Jane Junge was awarded professor emeritus status at the Mount Mercy University 2016 commencement ceremony after 33 years as assistant professor of sociology at the college.

Junge joined the Mount Mercy faculty in 1983. An alumna of Mount Mercy, she also holds a master’s degree in sociology from University of Northern Iowa.

Junge has conducted research in anthropology, sociology of law, criminology and medical sociology, and she is a member of the Iowa Sociology Society, American Sociological Society, and philanthropic and educational organizations P.E.O. International and the National T.T.T. Society.

By relating course content to their lives and future professional endeavors, Junge’s teaching prepared students to live purposefully and serve the common good. She regularly incorporated service learning activities and volunteering into her courses as a means for promoting ongoing student engagement with others and their community.

Outside of the classroom, Junge has remained committed to community service, serving on the 6th Judicial District Rural Advisory Committee, as an active member of the Catholic Church Haiti Relief Committee, and volunteering in a number of capacities for St. Mary’s Church in Vinton, Iowa.

Congratulations, Jane!

After 36 years as a member of the English faculty at Mount Mercy University, Jim Grove was awarded professor emeritus status at the 2016 commencement ceremony.

Grove served as a professor at Mount Mercy since 1980 after completing his doctoral dissertation at Southern Illinois University on American writer and icon Mark Twain. As a Fulbright lecturer in 1989-90 and 2004, Grove taught at Palacky University in the Czech Republic.

His extensive work on faculty committees helped improve academic life at Mount Mercy. Grove was selected as Mount Mercy's Thomas Feld Chair in 2006-07 and served as a member of the core curriculum team in 2007-08. In addition, he served on the college's strategic planning committee and as chair of faculty.

Grove also contributed to student committees, served as advisor for the student publication Perceptions, worked closely with students on scholarship activities, and was always willing to provide thoughtful mentorship. He was the recipient of a student award for teaching and received three National Endowment for the Humanities grants.

Grove is a member of many affiliations, including PMLA – the journal of Modern Language Association, the Cedar Rapids Committee on the Holocaust, and is a reader and reviewer for College Literature. He has written, presented and published studies on film adaptations, American literature, Czech literature, post-modernism, place as text and the role of place in literature.

Congratulations, Jim!

Registration is open for Mount Mercy University’s popular ExploreU World of Technology summer program, a week-long event that provides role models and fun activities to middle-school-aged girls interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

To make registration and scholarship applications more accessible, the forms are now available online at bit.ly/1OQcab6.

Entering its fifth year, ExploreU is offering two sections for newcomers for the first time, June 20–25 and July 11–16, and a special session for returning students, June 20–25. 

“Females are still the minority in computer sciences, and it is important to raise a new generation of girls who are excited about STEM,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kleiman, assistant professor of computer science and ExploreU cofounder. “ExploreU can get them engaged and interested in fun ways.”

Thanks in large part to funding by Transamerica, Kleiman and Dr. Jitka Stehnova, ExploreU cofounder and former assistant professor of mathematics at Mount Mercy, will introduce NAO this year, a programmable humanoid robot and new permanent member of the ExploreU team. Transamerica’s support also helps to provide scholarships for low-income families and for Mount Mercy students to serve as mentors.

Through ExploreU, students will learn programming using Scratch, how to analyze patterns, integration of math and computer science, 3D visualization and more. Participants will test what they learn with a challenging, campus-wide treasure hunt.

Aimed at showing how engaging STEM fields are, the program is structured for girls in sixth through eighth grade with an emphasis on learning in an exciting environment.

Registration is open until spots are filled. Find more information about the program and scholarships available at www.mtmercy.edu/exploreu.

Mount Mercy is thrilled to announce the hiring of Steve Stickney as the new band director. Steve was previously the Director of Bands at Linn-Mar High School, where he was also co-director of the Marching Lions, directed the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band and Stage Band, and taught woodwind, brass and percussion lessons in grades 9-12.

Steve brings to Mount Mercy a diverse background of experience and knowledge. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician at several elementary and secondary concert and jazz band festivals in the Midwest, as an advisor for seven European tours for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music, and as a guest conductor for the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, the University of Iowa All State Music camp, and several district, conference and college honor band festivals.

We look forward to Steve's start at MMU this fall, and hope you do too!

Mount Mercy University is pleased to announce June 2016 graduates. A commencement ceremony was held Sunday, May 22, at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

Congratulations to all!

Stay connected to Mount Mercy by liking the Mount Mercy Alumni Facebook page.

June 2016 graduates include:

*Cum Laude
**Magna Cum Laude
***Summa Cum Laude 

Mount Mercy University is pleased to announce the official start of construction of The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex, the university’s first-ever outdoor athletic facility. The 22 acre property, located at 909 17th Street NE, will give Mount Mercy’s student-athletes a home field advantage for the very first time.

“This facility will serve as a foundation for Mount Mercy’s continued success both on the field and in the classroom,” said Paul Gavin, Mount Mercy University Athletic Director. “We are ushering in a new era for Mount Mercy athletics, one that will lead to great things for our student-athletes, our university and the wider community.”

Upon completion in summer 2017, the athletic complex will provide a permanent home for men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, baseball, and softball — six of the university’s 17 intercollegiate athletic teams.

The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex will make additional community outreach efforts possible, including Mount Mercy’s new JumpStart program, which will collaborate with local social service agencies and neighborhood organizations to provide activities for area youth. JumpStart’s mission is to inspire the children in Cedar Rapids to reach their educational potential by teaching them essential lessons in leadership and academics through sports. 

The naming gift for the athletic complex was given by the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, whose mission is to promote expanded educational opportunities, pride in America, and belief in the free enterprise system, for the benefit of America's youth, through named capital projects.

To learn more about The Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex, please go to www.mtmercy.edu/homefield.

[VIDEO]  Construction is underway this month on the new Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex.

The 22-acre property is Mount Mercy's first-ever outdoor athletic facility.

The complex will house six of the University's 17 teams, including soccer, track, baseball, and softball.

Keep reading…

Congratulations to the following students named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2016 semester.

Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List.

Susan E. Abel
Emily A. Adams
Maria J. Adams
Kelley M. Aldrich
Christian B. Allen
Jacquline Allen
Jessica D. Allen
Beverly Ambrosy
Andrea M.Angerer
Cali R. Arbuckle
Stefan Arsenovic
Amy S. Bader-Takes
Tyler E. Balkman
Kendra J. Ballensky
Meleah Y. Baloch
Jacob C. Bardell
Julie C. Barkalow
Billie R. Barker
Laura L. Barner
Ashley L. Becker
Elise Beer
Casey Behm
Johnace D. Beier
Amy Benney
Amanda J. Benson
Kaitelynn N. Benson
Alysia Berns
Nicholas W. Berry
Zachary T. Berryman
Amanda L. Bieber
Sarah A. Bierle
Kelsey J. Bills
Zachary M. Blair
Julia A. Blanchard
Madison Blietz
Kori J. Bohlken
Anna R. Bohr
Jennifer L. Bowers
Baptiste Brachmann
Donald R. Brady
Ashle K. Bray
Kelsey L. Brecht
Molly E. Breitbach
Alison A. Brown
Lauren R. Brunson
Sonja M. Bruxvoort
Felix B. Budde
Carson E. Burgart
Stephen M. Burgess
Stephanie J. Burkett
Lindsey Cach
Andjela Calasan
Alyssa M. Caldwell
Haylie D. Canterbury
Catherine T. Carr
Nicole Chalupa
Whitney E. Christiansen
Jedidiah M. Chung
Brian J. Clark
Shannon L. Clark
Brent Classen
Rachel L. Clemens
Victoria A. Clime
McKenna J. Cline
Holly L. Clubb
Madison M. Coates
Theron C. Coats
Olivia M. Coe
Matthew S. Collins
Dawn L. Cook
Cheyenne Coons
April N. Corey
Katie A. Cox
Callie A. Crandall
Emma Crawford
Colleen J. Crew
Rebecca M. Crooks
Todd M. Cross
Brianne D. Cummins
Bianca R. Curtis
Pedro Curto
Jill M. Daly
John Davis
Heather L. Dawson
Janice DeBerg
Justin Decker
Natalie G. Deister
Miranda N. Delaney
Macy Demeulenaere
Kelli M. Denes
Erika S. Dennis
Madison Deters
Kennidee DeVilbiss
Kami L. Dewar
Mauricio A. Diaz
Mia L. Dickey
Richard A. Diercks
Sarah D. Dietze
Melanie A. Diveley
Dakota L. Dohlman
Justin Dolezal
Amanda L. Dolley
Karesha M. Domine
Amber Downs
Heather A. Draeger
Emily J. Drtina
Debra Duball
Alyssa R. Duhme
Angela R. Dundee
Erin K. Easter
Whitney J. Eister
Erika L. Elles
Kristi L. Elwick
Ryan Erhart
Madison Esker
Ricardo Etienne
Gretchen E. Eubanks
Dana K. Ewan
Kelsey R. Feldman
Kristi R. Feldman
Annie R. Feltes
Natalie Feuerbach
Zachary W. Ficken
Felicia A. Fisher
Obil S. Flores Quintanilla
Tarah S. Forrester
Cara J. Frank
Allyson L. Frankenberg
Gabrielle N. Franks
Sydney S. Franks
Sara Frauenkron
Jacob D. Frazier
Taryn C. Freilinger
Claire A. Funke
Kristina M. Furler
Jaclyn Gabala
Mackenzie Gann
Bertha L. Garcia
Blakely E. Gardner
Ryan A. Garringer
Kelsey Gerhart
Jennifer J. Gill
Piper J. Gire
Anthony Glasscock
Heather R. Glick
Teresita Gonzalez
Lakin E. Goodman
Teresa M. Gottschalk
Danielle S. Goudie
Michael J. Goudie
Victoria E. Grandinetti
Lauren Graziano
Amber N. Green
Cassandra L. Green
Joanna D. Green
Michael S. Green
Kaitlin E. Gregerson
Josetta R. Greif
Jerica S. Gretter
Mary J. Griffin
Brea A. Griffith
Amber D. Grimm
Benjamin D. Grose
Greta R. Gustafson
Jonathon L. Haezebroeck
Jacob W. Haley
Tabitha S. Halferty
Megan M. Hall
Graciela C. Hammel
Miranda Hammes
Eric A. Hansen
Hannah Harrison
Philip S. Hartgrave
Alicia M. Hartley
Trevor L. Hartz
Heidi Haugland
Jessica M. Havlik
Heather Hazlett
Nathan M. Heater
Vanessa A. Heathman
Kalene R. Heaverlo
Marcia A. Heeren
Allison M. Heims
Audrey M. Helt
Kasey L. Hempstead
Lindsey B. Henschel
Danielle N. Herdliska
Marie E. Hicks
Arpita P. Hinton
Stormy J. Hinton-Janda
Kayla M. Hodgson
Katie E. Hoffert
Timothy J. Hoffman
Leslie A. Hoffmann
Kyle W. Holderness
Devin R. Holmes
Emily L. Holtz
Ashley R. Holub
Nova J. Hootman
Jerry A. Horak
Hannah M. Hoskins
Jessica Howell
Matthew A. Howell
Jennifer L. Howland
Eric Hrabak
Heidi C. Hromidko
JoAnne M. Hudachek
Melissa S. Huff
Christina M. Hunt
Hannah J. Hurlbert
Surriah Igram
Cassandra A. Isaac
Melinda M. Jackson
Charlene A. Jacobson
Emilie M. Jacobson
Angela D. Janecek
Holly M. Jasper
Michelle L. Jennings
Justine M. Jensen
Stephen Jensen
Kristan R. Jirak
Amanda M. Jones
Mimi Jones
Susan O. Jones
Jodee M. Joslyn
Bailey L. Jungblut
Hillary C. Kaefring
Elizabeth A. Kaiser
Donna Kalous
Kira M. Kaltenbach
Maria A. Kane
Mindi L. Kauffman
Kayley M. Keller
Abbie L. Kelley
Aaron M. Kempf
Ashley M. Kerslake
Bianca D. Kesselring
Pat Kettmann
Mariah E. Kidd
Meeka N. King
Carl A. Kirkpatrick
Karen F. Kisling
Sarah Kleiman
Thomas J. Klein
Jaymie R. Kling
Stephen Kniffen
Anthony Kobusch
Marcy R. Koenigsfeld
Abbey R. Konzen
Colyn Koopmann
Kimberly L. Kopernik
Brenda M. Koppes
Taylor Koranda
Monica D. Kordick
Natalie D. Kosek
Filip Kovacevic
Eugenia Kozlova
Leah M. Kremer
Jusdyn A. Krenz
Nicole Krogman
Eunmi Ku
Tina Kubovec
Kelsey Kuester
Robert F. Kurt
Karlie L. Lading
Devin M. Larrimore
Olivia A. Leichty
Mary R. Lenz
Tyler Lerch
Roger Lewis
Jasmine Lilleg
Abigail L. Lohf
Joshua G. Long
Julie R. Long
Jennifer S. Lopez
Kristy L. Lueken
Connor M. Mahan
Samantha Manatt
Morgan Manternach
Michael T. Marshall
Lucy Martin
Nicole L. Mast
Duane E. Matthess
Brian McAfee
Jeffrey E. McCann
Brenna M. McConnell
Rex A. McCright
Fatema McKenzie
Laura C. McNally
Katie L. McPherson
Amanda L. McWherter
Dana L. Medin
Sydney Meek
Susan E. Mellecker
Mark T. Mettler
Jacob A. Meyers
Miles J. Meyers
Danielle R. Mikkola
Bryn M. Miller
Courtney C. Miller
Erica H. Miller
Harley A. Miller
Jessica M. Miller
Shealynn C. Miller
Adrienne Mione
Emily I. Mitchell
Lydia J. Molitor
Meg E. Monson
Matthew D. Monthie
Monueir H. Moodie
Marisa K. Moon
Megan E. Moon
Dakota E. Moore
Elizabeth A. Morgan
Mikayla J. Morrison
Brittany M. Moschke
Bailey J. Moss
Hannah J. Mougin
Machalle A. Mughal
Jaimie L. Murray
Ashley N. Murty
Madelynn G. Myers
Stephanie K. Myers
Emily A. Mysak
Jonya Nassif
Cassandra A. Neff
Brandi J. Netolicky
Madelyn A. Newcomb
Nicole D. Newgaard
Hang Nguyen
Andrea M. Norris
Wyatt J. O'Connor
Lori A. Oellrich
Greg Olbekson
Morgan Ortmann
Ashli J. O'Shea
Tessa M. Ostendorf
David M. Osterhaus
Rylee J. Owens
Kasey M. Palmer
Jennifer L. Panos
Michelle M. Pappas
Natalie R. Parizek
Tracy L. Parizek
Amanda D. Passet
LaRaina K. Patrick
Sharon K. Payne
Laura E. Peck
Chad Pereboom
Gabriella A. Perez
Dustin E. Petersen
Hannah M. Petersen
Nicole D. Petersen
Jennifer A. Pflughaupt
Carmen M. Pierce
Billie J. Platner
Anne Plotz
Nicole L. Pochay
Nikki M. Pollitt
Katherine J. Powell
Carrie M. Powers
Ashley J. Pulczinski
Sara A. Pumphrey
Kaylee M. Putzier
Lydia M. Quaid
Diana E. Quezada
Benjamin Rabe
Tayler A. Rahe
Hannah M. Ramler
Luke P. Rathke
Danielle Ray
Jennifer Read
Catheryn E. Recker
Amber Reed
Robert A. Reed
Vicki L. Reighard-Kean
Hannah E. Reinhart
Lindsey Rhoades
Angela M. Richards
Alexander M. Rickard
Bailey R. Rickels
Maximilian T. Rieger
Anna M. Riester
Nicole Rischer
Emily S. Roberts
James R. Roberts
Diana Rodriguez
Victoria E. Roe
Adam J. Roepke
Stephanie M. Roethler
Zekiel Rohr
Russell Roling
Jacqueline Romero
Renee C. Rose
Eric L. Rowe
Kayla M. Ruff
Courtney L. Rust
Kelsey Ryan
Taylor F. Sabelka
Olivia J. Salow
Stephanie Salow
Cally A. Salter
Matthew L. Sattler
Andrew J. Scanlon
Lindsay E. Schaffer
Ruth E. Schlabach
Allison E. Schmitt
Aaron M. Schroeder
Logan L. Schroeder
Alyson C. Schultz
Jim Schumacher
Allison R. Scott
Amanda L. Scott
Jeanne E. Secrest
Kiley Seelman
Brittney N. Seeman
Linsey J. Seemann
Seth D. Seltun
McKenna K. Sexton
Keri L. Shady
Lukas Shea
Carlos Sheets
Danielle R. Shima
Jennifer M. Siech
Lindsey J. Simmons
Hannah R. Skow
Danielle A. Slaughter
Laura Slovakova
Alexander H. Smith
Lisa L. Smith
Nicholas J. Smith
Shannon N. Smith
Starlet K. Smith
Lorina L. Spies
Chad M. Spore
Elijah H. Stairs
August G. Stamp
Darren J. Stanley
Hannah M. Starks
Kaleigh M. Stecklein
Monica R. Steffen
Alesha E. Steffensmeier
Daniel J. Sterner
Mark A. Stevens
Tracy A. Stone
Lauren A. Stopko
Jordan A. Stout
Megan A. Stroback
Sarah E. Struchen
Eike B. Sturmeit
Aleksei A. Subbotin
Anam Tahir
Sho Takaoka
Conner R. Taylor
Kayla Taylor
Jessica A. Telfer
Sarah L. Ternus
Billie Tessendorf
Teyobesta Tewabe
Jonathan D. Thayer
Kayla R. Thelen
Lauren K. Thome
Taylor L. Thompson
Rebecca N. Thomson
Alysia Thumma
Callan N. Timms
Lindsay Todd
Chris Tompkins
Courtney L. Tomson
Cory S. Townsend
Tara L. Trcka
Krista Tripp
Michael T. Tschopp
Angela Tubbs
William Tuthill
Justin T. Underwood
Ronda D. Utley
Abby C. Van Wyk
Kathryn N. Vander Poel
Allison Varner
Maddisen L. Vaske
Matthew K. Vasquez
Andrew J. Vaughn
Rachel L. Vaughn
Amy M. Vincent
Rachel H. Volkl
Shawn L. Vorba
Georgi R. Wachendorf
Heather C. Wade
Erin M. Wagner
Austin R. Walhof
Jean T. Walker
Angela M. Wardenburg
Elizabeth A. Wareham
Arianne T. Waseen
Amanda J. Waters
Trevor L. Watkinson
Candace A. Watson
Peter Watson
Timon Weidmann
Cassandra R. Weigert
Karen R. Weiskircher
Maria Welborn
Eric M. Welter
Danielle R. Wenger
Paige E. Wenger
Sobrina West
Samantha M. Whalen
Karsyn K. Wheatley
Kelsey R. White
Rachel A. White
Hannah G. Whitley
Nathan M. Whitters
Hannah J. Wieditz
Gwyneth A. Wiese
Janet R. Wilhelm
Elizabeth J. Wilken
Frank A. Wilkins
Alyxandra M. Williams
Samantha R. Wilson
Tracy L. Wilson
Julie A. Wise
Brooke Woolley
Jamie J. Worthen
Genevieve Wright
Nicole E. Wubbena
Kealee C. Wyckoff
Shayla M. Youker
Lisa M. Young
Megan E. Young
Dana L. Zach
Tomas Zajfert
Sherry A. Zamastil
John Zbanek Hill
Autumn J. Zimmerman
Brandy L. Zimmerman
Alivia L. Zubrod
Taylor E. Zumbach

« Previous semesters

Mount Mercy University MBA Coordinator Marcie Van Note was selected to receive the 2016 Council for Accelerated Programs Excellence in Teaching award. The national award is given to an outstanding faculty member who demonstrates excellence in their ability to relate to students and has provided significant contributions to the wider academic community.

“Marcie is very deserving of the CAP Excellence in Teaching Award,” said Dr. Tom Castle, associate provost and executive director for academic innovation. “Her student evaluations indicate that she is an inspiring, dedicated and knowledgeable instructor. Marcie blends years of real world business experience with a deep understanding of adult learning theory. In doing so, she creates a positive and inclusive learning environment, and helps her students find real meaning in her coursework.”

Van Note joined Mount Mercy’s faculty as an adjunct instructor in 2009 before moving to a full-time position as lecturer and advisor in the university’s Master of Business Administration program. After working in human resources most of her career, Van Note hadn’t imagined her path leading to higher education. But once she began, she knew she would finish her career teaching.

“The students in MBA and Masters of Strategic Leadership programs are very dedicated students,” Van Note said. “They take their education seriously and to be part of that is a pure pleasure. I get to come to work every day knowing that what I do is appreciated by many students and we are making a difference.”

Van Note will accept the award in late July at the 2016 CAP Conference in Austin, Texas.

Congratulations, Marcie!

Travis Peters '06 followed his professors' examples and turned his heart for compassionate service into a career.

“[Mount Mercy faculty] demonstrated for me the importance of placing students first – students are the focus of their work.” — Peters

Be a Mustang. Success Follows. Read his story here »

The Mercy Auxiliary Scholarship Team had the pleasure of awarding $1,000 scholarships to five outstanding nursing students from Mount Mercy University to be used during the 2016-17 academic year.

Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing Mary Tarbox, EdD, and Director of Financial Aid Bethany Rinderknecht, were instrumental in distributing the applications, verifications and school endorsement forms to the scholarship team members via email. 

The process began with an evaluation of the application forms by the interview team that consisted of Joe Zachar, Linda Kelly, Kate Chapman, Holly Becker and Sandy Shay. The interview date was April 11, 2016. The selection of scholarship recipients by the five members of the scholarship team was determined after all the interviews had taken place. 

The auxiliary scholarship committee presented the scholarship award certificates to this year's recipients in conjunction with the Kappa Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Induction Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, at the Mount Mercy University CRST International Graduate Center. The Mercy Auxiliary is looking forward to awarding these scholarships to deserving students in the healthcare field again next year.

This year, with 11 dedicated, qualified and passionate candidates, it was very challenging to make the final selection. All are very praiseworthy and will be a tribute to the nursing profession. This year’s recipients are all sophomores. They include Michaela Anderson, Lindsay Brunson, Ashley Ann Dolan, Tayler Rahe and Stephanie Salow.

Those not receiving a scholarship this year are encouraged to apply again next year for the 2017-18 academic year. 

What is Mercy Auxiliary?

The Mercy Auxiliary is an integral part of Mercy Medical Center. Its purpose is to promote and advance Mercy's welfare. The Auxiliary serves as a liaison between Mercy and the community, and supports Mercy's patient and community-related services. In addition to providing many volunteer hours every year, the Auxiliary also serves as a fundraising organization. Learn more about Mercy Auxiliary here.

—Article submitted by Sandy Shay, Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman

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Mount Mercy University was ranked highest among Iowa private schools on MONEY magazine’s recently released Best Colleges list. Nationally, the Time-affiliated magazine ranked Mount Mercy 137 out of 2,000 four-year colleges.

The rankings were based on 24 factors in three equally weighted categories: educational quality, affordability and outcomes. Ranked 147 in 2015, the university moved up 10 spots in 2016. 

“This national ranking illustrates why so many students are choosing to attend Mount Mercy University,” said University President Laurie Hamen. “The combination of academic excellence with affordability and superb job outcomes is what students and parents are looking for as they search for a university. Mount Mercy adds an emphasis on compassionate service and practical experiential learning; our students undertake research, complete internships, publish work and serve throughout their community and around the world. These opportunities lead to experience, and experience is what lands our graduates such great jobs.”

Mount Mercy also stood out in MONEY’s rankings for overall quality. 

“In awarding high marks to Mount Mercy, MONEY magazine specifically pointed out that the university also excels at educating students from challenging backgrounds, boasting graduation rates almost 40 percent higher than the national average,” Hamen said. “When coupled with institution’s 97 percent job or graduate school placement for alumni within nine months of graduation, Mount Mercy University offers a clear and affordable path to future career and life success.”

To learn more about Mount Mercy University, visit www.mtmercy.edu or schedule to visit the campus during Iowa Private College Week, Aug. 1–5, at www.mtmercy.edu/ipcw.

Mount Mercy University has developed a new program to improve graduation rates for low-income, first generation students. The initiative, named Project Connect, will launch this fall thanks to a $310,000 grant from the Chicago-based Caerus Foundation.

Housed within the university’s Academic Center for Excellence — an office that provides academic support services to students — Project Connect will utilize a variety of different methods to help students succeed, including a summer bridge program, a strong mentoring model, social media and face-to-face learning and encouragement, as well as free books for completing program milestones.

“This robust and systemic approach to retention will provide Project Connect students with intentional opportunities to connect with University personnel, alumni, community leaders and fellow students who will provide coaching, mentoring, instruction and training through various outreach opportunities that may include career shadowing, volunteer opportunities, individual and group activities, and personalized guidance and support,” said Barb Miller, director of the Academic Center for Excellence. “Ultimately the participants will persist through graduation, gaining the leadership skills to mentor, tutor and guide incoming Project Connect students.”

Students participating in Project Connect will attend a four week residential transition program with a science focus, and participate in weekly workshops, panel discussions and mentoring programs to enhance academic success strategies, campus engagement, and leadership development.

“Project Connect has significant potential to make a positive and profound impact on the entire campus community,” Miller said. “It will provide additional resources to support and assist some of our most vulnerable students.”

Learn more about the services available to Mount Mercy students.