News

51�� Appoints Dr. Zainab Toteh Osakwe as Senior Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer

znegron@mercy.edu — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:18:20 +0000

51�� Appoints Dr. Zainab Toteh Osakwe as Senior Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer znegron@mercy.edu Wed, 06/10/2026 - 13:18 School of Nursing 51�� News

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Today, 51�� announced the appointment of Dr. Zainab Toteh Osakwe as Senior Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer, effective June 16, 2026. Dr. Osakwe brings exceptional leadership, scholarly excellence, and a deep commitment to nursing education and practice that will help advance the school's mission of preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.

Dr. Osakwe is a nurse practitioner with extensive leadership experience across academic, hospital, and home- and community-based care settings. Previously, she served as Associate Professor in the College of Nursing and Public Health at Adelphi University and held administrative roles at Montefiore Health System and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She has also served as director of both long-term and certified home health care programs in New York City, where she provided operational oversight and led interdisciplinary teams with distinction.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and member of the New York State Board for Nursing, Dr. Osakwe directs a well-established program of research focused on home-based dementia care and nursing workforce development. Her work has secured competitive funding, including an R21 grant from the National Institute on Aging examining nurse practitioner-led home-based primary care teams for individuals living with dementia, as well as support from Sigma Theta Tau and the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at Mount Sinai.

In this role, Dr. Osakwe will serve as the academic and administrative leader responsible for the overall quality, integrity, and regulatory compliance of the School of Nursing's academic and clinical programs. She will provide strategic, operational, and academic leadership to support the school's mission of excellence in nursing education, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and university leadership to advance academic programs, promote student success, ensure accreditation compliance, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

“This appointment represents more than a leadership role; it is a meaningful opportunity to serve the profession by shaping the future of nursing education,” said Dr. Osakwe. “For me, it means working collaboratively with faculty, students, and health system partners to prepare future nurses and advanced practice nurses to excel in an evolving healthcare environment. It reflects my commitment to advancing program quality, supporting scholarly achievement, strengthening clinical excellence, and building a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, research, and continuous growth.”

Dr. Osakwe views the development of the next generation of nursing scholars and practitioners as essential to advancing the nursing profession. She has guided numerous early-career nurse faculty, doctoral students, nurse practitioner students, and undergraduate students, and has contributed substantially to initiatives supporting early-career tenure-track faculty development. Her service extends beyond academia—she serves as a Trustee of TruMerit (formerly CGFNS International), has held leadership roles with the Eastern Nursing Research Society, and volunteers with a food pantry in the South Bronx and on the Community Advisory Board of Jacobi/North Central.

Dr. Osakwe earned her undergraduate degree from Adelphi University, her master's degree from Rutgers University, and her PhD from Columbia University School of Nursing, where her doctoral training was funded by a T32 award from the National Institute of Nursing Research.

News 12: Yonkers School District unveils new 'Yonkers Promise' college consortium

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:05:58 +0000

News 12: Yonkers School District unveils new 'Yonkers Promise' college consortium znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 06/09/2026 - 17:05 Mercy in the News

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News 12 covered the Yonkers Promise announcement on June 8, 2026. Yonkers Public Schools (YPS), in partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), announced the launch of the Yonkers Promise, a new college consortium designed to create clear, direct admissions pathways from high school to higher education for Yonkers students.

51�� is one of the founding institutions invited to participate in the consortium, which also includes Lehman College, Manhattanville University, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Westchester Community College, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Watch the news clip and read the story here

51�� Joins Yonkers Public Schools, YPIE and Regional Colleges and Universities to Launch Yonkers Promise College Consortium

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:16:59 +0000

51�� Joins Yonkers Public Schools, YPIE and Regional Colleges and Universities to Launch Yonkers Promise College Consortium znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 06/09/2026 - 14:16 51�� News

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From left to right, Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr., Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, YPIE CEO Sam Wallis, Lehman College Provost Jorge Silva-Puras, 51�� President Susan L. Parish, SUNY Purchase College President Michael Steiper, University of Mount Saint Vincent President Susan R. Burns and Dr. Sandra Ramsay, assistant vice president and dean of Enrollment at SUNY Westchester Community College.

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On June 8, 2026, Yonkers Public Schools (YPS), in partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), announced the launch of the Yonkers Promise, a new college consortium designed to create clear, direct admissions pathways from high school to higher education for Yonkers students.

The Yonkers Promise brings together a growing group of regional colleges and universities to establish direct admission opportunities for eligible Yonkers Public Schools students. Through this initiative, students will benefit from a more transparent, streamlined college admissions process, reducing uncertainty, increasing access, and helping more students successfully transition from high school to college.

"51�� is proud to be a founding member of the Yonkers Promise consortium,” said 51�� President Susan L. Parish, PhD, MSW. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to the Yonkers community and our belief that every student deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed in college. We look forward to welcoming more Yonkers students to our campuses and supporting them on their journey to academic and professional success."

The Yonkers Promise consortium establishes direct admissions pipelines between Yonkers Public Schools and participating colleges. Eligible students will receive admission offers based on agreed-upon criteria, eliminating many of the traditional barriers and complexities of the application process.

The initiative is designed to:

Increase college-going rates among Yonkers students
Simplify the college application process
Promote equity in access to higher education opportunities

“The Yonkers Promise is a commitment to our students that opportunity is within reach,” stated Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “By bringing together our schools, YPIE, and our higher education partners, we are creating a clearer pathway from the classroom to college and ultimately to successful careers. This helps remove barriers, simplifies the admissions process, and sends a powerful message to every Yonkers student: your future matters, and your city is invested in your success. I am grateful to Yonkers Public Schools, Superintendent Soler, YPIE and our college and university partners for convening this important effort to expand access to higher education and strengthen the next generation of leaders."

“The Yonkers Promise reflects the power of Yonkers Magic, the belief that when a community comes together, we can create life-changing opportunities for our students,” said Anibal Soler Jr., Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. “This initiative helps remove barriers to higher education and creates clearer, more accessible pathways for our students and families. Together with our higher education partners and YPIE, we are building a future where every student can see college as a realistic and achievable next step.”

“This is about building real pathways from high school to college and into careers,” said Sam Wallis, CEO of YPIE. “Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to student success, the Yonkers Promise helps more students take the next step toward achieving their college and career goals.”

“The future for Yonkers is bright, and at Lehman College, we are proud to be part of that by educating, supporting, and preparing the next generations of Yonkers leaders with a promise of infinite opportunities,” said Fernando Delgado, Lehman College President.

The first cohort of Yonkers Promise students is expected to begin accessing direct admission opportunities in Fall 2026.

For students and families, the Yonkers Promise represents a significant step toward a more accessible and predictable college pathway, one that connects their hard work in high school to real opportunities for the future.

For more information, visit https://mercy.edu/admissions-aid/yonkers-promise.

Read the press release here.

Mercy Alumnus Combines Public Service with Groundbreaking Research on Policing and Racial Justice

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:37:38 +0000

Mercy Alumnus Combines Public Service with Groundbreaking Research on Policing and Racial Justice znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 06/05/2026 - 16:37 51�� News Alumni

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Shawn D. Walton, Ph.D., M.S., M.A., M.A. Ed, a proud alumnus of 51��, has built a distinguished career bridging scholarship with public service. An AmeriCorps alumnus who answered President Barack Obama's call to service, Dr. Walton earned the 2023 President's Lifetime Achievement Award for a decade of civic engagement, a commitment that runs parallel to his groundbreaking doctoral research analyzing the evolution and resurgence of stop-and-frisk practices in New York City.

Dr. Walton recently earned his Ph.D. in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University in May 2025. His dissertation, “From Reform to Resurgence: A Case Study of the NYPD's Stop-and-Frisk Policy Under Changing Mayoral Administrations (1994–2024),” examines how enforcement strategies shift across political administrations and how those shifts disproportionately impact Black/African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Hispanic/Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities. Drawing on policy analysis, historical records, legal decisions, and publicly available data, his research offers urgent insights into contemporary debates about immigration enforcement, surveillance, and racialized policing.

His civic leadership and scholarly contributions have earned him widespread recognition: a citation from the New York State Assembly (2024); certificates of recognition from the New York State Senate (2024) and New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams (2023); and, in February 2026 for the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, recognition from Black Doctorates Matter (BDM), a movement dedicated to celebrating and supporting historically marginalized scholars in doctoral education.

A Foundation Built at Mercy

For Dr. Walton, the path to doctoral scholarship began in the classrooms of 51��, where he first learned to question power structures and center lived experience in his analysis.

"My foundation for analyzing race, governance, and public policy was laid at 51��," Dr. Walton reflected. "An essential figure in that early formation was Dr. Oscar Odom, III. In his constitutional law and criminal justice courses, he saw potential in me before I fully recognized it myself."

Dr. Odom, who was an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Mercy at the time, became the first mentor to encourage him toward graduate study and would later serve on Dr. Walton's doctoral dissertation committee. "He was the first mentor to push me toward graduate study, with law school as the initial horizon," Dr. Walton said. "That encouragement turned curiosity into disciplined study and, eventually, a sustained commitment to legal studies and political science."

Beyond academics, 51�� instilled in Dr. Walton a critical framework that would define his scholarly approach for years to come.

"51�� trained me to question power instead of taking it at face value," he explained. "Dr. Odom challenged me to look past the surface of authority and ask harder questions: Who benefits from a policy? Whose interests are protected? Who absorbs the cost? That way of thinking became the backbone of my later work, because it forces analysis to stay anchored in the lived experiences of the people most affected by public decisions."

This analytical lens proved essential as Dr. Walton pursued graduate studies, first earning his Master of Arts in Political Science at the Graduate Center for Worker Education at Brooklyn College, CUNY, where his master's thesis documented stop-and-frisk practices from 1998 to 2008.

The influence of Dr. Odom's mentorship is evident throughout Dr. Walton's scholarship. In his doctoral literature review, he cites Dr. Odom's own doctoral action research on NYPD stop-question-and-frisk, a full-circle moment that demonstrates the lasting impact of the student-mentor relationship that began at Mercy.

"His mentorship did not stop at Mercy," Dr. Walton said.

Research That Speaks to the Present Moment

Dr. Walton's scholarship carries particular urgency in today's national climate of intensified immigration enforcement and expanded surveillance. He argues that the discretionary logic underlying NYPD stop-and-frisk practices has become a blueprint for broader forms of racialized social control.

"The constitutional and political logic that normalized discretionary street stops in New York City is no longer confined to New York City policing," Dr. Walton noted. "The Supreme Court's 1968 Terry doctrine, originally framed as a narrow officer-safety exception, has been stretched into a broad permission structure for state-citizen encounters."

His research documents how this model has expanded to federal enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where militarized tactics and biometric surveillance are increasingly routine.

"I am trying to help national conversations move past slogans and into accountability: what these tactics do, who they target, and how quickly they spread once political incentives align," Dr. Walton said. "I do that as a scholar-practitioner, in community with others committed to strengthening doctoral pathways and keeping research connected to lived reality."

51�� Celebrates Class of 2026

znegron@mercy.edu — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:26:23 +0000

51�� Celebrates Class of 2026 znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 05/29/2026 - 20:26 51�� News

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More than 2,300 graduating students became the newest members of the 51�� Alumni family last week during a two-day commencement celebration at the Westchester County Center.

The ceremonies, held Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, featured inspiring addresses from student speakers and Honorary Degree recipients as the Class of 2026 marked their academic achievements.

Graduates turned their tassels surrounded by family, friends, and 51�� faculty and staff on this momentous occasion for the entire campus community.

Highlight videos and photos from the celebration are now available for viewing, capturing the joy and pride of graduates, their families and 51�� faculty and staff as they commemorated this significant milestone.

The Class of 2026 now joins the ranks of 51��'s growing alumni network as they embark on the next chapter of their professional and personal journeys.

School of Business and School of Liberal Arts

See Photos

Watch the Highlights

Watch the Ceremony

School of Health and Natural Sciences and School of Education

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Watch the Highlights

Watch the Ceremony

School of Nursing

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Watch the Highlights

Watch the Ceremony

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Watch the Highlights

Watch the Ceremony

For photos and videos of all the ceremonies visit https://mercy.canto.com/v/Commencement2026

For more information about the 2026 Commencement ceremonies visit https://mercy.edu/campus-life/commencement-2026

51�� Celebrates Faculty Excellence at Annual Recognition Ceremony and Poster Session

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:45:12 +0000

51�� Celebrates Faculty Excellence at Annual Recognition Ceremony and Poster Session znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 05/29/2026 - 14:45 51�� News

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Teaching Excellence Award recipient Justine Matias, instructor, English

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On Monday, May 18, the Mercy community gathered in the Rotunda on the Westchester Campus to honor the scholars, mentors and educators who make up the heart of the institution. The annual Faculty Recognition Ceremony brought together faculty, staff and university leadership for an afternoon of celebration, recognizing retirements, promotions and research faculty carry into their classrooms every day.

Before the ceremony began, the Rotunda filled with conversation. Large, colorful research posters lined the space, each one a window into the work Mercy faculty have been doing all year. Attendees moved among the displays, stopping to talk with presenters about topics that included AI integration, synthesis of novel photocaged biomedicals, faculty wellness, global service learning, transforming conflict education and telehealth risk assessment simulation training.

The breadth of the scholarship on display was striking.

“The faculty are at the heart of how we advance our student success,” said Mercy’s President Susan L. Parish, PhD, MSW, who spent time at the poster session speaking with faculty about their research. “Learning is the core of everything we do, and I’m excited about today because we’re celebrating faculty excellence.” Parish continued, “These posters are so impressive. Faculty are sharing their scholarship, which they take back into the classroom to advance their students.”

Breaking Free from the “Tyranny of the Textbook”

One of the most visited displays was “Collaboration and Liberation: An AOER Faculty/Library Creative Partnership,” presented by Julie Goldberg, assistant professor, Libraries, along with co-creators Yu-Hung Lin, assistant professor, Libraries, and Jacqueline Fisher, assistant professor, Psychology. AOER refers to Affordable Open Educational Resources.

The research centered on LibGuide, a structured, visually designed digital resource built entirely from free resources, including those that the Mercy Libraries already own. No textbook required. No cost to students.

“Textbooks are extremely expensive, and many Mercy students struggle to pay for them,” said Goldberg. “Research has found that students do not buy the textbook, which leads to poor grade-point averages and other negative academic outcomes. OER — open educational resources — is supposed to address that equity problem. Our idea, making this AOER using resources that the library pays for that are free to students, is a way to bridge that gap between published materials and the OER available on the web.”

The LibGuide mirrors the structure of a textbook chapter, laying out key ideas visually, organizing peer-reviewed articles, videos and reference sources by unit. It includes a flexibility no published textbook can offer: If a professor drops a unit or adds a new one, the guide updates instantly. Students were also invited to contribute sources they found during group projects, making the resource a living collaboration between faculty, librarians and students.

“This liberates professors from the tyranny of the textbook,” Goldberg noted. Textbooks that can go out of date, carry bias or lock faculty into teaching someone else’s sequence. AOER, Goldberg explained, “Gives professors the freedom to teach the units they want to teach in the order they want to teach it, with the materials they want to teach.”

Designing AI that Reaches Every Learner

Barbara Hastie, adjunct faculty in Educational Leadership, presented “Designing Inclusive, Accessible AI into Job-Embedded Professional Learning,” developed in partnership with Nona Ullman, Founder and CEO of LessonLoop, one of only two firms nationally certified by Digital Promise for prioritizing racial equity in AI design.

The research addressed a gap that sits at the intersection of two urgent conversations in education: how to use AI effectively in lesson planning, and how to ensure that AI doesn’t reproduce the biases already embedded in teaching materials. LessonLoop developed a bias-detection tool that runs lesson plans through a checker evaluating cultural inclusivity, language neutrality and accessibility, particularly for students with disabilities.

The team ran 50 tests, ten without the bias checker and ten after, across grades four and eight in four subjects.

“We were able to reduce bias by 69%,” said Ullman. This impressive statistic caused many of the people gathered to gasp in surprise, calling it “astonishing” and deeming the research “very, very important.”

The implications reach beyond K–12. The research has direct applications for higher education faculty who work with pre-service teachers, helping new educators design lessons that reach all learners from the start.

“I really think that this program will help new teachers get off on the right foot,” said Hastie. “They’re finding that if you can engage kids, they can learn more, but this is definitely not taught right now. The goal is how do we get new teachers up to speed faster.”

Putting Data Behind a National Conversation

Jeong Kim, associate professor of Criminal Justice, presented “Patterns and Disparities in Police Shootings: 2015–2021 Quantitative Analysis,” research with direct implications for police training, department policy and public understanding.

Kim explained that public perception is shaped heavily by social media and news coverage. That leads to the belief that police shootings are on the rise. Kim’s data tells a more complicated story.

“People think that we are having more police shootings, but actually statistics show that it’s steady,” Kim said. “It’s good news and bad news at the same time. The good news is we don’t have a higher number of police shootings. But the bad news is, even though we invest a lot of resources in police training and education, it’s still not getting better — it’s not going down.”

The research is intended to inform police departments and, ultimately, the public — grounding a conversation that often runs on emotion in evidence instead.

Celebrating Mercy’s Exceptional Faculty

Dr. Kristin Curry Greenwood, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, opened the recognition ceremony with remarks that acknowledged both the achievements on display and the effort behind them, as well as the academic year overall.

“In the name of student success, we confronted an environment that required change — real change, and sometimes uncomfortable change,” Greenwood said. “And you met that challenge with courage, creativity and most of all, commitment to students with your heart.” She continued, “You adapted, you innovated, you stayed focused on what really matters most, our North Star: student success. I’m grateful for all that you have done and for all of you who have participated in this important work this year.”

Greenwood introduced Mercy’s President Parish, who spoke directly to the faculty about what their work means, not just to Mercy, but to the students who depend on them.

“You are the mentors who guide, you’re the scholars who advance knowledge, you’re the innovators who reimagine what’s possible,” Parish said. “And you are the advocates who ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. Your work is not just important. It’s foundational to who we are and to what Mercy does.”

The recognition ceremony that followed gave each school’s dean a moment to stand with their faculty, calling members to the stage, presenting a silver cup and sharing the accomplishments that brought them there. It was one part ceremony, one part tribute.

Among those recognized was Dr. Kathryn Ryans, who was recently promoted to Professor and is retiring after a distinguished career in physical therapy education. Dr. Ryans earned her M.S. from Mercy and her DPT from Temple University and has been practicing physical therapy in an outpatient orthopedic setting since 1995. Her scholarly contributions include co-authored peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences focused on oncology rehabilitation and clinical education, work she balanced alongside sustained service in faculty governance, curriculum development and student mentorship.

“I’ve learned a lot at Mercy,” Ryans said. “Being a physical therapist has allowed me to bridge the gap between medical practice and teaching for my students who are going out to become physical therapists. I’m hoping to come back as an adjunct — I’m not leaving teaching completely.”

Faculty Awards Ceremony

Following the celebration of retirements and promotions, the ceremony turned to faculty awards, a separate honor recognizing outstanding contributions across teaching, scholarship and service. Each year these awards spotlight the faculty members whose work has gone above and beyond, chosen by students, their peers and academic leadership as exemplars of Mercy's commitment to excellence. (The list of faculty members who received awards is included below.)

A Closing Worth Carrying Forward

Provost Greenwood closed the afternoon with a quote that was well-chosen for the moment.

“Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts,’” she told the assembled faculty. “That courage is exactly what I have seen in our community this year, and I’m forever thankful for all the work we continue to do together.”

Watch highlights video

Faculty Accomplishments

School of Education, presented by Eric Martone, Dean, School of Education

Nancy Heilbronner, PhD, Retirement
Barbara Keckler, PhD, Retirement
Matthijs Koopmans, EdD, Retirement
Ilene Rothschild, EdD, Retirement

School of Health and Natural Sciences, presented by Nannette Hyland, Interim Dean, School of Health and Natural Sciences

James Gurley, PT, DPT, Promotion to Associate Professor
Ashley O'Rourke, CCC-SLP, EdD, Promotion to Associate Professor
Shari Berkowitz, CCC-SLP, PhD, Retirement
Ferdinand Esser, DC, Retirement
Ruth Lyons Hansen, PT, DPT, PhD, Retirement
Peter Minorsky, PhD, Retirement
Kathryn Ryans, PT, DPT, Promotion to Professor; Retirement

School of Liberal Arts, presented by David Wang, Interim Dean, School of Liberal Arts

K. Patrick Fazioli, PhD, Promotion to Professor
Justin Kessler, MM, Promotion to Associate Professor
Laura Proszak, PhD, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure
Usman Rauf, PhD, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure
Caitlin Wiesner, PhD, Promotion to Associate Professor

Libraries, presented by Moddie Breland, Dean, Libraries

Susan Gaskin-Noel, MSLIS, Retirement

School of Nursing, presented by Nannette Hyland, Interim Dean, School of Nursing

Miriam Ford, FNP-BC, PhD, Retirement
Susan Moscou, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, MPH, PhD, Retirement
Renu Varughese, RN, PhD, Retirement

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, presented by Cynthia Walley, Interim Dean, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Jeong L. Kim, PhD, Promotion to Professor
Alberto Manzi, LMHC, PhD, Promotion to Professor
Shakuntala (Melissa) Ramdas, LMHC, PhD, Promotion to Associate Professor
Dorothy Balancio, PhD, Retirement

Academic Affairs, presented by Kristin Curry Greenwood, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Saul Fisher, PhD, Promotion to Professor
Victor Petenkemani, MBA, Promotion to Associate Professor
Cynthia Walley, PhD, Promotion to Professor

The Faculty Awards were presented by Amanda Bireline, Chair, Advisory Committee for Teaching and Learning.

The 2025 – 2026 Faculty Awards recipients are:

Teaching Excellence Award

Full-Time Faculty: Robert Murray, PhD, Associate Professor, History (School of Liberal Arts)
Part-Time Faculty: Justine Matias, MA, Instructor, English (School of Liberal Arts)

Faculty Fellow

G. Lee Warren, PhD, Associate Professor, Chemistry (School of Health and Natural Sciences)

Online Teacher of the Year

Sally-Ann Delvino, MA, Senior Instructor, Italian (School of Liberal Arts)

Outstanding Research Award

Jack Simons, LPC, PhD, Associate Professor, School Counseling (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences)

ACUE Effective Teaching Practices

Oren Abramowitz, CCC-SLP, PhD, Assistant Professor, Communication Disorders (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Saliha Bava, PhD, Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Nancy Beverly, PhD, Associate Professor, Physics (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Marylu Dunn, PT, DPT, Visiting Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Justin Kessler, MM, Assistant Professor, Music Production and Recording Arts (School of Liberal Arts)
Tameka Hall Lee, FNP-BC, MS, Instructor, Nursing (School of Nursing)
Olga Rabinovich, RN, MSN, Instructor, Nursing (School of Nursing)
Lisa Schenkel, DVM, Assistant Professor, Health Sciences (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Lorraine Shikapwashya, DHSC, Assistant Professor, Health Sciences (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Jeanine Stancanelli, OTR/L, MBA, MPH, OTD, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy (School of Health and Natural Sciences)
Cynthia Walley, PhD, LPC, Associate Professor, School Counseling (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Master of Pedagogy Degrees, honoris causa, presented by Susan Parish, President and Kristin Curry Greenwood, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Areiaf (Ariel) DiBlasio, Associate Director, University Advisement
Leslie Heiner, MA, Senior Instructor, Art History, School of Liberal Arts
Monelle Hylaris, Director, Enrollment Services
Janet Lyons, MBA, EdD, Senior Lecturer, Organizational Leadership, School of Business
Robert Mulroy, JD, Senior Instructor, Marriage & Family Therapy, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Michael Perrota, MS, MFA, Associate Professor, Media Studies, School of Liberal Arts
Michael Stafford, PhD, Senior Instructor, Seminars, School of Liberal Arts

News 12: 51�� Celebrates Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:58:32 +0000

News 12: 51�� Celebrates Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 05/21/2026 - 16:58 Mercy in the News

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News 12 Westchester featured video footage from 51��'s 2026 Commencement ceremony livestream on May 20, 2026 at the Westchester County Center.

Watch the news clip here

7th Annual Student-Preneur Conference Showcases Students’ Innovations and Entrepreneurial Ventures

znegron@mercy.edu — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:39:20 +0000

7th Annual Student-Preneur Conference Showcases Students’ Innovations and Entrepreneurial Ventures znegron@mercy.edu Wed, 05/20/2026 - 15:39 School of Business 51�� News

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Keynote speaker and judge Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for Westchester County's Office of Economic Development, speaks to one of the Business Plan Competition finalists about her presentation.

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51�� School of Business hosted its 7th Annual Student-Preneur Conference on April 15, drawing more than 300 participants and culminating in a competitive business plan pitch competition that highlighted the entrepreneurial talents of students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Schools of Business Dean Victor Petenkemani set the tone for the day with his opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship. "Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business,” Petenkemani said. “It's a pathway to upward mobility. It empowers individuals to turn ideas into action, and to solve real problems because that's really what entrepreneurs are. They create opportunities not only for themselves but for others."

Dr. Kristin Greenwood, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, echoed this sentiment while addressing the student entrepreneurs directly. "You represent the very best of emerging business leaders, individuals embracing our traditions of entrepreneurship as problem solvers, innovators and changemakers," Greenwood said. "Your ideas reflect not only your integrity and ingenuity, but also a deep commitment to creating values in your community."

Greenwood went on to highlight the university's holistic approach to entrepreneurial education. "At 51��, we are not only confining entrepreneurship to a single program or discipline. We spread it across our university, across all our collaborative partnerships that we have across Westchester, the Bronx and Manhattan," she explained. "Entrepreneurship has become essential, an essential component to all of our education. It equips our students not only to adapt to change but to lead that change and that is what you are doing here today."

The conference featured a keynote address from Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for Westchester County's Office of Economic Development, who encouraged students to treat their ideas like businesses from day one. The school's inaugural Entrepreneurial Spotlight showcased a student-led interview with Elena Rivera-Cheek, founder and CEO of C&A Digital, who shared her career journey and emphasized the critical importance of hard work, tenacity, and continuous learning. An Entrepreneur EXPO rounded out the programming, highlighting both local and student entrepreneurs.

The conference marked significant growth for the annual event, with attendance increasing 20% from 2025 and representing substantial expansion since 2022. The event was livestreamed via Zoom to Mercy's Manhattan and Bronx campuses, as well as to partner high schools. High school engagement doubled this year, with more than 60 students attending from Lincoln High School in Yonkers and Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, along with their teachers and administrators.

Entrepreneurial Spotlight with Elena Rivera-Cheek, founder and CEO of C&A Digital

Business Plan Competition and Grand Finale

The 2026 Business Plan Competition featured 38 students representing 29 teams. Participants represented all three Mercy campuses and spanned undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse academic backgrounds, including education, legal studies, sport management, liberal arts, criminal justice and computer science. Students from the Schools of Health & Natural Sciences, Business, and Social & Behavioral Sciences also participated.

Five finalist teams presented their business proposals to a panel of industry experts and business leaders at the grand finale. The judges included event sponsors Umran Beba and Korhan Beba of the Beba Innovation & Entrepreneurship Foundation, Rivera-Cheek, alumnus Andrew Boryk '17, cofounder of Lunchbox, Novick, and 51�� Board of Trustees Member Phillip Grant, M.B.A. ’08.

Nadia Alghazaly, a freshman, took first place with Navera, a backpack featuring a washable liner that separates from the bag's structure, allowing for easier cleaning and extended product lifespan. The idea came to Alghazaly just two hours before submission deadlines while cleaning her own backpack.

"Winning felt completely surreal," Alghazaly said. "I almost didn't enter at all, so placing first is something I never imagined. I often doubted it all because I was competing on my own and because I'm a freshman."

Nadia Alghazaly

As the first-place winner, Alghazaly will represent Mercy at the Global Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization's 43rd Global Conference & Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida.

Xavier Harris and Calvin Garrick secured second place with RagePAD, a durable, noise-reducing strike pad designed to help gamers safely release frustration. The company was co-founded by Harris and his 14-year-old brother, a cancer patient and young entrepreneur.

"I wanted to help my little brother take his business off the ground," Harris said. "It taught me a lot about the business and marketing side of things."

From left to right, Calvin Garrick and Xavier Harris

Third place went to Fresh Out of the Box, presented by Zahara Acevedo and Amare Brathwaite. The fashion-forward brand offers stylish hats with natural hair attached, designed to help women experiencing medical hair loss feel confident during their recovery journey. The concept was inspired by Acevedo's personal breast cancer experience.

"Through this experience I learned about resilience and perseverance and believing in your purpose," Acevedo said.

The other finalist teams included Cooliere Coolers, a wheeled cooler designed to handle various terrains without tipping, presented by Jasmine Espinoza, Reanne Rockhead and Ariana Young, and HerBella, protective period shorts presented by Isabella Vanegas and Sachin Sadhu.

From left to right, Amare Brathwaite and Zahara Acevedo

Raising the bar

Korhan Beba, who has reviewed more than 1,000 business ideas as director of the Beba Foundation, praised the quality of this year's competition. "At 51�� every year, I think the bar is being raised," Beba said. "This year was not an easy decision as in previous years."

Dean Petenkemani agreed, looking toward the future with optimism. "The Student-Preneur conference is becoming very competitive, and it shows that we are doing something right," he said. "The work we are doing through this conference is just the beginning. In the years ahead we are committed to expanding and strengthening this program so that even more students can benefit from this transformative experience."

In closing, Professor Robert F. Bohn, who created and led the conference, said the conference offers a high impact platform for nurturing future business leaders and shows their creative potential.

"Perfection may not be attainable but by chasing perfection, we can catch excellence. We caught excellence with the 7th Annual Student-Preneur Conference/Business Plan Competition,” said Bohn. “Our entrepreneurial students know that the best way to predict the future is to create it. The jobs they want have not been created yet."

Professor Rober Bohn congratulates Business Plan competition winner Nadia Alghazaly

51�� to Celebrate Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 14 May 2026 15:13:48 +0000

51�� to Celebrate Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 05/14/2026 - 11:13 51�� News Press Releases

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51�� will honor the achievements of over 2,300 graduates during its 2026 Commencement, held over four ceremonies on May 20 and 21 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y. The ceremonies will feature five honorary degree recipients recognized for their exemplary leadership and professional excellence, including four who will deliver addresses to the Class of 2026.

“This is a proud moment for our entire 51�� community as we launch the Class of 2026 into their careers," said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of 51��. “These exceptional graduates—resilient, compassionate, and driven—are prepared to lead with purpose. We are equally honored by our five honorary degree recipients who built extraordinary careers by living the very values our students have embraced: service, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change in the world.”

The ceremonies will be held in person and live streamed to ensure family members, friends, and guests can celebrate alongside the graduates regardless of location.

The 2026 51�� honorary degree recipients are:

Mark Ronquillo
Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science
Speaker: School of Business and School of Liberal Arts

Mark Ronquillo is the Donald P. Bellisario Professor of Practice at the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University, a position he assumed in 2024. Prior to joining Penn State, he served as EVP/Executive Creative Director at the New York City office of Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the world's leading international advertising agencies. Over his 15 years there, he led creative work for 12 different Procter & Gamble brands, including category leaders such as Dawn, Cascade, Swiffer, Vicks, Pepto-Bismol, Mr. Clean and Crest.

Mr. Ronquillo's 25+ year advertising career spans major agencies across the United States and internationally, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis, Lowe & Partners, McCann Erickson, APL/London, BBDO West and The Richards Group. His diverse portfolio includes work for prominent brands such as Saab, Honda, Braun, Heineken, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bacardi, Diet Coke, US Army, and Burger King.

A "writer's writer" known for his mastery of the written word, Mr. Ronquillo's creative work has earned recognition from major international award shows and publications, including Cannes, The One Show, Communication Arts, and Graphis. He has also received Effie awards for effectiveness across four different clients, demonstrating both creative excellence and measurable business impact.

Aramina Vega Ferrer, Ph.D.
Honorary Doctor of Pedagogy
Speaker: School of Education and School of Health and Natural Sciences

Aramina Vega Ferrer, Ph.D., is a long-time Bronx resident and former associate professor of Literacy and Multilingual Studies at 51��, where she prepared teacher candidates for advanced certificates and the Master of Science program in Teaching Literacy. While at 51��, she served as chair of the Department of Literacy and Multilingual Studies and founding director of the School of Education Bronx Parent Center, a first-of-its-kind faculty-led initiative working with Bronx families and educators to increase student achievement in Pre-K–12 and ensure college access.

Dr. Ferrer brings over 30 years of K-12 teaching and leadership experience in developing and implementing innovative instructional programs for culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. Her career in the New York City school system progressed from Junior High School Teacher of Spanish and English as a Second Language to District Supervisor of Bilingual Education, culminating in her role as Elementary School Principal in the Bronx.

Dr. Ferrer was elected to the New York State Board of Regents by the New York State Legislature in March 2021 and reelected to a five-year term in March 2023, representing Judicial District 12 (The Bronx). She serves as Co-Chair of the Higher Education Committee, which oversees policy, chartering, and regulation for all postsecondary institutions in New York. Her numerous honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from Fordham's Graduate School of Education, the Alumni Achievement Award from Lehman College and the Governor's Outstanding Hispanic Women Achievers Award.

Ena Williams, Ph.D., MBA, RN, CENP, FAAN, FADLN, FSIEN
Honorary Doctor of Science
Speaker: School of Nursing

Dr. Ena Williams is a nationally respected nursing executive and visionary leader who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive of Yale New Haven Health, one of the nation's premier academic health systems. Her extraordinary career spans more than four decades, beginning in Jamaica at the University Hospital of the West Indies and evolving into pioneering executive leadership. She joined Yale New Haven Hospital in 1992, progressing through roles from staff nurse to coordinator, nurse manager, and nursing director before becoming the first nurse of color to serve as Vice President, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of Yale New Haven Hospital, and Chief Nurse Executive of the Health System.

Under Dr. Williams' leadership as hospital CNO, nursing teams achieved remarkable recognition, including an American Credentialing Center Magnet Nurse of the Year award (2022) and a Magnet Prize (2024). She spearheaded transformative initiatives including a nursing leadership academy, the first Nursing DEI task force and summit and raised philanthropic funds to support nursing and unlicensed assistive personnel. Her tenure fostered significant growth in nursing autonomy and established a strong professional governance culture across the organization.

A nationally recognized thought leader in nursing leadership, workforce development, and health equity, Dr. Williams serves as President of the Board of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership and on The Joint Commission Board of Directors. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and has been honored as one of Modern Healthcare's 50 Top Clinical Executives in Healthcare (2024).

Reverend Viviana M. DeCohen '16, M.S. '18
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Speaker: School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Reverend Viviana M. DeCohen, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran, serves as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), which connects over 630,000 Veterans with the benefits, services, and support they have earned. Commissioner DeCohen oversaw the department's successful elevation from a division in April 2023, significantly expanding DVS's statewide reach. Under her leadership, DVS launched innovative outreach programs such as "Operation Find and Serve" and adopted 15 Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosks across New York State, which were recognized with the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Federal VA.

Commissioner DeCohen has championed inclusive communication and dignified service delivery, leading DVS to embrace the term "for those who have served" to reach individuals who may not identify as Veterans. She launched "Operation Baby," providing essential resources such as diapers, cribs, and baby clothes through a non-social service approach, and updated the department's intake form to better address the specialized needs of Veterans and Military Families. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she served as Director of the Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency, where she founded Kristyn's Closet, a Veterans' Closet that served over 3,000 Veterans within ten months and garnered significant statewide media attention.

Commissioner DeCohen holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and a master's degree in Health Service Management from Mercy College (now University), where she established two inaugural Veterans Centers and served as a Veterans Academic Advisor. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Gerontology at Concordia University, Chicago. Her dedication to ensuring Veterans have access to essential resources has earned her the affectionate title of "Mama V," and she was named a Women Veteran Trailblazer honoree by the Center for Women Veterans in 2021.

Joseph P. Carlucci, Esq.
Honorary Doctor of Laws

Joseph Carlucci is Partner Emeritus at the law firm Cuddy & Feder LLP, where he was responsible for the industrial development revenue bond practice. Throughout his distinguished legal career, he represented corporations of all sizes on a full range of corporate matters, including business acquisitions and sales, partnership agreements, limited liability company operating agreements and employment contracts. Mr. Carlucci was also active in lending transactions on behalf of borrowers and lenders, and represented real estate entrepreneurs in acquisitions, sales, leasing, financing and obtaining approvals for development projects.

Mr. Carlucci is recognized as one of the region's most active counselors in industrial development agency revenue bond financing. He previously served as an agency chair before representing borrowers, underwriters and issuers in transactions throughout the New York metropolitan area and in numerous states across the country. A military veteran who served as Captain in the U.S. Army (MPC) from 1967-1969, Mr. Carlucci holds a B.A. in Economics from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1969.

A Westchester native, Mr. Carlucci has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations including the American Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Association, Jacob Burns Film Center, Pace University School of Law, Westchester Community College Foundation Board and the White Plains and Greenburgh Urban Renewal Agencies. He served as a Mercy Trustee from 2002 to 2025, previously serving as Board Vice Chair and now as Trustee Emeritus. He was honored with the Mercy College Community Leadership Award at the 2018 Trustees' Scholarship Gala.

For complete details about each of 51��’s Commencement ceremonies, including date, time and location, and to watch the live stream, please visit https://mercy.edu/campus-life/commencement-2026.

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About 51��

51�� is an independent, coeducational institution serving more than 9,000 students each year across campuses in Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan, as well as online. It is a federally designated minority-serving institution and the largest private Hispanic Serving Institution in the state of New York. Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate programs within six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy was founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy whose mission of transformative education remains strong. For more information, visit www.mercy.edu.

51�� Celebrates 75 Years of Opening Doors during 45th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:56:23 +0000

51�� Celebrates 75 Years of Opening Doors during 45th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 05/08/2026 - 14:56 51�� News

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From left to right: 51�� President Susan L. Parish with honorees Sister Mary Virginia Orna and Marcela Guerrero.

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On April 30, 51�� celebrated the 45th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala, bringing together hundreds of community members for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing the university’s mission of transforming lives through education. The gala, a signature fundraising event for student scholarships, featured a live Scholarship Challenge, where guests raised their paddles to support Mercy scholarships. This year, the Scholarship Challenge alone raised over $100,000, surpassing its $75,000 goal in honor of Mercy’s 75th anniversary.

More than 300 trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni from both Mercy and the College of New Rochelle (CNR), friends and supporters attended the event at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

News 12 anchor Tara Rosenblum, an Emmy winner who served as mistress of ceremonies, noted her personal connection to the university. “As some of you know, I have a special connection to Mercy. My husband, Joe Apicella, is a proud Mercy alumnus from the Class of 1985, and was honored at this event in 2017. It’s a pleasure to be back with all of you tonight and to be a part of the University’s ongoing celebration of Mercy’s 75th Anniversary,” said Rosenblum.

She announced that Westchester County Legislator David Imamura presented the university with a special citation honoring its 75th anniversary.

Watch Mercy’s 75th anniversary video

A history of access

The mission that began in 1950 with the Sisters of Mercy continues today: ensuring higher education is not reserved for the privileged few.

"For 75 years, Mercy's mission has been clear and unwavering: to open doors and provide access to higher education for generations of students," said Jim Jenkins, chairman of Mercy’s Board of Trustees. "Tonight's gala is a living expression of that mission."

University President Susan L. Parish reminded the audience that access at Mercy is more than a slogan — it's a daily commitment.

"If there is one word that defines Mercy, it's this: access," Parish said. "Our students are extraordinary. Most are working — sometimes more than one job — while carrying a full course load. Many are supporting their families while building their own futures."

Sophomore Gregory Hiraldo, who came up on stage to talk about the impact of his scholarship, knows that reality intimately. Between classes, he helps care for his grandmother and supports his family in ways that don't show up on paper. When he received a scholarship, everything changed.

"Scholarships are not luxuries. They are lifelines," Hiraldo said. "The scholarship didn't just pay for classes. It bought me time. It bought me focus. And it gave me belief in what was possible."

Honoring Those Who Embody the Mission

The evening celebrated three individuals whose lives reflect Mercy's values of service, education and community.

Alberto Vitale, who holds an honorary doctorate from Mercy and served as a Mercy Trustee, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his and his wife Gio's transformative support of the university. Their generosity has created a named scholarship, the Vitale Life Skills Lab, the Vitale Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation, and other initiatives that continue opening doors for students. Though Vitale could not attend, his impact was felt throughout the evening.

Watch Alberto Vitale video

Sister Mary Virginia Orna received the CNR Legacy Award for her four decades teaching chemistry at the College of New Rochelle and her continued work with the CNR Legacy Council at 51��. When she took the stage, the audience rose in a standing ovation — a testament to the generations of students she shaped and the enduring bonds formed at institutions like CNR and Mercy.

Watch Sister Mary Virginia Orna video

And then there was Marcela Guerrero ’26, the Student Achievement Award recipient who embodies what happens when opportunity meets determination. As president of the Student Government Association, a member of the Mercy Navigators program and the Latin American Student Organization, and a Mercy Scholar pursuing medical school, she represents the university's future.

Watch Marcela Guerrero video

Tashauna Wynter ‘25, last year’s Student Achievement Award recipient, introduced her successor with words that captured the spirit of the evening: "Marcela, you exemplify what it means to be a leader, an advocate and a dedicated member of this community."

When Guerrero accepted her award to another standing ovation, she offered a simple truth: "Mercy didn't ask me to choose between being there for my family and investing in myself. It showed me that I could do both."

Her words resonated through the room as guests raised their paddles during the Scholarship Challenge, pledging donations from $75 to $10,000 to create more lifelines for students like her.

As the evening concluded, the message was clear: For 75 years, Mercy has been opening doors through affordable, accessible education. And with the support of trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners, those doors will open even wider, offering more students the life-changing opportunity of a full scholarship.

Watch the Highlights Video

View Photo Gallery

51��’s Final Conquer the Trail Race Honors 75th Anniversary

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:37:40 +0000

51��’s Final Conquer the Trail Race Honors 75th Anniversary znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 05/04/2026 - 12:37 School of Health and Natural Sciences 51�� News

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51�� concluded its 11-year Conquer the Trail Race tradition Saturday, April 18, 2026, with a record 121 runners raising funds to combat food insecurity in celebration of the university's 75th anniversary.

The race, presented by Conquer The World Endurance and Mercy's Exercise Science Program, generated $2,165 for the Mav Market, the university's free food pantry serving students and community members.

Organizers designed the commemorative 7.5-kilometer course to honor Mercy's 75th anniversary, featuring a flat, out-and-back route along the Croton Aqueduct Trail.

"This race represents everything Mercy stands for," said Amanda Bireline, associate professor of health and exercise science. "For 75 years, we've believed in removing barriers to success."

Bireline said the anniversary distance resonated with participants, contributing to the highest turnout in the race's history.

Jordan Wolff won the men's division while Ralitsa Delgado took the women's title. Two Mercy students placed among the top three women finishers: nursing major Gabrielle Martin and health science major Caitlin Leary.

Top Finishers Overall Male

Jordan Wolff 29:25
Robert Gorman 31:36
Mark Paparo 31:48

Top Finishers Female

Ralitsa Delgado 33:37
Gabrielle Martin 34:21
Caitlin Leary 34:48

The race brough the Mercy community together, from alumni, including race director Steven Estremera, to Mercy faculty, staff and students, who were involved in planning, promoting and helping out throughout the race. The event also drew support from local sponsors including Gourmet Dining, Spear PT, New York Sports Club Dobbs Ferry and Wegmans.

All proceeds benefit the Mav Market, which provides nutritious food and personal care items at no cost to Mercy community members experiencing food insecurity.

Watch video highlights

From left to right: students Caitlin Leary and Gabrielle Martin

Check out more photos here

51�� Media Studies Program Honors Excellence at 42nd Annual Quill Awards

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:36:39 +0000

51�� Media Studies Program Honors Excellence at 42nd Annual Quill Awards znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 04/28/2026 - 17:36 School of Liberal Arts 51�� News

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51��'s Media Studies program celebrated student achievement and professional excellence at its 42nd Annual Quill Awards on April 14, recognizing the work of current students, distinguished alumni and industry leaders who continue to shape the media landscape.

Media Studies faculty presented Quill Awards to students in journalism, public relations and advertising, film and culture, video editing and radio production, theater performance and television production.

"Our Media Studies Program doesn't just teach communications — it empowers the storytellers, journalists and creative voices who will shape tomorrow's media landscape," 51�� President Susan L. Parish said. "Here at 51��, students discover their unique voice and develop the skills to share it across every platform: from breaking news and compelling features to broadcast media, public relations and corporate communications."

This year's alumni recognition went to Nicole A. Acosta, a 2019 graduate now working as a staff writer for People Magazine, who received the Quill Award for Outstanding Alumna. Acosta, who concentrated in journalism during her time at Mercy, earned numerous accolades from the New York Press Association while writing for the student-led Impact news publication. Her work garnered awards in editorial writing, column writing and feature article writing. She also received Mercy's Excellence in Journalism Award and the Dot Adams Memorial Award, both given to only one student annually.

Since 2022, Acosta has been a staff writer for People Magazine. Her responsibilities include developing law enforcement sources, securing legal documents and attending court proceedings. She also covers red carpet premieres and interviews celebrities to generate content that drives website traffic and social media engagement.

Reflecting on her journey, Acosta told the audience she felt she had "come full circle."

"Not too long ago, I was sitting right here receiving awards for my time on the Impact," Acosta said. "It was here that I first realized how powerful storytelling could be, not just as writing but as a way to understand the world and give a voice to others."

She recalled a pivotal moment in Associate Professor Michael Perrotta's class that shaped her career path.

"I still remember the first time I was in Perrotta's class. I answered a news reporting question hesitantly from the back of the room very unsure of myself, but when I got it right, I was surprised and he gave me a little shout-out," Acosta said. "At that moment, something clicked. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue."

Acosta credited Associate Professor Perrotta with helping her develop both confidence and skill.

"Perrotta was very open and understanding. He helped me come out of my shell while also giving me the constructive criticism I needed to grow. He taught me to trust my instincts, and that experience really sparked something in me that I have carried ever since through my time at Mercy and into my career," she said.

She concluded with advice for current students: "At the heart of it all, what drives me is this: telling stories that matter, stories that inform, stories that connect us, and stories that can make someone feel a little bit less alone. To the students here tonight, ask questions, stay curious and trust that your voice matters."

Tony-winning producer and director David Elliott was presented with the Quill Award for Professional Achievement. Elliott has spent more than three decades producing, directing and managing award-winning theater in New York, London and across the United States. As co-director of Perry Street Theatricals, he produced and managed more than 25 productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in London's West End, collaborating on projects recognized with Tony, Drama Desk and OBIE awards.

As artistic director of The Cape Playhouse, Elliott led the historic theater's post-pandemic revival, delivering a critically acclaimed 2022 season and restoring its operations and artistic momentum. He recently served as executive producer for "The Shark Is Broken" at North Shore Music Theatre and the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center.

Elliott quoted career advice from actor Tom Hanks.

"He said, 'Show up on time, know the text and have an idea.' That's it. Show up prepared, contribute to the work and have something to offer," Elliott said. "It sounds almost too simple, but it is rarer than you would think when people actually do all three."

He encouraged students to approach their work with intention and authenticity.

"No matter what it is that you're doing, if you can wake up each day and commit to it, do that thing with the intention, and honesty and integrity, you are already well on your way," Elliott said. "The cliché that if you do what you really love, it's not really work is true. So the first thing is find out what it is that you love, and say yes to it."

The evening's celebration of passion and dedication reflected the vision of Professor Louis J. Grasso, M.A., M.F.A., Media Studies program director, who has made the Quill Awards a cornerstone event for the program.

"I enjoy seeing the faculty, students and their families come together to celebrate these successes. And it's inspiring to others in the program," Grasso said. "I'm already thinking about next year's event!"

Watch the video

From left to right, Professor Grasso, David Elliott and Assistant Professor Marc Palmieri

Associate Professor Michael Perrotta and alumna Nicole Acosta

51�� Professor Wins Prestigious National History Award

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:56:14 +0000

51�� Professor Wins Prestigious National History Award znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 04/24/2026 - 08:56 School of Liberal Arts 51�� News

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Dr. Caitlin Wiesner honored by Organization of American Historians for groundbreaking book on Black women's anti-rape activism

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Dr. Caitlin Wiesner, assistant professor of history and history program director at 51��, has been awarded the 2026 Liberty Legacy Foundation Award by the Organization of American Historians for her monograph, "Between the Street and the State: Black Women's Anti-Rape Activism Amid the War on Crime" (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2025).

"It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the OAH with the Liberty Legacy Foundation Award," Wiesner said. "The OAH is the premier professional society dedicated to United States history, and I never foresaw my debut monograph making such an impact."

The Liberty Legacy Foundation Award is given annually to the author of the best book by a historian on the civil rights struggle from the nation's beginnings to the present, making it one of the most prestigious honors in American history.

“These prizes recognize exceptional scholarship, service and professional achievement, and embody OAH's enduring commitments to advancing groundbreaking research and scholarship, centering diverse perspectives and supporting historians throughout their careers," said Beth English, OAH executive director in the press release announcing this year’s awards.

Wiesner's book examines how Black anti-rape organizers critically engaged both the feminist movement against sexual violence and the federal War on Crime between 1974 and 1994. Focusing on activism in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., the Bay Area, Chicago and Atlanta, the work reveals how activists built upon Black women's longstanding tradition of community-based caring labor while incorporating Black feminist critiques of patriarchal and state violence.

The research was inspired by two concurrent social movements of the late 2010s: #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo.

"I was fascinated by how two movements fundamentally disagreed over whether proactive police presence would prevent violence or exacerbate it," Wiesner said. "I decided to look for Black women who participated in the feminist anti-rape movement at the same moment that the federal War on Crime was escalating to study how they navigated these contradictions."

The award represents a significant achievement for both Wiesner and 51��, demonstrating the institution's commitment to fostering world-class scholarship while maintaining its dedication to student success.

"It is my hope that this award will shine a light on the excellent research being produced every year by the faculty at Mercy," said Wiesner. "We're known for our commitment to teaching our students, but that goes hand-in-hand with producing cutting-edge scholarship."

51��'s 26th Annual International Film Festival Brings Global Cinema to Community

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:51:56 +0000

51��'s 26th Annual International Film Festival Brings Global Cinema to Community znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 04/20/2026 - 14:51 School of Liberal Arts 51�� News Press Releases

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51�� will host its 26th Annual International Film Festival from April 21-24, continuing a beloved tradition of bringing world-class cinema to the Mercy community and surrounding areas.

The four-day festival, presented by the School of Liberal Arts, is free and open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighboring communities. All screenings begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall on the Westchester Campus, located at 555 Broadway in Dobbs Ferry.

“For 26 years, this festival has been a cultural cornerstone for our region,” said Steven DeRosa, festival coordinator and senior lecturer for Cinema Studies at 51��. “We're proud to share this experience with our neighbors, offering exclusive viewings and meaningful conversations that bring our community together through the power of film."

Each evening features an international film followed by a discussion led by distinguished guest speakers from the 51�� community and beyond, creating opportunities for attendees to engage with cutting-edge cinema from around the world.

Festival Schedule:

Tuesday, April 21 – “The Girl with the Needle” (Denmark, Poland, Sweden, 2024)

A dark gothic story about young, destitute Karoline in post-WWI Copenhagen who finds work with a charismatic woman running a secret underground adoption agency. Their bond shatters when Karoline uncovers the chilling truth behind the operation.

Directed by Magnus von Horn

Drama | Danish (with English subtitles)

Guest speaker: Dr. Caitlin Wiesner, assistant professor of history and history program director at 51��

Wednesday, April 22 – “Baghdad Messi” (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Iraq, 2023)

Hamoudi, an 11-year-old soccer fan, dreams of reaching the level of his idol, Lionel Messi. After surviving an attack in Iraq that costs him a leg, he's determined to fight to achieve his dream.

Directed by Sahim Omar Kalifa

Drama | Arabic, Kurdish (with English subtitles)

Guest speaker: Othman Marzoog, lecturer at 51��

Thursday, April 23 – “Chinas” (Spain, 2023)

A heartfelt film that follows the lives of three young girls of Chinese descent living in Madrid as they navigate the challenges of identity, family expectations and cultural heritage while forging their own paths in a contemporary world.

Directed by Arantxa Echevarría

Drama | Chinese, Spanish (with English subtitles)

Guest speaker: Dr. Maria Bo, assistant professor of English at Stanford University

Friday, April 24 – “Kill the Jockey” (Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Denmark, USA, 2024)

A surrealist journey that follows Remo, a jockey who, after an accident, becomes the drag-clad Dolores. Navigating mobsters, a pregnant girlfriend, and fluid identity, the film features absurdity and queer themes in a visually striking, genre-hopping narrative.

Directed by Luis Ortega

Drama | Spanish (with English subtitles)

Guest speaker: Dr. Paula Halperin, Director of the School of Film and Media Studies at Purchase College

All films feature English subtitles. Seating is first-come, first-served.

For more information about the 51�� School of Liberal Arts International Film Festival, please contact DeRosa at sderosa1@mercy.edu or visit the International Film Festival web page at /academics/school-liberal-arts/international-film-festival.

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About 51��

51�� Center for STEM Education Leads Student Ocean Literacy Symposium

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:27:27 +0000

51�� Center for STEM Education Leads Student Ocean Literacy Symposium znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 04/17/2026 - 16:27 51�� News Center for STEM Education

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Students from Charter High School of Law and Social Justice, Bronx showcase their poster at the USA Blue Schools Student Symposium

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51��'s Center for STEM Education brought together 367 students from 15 schools across New York City, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey for a regional symposium showcasing ocean health and literacy projects on March 27 at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The USA Blue Schools Student Symposium represents one of several grant-funded initiatives led by the Center for STEM Education. Through funding from the EPA Long Island Sound Partnership/University of Connecticut and the National Marine Educators Association/SEA BEYOND, 51�� supports dozens of Blue Schools in the region.

"The Symposium was a terrific opportunity for our USA Blue Schools students to showcase the work they're doing to improve ocean literacy and waterway health in their communities and beyond," said Dr. Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the Center for STEM at 51��. Marrero also serves as the national coordinator for the USA Blue Schools.

During the symposium, elementary through high school students used various aquarium settings as backdrops to present posters outlining their projects and discuss how they are influencing changes in ocean literacy in their schools and neighborhoods. Schools rotated between presenting and viewing other posters during a one-hour session.

Following the poster presentations, each school participated in programs organized by the Maritime Aquarium, including behind-the-scenes tours of the sharks exhibit for high school students, coastal erosion workshops for middle schoolers and intertidal habitat workshops for elementary learners.

The USA Blue Schools are part of a growing global network of schools committed to improving ocean literacy among teachers, students, families and community members. Blue Schools students engage in hands-on stewardship and social action projects to improve the health of their local watersheds and the global ocean.

For more information about Mercy’s Center for STEM Education and the USA Blue Schools network, visit https://mercy.edu/academics/center-stem-education.

Dr. Diana Payne (CT Sea Grant), Ashley Morell (UConn graduate student), Dr. Meghan Marrero and Mary Ushay from Mercy's Center for STEM Education

Students from Jefferson Elementary School in New Rochelle present their poster

Students from Love of Learning Montessori School, Long Island, discussing Native Plants and Oyster Restoration

Manville High School, NJ, Environmental Club students demonstrated diverse aspects of their projects, including letting other students touch “eel mops.”

News 12: Conquer the Trail at 51��

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:29:21 +0000

News 12: Conquer the Trail at 51�� znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 04/17/2026 - 15:29 School of Health and Natural Sciences Mercy in the News

Main Content

News 12 Westchester featured 51��'s Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race in their newscast. Presented by Conquer The World Endurance and 51��’s Exercise Science Program, the 11th and final edition of the Conquer the Trail Race took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marking both the conclusion of a beloved tradition and a tribute to Mercy's 75 years of transforming lives through education. All proceeds from the race will benefit Mercy's Mav Market, a judgment-free, inclusive and confidential resource that provides nutritious food and personal care items at no cost to anyone in the Mercy community experiencing food insecurity.

Watch the news clip here

Yonkers Times: 51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:10:24 +0000

Yonkers Times: 51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 04/16/2026 - 16:10 School of Health and Natural Sciences Mercy in the News

Main Content

Yonkers Times covered 51��'s announcement of the Conquer the Trail 7.5K as part of its 75th anniversary year of celebration.

Read the story here

51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race

znegron@mercy.edu — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:23:02 +0000

51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race znegron@mercy.edu Wed, 04/15/2026 - 11:23 School of Health and Natural Sciences 51�� News Press Releases

Caption

As the University continues to commemorate its 75th Anniversary throughout the academic year, this special 7.5K race embodies the institution's commitment to community, service, and supporting those in need.

Main Content

51�� invites the community to lace up their running shoes for a meaningful cause as the institution celebrates its 75th anniversary. Presented by Conquer The World Endurance and 51��’s Exercise Science Program, the 11th and final edition of the Conquer the Trail Race will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marking both the conclusion of a beloved tradition and a tribute to Mercy's 75 years of transforming lives through education. All proceeds from the race will benefit Mercy's Mav Market, a judgment-free, inclusive and confidential resource that provides nutritious food and personal care items at no cost to anyone in the Mercy community experiencing food insecurity.

“This race represents everything Mercy stands for," said Amanda Bireline, associate professor of Health and Exercise Science at 51��. "For 75 years, we've believed in removing barriers to success. The Conquer the Trail Race continues that tradition by bringing our community together to support students facing food insecurity—ensuring they can focus on their education, not their next meal."

Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, 51�� has hosted a series of special events designed to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. The Conquer the Trail Race represents the University's belief that education extends beyond the classroom and that community partnerships create lasting impact.

The commemorative 7.5K run will feature a flat, fast out-and-back course along the scenic Croton Aqueduct Trail, with the distance specially chosen to honor the University's 75th anniversary.

Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, and race day raffles will feature prizes from community sponsors. Participants should note that while the course is flat, it runs primarily on natural trail terrain including rocks, stumps, and tree roots.

Registration remains open through race day. Community members can register online at https://mercy.edu/news-events/events/conquer-trail-7.5k or in person on April 18. The first 75 runners who register will receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary t-shirt and 7.5% off registration with code: ConquerMercy75. Race day registration ends promptly at 8:45 AM so the event can start on time. Participants should plan to arrive early. The race starts at 9:00 AM sharp.

Join 51�� in celebrating 75 years of community impact while supporting students in need. Every registration makes a difference.

###

About 51��

AdAge: How higher education marketers can win students with new creative approaches and media strategies

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:23:24 +0000

AdAge: How higher education marketers can win students with new creative approaches and media strategies znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 04/07/2026 - 17:23 Mercy in the News

Main Content

51��'s Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Chris Connelly was interviewed and featured by AdAge in an article about creative approaches and strategies for higher education marketing.

Read the article here and below

How higher education marketers can win students with new creative approaches and media strategies

By Lindsay Rittenhouse

April 07, 2026

The University of North Carolina late last year unveiled a campaign touting its aim to be first across everything, including academics and athletics, and outlining how it benefits the state overall. This pivot from the typical higher education ads showing students strolling perfectly landscaped campuses isn’t an anomaly. It’s part of a trend as colleges and universities rethink how they’re advertising to donors, alumni and especially prospective students.

This fresh approach is carrying through to website overhauls, media choices and branding messages that speak to more than just academics. The shift comes as soon-to-be high school graduates question the value of a higher education degree and the industry faces a “demographic cliff” that projects a steady decline in college-aged students due to Americans having fewer babies since the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Some schools also face unwanted attention due to political scrutiny of policies perceived as progressive by the Trump administration.

“The cost of higher education has soared. It’s getting harder and harder for people to justify the cost and so you’ve got this value skepticism. There are a lot of people founding tech companies right out of high school. People are going to trade schools,” said Ken Pasternak, chief strategy officer and executive VP of TwoxFour, the ad agency that created the UNC campaign.

“The stakes are getting really, really high,” he said, especially considering the cost.

Most higher education marketers are trying to convince students to spend four years of their lives and $38,270 a year on average to attend their universities, said Jessica Vincent, president of independent agency Cornett, which has a long partnership with the University of Kentucky.

It’s not an easy task, as higher ed marketers are working with tighter budgets and complex, risk-averse organizations steeped in layers of bureaucracy. Some universities are finding ways to break through creatively. The guide below explains how to do that, based on interviews with 17 experts.

Lead with culture and identity, not rankings

51�� is relying on creativity to carve out a distinct identity in what Chris Connelly, its associate VP of marketing and analytics, calls “a sea of sameness.” The New York-based school undertook a major marketing overhaul in 2023, when it rebranded from Mercy College.

“There’s a very high likelihood of seeing something indistinct in this industry that you could slap any logo on,” said Connelly, who joined from Benjamin Moore & Co.’s marketing team in 2018. “We need to make sure that when somebody sees 51��, they know it’s 51��.”

Mercy’s rebrand kicked off with an ad that played up its Mavericks mascot. In the spot, created by Familiar Creatures, a college-aged girl finds a wild horse on a side street in Brooklyn. She proceeds to tame and ride the horse, with a voiceover asking: “What makes a Maverick? The world isn’t made for mavericks, but 51�� is.”

That ad, which was shot in Brooklyn with a horse and trainer from “Game of Thrones,” was directed by Cuba Scott, granddaughter of Ridley Scott, recalled Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures. 51�� followed that feat with several out-of-the-box campaigns. Its “Every Moment Matters” brand platform focuses on the student’s full journey, including navigating relationships with professors and roommates, Connelly said.

Mighty Union recently rebuilt Massachusetts Bay Community College’s website to cater to the student experience, according to Angela Herbst, the agency’s chief client officer. Herbst said she’s seeing more colleges seeking this type of work. “They really need help tailoring the digital experience to what their unique student audience and target population needs to experience and see from them.”

MassBay’s messaging points out that 94% of its graduates find jobs after graduation. These types of stats are important in higher education recruitment campaigns, as people question the value of college and are fearful that when they graduate, they won’t be able to find a job due to AI, several people interviewed said.

Some online universities are tackling the cost factor in their creative. The American College of Education, for example, promotes “the pure math” of not coming out with a ton of debt, said David Schiff, partner and chief strategy officer of Standard Practice, the agency behind the college’s campaign.

An ad for the school features two characters named Ed with the same types of degrees. One of them, who calls himself Smarter Ed, went to the American College of Education and doesn’t have any student loan debt.

“We’re not saying that normal Ed is dumb Ed,” said Myles Rigg, founding partner, creative at Standard Practice. “It’s just, he went in a different direction without knowing there was this whole other way to get the same quality education.”

Getting around TikTok restrictions

Many colleges are working with creators, which often includes having students show “what life is really like on campus and [get] people excited about it before they join,” said Jessica Romaniuk, president of TwoxFour, where a recently established higher education practice counts Caltech, DePaul, Duke, Harvard, Yale and other universities as clients.

The average higher education marketing budget ranges between $200,000 and $3 million, according to Romaniuk. Plus, several experts said many higher education marketers operate under shrinking budgets.

Organic social on TikTok can be really effective for colleges, Romaniuk said. Ohio’s Bowling Green State has been leaning into a “really amazing” organic social partnership with “Pudge The Cat,” for example, that has gone viral, she said. TwoxFour handles paid social for the college but organic social work is done in-house.

For most marketers, TikTok is a necessity to reach younger consumers. However, the popular social media app is banned on some campuses, sometimes because of state restrictions, mainly due to perceived security concerns over its ownership by a Chinese company—all public universities in states including Florida, Georgia and Texas have active bans. That means college employees can’t manage accounts while on school property. Some restrictions remain in place despite TikTok landing a $14 billion deal in January to establish a U.S. subsidiary.

In states with such bans, public colleges can’t funnel state funds to market on TikTok, according to 11 people interviewed who dealt with these challenges firsthand. There are workarounds. Some colleges with campus bans give full control of their TikTok account to their agency partner, because technically, that is not a college employee having an account, several people said.

David Hunter, co-founder of Hunterblu Media, which works with colleges such as the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, said he once had a higher education client who went to offsite locations including coffee shops to manage an account. He said he’s witnessed several public universities in states with TikTok bans set aside some of the private funding they receive for TikTok marketing.

“It proves to be really tricky,” said Chris Witherspoon, co-founder of DNA&Stone, an agency that works with the University of Washington. “Universities tend to be risk-averse. The last thing you want to do is be in a position where you’re being called out or, worse, having a lawsuit against you. Therefore, doing the work that might stand out a little bit more, you have stricter guardrails.”

Hunter said many colleges are demanding to see exactly which channels are driving actual enrollments, which is very difficult when you’re running awareness campaigns on social media apps. Being able to target specific groups is also tough on TikTok. “The targeting parameters are much more general, so you can’t get as niche with it,” Romaniuk said.

Where to put your budget for real enrollment ROI

YouTube and Snapchat have yielded some of the best returns for colleges, several experts said.

RP3, an independent creative agency that works with several universities, including the University of Maryland, has turned to Snapchat when university clients denied its requests to activate on TikTok, said Beth Johnson, founder and CEO.

And for the past decade, every college that Jaime Hunt has worked at or with has viewed YouTube as “one of the most important channels,” she said, noting “video has just grown in leaps and bounds.” Hunt is the founder and president of Solve Higher Ed Marketing, a consulting firm for colleges and universities, and a fractional marketing and communications lead for Agnes Scott College. She previously led marketing for schools such as Old Dominion University and Miami University.

Hunt, who said she worked with one college with a $300,000 marketing budget, advises schools operating with small budgets to be “a lot more specific with segmentation; really narrow in who is your audience so you can laser target them. We did a lot of research into where they were physically, what channels they use and directed our resources to them.”

Along with prospective students, schools are also trying to reach their parents. Meta and LinkedIn have become good channels to engage with that target, Solve Higher Ed Marketing’s Hunt added.

51��'s Catalyst Program Propels Bronx Students

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:33:53 +0000

51��'s Catalyst Program Propels Bronx Students znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 04/02/2026 - 13:33 51�� News

Caption

From left to right top: Catalyst Program students Weifry Guzman and Brandon Rios. Bottom: Ajani Brown

Main Content

Catalyst Program students at 51��'s Bronx campus are proving that comprehensive support can transform educational outcomes, by achieving academic excellence while building foundations for future careers.

Weifry Guzman, a sophomore with a 3.9 GPA, and freshmen Ajani Brown and Brandon Rios, both maintaining perfect 4.0 GPAs, credit the program's wraparound services with enabling them to focus entirely on academics without the financial pressures that burden many college students.

The Catalyst Program, exclusive to Mercy's Bronx Campus, provides financial aid support, on-campus meals, free books, transportation stipends, laptops with internet hotspots and dedicated mentoring to students pursuing degrees in business, education, social work or psychology — fields selected to address employment demands in the Bronx area.

"The program offers a full-ride scholarship, allowing students to focus on their education without the stress of taking on student loans or working long hours to pay for tuition," Guzman said. "The cohort model has been especially valuable because it creates a strong sense of community and accountability. Through this model, I have been able to build meaningful friendships where we support one another and push each other to become better students every day."

The finance or accounting hopeful was drawn to the program after a recruiter visited his high school, explaining how the initiative would support students from enrollment through job placement.

For Brown, the program represented a fresh start after high school struggles. "Your high school GPA doesn't define who you will become — everyone deserves a second chance and an opportunity to do great things," he said. "The program has given me so much. It's given me the perfect environment to be a good student and to do things differently than what I did before when I was in high school."

Brown has already secured a teaching assistant position through a professor's recommendation after just one semester. "The program has given me a community of people who believe in me and my abilities," he said.

Rios emphasized the program's impact beyond financial support. "It's not only about the financial benefits it provides you, but more importantly, the connections you make along the way," he said. "My professors, mentors and best friends I have all met through the Catalyst program."

Students in the program, known as Catalysts, attend classes together in learning communities and receive support from faculty advisors and personal mentors. Guzman noted the accessibility of support: "The professors and mentors are extremely supportive and always make sure we have their contact information, so they are easily accessible. They genuinely care about our progress."

Brown said the program eliminates common college obstacles. "With Catalyst, everything is great — you don't have to worry about meals much, you can just put 100% of your attention into being a great student."

All three students said they would recommend the program to future students. Rios, who selected Mercy as his top choice before learning about Catalyst, said the program's benefits "made it better," particularly regarding "future opportunities that would guarantee me a job after graduation."

More information about the Catalyst Program is available at www.mercy.edu/admissions-aid/catalyst.

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51���� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race

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51����'s Catalyst Program Propels Bronx Students

51�� Appoints Dr. Zainab Toteh Osakwe as Senior Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer

51�� Joins Yonkers Public Schools, YPIE and Regional Colleges and Universities to Launch Yonkers Promise College Consortium

51�� Celebrates Class of 2026

51�� Celebrates Faculty Excellence at Annual Recognition Ceremony and Poster Session

News 12: 51�� Celebrates Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

51�� to Celebrate Over 2,300 Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

51�� Celebrates 75 Years of Opening Doors during 45th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala

51��’s Final Conquer the Trail Race Honors 75th Anniversary

51�� Media Studies Program Honors Excellence at 42nd Annual Quill Awards

51�� Professor Wins Prestigious National History Award

51��'s 26th Annual International Film Festival Brings Global Cinema to Community

51�� Center for STEM Education Leads Student Ocean Literacy Symposium

News 12: Conquer the Trail at 51��

Yonkers Times: 51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race

51�� Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Conquer the Trail 7.5K Race

51��'s Catalyst Program Propels Bronx Students