly proud of our students achievements and their journeys to graduate school and beyond says Jennifer M Black Ph D associate professor of history MOMENTS 26 Inclusivity is a hallmark of the SURF program welcoming students from any academic level or discipline Whether a first year student exploring interests or a senior fine tuning expertise there is a place for every student in the SURF program It offers a comprehensive research experience including professionalization fieldwork and opportunities to create exhibits In the past many thought of research only at the graduate level but SURF can engage students much earlier in their academic careers A Diverse Range of Projects SURF projects are diverse reflecting the broad range of academic interests at Misericordia These projects offer students experiences that will help with professional growth faculty and student collaboration and all lead to successful outcomes

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With my major in biology I have always been very interested in research Brooklyn Giovinazzo a sophomore majoring in government law and national security GLNS advises students thinking about applying to the SURF program not to hesitate The unique opportunity to apply as undergraduates at Misericordia means students who don t make it on their first attempt can apply again Even if unsure about their research focus advisors can The SURF program offered during the summer gives me more time to focus on research without the pressure of other classes says Emily Microplastics are an important topic now especially with climate change and plastics and I hope my research will contribute to this field for the future Emily spends her days in the lab meticulously examining samples and ensuring the origin sources for each one She looks forward to guide them with suggestions Brooklyn s research focuses on political grand strategy throughout the presidencies of 15 U S presidents analyzing which of the four grand strategies they have used the most the four being isolationism containment engagement and preemption Through the workshops included in the SURF gathering quantitative data throughout the project and mapping out the seafood containing microplastics identifying their types and origins She appreciates the opportunity to work both independently and one onone with faculty gaining vital experience for her future Emily encourages other students to apply to the SURF program noting it as a great learning experience and fun as well program I learned skills like public speaking and writing personal statements which I had not yet encountered as a freshman says Brooklyn These skills are invaluable for my future Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of the SURF program in providing opportunities to advance skills necessary for future academic and professional success For more information about recent projects and how students get involved visit misericordia edu surf MOMENTS SURF Spotlight on Emily Nichols a returning senior majoring in biology and environmental studies is one of the students participating in the SURF program this summer Her research involves collecting frozen seafood from local distributors and testing the skin layer for microplastics The goal is to map the sources of seafood containing microplastics and identify the types of microplastics found 27

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Misericordia University recently introduced two new majors for full time students that begin this fall 2024 A Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology has been added to the offerings in the College of Arts and Sciences and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship is now available in the College of Business Our criminology degree was created to educate students in a wide range of issues and principles impacting crime in modern society says John Woznicki Ph D dean of the College of Arts and Sciences It will prepare students for a career in law enforcement but also for careers in a variety of areas related to the study and reduction of crime We use an interdisciplinary approach apply broad based thinking skills in the Mercy tradition and draw on the talents of our faculty in Political Science as well as new faculty we ve added to support this major Building on recent success in launching new majors such as supply chain management and business economics the College of Business is introducing Entrepreneurship as a major for full time students as well as a certificate program for adult learners Entrepreneurship is an excellent major for students who desire to start their own businesses or who wish to apply their knowledge in an existing company as someone who promotes innovative product development and marketing says Jim Pierson J D CPA dean of the College of Business Students will apply appropriate thinking skills and technology to entrepreneurial activities to solve business problems and formulate sound business decisions Pierson adds that students can opt for a specialization in social entrepreneurship that will help them analyze the importance of ethical and social responsibilities and to foster innovation in applying entrepreneurial skills to address social issues impacting our communities through social ventures and responsive business operations For more information on either new program please visit misericordia edu academics MOMENTS 28

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Stacey M Wittrock Criminology Michelle Rae Conway joins the College of Business for fall 2024 She is an award winning entrepreneur author educator and motivational speaker with a passion for engaging entrepreneurs She most recently served as the executive director of Student and Client Services and Business Incubator Manager at Alvernia University s O Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship where she developed student experiential learning programs to provide direct business support for profit and non profit organizations and support career readiness and regional talent retention She also served as adjunct faculty at Alvernia specializing in entrepreneurship leadership and professional development Conway holds a bachelor s degree and her MBA from Wilkes University and is currently pursuing her Ph D at Alvernia Stacey M Wittrock joins the College of Arts and Sciences supporting the new criminology degree Wittrock earned her bachelor s degree and master s degree from the University of Iowa and is a come l e W Ph D candidate and Morris Doctoral Fellow in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Southern Illinois University She has teaching experience at Mount Mercy University Iowa Wesleyan University the University of Iowa and Southern Illinois Her areas of specialty include inequality and crime criminological theory crime etiology gender and crime victimization as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods Wittrock has also worked in multiple roles at the Veterans Rural Health Resource Center in Iowa City Iowa twice earning the VA Core Values in Action award Michelle Rae Conway Entrepreneurship MOMENTS Misericordia University recently added two faculty to support new programs in entrepreneurship and criminology 29

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S TA F F A N D FAC U LT Y MISERICORDIA SPOTLIGHT Johnna Evans MS 15 MOMENTS 30 CORPORATE RELATIONS COORDINATOR INSALACO CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP 18 YEARS WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT MISERICORDIA Our students Of course they are here to learn but I learn from them every day They too have knowledge skills talents and ideas to share I enjoy seeing the world through their eyes no matter how brief the glimpse And they make me laugh Just being around them does my heart good WHAT PROJECT OR STORY WILL YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER BEING A PART OF I am very happy to share our students excellent work outside the classroom with our Intern Spotlights Students in a variety of majors are already gaining real world experience while making significant contributions Whenever we spotlight an intern I feel like a proud mom showing off my kids I guess you can say they are my kids my MU kids and I am proud of every one of them FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS AND WHY WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PART OF THE MISERICORDIA COMMUNITY I love spending time in the Mercy Hall Chapel For me it is more than a place to go to worship It is a place for quiet contemplation prayer and just being It is where I really do feel closest to God I see the chapel as the heart and soul of our campus It is about being a part of something much bigger than me for the greater good When we do things right and we do the right thing Misericordia is a place of selflessness care and compassion Over the years there have been so many acts of kindness both big and small The MU Community recently came together to support a student battling cancer The solidarity love and support for this student exemplified what makes Misericordia special Rebecca Steinberger Ph D ENGLISH PROFESSOR 25 YEARS WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT MISERICORDIA The students It is all about the students WHAT PROJECT OR STORY WILL YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER BEING A PART OF In the Spring of 2020 I taught two sections of Disability in Literature and my upper level class restoration of 18th century British Literature We had 48 hours to convert our classes from in person to online This semester was truly tough for everyone because it became the beginning of the unknown Being there for my students as we navigated this new challenge was tough but we played games such as wearing a certain color or expressing how we were feeling through emojis to try and help us get through this unknown together There are so many stories I could tell from my 24 years but working through the Spring Semester of 2020 with my students and the campus will be something I never forget FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS AND WHY The Shakespeare Garden is my favorite place on campus because every time you walk into it you feel this sense of peace There is always something to look at in the garden and it is always changing I enjoy taking my students out there to have class but it is also a great place to come and sit and collect your thoughts WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PART OF THE MISERICORDIA COMMUNITY It means I get to work with students and colleagues who are diamonds and who all shine One thing about Misericordia is that you can be challenged we can challenge each other and we can all think big It is so exciting to see Misericordia keep growing as we celebrate our Centennial and continue to live through our charisms of Mercy Service Justice and Hospitality

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Imagine getting the peace of mind you need to fall back to sleep after awakening with questions about your health insurance in the middle of the night that s the kind of 24 hour self service information that Carl Witkowski chief operating officer for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies envisions with proper contextual use of artificial intelligence AI We followed up with Carl who presented Lessons from an Artificial Intelligence AI Thought Leader to a crowd of more than 120 students faculty and staff at Misericordia in December 2023 as part of the College of Business Mark J and Lorraine S Alles Distinguished Speaker Series TECHNOLOGY THE SAME WAY THAT CALCULATORS AND CELL PHONES WERE ONCE A NEW TECHNOLOGY AND THE SAME AS THE INTERNET WAS LOOK AT HOW THE INTERNET HAS TRANSFORMED COMMERCE AND COMMUNICATION One thing is certain it doesn t matter your industry AI will transform how we work That s what Carl wants all college students to understand Many people fear that AI will replace human workers but Carl sees AI augmenting an employee s abilities to derive greater value from their profession and creating new sectors of job opportunities Chat GPT a popular and easily accessible AI software had one million users in about two and a half months while it took the Internet nearly seven years to achieve that Carl pointed out Let that sink in The appetite for this new technology is whet All that s left to do is use it Carl says It s important to test AI and train it so that it works in a manner that is ethical safe positive and productive and wrap governance around its use to maintain those standards MOMENTS AI IS A Carl delved into the history of AI tracing its roots back to the late 1950s and its progression through various stages Moreover he shed light on the essential aspects surrounding AI adoption emphasizing governance components like privacy security ethics economics and environmental impacts Notably his analysis of President Biden s Executive Order underscored the significance of standards testing and tackling critical vulnerabilities in the realm of artificial intelligence An executive order is a signed written and published directive from the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government It is not legislation and does not require approval from Congress 31

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12 SEPTEMBER 33rd Annual Alumni Tea Invitation only event An intimate gathering of Alumni Friends who have shaped our past are invited to reconnect and share in the warmth of a comfortable cup of tea and conversation Tailgating 2024 Whether you re joining us for the first time or you re a seasoned tailgater our 2024 Tailgating season promises to be fun for all This is more than just a tailgate it s an opportunity to create memories with your Misericordia family Be sure to register early to secure your spot at misericordia edu MUGameDay 18 20 OCTOBER Reunion Homecoming 2024 Reunion Homecoming is the highlight of our Centennial celebrations we re not just celebrating another year we re honoring a century of friendships milestones and memories Visit misericordia edu MUReunion for all the event details and to register NOVEMBER 21 Cheers to Alumni MOMENTS Volunteer for Cheers to Alumni and help us celebrate the December 2024 graduating class as they prepare to step into their new roles as Misericordia Alumni This is your opportunity to connect with soon to be graduates share your professional experiences and make a meaningful impact on the next generation 33

Misericordia University Moments Magazine Summer 2024

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