Virginia, to graduate with the Class of 2020. “I love Mercyhurst,” said Becca. “It has always felt like home.” Nate agreed, and added, “I am so happy that Mercyhurst gave us this opportunity.” For new alumni Noah and Addison Richmond, who met while working for the university’s Ofce of Residence Life, last year’s extended Christmas break posed on opportunity. On Dec. 12, 2020, they eloped. “We wanted to be together in the eyes of God,” said Noah. “We fgured we had two whole months, and doing it that way was a lot less stressful,” Addison added. Noah graduated with the Class of 2020, earning a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies. The following day, Sunday, May 16, he celebrated with the Class of 2021, earning his master’s in cyber security, while Addison received her undergraduate degree in interior architecture and design. Addison is enrolled at the University of Maryland, where she intends to continue her studies in architecture. Noah, meanwhile, is looking to secure an intelligence job in nearby D.C. Also headed to the University of Maryland is former Laker defensive lineman Uwaila Omorogbe, who came from his home in Laurel, Maryland, to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in biology on May 15. He will pursue studies in pharmacy. “After living with the pandemic, you learn that nothing is guaranteed,” he said. “I wanted to come back to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and share with my family, who defnitely helped me get where I am today.” His entire family came with him, including parents and younger siblings. “My mom and dad were able to be there in person, and my brother and sisters watched the livestream on their cell phones.” For Braeden Barnett, the Class of 2021 Commencement was more meaningful for having persevered through the trials of COVID. “We had to adapt to all kinds of new systems and roles; there was a lot of learning, a lot of adjustments, and today’s graduation is an opportunity to celebrate all those successes,” he said. As the Frank Barry Leadership Award recipient, Braeden played a prominent role among his classmates, serving as president of the Ambassadors, chair of the Student Activities Council, and a Mercy Emissary. He was also on the Student Constituent Group that participated in the past year’s Presidential Search. But, the most fun of all was going incognito as Luke the Laker, energizing athletic contests, welcoming new students, and hobnobbing with the president at various functions. “It was the greatest joy of my life,” he said of playing the university’s much-loved mascot all four of his years at Mercyhurst. Braeden so loved the college life that he has plans to make a career of it. He is of to Kent State, where he has a hall director’s post and will do graduate work in higher education administration and student afairs.
Braeden Barnett
Daniel Leonard
Uwaila Omorogbe
Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach Jenell Patton (center) is joined by former players (L-R) Tess Ganich, Katie Baird, Leah Kern, and Mary Marusza.
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