Congratulations to Tonya Harman, winner of the 2014 St. Thomas Aquinas scholarship contest! Tonya is a double major in nursing and philosophy. She is a veteran, wife and mother. Watch her winning video submission.

The selection committee identified Harman’s work as the entry that best embraced the spirit of St. Thomas Aquinas and exemplified a thoughtful answer to the meaning of life question.

In order to get some quiet to make the audio portion of her video, Tonya “sound-proofed” herself beneath a blanket with her phone playing the background music while she read her script.  The moments she stumbled in her reading were when her daughters entered the room with, ‘Mommy, what are you doing under there?’

“I love this story,” said Mary Ducey, professor of philosophy. “It says a lot about the challenges our students face and the creative ways they overcome them.”

Although the student scholarship has been awarded, The Aquinas Project is on-going until the spring of 2015. Everyone is invited to submit an answer to the question, ‘What is the meaning and purpose of human life?’ by e-mailing your answer to mducey@mtmercy.edu.  Explore the Aquinas question and submission requirements.

Enter the Choose Your Challenge contest for a chance to put some summertime cash in your pocket!

Just choose from the three contest categories below, be super creative, enter the contest by May 20, and three lucky winners will be paid for their Mustang pride!

Any current Mount Mercy University student may select from three contest categories:

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Video: “A day in my life as an MMU student”

Summarize a typical day in your life as a Mount Mercy student. No matter if you live on campus or off, show us how you balance school and life and come out winning!

Prize: $500 CASH

Photo: “What I love about MMU”

Whether you love a quiet moment in the grotto or meeting your classmates at Graduate Grounds, show us your favorite thing about Mount Mercy!

Prize: $250 CASH

Photo: “My best graduation day photo”

Snap a picture on Commencement day that shows us what it’s like to transition from a student to alum! This category is NOT limited to graduating students.

Prize: $100 CASH

Choose Your Challenge: Contest Rules

• Videos should be no longer than three minutes in length
• All Choose Your Challenge entries must be submitted via a Dropbox link emailed to: CampusCommunications@mtmercy.edu
• All Choose Your Challenge entries should include:
  • “Choose Your Challenge” in the subject line
  • Your name, major, email address, current telephone number, and home address (If you’re graduating in May or going home for the summer, be sure to provide contact information that will still be active after you leave campus)
  • A short summary of why you chose that particular challenge and introduce us to what/who we’ll see in your entry
• Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Winners will be announced on Thursday, May 22, 2014. Your entry may be featured on Mount Mercy’s social media and web site! Contest open to current MMU undergraduates and graduate students only. A student may enter multiple categories, but will only be eligible to win once.

By entering the Choose Your Challenge contest, the entrant acknowledges and understands the following:

The subjects featured in the entry have granted permission to use their likeness or the likeness of minor children in this contest and for the purposes of the university.

The video or photograph may be used by Mount Mercy for promotional purposes at the discretion of the university.

Mount Mercy University will reenact a cherished 30-year tradition during the Grotto May Day Celebration on Friday, May 2, from 3 – 5 p.m. at Mount Mercy’s historic Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto. Entertainment will include a reenactment of the 1920s Isadora Duncan scarf dance – once a common practice on campus – and performances by student soloists representing Mount Mercy’s Music Department.  Maypole dances and door prizes are just a few of the offerings. The event is free and open to the public; seating may be limited.

Guests will be treated to a historical background on the Grotto and its architect, William Lightner, as well as tours showcasing the types of semi-precious minerals used in such Grotto structures as the Arched Bridge and the Ten Commandment Colonnade. Visitors can also enjoy reenactment black and white photos as they pose as scarf dancers.

In previous years, the annual May Day celebration involved crowning the May Queen, presenting music and dance performances, and capturing photo opportunities. This annual event took place from 1928 – 1958 on campus.

A favorite location on Mount Mercy’s campus, Lightner was inspired to create the Grotto to express his personal artistic vision and religious faith. He started with a single structure to pay homage to his conversion to Catholicism as well as a response to a request by the Sisters of Mercy. Over a period of 12 years, Lightner’s vision grew to include what would become Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto and park.

The Grotto’s features included a bridge surrounded by a lagoon, a 10-column structure representing the Ten Commandments, and a central shrine, which contained the mosaics of the seven sorrows of Christ’s mother. Suppliers around the world provided more than 300 unique varieties of stones for the structure. In the summer of 2011, the first stage of the Grotto’s preservation was completed, coinciding with the development of the University Center.

In 2001, Lightner’s Grotto was awarded a Save Outdoor Sculpture (S.O.S.) grant from the Smithsonian Institution’s American Heritage Millennium Project. Further restoration was supported by a 2011 Iowa Arts Council’s Major Organizations Grant and a 2012-2014 National Endowment for the Arts ARTWORKS Grant. Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto is currently in the final stages of acceptance for the National Register of Historic Places.

In case of heavy rain, Grotto May Day festivities will have to be cancelled.

Before studying at Mount Mercy University, international student Sarka Dvorakova grew up with her mother and father in the Czech Republic city of Prostějov, just 40 miles from the Slovak boarder. Though she was only a baby when the Velvet Divorce occurred more than 20 years ago, Dvorakova is able to recognize some of the differences in the eras before and after the non-violent dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

 “It’s not really about what happened 20 years ago, but it’s more like the things that remain from it until now,” Dvorakova explained.

Sarka, a junior English major, was asked to write about her knowledge of the Velvet Divorce for Slovo: A Publication of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids. She happily obliged and began researching the Divorce.

“These little nicknames (for the Velvet Divorce)—and the Hyphen War is my most favorite story of Czech history because it is absurd and about grammar.”

She explains the Hyphen War in her Slovo piece: “In a nutshell, shortly after the Velvet Revolution, the Slovaks voiced their unhappiness with the name of the country. They didn’t like the fact that in ‘the Czechoslovak Republic’ the ‘Slovak’ part wasn’t emphasized enough. They wanted to rename the country ‘the Czecho-Slovak Republic’ (notice the hyphen), but Czech politicians wouldn’t hear of it.”

To understand the things she knew little about, she turned to her father for information. It was through him that she realized she knew more than she thought.

Dvorakova said she noticed Slovak customs slowly slipping away from the Czech way of living: newscast anchors are no longer both Czech and Slovak, but only Czech; television shows no longer run with Slovak dubs; in terms of language, Dvorakova said that the countries are basically “strangers to each other now.”

Her essay, “Growing Up After the Velvet Divorce: When You Don’t Know Ask Your Dad,” was published in Slovo: A Publication of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (Winter 13-14).

Mount Mercy University President Laurie Hamen will sign a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserves, a public acknowledgement of the university’s support of military personnel, during a 10 a.m. brunch on Monday, May 12 at the Mount Mercy CRST International Graduate Center.

“Nearly 200 active and discharged personnel are part of Mount Mercy’s family, from students to alumni to staff and Trustees,” said President Laurie Hamen. “The military brunch is a just one way the university can show our support for all military service.”

Brigadier General Steven Altman, deputy commanding general-maneuver for the Iowa Army National Guard, and Dick Rue, state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) chair will join President Hamen in a short presentation highlighting the university’s military support. Honored guests also include the Mount Mercy University Board of Trustees; Major Ryan Sextro, local commander at the Cedar Rapids armory; veterans and active personnel within Mount Mercy’s student body; as well as alumni, faculty and staff who have served or currently serve our country.

“Mount Mercy University offers veterans an easy transition into college life,” said Lisa Lafler, assistant vice president of marketing and communications. “Our registrar works closely with the VA, our financial aid understands the facets of the G.I. Bill, and we are proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program.  I’m delighted to also share that plans for a Veterans Lounge are on track for yet this spring.”

Two days after the military brunch, President Hamen and Lafler will represent the university on the Center of Influence Flight, hosted by Iowa ESGR on May 14. The helicopter flight will give civilian employers the opportunity to learn about the National Guard.

Mount Mercy University announces the addition of a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program slated to start Fall 2014. Classes will be offered conveniently on weeknights, Saturdays, and sometimes online to allow students to balance work and family while pursuing a graduate degree.

“Our Master of Arts in Criminal Justice will complement the valuable real-world experience professionals have gained in their field,” said Amanda Humphrey, associate professor of criminal justice at Mount Mercy. “We’re excited to launch this career-boosting graduate degree program and look forward to broadening the horizons of criminal justice professionals.”

Students in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program will work to achieve fair, ethical, and responsible justice with a focus on community. This graduate degree will produce leaders and visionaries that strive to advance the cause of social justice. With coursework in areas like homeland security, women and crime, community partnerships for public safety, and civil liability law, pieces of the curriculum will intrigue learners from across criminal justice professions.

“Mount Mercy’s criminal justice graduate program aims to refine student’s critical thinking skills, sharpens ethical problem solving and communication, and helps learners evaluate criminal justice-related programs and policies,” said Associate Provost Tom Castle.

Enrollment for Fall 2014 is open through August 23, 2014, and can be done online at mtmercy.edu/mcj.

Community members interested in learning more about Mount Mercy’s new Master of Arts in Criminal Justice graduate program are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19 at the Mount Mercy CRST International Graduate Center, 1599 Wenig Rd NE.

In addition to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree, Mount Mercy also offers Master of Arts in Education, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Strategic Leadership. For more information on graduate programs at Mount Mercy, contact Recruitment Coordinator for Accelerated & Graduate Programs Michael Lown at mlown@mtmercy.edu or call 319-286-4420.

Never fear, free laundry is almost here! Over this summer, all washers and dryers on campus will be replaced with brand new, top of the line commercial machines. With the upgrade comes an academic year of free laundry for on-campus residents starting Fall 2014.

“It’s exciting because students are watching their budgets and sometimes laundry takes a back seat to other needs or wants,” said Director of Residence Life Scott Horch.

Free laundry means students can wash and dry as often as they’d like without worry of breaking the bank or stopping to think about how much money is left on their ID card.

“Student Government and Residence Life staff worked hard to make this happen, and we are very fortunate to have dedicated students and staff in each of these areas,” said Horch.

To let students know about the new machines on the way, and the free laundry that will come with them, Residence Life held a “guess the number of soap pods” contest with the winner receiving a fully stocked clothes basket. Student Kayla Boleyn won the basket of laundry goodies including an ironing board, drying rack, detergents, hangers and more.

There’s no doubt about it, fresh things are happening on campus!

Mount Mercy University will hold commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids. Mount Mercy will graduate 420 undergraduate students and 104 students in graduate programs. Michael Kutcher, motivational speaker and advocate will serve as the commencement speaker.

When Kutcher graduated from Mount Mercy with degrees in management and finance in 2002, he didn’t plan on a career in public speaking.  After an eye-opening encounter with a five-year-old living with pronounced cerebral palsy – a condition Kutcher shares in mild form – Michael decided to let life lead him toward his true calling: motivational speaking.

He engaged in his first public speaking opportunity at a nonprofit gala in 2009, and today he diligently advocates for people with disabilities. Whether through his national lobbying efforts or via his influential lectures, Michael exemplifies the university’s mission by working for the betterment of all communities.

A schedule of commencement activities at Mount Mercy includes:

Thursday, May 15
Accelerated Reception
5:30 p.m., Flaherty Community Room, Basile Hall

Friday, May 16
Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony
7:00 p.m., Hennessey Recreation Center

Saturday, May 17
Honors Convocation
2:00 p.m., Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center

Nursing Pinning Ceremony
4:00 p.m., Hennessey Recreation Center

Sunday, May 18
Commencement Mass
9:00 a.m., Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center

Commencement Ceremony
1:00 p.m., UC Cellular Center

Commencement Celebration
3:30 p.m., Mount Mercy University campus

For more information on Mount Mercy’s commencement activities, please visit: www.mtmercy.edu/commencement.

Mount Mercy University’s Mission and Ministry Department is sponsoring Scripture on the Hill, a series of three lunch-n-learns on the Gospel according to Mark, facilitated by Bill Mulcahey, Director of Campus Ministry.

This program is wonderful for people interested in the intersection of bible study and bible prayer. Attendees can count on an interpretation of the Gospel according to Mark informed by sound historical, theological, and literary studies. It will be useful as well for personal prayer and for following the Gospel readings from the Lectionary for “Year B” – Advent 2014 through the Feast of Christ the King in November 2015.

Join Mission and Ministry for a free lunch, learning, and discussion in University Center room 110 at Mount Mercy University. Meetings will be held Tuesday, June 3, 10, and 17 from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM. Attendees will receive a small packet from a recent study on Mark’s Gospel. A free-will offering will gratefully be accepted at each meeting.

Please RSVP by May 29 to mulcahey@mtmercy.edu

Mount Mercy University is calling for the nomination of outstanding alumni leaders to be recognized for their professional accomplishments and service to the community. Honorees will be acknowledged during an annual recognition luncheon held in conjunction with Homecoming this fall.

“Mount Mercy alumni make monumental impacts on their communities,” said Josie Takes, coordinator of alumni relations. “Our annual award presentation and luncheon is one way the university shows our pride in their exceptional service.”

Recognition areas include: Alumni Certificate of Merit, awarded to a recent grad whose use of their Mount Mercy education shows promise of growth and achievement; Alumni Professional Achievement Award, given to a graduate who has made significant contributions to their profession; Misericordiae Award, in recognition of humanitarian service; and the prestigious Distinguished Service Award, given to a graduate who has improved quality of life in a community by influencing social structures, promoted service to others, or rendered outstanding service to Mount Mercy over many years.

Nominations are open to any person who graduated from Mount Mercy. The deadline for submission is July 1. Nominations are accepted online by clicking here. For more information contact Josie Takes at jtakes@mtmercy.edu or 319-286-4412.

Mount Mercy University recognized the women’s soccer team with the President’s Award at Honors Convocation on Saturday, May 17. The President’s Award is given in recognition of outstanding perseverance and diligence in pursuit of goals. This year marks the first time a group of students have been honored for coming together during a time of devastating grief.

In the summer of 2013, the Mount Mercy community lost friend, biology student and soccer player Haley Rinaldi in a tragic boating accident at the Ruedi Reservoir in Colorado. Her passing was sudden and deeply heartbreaking for her family, friends and teammates.

As the soccer team returned to campus that fall, they began the process of healing and banded together, not only in support of one another but in support of Haley’s memory as well. They proudly displayed one of Haley’s jerseys with a memorial at every match throughout the season. The team created warm-up shirts sporting Haley’s number and her Twitter handle and wore purple armbands during every match to remember their lost teammate.

The ladies coordinated a benefit alongside Haley’s coworkers at the White Star Alehouse to raise money for funeral expenses. This benefit, along with the organized sale of memorial shirts and purple wristbands across campus, resulted in a donation to the Haley Rinaldi Memorial Scholarship established by her family.

On September 17, Haley’s Game was played between Mount Mercy and Waldorf, her former school. Both teams met at middle field prior to the match to celebrate Haley with 30 seconds of applause (30 being her jersey number) and a release of purple balloons in a breathtaking show of respect.

“Together, they pushed through the downs knowing that there would be ups ahead,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Raven McMurrin. “In that faith, they moved forward – always together. When each suffered or felt hopeless, they all surrounded each other with love and support knowing that together they could overcome anything.”

Mount Mercy graduate Keva Fawkes ‘14, of Inagua, Bahamas, received the Mary Frances Warde Award during Mount Mercy’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Keva is the daughter of Patty and Cecil Fawkes.

The award is the highest honor given to a student who transferred into Mount Mercy and has acquired a minimum of 30 credit hours at the university. The award is conferred upon the graduate who, in addition to a high scholastic rating (3.0 or above), has exemplified to a marked degree cooperation with administration, faculty, and students; integrating in his/her personal relationships; and leadership and loyalty in furthering the ideals of Mount Mercy. The award is named for Mary Frances Warde, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in America in 1843.

Keva transferred to Mount Mercy from the College of the Bahamas. During her time on campus, she was involved in Art Club, the Paha Review, and senior art exhibition. She was one of three seniors involved in creating a ceramic display to embrace the service of nursing through the eyes of art students. The display hangs in Donnelly 223 where faculty meet with prospective nursing students.

After graduation Keva will attend the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History for her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree as a graduate student in ceramics.

Mount Mercy graduate Aaron Lacy ‘14, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the Mary Catherine McAuley Award during Mount Mercy’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Lacy studied biology and chemistry at Mount Mercy. He is the son of Bruce and Christine Lacy.

The Mary Catherine McAuley Award is presented to the graduate who, in addition to a high scholastic ranking of a 3.0 or above, has exemplified to a marked degree cooperation with administration, faculty and students; integrity in his/her personal relationships; and leadership and loyalty in furthering the ideals of Mount Mercy. The award is named for Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1831.

During Lacy’s four years on Mount Mercy’s campus he has been midfielder for men’s soccer and a member of men’s track. He was an active member of the Student Government Association and held the role of president during the 2013-2014 academic year. During his time at Mount Mercy, Lacy has also been a student ambassador and member of the Science Club, STEPS, and Emerging Leaders.

Aaron has been accepted into the medical program at the University of Iowa. He hopes to pursue a career as a doctor.

Mount Mercy University is pleased to announce the securing of two gifts totaling $400,000 from anonymous donors, which are made in support of the university’s outdoor athletic complex.

“We continue to make progress toward our phase I goal of raising $12 million for the athletic complex,” stated Laurie Hamen, president of Mount Mercy. “The community is certainly rallying behind our project, and we look forward to the progress ahead.”

Demolition began at 909 17^th Street NE in early April with remaining buildings expected to be demolished over the course of the next several weeks.

“These gifts demonstrate the continued importance of what this project represents. While we’re committed to our current and future students, we’re also committed to advancing the opportunities for youth programming in the Cedar Rapids community,” said Duff Ridgeway, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Since launching the Home Field Advantage fundraising campaign in August 2013, we have raised nearly $10 million toward our phase I goal.”

To learn more about Mount Mercy’s Home Field Advantage Campaign or to donate, visit www.mtmercy.edu/homefield. 

Dr. Bob Walker and Dr. Belkis Suarez are each Honorable Mention Honorees through the Iowa Campus Compact 2014 Engaged Campus Awards. The award program honors individuals and groups within higher education who work to strengthen civic and community engagement on their campuses.

Associate Professor of Business Dr. Bob Walker will be honored for his efforts in engaging students in building business partnerships and advancing quality of life programs in Belize.

Assistant Professor of Spanish Dr. Belkis Suarez will be recognized for her extraordinary efforts and leadership in increasing campus awareness of different cultures.

This year’s Engaged Campus Awards Ceremony will be held in Des Moines on June 6.

Musical events are plentiful on the hill of Mount Mercy’s campus this summer. Three music camps—Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Cedar Brass Music Festival and All-State Choral Workshop—will be available for the public to enjoy.

Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival

Mount Mercy University is pleased to host for the second year the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival. The intensive learning experience begins June 16, culminating in free concerts June 20 and 21 at Mount Mercy and June 22 at Tirrill Park in Manchester, Iowa.

The Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival has brought together musicians of all ages and levels of study to play chamber music since its inception in 2003. Young students are matched with experienced musicians, while adult players often rediscover their love of an instrument they laid down years ago. All enjoy exploring chamber music ranging in scope from duets to string orchestra.

For more information on registration visit www.mtmercy.edu/five-seasons-chamber or contact Festival Director Stephanie Wagor at fiveseasonschambermusic@gmail.com.

Cedar Brass Music Festival

The Cedar Brass Music Festival will be held June 23-27, with morning sessions offered to brass players in grades 6-9 and afternoon sessions offered to brass players in grades 10-collegiate.

The brass festival focuses on large ensemble, chamber music including trumpet, trombones and French horns. Sessions will involve rehearsal and sectional coaching.

A registration fee of $45 is required and must be paid by June 13. Registration and payments can be made at www.mtmercy.edu/cedar-brass-registration. Participants will receive a 2014 Mount Mercy Cedar Brass Music Festival T-shirt.

For questions contact Gerry Kreitzer, director of music activities, at gkreitzer@mtmercy.edu.

All-State Workshop

Mount Mercy’s All-State Workshop, August 1-2, is open to all high school students interested in preparing the Iowa All-State Choral repertoire. Workshops will be held 8 a.m.-noon.

Along with Kreitzer, distinguished clinicians Carol Tralau and Allen Chapman will coach the singers in learning notes, rhythms and texts for each piece.

There is a registration fee of $50, which includes sessions and mid-morning snacks. Singers must purchase and bring their all-state music packet with them. Packets may be purchased beginning July 26 at Kephart’s Music Center in Decorah, Iowa.

For more information or to download a registration form visit www.mtmercy.edu/academy-events. Priority will be given to those received by June 11. For questions contact Kreitzer at gkreitzer@mtmercy.edu or dial 319.363.1323 ext. 1226.

The Waterloo-based R.J. McElroy Foundation has approved funding in support of two faculty-student research collaborations, one in biology and the other in psychology.

Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Ryan Bezy plans to partner with biology major David Stanek for project, Characterization of YedR, a Novel Cell Division Protein in Escherichia Coli.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Jen Lee will team with senior biology major and psychology minor Lauren Statezni in exploration of The Efficacy of aHome Exercise for Lung Cancer Patients: A Patient-Centered Study.

The McElroy Foundation is the legacy of KWWL pioneer and broadcaster R.J. McElroy. The foundation exists to benefit the education of young people in northeastern Iowa.

“These were well-prepared proposals and I’m sure they’ll yield interesting findings–and great experiences for the students as well as mentors,” said Provost Jan Handler.

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Joe Nguyen, Ph.D. was recently awarded an Engaged Scholar Faculty Fellowship through Iowa Campus Compact, a coalition aimed at advancing the public purpose of colleges and universities.

As a fellow in the program, Dr. Nguyen will participate in professional workshops and events over the course of a year and will receive a stipend to foster a civic engagement project on campus. The details of the project will be presented at the Upper Midwest Civic Engagement Summit or another Iowa Campus Compact network opportunity.

Dr. Nguyen plans to utilize the stipend to continue science education outreach to local elementary schools through Science Fun Night and CheMMUsical. These endeavors encourage Mount Mercy undergraduate students to connect with young learners through the excitement of hands-on science experiments.

“Participating in the fellowship will help me interact with more colleagues across the state, so we can share successful ideas with each other,” said Dr. Nguyen. “Having similar science outreach efforts throughout the state of Iowa will create a lasting, positive change in science education.”

Congratulations to Nikola Utinkova, Amanda Mayotte, and Brady Gerber—the 2014 Choose Your Challenge contest winners! Thank you to all who entered for sharing so many beautiful things about MMU!

A Day In My Life As An MMU Student – Video $500 prize

Winner: Nikki Utinkova, Czech Republic

Nikki is an international student from the Czech Republic who studied on Mount Mercy’s campus during the 2013-2014 academic year. Her video captures a typical day in her life as an MMU student. “In my spare time in between traveling back home, I created a video. I hope you will like it,” she said. Nikki recently arrived home in the Czech Republic, and her friends on campus already miss her greatly.

What I Love About MMU  - Photo $250 prize

Winner: Amanda Mayotte, public relations

 “I took this picture on September 21, 2012, International Peace Day and the day of Mount Mercy’s peace pole dedication. I attended the event because I wanted to understand the significance of the pole and how it fit into Mount Mercy’s culture. I learned so many things in the hour of the dedication; I have carried the knowledge with me through my experience at Mount Mercy. The pole proclaims the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in English as well as other languages, something I’ve come to understand as one of Mount Mercy’s incredible values. During the dedication, a short speech was given and a poem was read, both included messages of hope and love. After the event, I spoke with a few of the Sisters and explored what the pole meant to them. One sister was emotional and explained that, to her, the peace pole carried the message of everything she has worked for her whole life. It was that moment when I fully realized I belonged at Mount Mercy.”

Graduation Day – Photo $100 prize

Winner: Brady Gerber, biology

“I chose this picture of Aaron Lacy and I right before the graduation ceremony because it really shows the bitter sweetness of graduation. It is sad because we are all headed in different directions and on to a new chapter of our lives, but it is rewarding because we have accomplished so much and will be taking the next step. Lacy and I have been very good friends since the start of college and we are both heading to different grad schools so is picture shows the emotion and excitement of graduation.”

Mount Mercy University is pleased to announce the addition of two new accelerated degree programs in healthcare administration and healthcare leadership slated to begin Fall 2014. Classes are offered during convenient evening hours to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

The healthcare administration program prepares transfer students for management positions. Colette Atkins, assistant provost explained, “The healthcare administration program fills critical needs in the education of healthcare managers by offering a curriculum that integrates strong management skills with ethical decision-making and emphasizes quality care.” The program meshes business courses like principles of management with healthcare administration courses such as healthcare law, and offers internship opportunities as well.

Healthcare leadership is designed for students who have obtained an associate of applied science degree in allied health professions. Mount Mercy’s program will hone the leadership, strategic planning, and management skills needed for students to become successful organizers in the healthcare field. 

“Both of these accelerated degree programs are designed to springboard students into a fulfilling career,” Atkins stated. “Whether students plan on building occupations within health insurance, medical offices, or will continue to graduate school, Mount Mercy’s healthcare administration and healthcare leadership degree programs will help them reach their ultimate goals.”

For more information on accelerated programs, or to apply, visit www.mtmercy.edu/accelerate.