Mercyhurst University is moving forward with plans to honor six graduates as Distinguished Alumni during in-person Reunion Weekend festivities starting Thursday, June 9, 2022. In addition, one team and six individuals will be inducted into the Mercyhurst Athletics Hall of Fame. Some of the honorees were chosen in 2020, but in-person recognition was postponed for two years due to COVID-19, said Director of Alumni Engagement Lindsay Frank ’12 ‘14M. 

Distinguished Alumni Awards for service to the community will be presented to:

• Barbara Brairton ‘65 
• Sister Rita Panciera ‘53 
• Betsy Hirt Vorsheck ‘77

Distinguished Alumni Awards for service in a chosen field will go to:

• Brian DeFrancesco ‘06 
• Bea Tomczak Habursky ‘85 
• Joel Montminy ‘95 

Additions to the Athletics Hall of Fame include:

• 2008-09 Women’s Ice Hockey Team
• Vicki Bendus ‘11, women’s ice hockey
• Gregory Bensman ‘12, men’s lacrosse
• Mike Folga ’86 (posthumously), athletic trainer
• Rachel Griepsma ‘11 ‘12M, women’s water polo & women’s soccer
• David Lough ’08, baseball & football
• Charlie Wertz ’90, football

Registration for Reunion Weekend, when the awards will be presented, will open in March and all are welcome to attend.