GRADUATION 2023

A GradImages photographer will take your picture as you exit the stage with your diploma.

Within about a week after graduation, you will receive a proof and a price list. You are under no obligation to purchase these photos; however, the GradImages photographer will be given access to the floor to capture each graduate for the families.

Contact:

GradImages
Customer Service
P.O. Box 182829
Tallahassee, FL 32318
800-261-2576
ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
www.gradimages.com

Mercyhurst University has contracted with a professional videographer to capture the undergraduate commencement ceremony on DVD. The DVD will feature the graduates receiving their diploma and the main speeches and awards.

The cost of the DVD is $25, which includes shipping and handling. All orders must be pre-paid and received by June 30, 2023. DVDs and videotapes can be ordered by filling out the DVD Order Form.

Announcements

Mercyhurst University students who would like to announce their graduation through their hometown newspapers can do so by completing an online template, printing it and sending directly to the newspaper(s) in your area. You can also download the announcement template and send in an email.

If you have questions about submitting your press release, call your local newspaper and ask for the News Desk to obtain the name of the person who handles college graduation announcements. For questions regarding the release, contact Debbie Morton, Director of Executive Communications/Public Relations at 814-824-2552 or at dmorton@mercyhurst.edu. 

Class Rings

Class rings can be purchased via the Balfour website.

Flowers

Flowers and class apparel will be available for sale at commencement. To pre-order and browse the selection, please visit the Commencement Flowers website. 

For any questions, please contact:
Josh Luger
Commencement Flowers
732-947-0873
josh.luger@commencementflowers.com

Women

• Wear a lightweight dress, or a skirt and blouse.
• Make sure your dress or skirt isn’t longer than your academic gown.
• Consider wearing a dress or skirt with a pocket.
• Choose flats or low heels. You will be walking a lot, including up and down metal stairs at Erie Insurance Arena.
• Do not wear a suit jacket under academic attire.

Men

• Wear dark dress pants (black, gray or navy).

• Solid-colored long-sleeve shirt.

• Dark dress shoes and dark socks.

• Tie.

• Do not wear a suit coat under academic attire.

The Mercyhurst University Service Honor Society was established to honor graduating seniors who have exemplified the University's mission-centered commitment to "Service to Others" through a demonstration of:

• Significant and sustained service to the Mercyhurst University community and/or meaningful and mission-inspired service to the local community and/or larger world.
• Marked achievement in leadership
• Meritorious academic achievement
• Recognized integrity and commitment to excellence

To be eligible for consideration for induction into the Mercyhurst University Service Honor Society, a student must:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a senior who has been certified to graduate in the current calendar year
• Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher by the beginning of the spring semester of the induction year
• Be recommended for induction through the completion of an official nomination form (students can be nominated by others or may nominate themselves)
• Complete and return by the designated deadline all materials requested by the Service Honor Society Selection Committee

Recommendations for induction will be made by the Service Honor Society Selection Committee to the President of the University, who will approve the final induction list. Only a limited number of graduating seniors will be inducted each year. Induction recommendations will be based on the quantity and quality of a student's record of service, the scope of the service activities relative to the student's overall profile, the range of service activities, and the resonance of the student's commitment to service with the Mission of Mercyhurst University and the service tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. 
Graduating Seniors who are inducted into the Mercyhurst University Service Honor Society will wear the green Mercyhurst University Service Honor Cord at Commencement. Inductees will be honored during late Spring Semester. 

For questions about the honor society, contact the Assistant Director of Community Engagement, Bethany Woods: (bwoods@mercyhurst.edu, 814-824-2343).    

Carpe Diem Award

This honor is the highest award presented by Mercyhurst University to a traditional-aged student. It is given in recognition of intellectual competency, personal integrity and, especially, leadership impact. It is presented to the outstanding graduating senior who had the most positive impact on the life of the Mercyhurst community and who best exemplifies the university motto "Carpe Diem," to "Seize the Opportunity". The name and criteria for this award were established by the Sister of Mercy under the leadership of Mother Borgia Egan, the founding president of Mercyhurst University. 

Bishops Award of Excellence

This award is chosen by grade point average and overall academic record. The winner must have taken the majority of classes toward the degree requirement at Mercyhurst University, with the exception of study abroad or with a Mercyhurst-affiliated program. The Catholic Diocese of Erie sponsors this award. This award is presented at commencement.

Mother Borgia Egan Award

This award recognizes the model honors student who fully embodies the spirit of a liberal arts education. He or she will have completed all the requirements of the Mercyhurst Honors Program and will possess the following qualities: academic and scholarly/professional accomplishments, community service and an appreciation of and participation in the cultural environment of the University. 

Sr. Carolyn Herrmann Service Award

This award is given to a traditional graduating senior who has given unselfishly of time, energy, loyalty and talent in the spirit of Sr. Carolyn Herrmann, who served as the University’s President from 1962 – 1970. 

President’s Award for Excellence (traditional undergraduate)

Each of the four Colleges at the University, under the direction and guidance of the respective College Dean, nominate two traditional seniors in their respective College. The criteria for selection are GPA and overall contribution to the respective College. The award is given to the student who is considered to be the top scholar in each respective College.

Frank Barry Leadership Award

This award is given to a traditional graduating senior who has exemplified superior student leadership and campus involvement during his/her time at Mercyhurst University. This award is named after Frank Barry, ’75, one of the first male student government presidents. 

Catherine McAuley Adult Student Award

This award is presented to an adult student in recognition of superior work, as well as personal and professional achievement. The non-traditional student who wins this award will be the student who has been judged to be the most outstanding adult student in the graduating class. The award is based on GPA, but also takes into account professional achievement, family responsibilities and other challenges that can face adult students. 

President's Award for Adult Excellence

Under the direction and guidance of the College Deans, each College nominates an adult student for this award. The criteria for selection are GPA and overall contribution to the University. The award is given to one adult student who is considered to be a top scholar at the University. 

Senior-Scholar Athlete of the Year

Eligibility criteria for the award is:

• Student must be a graduating senior/exhausted eligibility
• Selection will be based on academics (3.5 minimum gpa requirement), leadership, sportsmanship, community service   
• Student must be significant athletic contributor on his or her athletic team

Directions to Campus (501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546)

• From Pittsburgh: I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (130 miles)
• From Buffalo: I-90 west to Erie, exit 27 (95 miles)
• From Cleveland: I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (95 miles)
• From Philadelphia: PA Turnpike or I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (394 miles)
• From New York City: I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (495 miles)
• From Boston: I-90 west to Erie, exit 27 (552 miles)
• From Long Island: Cross George Washington Bridge to I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (485 miles)
• From Exit 27 (State Street exit): Take Route 97 north for one mile to junction of Route 505. Veer right and continue on Route 97 north (Old French Road) to East 38th Street. Turn right, four blocks to Mercyhurst College.
• From Erie International Airport: Head east on Route 5 (West 12th Street) to State Street. Turn right (south) on State Street to East 38th Street. Left five blocks to Mercyhurst College (10 miles).

Directions to Erie Insurance Arena (809 French Street, Erie, PA 16501)

• From I-90 West. Take Exit 22B to merge onto I-79 North toward Erie for 6.0 miles. Take Exit 183A and turn right onto Route 5 (West 12th Street). Take left turn onto Peach street and then turn right onto West 8th street. Take the 2nd right turn onto French street. 
• From I-90 East. Take Exit 32 to merge onto Route 290 West. Continue on Route 290 West for 5.3 miles and turn left onto East 12th street. Take right turn onto Parade street and then turn left onto East 7th street. Take the 3rd left onto French street. 
• From Erie International Airport: Follow Route 5 (West 12th Street) east for 5.7 miles. Turn left onto Peach street and drive around 0.3 mile and turn right onto West 8th street. Take the 2nd right onto French street. 
• From Mercyhurst (approx. 3.4 miles): Turn left out of Mercyhurst’s front gates onto East 38th Street. Drive five blocks to State Street, turn right and continue downtown for 2.0 miles. Turn right on East 8th street and take the 1st right onto French street. 

Entering the Erie Insurance Arena

Doors to the arena will be open at 11:30 p.m. Families and guests may use the main entrance.

Permanent walk-through metal detectors have been installed at the 8,000 seat Erie Insurance Arena to improve safety for all patrons. Please keep in mind the following;

• All patrons are subject to security screening as a condition of admission.
• Bags & purses are subject to additional screening slowing entry process. Bring only essential items.
• Bottles, cans, flasks, noise makers, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, dangerous and unlawful materials are prohibited
• Outside food and beverage is prohibited.
• Additional items may be prohibited as requested by teams, leagues, promoters or artists.
• Call 814-453-7117 or visit the Erie Insurance Arena website for additional information.

Parking Information

Parking is available at the Erie Insurance Arena ramp on East 8th street between French and Holland streets (parking fee is $5, cash only). Handicap parking is available on the north side of the Arena.

For questions concerning....

Graduation Ceremony or Any Other Items

Betsy Frank, Executive Director of Conferences & Events
Phone: 814-824-3848
Email: bfrank@mercyhurst.edu

Graduation Eligibility or Academic Awards Eligibility

Michele Wheaton, Registrar
Phone: 814-824-2086
Email: mwheaton@mercyhurst.edu

Caps and Gowns or Mailing of Academic Attire

Haley Coletta, assistant manager, bookstore
Phone: 814-824-2395
Email: hcoletta@mercyhurst.edu

Jim Coletta, administrative assistant, bookstore
Phone: 814-824-2395
Email: jcoletta@mercyhurst.edu

Having Commencement Signed for Hearing Impaired

Betsy Frank, Executive Director of Conferences & Events
Phone: 814-824-3848
Email: bfrank@mercyhurst.edu

Senior Gift Presentation and New Alumni Welcome Reception

Meaghan Hubert, Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement 
Phone: 814-824-2379
Email: mhubert2@mercyhurst.edu

Senior Awards Ceremony

Karen Meyer, Executive Director for Office of Academic Affairs                                                                  
Phone: 814-824-2268
Email: kmeyer@mercyhurst.edu

Baccalaureate Masses or Clergy Concelebration

The Rev. James Piszker, University Chaplain
Phone: 814-824-2467
Email: jpiszker@mercyhurst.edu

Student Account Balances

Student Financial Services
Phone: 814-824-2288
Email: sfs@mercyhurst.edu

Hometown News Releases

Debbie Morton, Director of Executive Communications/Public Relations
Phone: 814-824-2552
Email: dmorton@mercyhurst.edu