FEATURES
PAGE 6
NEW AT HURST
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Senior Class Gift Committee gears up for an exciting year By Bella Lee
Staff writer
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By Maiya Harding Staff writer We are very fortunate to introduce our new Leadership and Outreach coordinator, Katie Neely. From Titusville, PA, Katie attended Slippery Rock University for her undergraduate degree, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration. She decided to further her education and earned her Master’s in Recreation and Sport Administration with a concentration in Coaching from Western Kentucky University. Since then, she has interned at the Florida High School Athletic Association. She got to travel to the state planning state championships. She has also worked as the Assistant Volleyball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville and the Program Director for Clarion County YMCA. When asked about why she applied to her position Neely said, “The university [Mercyhurst] has similar core values and I want to help students be the best versions of themselves.” Neely’s well-rounded, adventurous nature suits her position here at Mercyhurst. Although she has many tasks, one includes overseeing the Leadership Development Program (LDP). LDP is a three-level program that develops connections for students, while helping them discover their leadership style and skills through a variety of workshops, breakout sessions, and more. In addition to helping turn students into leaders, Neely also coordinates all Recognized Student Clubs/ Organizations (RSCOs) and helps advisors and students with the process as needed. She is also in charge of overseeing the Laker Leaders. Laker Leaders are an important part of Mercyhurst as they help freshmen transition to college life, and help to teach them to exemplify Mercyhurst’s values. They assist with orientation, campus events and Introduction to Mercyhurst (iMU) classes. In addition to all of her other roles, Neely will also be facilitating an IMU-102 this Spring. With registration coming up, be sure to look out for her course. Since she is new to campus, too, she has a unique perspective that could make new students feel even more welcomed here. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her friends, family and boyfriend. She loves exploring local restaurants, spending time outside and going to sporting events. If you see her around campus, make her feel welcome by recommending your favorite local restaurants or parks for her to check out and get a feel for Erie. If you happen to be in the Student Union feel free to stop by and say hello, and welcome her to Mercyhurst!
With the 2021-2022 school year in full swing, the Class of 2022 is prepping for their senior year festivities. With graduation and many “last-firsts” in mind, the senior class is starting up the annual Senior Class Gift Committee once again. From scholarships to the Sr. Damien Spirit Bell, each senior class has never failed to deliver on a spectacular class gift, and this year hopes to be no different. “We have a great group on the committee this year,” said Lindsay Frank, director of Alumni Engagement and advisor to the Senior Class Gift Committee. “I am most excited about some of the traditions that we host each year like the Senior Date Auction – it’s such a fun event for all classes to attend! It will be coming up in early 2022,” said Frank. This year’s Senior Class Gift Committee is super excited about some of the events and fundraisers they have planned. While the class committee is still in the earlier phases of planning for the year, they are nonetheless thrilled about the months ahead. Of the many ambitious members on the committee, Dominic Fucci, senior Intelligence Studies major and Event Coordinator for the Senior Class Gift is looking forward to bringing back many in-person events. “With some COVID restrictions being lifted on campus, we are looking forward to bringing back traditions associated with the Senior Class Gift Committee like the bar crawl. We also have a couple fundraising ideas working with students who own small businesses that we are all really looking forward to as well,” said Fucci. The Senior Class Gift often involves events that draw in atten-
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The class of 2022 scholarship announced on Oct. 12
tion from alumni as well, especially the Senior Date Auction. With homecoming weekend under their belts, the committee geared up for their next event-the 3v3 basketball tournament. On Oct. 4 the committee held a 3v3 tournament on the basketball court outside of Ryan Hall. The event cost $20 per team to participate and prizes were included for the winning teams. The Senior Class Gift Committee is just as excited to show off what they have been working on as the rest of the community. On Oct. 12, the committee announced via Instagram the cause for their class scholarship, which the committee will be diligently working to raise funds for throughout the year. This year, the class decided to create the Patricia Jaskiewicz Scholarship. This scholarship is named for Mercyhurst’s beloved receptionist Patricia “Trish“ Jaskiewicz. Jaskiewicz was informed that
the scholarship was going to be made in her honor when seniors, Rhyan Komsthoeft and Fucci surprised her one afternoon and gave her flowers to congratulate her. Jaskiewicz works in Old Main and is the first person people see when they come to Mercyhurst and often the first voice they hear when they call the school. She is always very welcoming to everyone. Last year, Giving Day, also an important part of the Senior Class Gift, shattered their record of fundraising, giving this year’s committee a challenge to see if they can possibly further break this record themselves. In a time where things are finally getting back to normal, the Mercyhurst community is eager to see what the senior class committee has in store for the remainder of the year. Be sure to be on the look out for upcoming events to support the Senior Class Gift!
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Students who participated in the Senior Class Gift Committee 3v3 event on Oct. 4
