RECENT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Mercyhurst graduates will join a network of more than 24,000 alumni, working in a wide array of industries around the globe. These alumni, including those featured below, are always happy to advise MU students and graduates and connect them with professional opportunities in their fields.
Maria Jose Montoya '19
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Biology; B.A. in Psychology
Current Employment: Family Medicine Physician Assistant at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group; Instructor at Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, Texas
In addition to pursuing majors in Psychology and Biology, Maria explored her passions of literature, music, and art through Mercyhurst’s liberal arts curriculum and work study position in the Art Department. She was an active member of Campus Ministry as a leader of Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions and in Mercyhurst Student Government as a senator. She participated in countless service opportunities during her time as a student, leading her to join Holy Family Service Corps for a year following graduation. Maria is a practicing licensed Family Medicine Physician Assistant and instructor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is grateful to have grown and learned through a Mercy education to prioritize treating her patients with the mercy the world so desperately needs.
Drew Hoover '21
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Finance and Business Economics
Current Employment: Financial Analyst at Union Home Mortgage; Strongsville, Ohio
For Drew, the hands-on experiences he gained both in and outside the classroom were instrumental in his current success as a Financial Analyst at Union Home Mortgage. While pursuing a double major in Finance and Business Economics, Drew was an active member and leader of Ski Club and Sailing Club, and served as a Resident Assistant for three years. Drew’s most influential Mercyhurst experience was as a member of the Laker Asset Management (LAM) club where he analyzed stock market trends, networked with business professionals, and assisted in real investment decisions for the university. Drew held a year-long internship with Union Home Mortgage which turned into his current fulltime position following graduation.
Leah Kern ‘20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Business Marketing; minor in Web/Social Media Management
Current Employment: Content Strategist at Team Sports + Curry Brand at Under Armour; Baltimore, Maryland
A former captain of the Mercyhurst Women’s Volleyball team, Leah began her journey into the business side of athletics as a social media intern with Hurst Athletics. She served as Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, chair of the Laker Spirit Committee, Inter-Collegiate Athletic Committee member, and member of the Service Honors Society. Leah held internships with the Erie Otters, Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer club, an NHL goaltending coach, the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following graduation, Leah began her role as Content Strategist - Team Sports + Curry Brand at Under Armour. In this role, she manages all of Under Armour team sports and brand social media accounts, coordinates photoshoots, assists with product launch campaigns, and creates video and graphic content. In addition, Leah works as a freelance graphic designer for various professional athletes and brands.
Austin Cortopassi '23
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Cyber Security and Data Science
Current Employment: Software Engineer at General Dynamic Mission Systems
Austin Cortopassi graduated in Spring 2023 with a double major in Cyber Security and Data Science, which he completed in just three years. He also received the Presidential Award for Excellence from the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences and was named Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his performance in the classroom and on the football field. In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Austin was highly engaged in community service, volunteering with ServErie and hosting charity sports tournaments for the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation. He has been accepted into the Engineering Leadership Program at General Dynamic Mission Systems and will begin training in June across multiple offices, including Scottsdale, Arizona, Dedham, Massachusetts, and Pittsburgh.
Rosie Pregler '19 '20M
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology) and History (Public History); minor in Theatre; M.A. Secondary Education
Current Employment: Interpretation Assistant at Presque Isle Light Station; Erie, Pennsylvania
Rosie, an Erie native, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Anthropology and History, Theatre minor, and was awarded the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in the Hafenmaier College and Michael J. McQuillen Award for Academic Excellence in History. Her advisors and professors fueled her ambition. Through hands-on experiences in Archaeology and Public History and continued mentorship from her professors, she’s confident in her role at Presque Isle Light Station assisting in collection management, research, volunteer coordination, and visitor services. Mercyhurst’s dedication to the liberal arts allowed her to pursue a Theatre minor, perform in numerous productions, and participate in masterclasses and performances with Broadway stars including Norm Lewis and Kristin Chenoweth. She and her husband, Owen Hitt ’19, are active volunteers with Erie’s community theaters and the Mercyhurst Theatre Program. Additionally, they are annual Silver Circle donors to the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) in their continued support of emerging artists.
Nathan Myers '20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Special Education
Current Employment: Middle School Teacher in General McLane School District; Erie, Pennsylvania
RNathan pursued a dual major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and was active in community service during his time at Mercyhurst. He was a leader for several Campus Ministry groups including Wednesday Night Fellowship, the Carpe Diem Retreat, Thursday Night Bible Study, and Men’s Group. In addition, he was an ESO Dance Council Member where he coordinated and volunteered at dances for adults with intellectual disabilities. Following graduation, Nathan taught elementary and middle school students for three years in northern Virginia. He credits the hands-on course work and field experience from the Mercyhurst Education Department for preparing him for a career in the classroom. He continued his commitment to service and ministry as member of a church startup in Washington, D.C. In a full-circle opportunity, Nathan now teaches at General McLane middle school, the school he attended growing up. He and his wife Becca (King) Myers ’19 reside in Erie.
Rebecca Dunphy '21 '23M
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Dance and Criminal Justice; M.S. Criminal Justice Administration
Current Employment: U.S. Federal Government; Dance Connections; Ballet Embody; Baltimore, Maryland, area
Rebecca chose to attend Mercyhurst to pursue two of her passions—Dance and Criminal Justice. Rebecca was member of the Dance Team and Liturgical Dance Ensemble, president of the Honors Program, officer of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and writer and news editor for The Merciad. In 2021, she earned the Tom Ridge Award for Academic Excellence and the Honors Program Award for Excellence in Leadership. Rebecca continued her education at Mercyhurst, earning her M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and the Sister Eustace Taylor Award Graduate Student Award for the Ridge College. Rebecca’s current full-time position in law enforcement for the federal government began with an internship during her sophomore year. In addition, Rebecca dances professionally with the contemporary company Ballet Embody, teaches youth dance classes, and recently accepted a position as a ballet company director in southern Pennsylvania.
Sergio Cortes Lacayo ’18
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Political Science (International Relations) and Business Economics; minor in Catholic Studies
Current Employment: Director of Youth Faith Formation and Youth Minister at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Sergio’s involvement in Mercyhurst Campus Ministry and Community Engagement were instrumental to his pursuit of a career in ministry. He was a leader for Wednesday Night Fellowship, a member of Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education (MYRACLE), and was a founding leader of Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions. In addition to volunteering at Emmaus Soup Kitchen and Second Harvest Food Bank, he attended service trips, and was a Resident Assistant. After graduating with a double major in Political Science and Business Economics, Sergio earned his master’s in theology though the University of Notre Dame’s prestigious Echo program. During his studies, he worked and ministered at a predominantly immigrant parish in Houston, Texas. Sergio now works in youth ministry at a Catholic church. He and his wife Rebecca Harms ’18 reside in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Lynne Gillott '18
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Sports Medicine (Pre-PT, Pre-OT)
Current Employment: Outpatient Physical Therapist at Excela Health; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst in 2018 with her Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine (Pre-PT, Pre-OT), Lynne Gillott received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chatham University in 2020. Lynne was passionate about helping others through service projects as she was Mercyhurst’s Student Sports Medicine Association Chair and ESO Chair. A leader on campus, Lynne was an Ambassador, Resident Assistant for freshman and AIM students, Senior Class Gift Committee Chair, and the recipient of the 2018 Frank Barry Leadership Award. Lynne has completed several PT internships at locations such as The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, TEIS Early Intervention, and AHN Jefferson Hospital. Lynne has since passed the NPTE to become a licensed PT. Now working as an outpatient physical therapist, she is looking forward to her wedding!
Ben VanHook ‘21
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Political Science and Psychology, graduate of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM)
Current Employment: Community Support Coordinator for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR); Arlington, Virginia, area
Ben is one of the many success stories emanating from the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst. After completing his undergraduate studies in Political Science and Psychology, he earned his master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University. Besides his full-time employment with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), he is a sought-after public speaker, advocate, and consultant on the equitable inclusion of autistic individuals in education and employment. He has spoken at the United Nations for World Autism Acceptance Day as well as at Stanford and Johns Hopkins universities. He is also community director of the Autistic Advantage Podcast. While at Mercyhurst, Ben was involved in soccer, piano, and public speaking. He was a member of the Psi Chi and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies and received the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Service Award at graduation. He is also a published poet.
Alexandra (Long) Bennett ‘20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Political Science (Pre-Law); minor in Gender Studies
Current Employment: Strategy & Research Associate at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
After graduating magna cum laude in 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science (Pre-Law) and minor in Gender Studies, Alexandra received her master’s in public administration with a concentration in governance and international public management from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2022. At Mercyhurst, Alexandra was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society and the Mercyhurst Equality of Women club. She also studied abroad in Dungarvan, Ireland, which helped fuel her passion for history and travel. Alexandra interned at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Oslo Governance Centre, where she helped with research for Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. At Pitt she was a student researcher on the Gender Inequality Research Lab's initiative to track gender equality in public administration in collaboration with the UNDP. In her current role at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Alexandra is the administrative coordinator for the Strategy & Research team and assists in performing strategic and market research and analysis for the Pittsburgh region.
Libby Goldberg ‘17
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Anthropology/Archaeology
Current Employment: Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alberta, Canada
Hailing from Westlake, Ohio, Libby gravitated toward the field of archaeology at an early age, largely due to its interdisciplinary nature at the nexus between history and science. While pursuing their Anthropology/Archaeology degree at MU, Libby became particularly fascinated by fiber perishable artifacts (a unique class of artifacts which include woven footwear, clothing, bags, and baskets). Libby completed their senior research project analyzing cordage recovered from an archaeological site in Utah, then headed north to the University of Alberta to continue studying archaeology. Libby earned their M.A. in 2020 and are now pursuing their Ph. D. Their dissertation research entails working with the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories to help revitalize the peoples’ proud tradition of sewing and weaving, to be passed on to future generations. Libby has been actively publishing research and organizing museum visits to analyze fiber artifact collections.
Brittany Warren '19
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Criminal Justice (Pre-Law) and Political Science (International Relations and Diplomacy)
Current Employment: Student-attorney with the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic; Ann Arbor, Michigan
Brittany is a J.D. candidate at the University of Michigan School of Law, where she’s a student-attorney with the Michigan Innocence Clinic, which has successfully won the release of 26 men and women who had been wrongfully convicted of crimes since its inception in 2009. She has further served as a law clerk in the university’s Office of General Counsel and as a legal assistant in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. She graduated summa cum laude from Mercyhurst in 2019, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science, and earning the President’s Award for Excellence from the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies & Applied Sciences. While at Mercyhurst, she was involved in student government, served as president of the International Students Organization, and co-founded Mercyhurst’s chapter of the Student Alliance for Prison Reform (SAPR). She also volunteered as a peer tutor and a polling representative with Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics.
Samantha Strom ‘23
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Intelligence Studies and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement
Current Employment: Acclaim Technical Services; Washington, D.C. area
Samantha was highly involved at MU as an Honors Program scholar, Laker Leader, resident assistant, and member of Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Phi Sigma, and the Service Honors Society, as well as playing Disc Golf and Ultimate Frisbee. She was president of the Criminal Justice Association and National Security Club and project coordinator for the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Cell, through which she gained real-world experience, particularly in writing victim and trafficker profiles for Brazil, a report that was published and translated in Portuguese for use by 10,000 law enforcement officers. Samantha worked with Mercyhurst’s Center for Intelligence Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT), and completed internships for the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Justice, working with the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program. She graduated with the President’s Award for Excellence from the Ridge College for Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences.
June Durkee ’21 ’24M
MU Degree(s): B.A. Hospitality Management (Event Planning); graduate of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM)
Current Employment: Graduate Employee in Learning Support Services at Mercyhurst; Erie, Pennsylvania
As an aspiring event planner and sports enthusiast, June was drawn to Mercyhurst’s Hospitality Management program. June actively participated on campus as an Ambassador, Hurst Athletics game day programming intern, CREATE junior counselor, Senior Class Committee member, and AIM liaison. She discovered her passion for event planning through her leadership positions, especially those involving athletics. June received the Sister Damien Spirit Award in recognition for her dedication, enthusiasm, and love for Hurst Athletics, and she was inducted into the Mercyhurst Service Honor Society for her outstanding contributions to service as a student. June now works as a graduate employee in Mercyhurst’s Learning Support Services office, while pursuing her M.S. in Organizational Leadership. She’s also completing an internship in Meetings & Events with the Cornell Hospitality Internship Program (CHIP) in Ithaca, New York.
Mariz Khalaf '23
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Intelligence Studies and Criminal Justice
Current Employment: Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army (commissioned through ROTC)
Born in Sinjar, Iraq, Mariz Khalaf and his family sought asylum in the United States in 2013. His father had been working as a mechanic and translator for the U.S. Army in Iraq when mounting hostilities forced them to leave abruptly. They relocated to Buffalo, New York, and Khalaf embraced his new country with gratitude and enthusiasm. When it came time for college, he sought out Mercyhurst because of its Intelligence Studies program, which aligned closely with his interests. Not only did he excel in his studies, but he discovered ROTC and became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He also served as president of the Criminal Justice Association, vice president of the Law Enforcement Intelligence Club, and was an active member of Alpha Phi Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma. He will volunteer as cadre for Cadet Summer Training in mid-June before heading to Fort Moore in Georgia for his own leadership training in August. He longs to give back to the country that gave him a second chance.
Laia Santos Oliver ‘20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Communication; minor in Graphic Design
Current Employment: Producer at FC Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
Laia is a producer for BarçaTV+ shows, ”BarçaLive: Match Center” and “The Countdown,” in addition to other live English content for FC Barcelona's official YouTube channel. As a Barcelona native, Laia was a welcome addition to Mercyhurst’s international students, honing her skills in filming, video editing, and social media, among others. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Catalan. After earning her Communication degree and graduating magna cum laude in 2020, Laia extended her visa to remain in Erie and put her skills to the test at Jet24 and Community Access Media as a way of giving back to the community that had welcomed her with open arms since she came to Erie in 2016. After a year, she decided to head back home where she began working for FC Barcelona. While at Mercyhurst, she was a part of the Women's Soccer Team for four years and was also involved with LakerTV.
Ryan DeLelles '21
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Accounting and Finance
Current Employment: Fiduciary Tax Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ryan came to Mercyhurst University from his hometown of Steubenville, Ohio, to pursue a future in business. While working towards a double major in Accounting and Finance, Ryan secured internships at Cardinal Operating Company, LLC, Ossio & Mason Inc., and the Erie Admirals Soccer Club. Ryan enhanced his skills beyond the classroom as a member of Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and a board member of the Accounting Association. He was also a three-year member of the Mercyhurst DII Men's Soccer team. In addition to his career as a Fiduciary Tax Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ryan is contracted by Deutsche Bank AG, Citibank, and Merrill Lynch Banks. He is currently pursuing his M.S. in Finance at John’s Hopkins University.
Justin Hawkins '19
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Sports Business Management; minor in Spanish
Current Employment: Operational Excellence Development Program Analyst at PNC Financial Services; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Justin graduated from Mercyhurst in 2019 with his B.A. in Sports Business Management with a minor in Spanish. Although he was inspired to attend Mercyhurst for football, he also served as a game day operation assistant responsible for managing Mercyhurst Athletics social media accounts. He was also involved with all aspects of campus life as he served on the Student Government Executive Board as the Multicultural Activities Council (MAC) Chair and was a Resident Assistant in his senior year. As MAC Chair, he was worked to promote diversity throughout Mercyhurst’s campus through engaging events and keynote speakers to bring students together. In his senior year, Justin was awarded the 2019 Frank Barry Leadership Award. After graduation, Justin worked as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-a-Car and before accepting his position with PNC Bank in 2020.
Marina Boyle '21
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Business and Competitive Intelligence and Hospitality Management, International Hospitality and Tourism
Current Employment: Financial Crimes Investigator at KeyBank; Cleveland, Ohio
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Marina was drawn to Mercyhurst because of its revered intelligence program and the strength of its mission. Along with completing a double major, Marina was the editor in chief of The Merciad, a member of MSG, an RA, an Ambassador, and the chair of her Senior Class Gift Committee. Marina also completed the first Student Emissary Program and dedicated countless hours of service both on and off campus, particularly with Mercyhurst’s Habitat for Humanity club. Marina also enjoyed being involved in academic endeavors beyond the classroom and won prestigious intelligence competitions and scholarships during her four years. Marina was the 2021 Carpe Diem Award recipient at her graduation. Marina has also been featured on the Mercyhurst Made podcast.
Sam Lioi '17
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Business and Competitive Intelligence and Political Science
Current Employment: Judicial Law Clerk on U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; Columbus, Ohio, area
Former Ambassador President and Mercyhurst Student Government Vice President Sam Lioi loved being involved at Mercyhurst. After graduating in 2017, Sam worked at two different law firms and as a professor’s research assistant during his studies at The Ohio State University. Sam also worked pro bono for the Columbus Legal Aid Society, the Grassbaugh Veterans Project, and as a student board member of the Central Ohio Red Cross. Sam graduated from law school in 2020, passed the Ohio bar, and began working for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He has assisted the judge in deciding appeals covering a multitude of civil, criminal, and administrative issues arising from Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Sam has also been featured on the Mercyhurst Made podcast.
Morgan (Wangler) Smith '18
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Early Childhood and Special Education; minor in French
Current Employment: Kindergarten Teacher, Fairview School District; Erie, Pennsylvania, area
During her four years at Mercyhurst, Morgan was involved in many clubs and organizations to help prepare her for her role as a teacher. As president of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honors society, and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, she cultivated experiences for teacher candidates to gain real-world experience in the field of education. Along with her involvement in education-related activities, Morgan was also an Ambassador for four years, a Resident Assistant for three years, and a student mentor for the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) program for two years. These experiences helped her refine her leadership skills in a variety of ways. After graduation, Morgan started her dream job as a kindergarten teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Erie, PA — the same school where she completed her student teaching during her time at Mercyhurst!
Mitchell Marsh '20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Marketing and Hospitality Management with a minor in Web/Social Media Management, Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership
Current Employment: Account Manager at EAB; Washington, D.C. area
Mitchell was attracted to Mercyhurst for their hospitality program and served as the Chair of the Senior Class Gift Commitee, a Resident Assistant, a Student Ambassador, and the Advancement Social Media Coordinator. To gain industry experience, he completed internships at the Erie Yacht Club, the Hotel Lenhart, and the Omni Louisville Hotel. Mitchell returned to Mercyhurst as the Director of Annual Giving, where he coordinated campaigns which benefited the Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Program, and led Mercyhurst to one of its most successful Giving Days ever, raising over $130,000 for the university. He now serves as an Account Manager with EAB, a higher education consulting firm, where he works with partner institutions to help them meet their goals for fundraising and campaigns.
Jennifer Hartwell '19
MU Degree(s): B.A. in English
Current Employment: English Teacher, Shane English School, China
Highly dedicated to leadership, Jennifer was elected Vice President of Student Ambassadors and an Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst mentor for three years, as well as completing multiple trips with MU's Habitat for Humanity club, where she served as secretary. To gain real-world marketing and writing experience, Jennifer participated in the Student Communication Team for two years, where she launched the university's Snapchat account and provided content for posts across their social media channels. After graduation, she embarked on the journey of a lifetime to teach English as a foreign language in China, as well as paying visits to Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan. During the original COVID-19 outbreak in China, Jennifer volunteered to check temperatures and sign community members in to her local apartment complex.
Baylee Burns '18 '20M
MU Degree(s): B.S. in Sports Medicine, MPAS in Physician Assistant Studies
Current Employment: Physician Assistant, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center; Cleveland, Ohio, area
After graduating from Mercyhurst's extensive pre-health program, Baylee Burns went on to enroll in MU's distinguished Physician Assistant Program to fulfill her dream of being a healthcare professisonal. While she was an undergraduate student, Baylee was a Laker Leader and was inducted into the Sports Medicine Student Society before graduating with cum laude honors. As part of the real-world experience she gained in PA school, she completed clinical rotations in general surgery, internal medicine, family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, cardiology, psychiatry, and orthopedic surgery. She successfully passed her PANCE exam to become certified as a PA-C, as well as earning certifications in Basic and Advanced Life Support from the American Heart Association.
Austin Winschel '20M
MU Degree(s): M.S. in Data Science
Current Employment: Claims Information Analyst I, Erie Insurance; Erie, Pennsylvania
After completing his undergraduate degree in Economics and Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh, Austin Winschel enrolled in Mercyhurst's Data Science master's program to strengthen his computational background and prepare him with the necessary skillset for corporate employment. To support his graduate education, and gain more real-world experience, Austin served as the Head Technology Consultant at the Mercyhurst IT Help Desk, providing support to students and employees with various technical issues. After graduating, he was offered a position with LECOM as a Data Analyst, where he managed COVID-19 reporting and testing. He is currently employed at Erie Insurance as a Claims Information Analyst I, where he creates and supervises reports to inform data-driven decisionmaking for stakeholders across the company.
Larry Staub III '20
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Sport Business Management and Marketing
Current Employment: Sales and Service Account Executive at New Orleans Saints & Pelicans; New Orleans, Louisiana, area
A native of Rochester, New York, Larry always knew he wanted to work in the NFL or NBA in some capacity. During his studies in the Walker College of Business, Dr. John Parente assisted him in networking with industry professionals, leading Larry to find his professional niche in sports sales. After graduating with a double major in Sport Business Management and Marketing, Larry moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to work for an organization which supports both the NFL and NBA—the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans. Larry was promoted twice in his first two seasons and is looking forward to continuing his work with the Saints & Pelicans, managing 800 accounts for the Sales and Retention Team.
Cela Veitch-Beck '20 '21M
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Intelligence studies with a minor in Political Science, M.S. in Cyber Security
Current Employment: Global Security Analyst, Nutrien
Cela Veitch-Beck chose to attend Mercyhurst so that she could earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years through MU's unique 4+1 program. As a student, she completed internships as a senior analyst for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and a cyber risk analyst for software company CityGrows. She was also employed as a Tier One Level Analyst through the on-campus branch of Cleveland-based cyber security company MCPc. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cela coordinated and led virtual orientation sessions for 650+ new Mercyhurst students, as well as serving as the university's primary contact tracer. She now works as a Global Security Analyst with Nutrien, the world's largest provider of potash, crop inputs, and agricultural services and solutions.
Carolyn Zaffino ’15 ‘17
MU Degree(s): A.S. in Nursing, B.S. in Nursing
Current Employment: Nursing Instructor at Mercyhurst University
For all the credentials after her name, it’s hard to imagine Carolyn Zaffino, MSN, MBA, RN, PCCN, was a slow starter. Having been disappointed in her first college experience, she wasn’t sure a nursing education was for her. That all changed when she enrolled at Mercyhurst University. “Mercyhurst is a place that lives its mission; it’s not just words on its website,” she said of the university where she earned her ASN and BSN in 2015 and 2017, respectively. She went on to earn her MBA and MSN at Carlow University (prior to Mercyhurst offering an MSN program, which it now does), and returned to Mercyhurst, where today she is an instructor of nursing. She said she is committed to preserving that welcoming, student-centered environment that meant so much to her when she was a student. She also continues a per diem rotation at St. Vincent Hospital, a clinical experience that she believes enhances her teaching and commitment to students.
Amanda Costello ‘21
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Accounting and Finance; minor in Spanish
Current Employment: Finance Management Rotation Program Analyst at UPMC; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Amanda found her current position with UPMC through Mercyhurst’s Finance and Accounting Consortium. She began the three-year rotation with the Finance Management Rotation (FMR) Program with UPMC as a Program Analyst in June 2021. She looks forward to becoming a full-time analyst after completing the program. She is currently pursuing her MBA online from Shippensburg University. At Mercyhurst, Amanda was an active participant in the Walker College of Business as she earned her double major in Accounting and Finance. She held leadership roles in Business Club and Accounting Club, and was a member of the Laker Asset Management Club. Amanda also minored in Spanish and led clubs within Campus Ministry.