Commencement 2024: Mercyhurst celebrates 725 graduates

Close-up of graduation cap that reads "Thanks Mom and Dad" at Mercyhurst

Mercyhurst University will honor the accomplishments of its Class of 2024—a total of 725 graduates—on Friday and Saturday, May 10-11.

On Friday evening at 7 p.m., 180 master’s candidates will receive their degrees in a ceremony at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The traditional commencement will celebrate 545 students, among them 484 baccalaureate degree recipients and 61 associate degree candidates. The ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. in the Erie Insurance Arena on Saturday.

Among the graduating classes are 28 international students representing 15 countries.

Top commencement honors go to Mercyhurst Student Government president Kaitlyn Low, recipient of the Carpe Diem Award, presented to the student who has made the most positive impact on the university and best exemplifies the Mercyhurst motto of Carpe Diem. She is earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Pre-Physical Therapy, while also carrying three minors: Psychology, Exercise Science, and Nutrition.

Madalynn Ward receives the Bishop's Award for Academic Excellence, presented by the Catholic Diocese of Erie to the graduating senior judged to have the most superior academic record in the class.

Other top senior awards go to Colby Leandro (the Frank Barry Leadership Award), Catherine Segada (the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Service Award), and Vydalia Weatherly (the Mother Borgia Egan Honors Award). Two adult undergraduate students also earned top awards: Cheyenne Baeza (the Catherine McAuley Adult Student Award) and Julie Yeatman (the President's Award for Adult Excellence).

Graduating seniors chosen to receive the President's Award for Excellence by Mercyhurst's schools are Madeleine Rose Plourde (School of the Arts), Mikayla Eyler (School of Business & Applied Business), Angela Beyler (School of Health Professions), Madison Jukkola (School of the Humanities), Bethany Jentz (School of Intelligence, Computing, & Global Politics), Amber Bloom (School of Natural Sciences), and Corinne Ferrick (School of Social & Behavioral Sciences).

The McAuley Award for Excellence at the associate degree level goes to Hannah Carr (School of Business & Applied Business), Tashianna Gibbs (School of Health Professions), and Luke Chamberlain (School of Social & Behavioral Sciences).

The Sister Eustace Taylor Award for an outstanding graduate student goes to Mohcine Khadraoui (School of Social & Behavioral Sciences), Chrissy Fortin (School of Business & Applied Business), Varun Tewari (School of Intelligence, Computing, & Global Politics), and Sarah Wennogle (School of Health Professions).

Madison Burncheck, representing Cross County, is named Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Aidan Reichert, representing Basketball, is the 2024 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

For a complete schedule of weekend events, visit the Graduation 2024 website.