Mercyhurst Magazine Fall 2022

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RETURN TO THE HURST

By Kristian Biega

After a two-year hiatus, the Hurst was bustling with excited alumni June 10-12 for Reunion Weekend. Six alumni were given the prestigious honor of Distinguished Alumni for their contributions to Mercyhurst and their communities, and for fulfilling the Mercy Mission in all they do. ‘95 ‘53

Sister Rita Panciera Sister Rita not only taught business classes at Mercyhurst College, but also influenced the Campus Ministry organization. She helped to establish Erie’s House of Prayer in 1971 and took over in 1976; she has been there serving the community ever since. Sister Rita is entering her 69th year with the Sisters of Mercy this year. Barbara Brairton Brairton taught at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, was the first financial aid director at Mercyhurst College, and served as a counselor at Villa Maria Academy and North East High School. Brairton is the current president of the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels Erie and has volunteered for various organizations and committees throughout her life.

Joel Montminy Following his career at

Mercyhurst, hockey All-American Montminy attended Case Western Reserve School of Law and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. In 2009, he founded his own investment bank, Montminy & Co. Montminy has received numerous accolades during his career and gives back by serving on various for-profit and nonprofit boards. Brian DeFrancesco DeFrancesco began his career with roles at various digital data, media, and advertising companies on the west coast. He started his own company, SMET Ventures, to make a difference through philanthropy, inspiration, and thought leadership. He and his wife oversee a charitable foundation that empowers people to overcome hardships. ‘06

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Betsy Hirt Vorsheck During Vorsheck’s 40-year career, she managed a variety of family business interests, including the Vorsheck Family Foundation, and private investments, as well as

Bea Habursky Habursky began her teaching career at Diehl and Irving

elementary schools. She became a guidance counselor for Lincoln and Diehl elementary schools, and she served as principal at Grover Cleveland School, executive director of human resources in Erie Public Schools, and assistant superintendent of Erie Public Schools. Habursky is now an adjunct professor in the Mercyhurst Education Department.

serving as trustee for other private trust foundations. She is grateful to continue her family’s legacy of service and humbled that her work has done so much for Mercyhurst University, Mercyhurst Prep, and the Erie community.

Shown with her husband, William.

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