2026 Graduation

• Senior Class Gift Presentation
• Senior Awards Ceremony, 4 p.m. | PAC

• Graduate Ceremony, 11 a.m.
• Undergraduate Ceremony, 2 p.m.
• New Alumni Welcome Reception, 4:30 p.m. | MAC

Yes, it will. You may access the livestreams for undergraduate and graduate ceremonies here.

Students will receive an email (to their Mercyhurst one) indicating when their cap and gown are ready for pick up. Graduates place the gown on a hanger immediately; if after several days there are still wrinkles, press it with a cool iron. 

• 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 the arena from the following locations:

• Buffalo, NY
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Cleveland, OH

Doors to the arena will be open 60 minutes prior to the event. 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 and purses are subject to additional screening, slowing entry process. Bring only essential items.
• Bottles, cans, flasks, noise makers, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, as well as dangerous and unlawful materials are prohibited.
• Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
• Additional items may be prohibited as requested by teams, leagues, promoters, or artists.

Call 814-453-7117 for additional information. 

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 the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, David Raymond, at 814-824-2090 or draymond@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. 

Contact:
Josh Luger
Commencement Flowers
732-947-0873
josh.luger@commencementflowers.com

Please remember to bring your academic attire. The following suggestions are made to help you be comfortable during the ceremony.

Women

•    Wear a lightweight dress or 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 socks.
•    Tie.
•    Do not wear a suit coat under academic attire.

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. 

Frank Barry Leadership Award
This award is given to a traditional graduating senior who has exemplified superior student leadership and campus involvement during his or 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.