Graduation 2026: Mercyhurst celebrates 608 degree recipients

Mercyhurst University will honor the accomplishments of its 608 graduates in the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 15.

The traditional commencement will celebrate 436 students, among them 383 baccalaureate degree recipients and 53 associate degree candidates. The ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in the Erie Insurance Arena.

The graduate ceremony will be held earlier that day at 11 a.m., recognizing 172 master’s degree recipients.

The Class of 2026 includes 40 international students representing 16 countries and 141 student-athletes.

Top commencement honors go to Brice Hansen, 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.

Anna Clarke 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 John White (the Frank Barry Leadership Award); Michael Brafi (the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Service Award); and Alyssa Grace Jameson (the Mother Borgia Egan Honors Award). Two adult undergraduate students also earned top awards: Lauren Steen, the Catherine McAuley Adult Student Award; and Destany Silvas, the President's Award for Adult Excellence.

Graduating seniors chosen to receive the President's Award for Excellence by Mercyhurst's schools are Ainsley Dunning (School of the Arts); Quinn Borroni (School of Business and Applied Business); Allison Lyon (School of Health Professions); and Gabriella Piccirilli (School of the Humanities); Jenna Van Schaik (School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics); Kiersten Brown (School of the Natural Sciences); and Aubrey Martin (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences).

Recognized as Female Student-Athlete of the Year is Brice Hansen, and Male Student-Athlete of the Year, John White.

The McAuley Award for Excellence at the associate degree level goes to Kaitlyn Watson (School of Health Professions); and Blake Taylor (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences).

Following are recipients of the Sister Eustace Taylor Award for outstanding graduate student: Jonathan Rilling (School of Business and Applied Business); Mckenzie Smith (School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics); Samantha Myers (School of Natural Sciences); Ashley Felber (School of Health Professions); and Gina Sarama (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences).

For a complete schedule of weekend events, visit the Graduation 2026 website.