Malinda Jensen joined Mount Mercy University as dean of students and director of residence life on July 14. Malinda brings ten years of experience to her new role at Mount Mercy.

“Malinda is an MMU alumna and we’re excited to welcome her back to campus,” stated Rob Callahan, Mount Mercy’s vice president for enrollment and student services. “She’s a fantastic leader with an enthusiasm for the University that’s contagious.”

Jensen was formerly assistant director of residence life at Boise State University. She has also served as complex director for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.    

Jensen obtained a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services and Administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science from Mount Mercy University.

Mount Mercy University will honor the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community with celebration events in honor of the Sisters’ longstanding support and contributions to the university over its 86 year history.

During events this fall, the university will rededicate its University Center as “Sisters of Mercy University Center” in homage to the steadfast support of the Sisters since they founded Mount Mercy in 1928.

The rededication event will honor the Sisters of Mercy’s historic and recent commitment to support the university in three areas: the University Center, the student mission and peer ministry funds, and commission of a statue of Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley to visually represent the university’s Mercy heritage.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of Mount Mercy University and honored to have on campus these visible symbols of our historic commitment to education and the Sisters who led the way,” said Sister Laura Reicks, RSM, president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community. “This helps ensure that the spirit and values of Mercy are alive in the students, faculty and staff of Mount Mercy University. The education institutions we have founded over the years remain an important part of our Mercy charism.”

“The contributions of the Sisters have been monumental in building the outstanding reputation for high-quality education that Mount Mercy holds today,” said President Laurie Hamen. “Our University Center is a hub on our beautiful campus, so it’s fitting that we rename it in honor of the Sisters of Mercy who have been at the heart of this institution since its founding.”

Mount Mercy University will honor the Sisters of Mercy on Mercy Day, which is Wednesday, September 24. Mercy Day is celebrated by the Sisters of Mercy and their ministries around the world in recognition of when Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in 1827.

Mount Mercy University will welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate Homecoming on the Hill Sept. 29 – Oct. 5, 2014.

“In Linn County alone, nearly 6,000 Mount Mercy graduates help shape Iowa’s Creative Corridor and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities,” said Catherine Shafer, executive director for advancement services. “Homecoming offers an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and reminisce with old friends and while enjoying campus with their families.”  

Many of this year’s Homecoming activities are open to the public including the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and program on Oct. 3; Yellow Brick Road 5k Walk, Alumni Awards Brunch, and the Festival on the Hill on Oct. 4.

Athletic Hall of Fame honorees are Ryan Barnes ’07, baseball; Laura (Salmon) Kloss ’07, golf; Jeni (Streb) Gaffey ’07, volleyball.

Alumni Award winners are Sara (Sedlacek) Magil ’10, Alumni Certificate of Merit; Sister Maurita Soukup, RN, ’64, ’70, Alumni Professional Achievement Award; Sister Margaret Mary Friedhoff ’74, Misericordiae Award; Lonna (Phillips) Drewelow ’86, Distinguished Service Award.

Festival on the Hill offers family-friendly fun with caricatures, face painting, lawn games, inflatables and more.

“We’re happy to share our beautiful, historic campus with the community,” said Shafer. “We hope our neighbors and friends join us in celebrating what it means to be a Mustang during Homecoming this year.”

More information about all Homecoming on the Hill activities is available at www.mtmercy.edu/homecoming. Registration is requested by September 19.

Vocalists from the Vocal Arts Studio of Dr. Bradley T. Barrett will present a benefit performance in support of Mount Mercy University’s music department on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Warde Hall’s Stello Performance Hall on Mount Mercy’s campus. Artists will present magnificent arias from cherished operas.

“We’re honored to welcome the stunning talent of Dr. Barrett’s studio to Mount Mercy,” said Gerald Kreitzer, director of music. “Proceeds from this sure-to-be beautiful evening will help support Mount Mercy’s vocal group Jazz Connection, and we invite music enthusiasts from across eastern Iowa to join us for this fantastic performance.” 

The evening will feature composers such as: Mozart, Puccini, Meachum, Verdi, Saint-Saëns, Strauss and others. Advanced tickets are available at $20 each and may be purchased by contacting Ronald Boze at ronald.d.boze@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 each.

Doug Brock will become Mount Mercy University’s vice president for finance and business operations this September. Brock, a CPA, brings 20 years of financial expertise to the role.

“Doug has exhibited a true passion for the Mercy mission, not only professionally, but through his community volunteer work as well,” said Mount Mercy President Laurie Hamen. “We’re pleased to welcome him to campus this fall.”

Brock obtained his M.A. in accounting from the University of Iowa and looks forward to utilizing his skills in the nonprofit sector.

“I’m excited to start this new journey with Mount Mercy,” said Brock. “I believe in their mission of top-quality education with a focus on community service and look forward to the adventure ahead.”

Prior to joining Mount Mercy, Brock was the vice president of finance for Genova Technologies. 

Laurie M. Hamen, J.D., will be inaugurated as Mount Mercy University’s ninth president on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. The 2 p.m. installation ceremony will be held in the Hennessey Recreation Center gymnasium on Mount Mercy’s campus.

Prior to arriving at Mount Mercy, Hamen was vice president for enrollment management, athletics, and student affairs at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois for nearly 18 years. Hamen’s experience includes positions in Catholic higher education at the College of St. Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, and at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, in addition to serving at public institutions.

Inauguration events will begin with a blessing and Mass in the Chapel of Mercy at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 11:45 leading into the ceremony.

 “President Hamen has been doing a marvelous job since assuming the presidency in early February,” said Board of Trustees Chair Brandt Worley. “She leads with the same spark of courage and faith as the founders of the University, the Sisters of Mercy.”

Mount Mercy faculty, staff, students and trustees, as well as representatives from the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Sisters of Mercy, and many local community leaders will take part in the ceremony. Calls to Service will be offered by Dr. Les Garner, Jr., president and CEO, The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation; Ben Nelson, president, Student Government Association; Marcel Kielkucki '02, president, Alumni Association; Colette Atkins, assistant provost; Jader Perez '14, facilities staff; Dr. Ronald Feldt, professor of psychology and chair; Sister Laura Reicks '78, president, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community.

A celebration will occur on the Rohde Family Plaza outside the Sisters of Mercy University Center immediately following the installation ceremony. The public is welcome at all events.

More information on inauguration events is available at www.mtmercy.edu/inauguration. 

Mount Mercy is pleased to announce August 2014 graduates. Congratulations to all! Stay connected to Mount Mercy by liking the Mount Mercy Alumni Facebook page.

Mount Mercy University welcomes author Kerry Weber to campus in the Chapel of Mercy on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. as part of the university’s Mercy and Mission Week festivities.

Weber, a lay Catholic, Mercy associate, and managing editor of America (a national Catholic magazine), set out to weave the Corporal Works of Mercy into her commitment-packed life and emerged with ways to balance breadlines and deadlines in the city that never sleeps. This meaningful journey of self-discovery is documented in her book, Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job.

“Mount Mercy is thrilled to host Kerry Weber during Mercy and Mission Week on Mercy Day, Sept. 24,” explained Sr. Shari Sutherland, executive director for mission and ministry. “Mercy Day is a world-wide celebration of Catherine McAuley’s opening of the House of Mercy on Sept. 24, 1828 in Dublin, Ireland and her work with the poor, sick and uneducated. It’s the perfect day to welcome Ms. Weber’s discussion on how she incorporated volunteerism into her daily life.”

The public is welcome to attend this free event. Seating is limited. For more information about Mercy and Mission Week, click here.

Mount Mercy University will pause to reflect on the institution's unique Mercy heritage during Mercy and Mission week Sept. 21 - 27.

As part of the week-long celebration, Sisters of Mercy help students connect classroom teachings to the Sisters’ critical concerns— immigration, nonviolence, women and environmental issues. Faculty and staff gain insights from the Sisters on how their work across campus can connect to the critical concerns in a powerful way.

"Mercy and Mission Week provides the campus community with opportunities to experience — in tangible and authentic ways — a deeper connection with our Mercy mission, our Catholic identity, and ultimately our mission as a University," said Sr. Shari Sutherland, executive director for mission and ministry.

The public is welcome to join in many events across campus such as the Sisters of Mercy recognition of the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m.; Mercy Day speaker Kerry Weber, author of Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24; and events tying to the WWI reflection series on Sept. 25.

Learn more about Mercy and Mission Week activities by clicking here.

The 2015 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings has named Mount Mercy University in the top 25 Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest.

 U.S. News & World Report rankings are instrumental tools for students choosing which college or university is best suited for their unique needs.

 “We’re thrilled to be listed in the top 25 Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest and look forward to showing many more future Mustangs how a Mount Mercy education will help them fulfill their goals,” said Rob Callahan, vice president for enrollment and student services.

The rankings, celebrating their 30^th edition, are available in print or online at http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges

The Mount Mercy University community is mourning the loss of Danny DeBacker, a senior from Orion, Ill., who was killed in an automobile accident early the morning of Sept. 28.

DeBacker, 22, was a double major in psychology and biology and a member of the Mount Mercy men's basketball team, as well as track and field, who transferred from Black Hawk Community College in 2013.

Service arrangements are pending. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Danny's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mount Mercy University President Laurie Hamen will present ideas for fostering professional success during Women Honoring Innovation & Passion (WHIP) on Thursday, Oct. 9. Three Sixty Blue Sky Events, an organization committed to the professional growth of women, will host WHIP at the Doubletree by Hilton Conference Center in downtown Cedar Rapids from 8 a.m. - noon.

“Three Sixty Blue Sky strives to keep women leaders connected, educated and continually growing in their careers,” said President Hamen. “It’s my honor to join seven other businesswomen in sharing thoughts on staying in touch with the innovation, passion and commitment needed to build an institution that makes an impact–like Mount Mercy.”

Other speakers include Dr. Lisa Van Allen, Traci Fenton, Kimm Harris, Dawn Ainger, Patrice Carroll, Jen Neuman and Kathy Larson.

Tickets for this event may be purchased online at http://whip-cedarrapids.eventbrite.com. More information about WHIP is available here.

Bill Aossey, founder of Midamar and two Midamar representatives from China, Jun Zhang and Tianxian Lu, surprised MBA and MSL students with a visit to view the Global Shawarma final presentation that four students had developed for the Cedar Rapids-based company in their Global Business Environment class this summer.

Students Jimi Cook, Taha Mohamed, Cole Graham and Thippeswamy Mekkeppanavara worked on the Global Shawarma project and partnered with Midamar, a halal food brand and global supply chain management company, to explore the logistics required to establish a restaurant business in China that features shawarma and other halal-prepared foods. Halal refers to foods that are allowable in Islamic culture. Through this project, Midamar and Mount Mercy students aimed to address world hunger issues by finding ways to supply China with more protein and nutrient rich food options.

After the presentation, Midamar representatives shared details about their business model, and Mr. Aossey hopes to return as a guest speaker in feature global business classes.

Two unique exhibits on display from Sept. 25 - Oct. 5 at Mount Mercy University bring to life startling statistics and devastating results of human trafficking–one of the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. The two displays are part of the Journey to Freedom collection and can be viewed in the Basile Hall atrium on main campus (small display) and the Francis J. Pruss Conference Center within the CRST International Graduate Center (more extensive display). Displays can be viewed 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The entire collection of Journey to Freedom was recently displayed at The Big White House, Genesis Church in Coralville. The Journey to Freedom collection has helped draw critical new attention to human trafficking.  The displays at Mount Mercy offer a walk-through experience that provides stunning statistics on human trafficking (both in the sex and labor trades). While the Basile Hall display includes facts about human trafficking as an introduction to the topic, the graduate center exhibit includes personal stories from women directly impacted, and includes gut-wrenching and heartfelt glimpses into the lives of those trafficked. Viewers leave with an unforgettable untold story, and learn specific ways they can get involved and join the fight against human trafficking. 

For more information about the local fight against human trafficking and how you can assist in this effort, please visit Cedar Rapids Gives at www.cedarrapidsgives.org or email Teresa Davidson, the chair of the local Brothers and Sisters Against Trafficking group, at lifewideopen@me.com.  For more about opportunities to host an exhibit from the Journey to Freedom collection, contact Mindy Pfab at mindy.s.pfab@gmail.com. 

The Sisters of Mercy, the Rohde family and two of Mount Mercy’s most important women will forever be memorialized on the university’s campus.

In front of an audience on the newly named Rohde Family Plaza, the Rohde family and Sisters of Mercy were recognized during a dedication ceremony on Sept. 24, 2014. During the event, the University Center was officially renamed the Sisters of Mercy University Center. The former University Center Patio was dedicated as the Rohde Family Plaza. Attendees also celebrated newly-installed bronze sculptures of Catherine McAuley and Frances Warde on the plaza.

The sculptures, made by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, act as daily reminders of the impact individuals can make on the world. The sculptures on the plaza will forever be a symbol of purposeful living, as Catherine McAuley and Frances Warde were instrumental in the work of the Sisters.

McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, three years after she opened the first House of Mercy on Lower Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland. Twelve years later, Warde and six other Sisters arrived in the United States to establish the first foundation of the Sisters of Mercy in the country. They would spread across the nation, establishing schools and hospitals. Today, the work of the Sisters can be found around the world and has expanded to embrace social services, pastoral services, politics, education and health care.

President Hamen recognized the Sisters of Mercy for their steadfast support of Mount Mercy throughout the university’s 86-year heritage and expressed deep gratitude for their generosity.  The president explained how fitting it is to name the heart of the university—the university center—after the Sisters of Mercy.

Located just outside of the Sisters of Mercy University Center, the Rohde Family Plaza is enjoyed by many and offers a space for concerts, picnics and camp fires. On behalf of the student body, Julia Cuvelier, a senior in the business department, thanked the Rohde family for the place of fun and reflection.

The event concluded with Charles Rohde speaking on behalf of his family; Sr. Laura Reicks '78 addressing those gathered on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest; and Sr. Shari Sutherland, Dr. Gerry Kreitzer, and sophomore Jacob Stewart leading attendees in singing the Circle of Mercy.

Funeral arrangements for Danny DeBacker have been announced. Visitation will occur Sunday, Oct. 5 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island, IL. Funeral service will occur Monday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church, Rock Island, IL. Click here for more information.

The university will offer free transportation for students, staff and faculty to the visitation this Sunday. Alumni are welcome to sign up to ride a bus as well, but priority will be given to current students. Buses will load in the Hennessey parking lot and will depart campus at 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Traveling to and from Rock Island takes approximately one hour each way. Sign up using the form below.

Contact Sarah Botkin at 319-363-1323, ext.1865 if you have any questions.

Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country have prompted nation-wide discussions on police use of force. Mount Mercy University’s criminal justice program is hosting a community conversation with local law officials to educate Eastern Iowa on use of force procedures in Linn County.

“From the Rodney King beating a generation ago, to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson this summer, the public wants to know where we draw the line on police use of force,” said Deb Brydon, associate professor of criminal justice at Mount Mercy. “We hope our panel discussion will offer an outlet for this community to understand use of force policies and procedures on a local level in Cedar Rapids and Linn County.”

KCRG news anchor Beth Malicki will moderate panelists Wayne Jerman, Cedar Rapids chief of police; Brian Gardner, Linn County sheriff; and Jerry Vander Sanden, Linn County attorney.

Topics for discussion may include use of force laws, deadly force, officer trainings, and procedures on officer-involved shootings. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions regarding use of force to Chief Jerman, Sheriff Gardner and Attorney Vander Sanden.

The police use of force panel will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall on Mount Mercy University’s campus. An information session on Mount Mercy’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program is also scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 in Basile Hall’s Flaherty Community Room. Attendees are welcome at both events.

Professors Elizabeth Kleiman and Jitka Stehnova from Mount Mercy University’s Department of Natural and Applied Sciences recently received a financial grant from the Aegon Transamerica Foundation. The grant will help fund ExploreU, Mount Mercy’s week-long summer camp for middle school girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professions.

Dr. Kleiman, assistant professor of computer science, and Dr. Stehnova, assistant professor of mathematics will use the Transamerica grant for the 2015 ExploreU camp—helping cover costs for the technology involved, the mentors and the scholarships awarded to select participants.

ExploreU covers topics in computer science and mathematics, including the Fibonacci sequence, fractals and prime numbers, among other subjects. The program also uses a daily treasure hunt to give attendees an opportunity to apply their learned skills in tangible, rewarding ways. Students who attend are encouraged to work together and use reason to learn to solve the problems they face.

Next year’s ExploreU dates will be announced in December 2014. If you are interested in learning more about the program and how you can get involved, visit http://www.mtmercy.edu/exploreu.

National Depression Screening Day, an initiative of Screening for Mental Health, is held every year during Mental Health Awareness Week in an effort to connect individuals with the help needed to overcome depression. This year’s screening day is Thursday, Oct. 9 and Mount Mercy University’s Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic will offer the public free, confidential depression screens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no appointment needed.

“The screenings are designed to identify symptoms of depression and other mood disorders,” said Ashley Merritts, associate professor of marriage and family therapy. “Those who drop by the clinic on Oct. 9 will take a simple written survey and have the opportunity to talk about the results one-on-one with one of our master’s level student-therapists, completely free of charge.”

Mount Mercy’s Gerald & Audrey Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic provides affordable, high-quality mental health services to the community. Therapists are students in Mount Mercy’s marriage and family therapy graduate program and provide services under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health practitioner. Student-therapists are skilled at helping clients through anxiety, depression, family problems and other life struggles.

The clinic, located inside the Mount Mercy CRST International Graduate Center at 1599 Wenig Rd NE, is open Monday - Friday from noon to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. New clients are welcome to call 319-368-6493 to schedule an appointment.

Danny DeBacker: Teammate, Friend & Student of Mount Mercy University

Share a memory of your friend/teammate

The track and field and cross country teams will be giving a memory book gift to the family of Danny DeBacker. It is an opportunity for anyone to write a short message or memory about Danny to his family. There will be a table setup following the memorial service on Thursday in campus ministry and then again in the UC from 11-1:00pm on Tuesday, October 14^th& 21^st. We are asking for anyone in the Mount Mercy University community submit something in writing or by email. Thanks for your participation.

Thursday, October 9^th             Campus Ministry          Following the 8:30pm memorial service

Tuesday, October 14^th          UC Table                    11:00-1:00pm

Tuesday, October 21^st          Hilltop Table                11:00-1:00pm