COMMENCEME N T
2015
mercy college of health sciences
April Twenty-Fourth | Two Thousand Fifteen
Iowa Events Center, Hy-Vee Hall C | Des Moines, Iowa
S PECI AL
thanks
Sr. Jude Fitzpatrick, CHM
Mercy College of Health Sciences
wishes to thank Sister Jude
Fitzpatrick, CHM for her nine
years of service on the Mercy
College Board of Directors.
During her board tenure, Sister
Jude has provided valuable
insights and inspiration in support
of the College’s mission planning
and advocacy initiatives.
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PI N N I NG
ceremony
The Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored nursing tradition, dating back before
the turn of the twentieth century. Traditionally, nursing students have conducted a
Pinning Ceremony to mark the passage from the student nurse role to the practice
role. It is an important event that is shared with family and friends.
introduction
Megan Bales and Alyson Garton
presentation of the mercy college pins
Names found starting on page 15
reciting the florence nightingale oath
the florence nightingale oath
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this
assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing. I will do
all in my power to make and maintain the highest standards and
practices of my profession.
I will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my
keeping in the practice of my calling. I will assist the physician in
his work and will devote myself to the welfare of my patients, my
family, and my community. I will endeavor to fulfill my rights and
privileges as a good citizen and take my share of responsibility in
promoting the health and welfare of the community.
I will constantly endeavor to increase my knowledge and skills in
nursing and to use them wisely. I will zealously seek to nurse those
who are ill wherever they may be and whenever they are in need.
I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and promoting
the health and happiness of mankind.
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photography
Family members are invited to come forward to take pictures of their graduate
during the pinning ceremony, commissioning ceremony and the conferring of degrees.
Areas near the stage are available for these purposes.
Please turn off cell phones and pagers during the ceremony. Thank you.
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commencement
academic processional
(Please stand)
Pomp & Circumstance............................................................ Edward Elgar
Music provided by Jessica Anderson
call to order
(Please be seated)
Barbara Quijano Decker, JD
President
invocation
Most Reverend Richard E. Pates
Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Des Moines
gospel reading
(Please stand)
Bishop Pates
message
(Please be seated)
Bishop Pates
commissioning ceremony
(Only candidates stand)
Candidates for graduation will be invited to come up on stage to have their hands blessed with
olive oil. For olive oil, being of its own nature rich, diffusive, and abiding, is fitted to represent the
copious outpouring of sacramental grace. Through this action, all present are reminded of the calling
of service these graduates are about to undertake through their chosen careers.
Bishop Pates: Let us Pray...Lord our God, as we share together
this prayer of unity, help us to live together in your household
united in mind and heart. As we give thanks to you today, help us
experience the peace you give to us. We ask all this in the name
of Jesus the Lord.
People: Amen.
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Calling Forth of Graduates............... Bishop Pates assisted by President
Decker and Dr. Ryan Marr assisted by Sr. Jude Fitzpatrick
Graduates to Bishop Pates or Dr. Marr: Here I am Lord, your
servant ________ (state your first name).
Bishop Pates or Dr. Marr: Your loving God calls you and sends
you forth to bring His healing touch to those you encounter.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
(Please Stand)
Bishop Pates: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the
words our Savior gave us:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those
Who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory
Are yours, now and forever.
Amen.
musical interlude
Benediction.......................................................................... Curtis Stephan
Vocalist Molly Schunicht accompanied by Jessica Anderson
introduction of Commencement speaker
Barbara Quijano Decker, JD
commencement speaker
Gary Steinke
President, Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
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Introduction of Student Speaker
Steven Langdon, EdD
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost
Student Speaker
Ty Alonzo
Candidate for the Associate of Science in Nursing
presentation of candidates
Jeannine Matz, PhD
Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Shirley Beaver, RN, PhD, NEA-BC
Dean of the School of Nursing
Robert Loch, PhD, MBA, CNMT
Dean of the School of Allied Health
Steven Langdon, EdD
conferring of degrees
Barbara Quijano Decker, JD
introduction of Distinguished
Alumni Recipient
Brian Tingleff, BA
Vice President of External Affairs
Distinguished Alumni Remarks
Barbara C. Bybee, RN, BSN, ARNP, CCRN
Emergency Medical Technician 1, Class of 1975
the academic recessional
With Trumpets and Horn.................................................................. Handel
Music provided by Jessica Anderson
Reception for graduates and distinguished alumna
immediately following ceremony in the lobby of the
Sullivan Center at Mercy College.
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CO MMENCEME N T
speakers
Gary Steinke
PRESIDENT, IOWA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Mr. Steinke is an Iowa native from De Witt, Iowa. He graduated from DeWitt
Central High School in 1976. He received his B.A. degree from Loras College in
Dubuque, Iowa and his M.A. from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
He served as the Caucus Staff Director in the Iowa House of Representatives from
1983-1990, worked as Assistant to the Governor as the legislative liaison from
1990-1994. From 1994-2003 he was the Assistant to the President and Director of
Governmental Relations at Iowa State University. In 2003 he became the Deputy
Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Regents, and in 2004 he became the
Executive Director of the Board of Regents. November of 2007 Steinke was named
President of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
He is married to Terri Steinke and they have two sons Tyler, 18 and Adam 22.
Ty Alonzo
CANDIDATE FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Ms. Alonzo will graduate today with an Associate of Science
in Nursing (ASN) degree. She has a strong desire to pursue a
career in mental health nursing. While attending college, she
has volunteered at both the Central Iowa Shelter & Services
and Youth Emergency Services & Shelter assisting those
individuals utilizing the services of these facilities with issues of depression and/or
post-traumatic stress disorder and other health issues.
BARBARA C. Bybee
ALUMNA OF THE MERCY SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH,
CLASS OF 1975
Ms. Bybee, RN, BSN, ARNP, CCRN, is the recipient of the
Catherine McAuley Award for Professional Excellence for her
32 years of dedicated volunteer service with the Pleasantville
ambulance service. She was involved in the creation of the
Pleasantville EMS program and the development of the 911 emergency system
for Marion County as a team captain, skills trainer and chief of service. She was a
member of the Emergency Medical Technician 1 Class of 1975, an early offering of
the Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Training Center (MREMTC), which is now
part of Mercy College of Health Sciences.
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G RADUATIO N
honors
graduation honors
Mercy College recognizes the outstanding achievement of its graduates by awarding
the following commencement honors which are noted after the student’s name
beginning on page 12:
Recipients of a Bachelor’s Degree
Summa Cum Laude. Have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.8 or above.
Magna Cum Laude. Have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.650 to 3.799 inclusive.
Cum Laude. Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 to
3.649 inclusive.
Recipients of a Associate’s Degree
Highest Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.8
or above.
High Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.650
to 3.799 inclusive.
Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 to
3.649 inclusive.
Recipients of a Certificate’s Degree
Certificate Highest Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.8 or above.
Certificate High Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.650 to
3.799 inclusive.
Certificate Honors. Have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.5 to 3.649 inclusive.
Commencement honors are determined based on past semester cumulative
grade point average. Final honors will be determined by final cumulative grade point
average.
The names listed in this program represent candidates for graduation. Degrees will
be conferred upon completion of all requirements.
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GRADUATIO N
awa r d s
graduation awards
Peer Mentor Award - The student has demonstrated compassion by providing
academic and/or emotional support to another student.
Service Learning Award - The student has demonstrated concern for those who are
poor and disadvantaged by providing exemplary service to these individuals.
Clinical Award - The student has consistently served as a role model of excellence,
compassion, concern, and respect in all clinical interactions, going beyond the Mercy
expectations in consistency and quality of performance.
Outstanding Student Award - The student has served as a well-rounded role model for
peers, demonstrating overall excellence in academics, clinicals, service and collegiate life.
JRCERT Certificate of Excellence Award - Recognizes a student graduating from
an accredited radiologic technology program for achieving excellence in the radiologic
sciences. A single student is recognized at Mercy College by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology based upon the recommendation
of clinical preceptors and faculty.
Alpha Beta Kappa – National Honor Society - Alpha Beta Kappa honors are
awarded to bachelor and associate degree candidates whose grade point averages
are in the top 10% of the graduating class. Alpha Beta Kappa believes in the pursuit of
truth and excellence in all fields and hopes to recognize institutions and individuals
who have achieved and who hold forth the promise of future growth and service.
Alpha Eta National Allied Health Honor Society - The purpose is to recognize
scholarship in Allied Health Programs. Associate degree, baccalaureate, and postdegree certificate graduates who have maintained and overall scholarship average of
3.5 or better while enrolled in an Allied Health Program are eligible for membership.
No more than 20% of the graduating class of a specified program shall be invited to
membership. It is the intent of the Society to recognize potential and actual professional
attainments. Demonstrated academic, scholarly and clinical excellence are part of the
criteria for membership.
Sigma Theta Tau International – Zeta Chi-at-Large - Sigma Theta Tau recognizes
outstanding nursing students that have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher and are within
the top 30% of their class. Students must be working toward a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing degree, and have completed at least half of their course work to be eligible.
Students must also display Mercy Core Values, and represent themselves and the
nursing profession with high standards. Upon induction students become members
of a worldwide community of nurses who orchestrate a lifetime of excellence through
their honor society membership.
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A CA DEMIC
processional
academic traditions
The traditions surrounding academic ceremonies, such as inaugurations and
commencements, are rooted in the customs of the Middle Ages when universities
were first formed. Gowns and mortar boards, for example, were a common form of
dress during the era. Today, graduates wear colorful academic apparel, signifying
their alma maters and highest degrees received.
This academic garb and other similar symbols in evidence at today’s ceremony reflect
the continuity and strength of higher education in our culture. Two particular symbols,
important to Mercy College of Health Sciences, are its mace and presidential chain of
office, containing the medallion incorporating the seal of the College.
the chain of office
The tradition of a chain of office goes back to the colorful life of the integrated
town-community in the Middle Ages. Temporal symbol of community harmony was
the mayor, who at his investiture was given a chain with medallions that represented
all of the guilds working together for the welfare of the town. In the medieval
university, the chief official – or rector magnificus – held authority similar to that of
the mayor in civil society. Thus, he, too, was honored with a chain of office, but his
consisted of insignia of all of the colleges of his university.
Mercy College of Health Sciences’ chain of office made its first appearance in August
2006 at the inaugural of President Barbara Decker and is now a part of all College commencements and other formal academic celebrations. The medallion at the end of
the chain of office is again the seal of the College. Open book medals spaced along
the length of chain are engraved with the core values of the institution “knowledge”,
“reverence”, “integrity”, “compassion”, and “excellence”. Along with the mace, the
chain of office is on display in the Office of the President.
the mace
Maces were war clubs used during the Middle Ages as weapons of last resort by military
officers. They evolved over time into powerful symbols of rulership and became
associated with the pride of a nation. In the university, the mace became a traditional
symbol of protection and later evolved into use as a longer, walking stick. It is carried
at academic processions not only to bring authority to ceremonial occasions but to
symbolize the unity and aspirations of the collegial community.
Mercy College’s mace is made of a contemporary design to signify the newness of
the College. The three-dimension rendering is that of the College seal, which has a
primary focus on the cross of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, surrounded symbolically
by the leaves of the biblical tree of life, which are transformed into the serrated edge
of a medieval weapon of which it shares a historical reference.
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SCHOOL
OF
liber al arts
& sciences
These candidates will be presented by Dr. Jeannine Matz.
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
Jeffry G. Alger, West Des Moines, IA, Cum Laude, Spring
Lukas William Ankeney, West Des Moines, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude,
Summer
Tyler Austin Dahms, Prairie City, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Spring
Katelyn Lindsay Garside, Greenfield, IA, Summer
Kori Beth Harakel, Coffeyville, KS, Magna Cum Laude, Summer
Jessica Leigh McAninch, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Spring
Kelly Ryan Ruble, Ankeny, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Fall
Kristina Senesaynho, Sioux Falls, SD, Spring
Becky Marie Shimon-Dvorak, Norwalk, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Fall
Nicole Ashley Standaert, Muscatine, IA, Fall
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Peggy Ann Aldrich, West Des Moines, IA, Cum Laude, Summer
Thu An Dinh, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Brittney Nicole Frees, Audubon, IA, Fall
Holly Louise Keller, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Amanda Kathryn Marchino, Urbandale, IA, Magna Cum Laude, Summer
Felisha Elizabeth Montero-Watson, Urbandale, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Magna Cum
Laude, Fall
Abbaker Elzebeir Mudir, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Emina Pajazetovic, Velika Kladusa, Bosnia, Spring
Michelle Ellen Schneider, Johnston, IA, Cum Laude, Summer
Katelin Rae Strobel, Des Moines, IA, Summer
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SCHOOL
OF
nursing
These candidates will be presented by Dr. Shirley Beaver.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Amber Anderson, Des Moines, IA, Fall
Rachel J. Anderson, Summer
Kelsey Marie Andresen, Ankeny, IA, Fall
Reesa Michelle Anthofer, Carroll, IA, Fall
Kinsey Rachelle Apodaca, Tingley, IA, Fall
Mary Margaret Atchison, West Dest Moines, IA, Summer
Sheila Ann Bailey, Ankeny, IA, Cum Laude, Summer
Kari Christine Batman, Milford, IA, Fall
Candace Suzanne Berger, Waukon, IA, Cum Laude, Spring
Lauren T. Berner, Summer
Marie Lynn Boisen, West Des Moines, IA, Spring
Jordan Thomas Bowen, West Des Moines, IA, Cum Laude, Fall
Jamie Marie Burkhead, Afton, IA, Fall
Emily Katherine Burns, Milwaukee, WI, Summer
Stacy Jo Buttler, Guthrie Center, IA, Fall
Holly Katharina Cochran, Ankeny, IA, Fall
Jessica Lee Corkrean, Des Moines, IA, Fall
Jacob R. Cushman, Flint, MI, Summer
Renae Lynn Deaver, Dallas Center, IA, Spring
Aimee Leigh Delpierre, Chariton, IA, Magna Cum Laude, Fall
Courtney Denney, Fall
Michelle Marie Eason, Pleasant Hill, IA, Fall
Alaa A. Elsheikh, Cedar Rapids, IA, Fall
Allyson M. Emerson, Mitchellville, IA, Summer
Paige N. Fenimore, Summer
Emily Louise Friesth, West Des Moines, IA, Summer
Jade F. Galvin, Summer
Krista Lynn Hageman, Decorah, IA, Summer
Kathryn Margaret Hansen, Dallas Center, IA, Fall
Margaret Rosemary Hansen, Audubon, IA, Cum Laude, Spring
Alyssa Jo Hickey, Mason City, IA, Summer
Megan Danielle Hulbert, Ottumwa, IA, Fall
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Ashley Christine Hunt, West Bend, IA , Cum Laude, Spring
Stephanie Marie Janasko, Savage, MN, Magna Cum Laude, Fall
Kayla Marie Johnson, Windsor Heights, IA, Summer
Kelly L. Johnston, Summer
Rachel Ann Lewis, Lakewood, CO, Fall
Paula E. Macksey, Summer
Milica Lillian Maric, Scottsdale, AZ, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Fall
Erica Kristi Marvelli, Knoxville, IA, Spring
Sara Catherine Masterson, Des Moines, IA, Cum Laude, Summer
Amber Marie Mauritz, Clinton, IA, Spring
Kristin Elaine McAreavy, Winterset, IA, Summer
Genienne Lynn McGrath, Erie, PA, Cum Laude, Fall
Martha Ann Meiners, Urbandale, IA, Cum Laude, Spring
Alicia Mercedes Metz, Newton, IA, Summer
Kristen Joan Marie Meyer, Northwood, IA, Spring
Megan Lindsay Mock, Davenport, IA, Cum Laude, Fall
Siri LaShay Nelson, Council Bluffs, IA, Summer
Danielle Mae Nielsen, Audubon, IA, Spring
Sarah Corkrean Nigg, Winterset, IA, Spring
Samantha Jo Nordhagen, Indianola, IA, Summer
Abigail Nicole Becker Oldenburger, Kyle, TX, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Spring
Sarah Beth Pederson, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Heather Elaine Reineke, Pella, IA, Cum Laude, Spring
Kevin Roger Curtis Rixmann, Osceola, WI, Summer
Kindra Patricia Roberts, Dallas Center, IA, Fall
Alexandra Rogness-Thies, Waukon, IA, Spring
Katherine Brynne Ruge, Ft. Dodge, IA, Summer
Monica Lynn Runkel, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Allie Layton Russo, Waukee, IA, Fall
Sarah Evie Schuller, Norwalk, IA, Magna Cum Laude, Summer
Rickell Lyn Schwenk, Colorado Springs,CO, Spring
Tamara J. Singleton, Altoona, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Spring
Rosemary Irene Smaglick, Milwaukee, WI, Magna Cum Laude, Summer
Angelee L. Steinke, Summer
Laura Marie Stensland, Nevada, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Summer
Audrey Jean Swanson, Forest City, IA, Spring
Jennifer A. Tomlinson, Summer
Leasha K. Trease, Newton, IA, Summer
Amy Ruth Van Engen, Radcliffe, IA, Summer
Heather Van Steenis, Fall
Trisha Lynn VandeLune, Altoona, IA, Summer
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Paige Nicole Vanderhoff, Newell, IA, Summer
Janet VanVang, Summer
Ashley D. Wasson, Summer
Marcia Elaine Way, Des Moines, IA, Magna Cum Laude, Summer
Cassondra Renee Webb, West Des Moines, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, Fall
Sarah Marie Wester, Ames, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, Fall
Christine Marrie Wright, Oskaloosa, IA, Cum Laude, Fall
Associate of Science in Nursing
Brittany Marie Allgood, Ankeny, IA, Summer
Taylor Brooke Allsup, Bondurant, IA, Spring
Yolanda N. Ally, Cape Town, South Africa, Spring
Ty Alonzo, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Justin Brandon Amick, Johnston, IA, Spring
Samira Anod, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Miranda Jean Morrow Avery, Indianola, IA, Spring
Nicole Ann Bachman, New Hampton, IA, Spring
M. Bridget Baker, Ankeny, IA, Summer
Megan Erin Bales, Ankeny, IA, Spring
Cynthia Suzanne Barbour, Clive, IA
Selma Beganovic, West Des Moines, IA, Summer
Randi Kay Belling, Waukee, IA, Spring
Breanna Sydni Marie Billman, State Center, IA, Spring
Mary Jean Bragg, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Stephanie Colette Brannan, Audubon, IA, Summer
Maddison Leigh Brown, Huxley, IA, Summer
Alexis Nicole Bryan, Waukee, IA, Spring
Megan Marie Buchman, Spring
Cassidie Lyn Burk, Osceola, IA, Spring
Alexis Anne Caluzzi, Waukee, IA, Spring
Esther Denise Casper, Newton, IA, Honors, Summer
Casey Lynne Champagne, Des Allemands, LA, Summer
Katherine Denise Condon, Barnum, IA, Summer
Jennifer Shannon Cooper, Waukee, IA, Summer
Tracy Lynn Coulter, Denison, IA, Summer
Courtney Marie Cox, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Taylor Nicole Crnkovich, Woodward, IA, Spring
Emily Ann Daniel, Lidderdale, IA, Honors, Spring
Ashlee Brooke Davis, Summer
Erin Michelle Dingman, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Rachel Lauren Dolphin, Marshalltown, IA, High Honors, Spring
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Samantha Jo Duckert, Mason City, IA, Spring
Bailey Ann Ellingson, Indianola, IA, Spring
Lora Ruth Fessel, Ankeny, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, High Honors, Summer
Crystal Suzanne Filippelli, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Summer
Shalea Len Fleming, Winterset, IA, Summer
Jessica Ann Foltz, DeSoto, IA, Summer
Andrew Scott Freeman,Tucson, AZ, Spring
Ashlynn Kate Fry, Pleasantville, IA, Spring
Tricia Decontee Gabriel, Monrovia, Liberia, Spring
Kimberly A. Garrard, Mason City , IA, Spring
Alyson Leigh Garton, De Soto, IA, Spring
Kimberly Ann Gaylord, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Madison Kay Graham, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Quianna Nicole Groepper, Chicago, IL, Summer
Krista Lynn Hageman, Decorah, IA, Spring
Morgan Joan Halverson, Martensdale, IA, Spring
Jill Elizabeth Hardy, Ames, IA, Summer
Colleen Cecelia Harreld, Woodbury, MN, Honors, Summer
Hollie Lynn Heffelfinger, Altoona, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Summer
Molly Sue Hennigar, Greenfield, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Summer
Katie Ann Henze, Cedar Falls, IA, High Honors, Spring
Stefanie E. Hingtgen, West Des Moines, IA, Spring
Cassy Rose Hoffman, Carroll, IA, Spring
William John Hoffman, Liscomb, IA, Spring
Carly M. Holmes, Summer
Eldon Michael Hoopes, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Dani R. Hopper, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Thomas George Hosfield, Mount Ayr, IA, Spring
Kathy Louise Putney Huffer, Indianola, IA, Spring
Jazmynn Kelly Hutchings, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Jaden Sue Hyland, Jewell, IA, Spring
Megan Renae Ireland, Des Moines, IA, Honors, Summer
Kelsey Dee Jacobsen, Indianola, IA, Summer
Allison Marie Jenkins, Urbandale, IA, Summer
Michelle Susan Johnson, Jewell, IA, Summer
Paige Winter Johnson, Waukee, IA, Spring
Vanessa Lee Johnson, Davenport, IA, Spring
Margaret Elizabeth Johnston, Indianola, IA, Summer
Cameron Mark Jones, Colfax, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, High Honors, Summer
Robertine Nguefack Kengni, Douala, Cameroon, Spring
Felicia Ann Kirschbaum, Thompson, IA, Honors, Summer
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Kristen Marie Knauss, Ankeny, IA, Summer
Daniel Eugene Koch, Fort Dodge, IA, Spring
Kyle Daniel Kopca, Milwaukee, WI, Spring
Ellie Frandsen Kuennen, Des Moines, IA, Honors, Summer
Kennedy Janet LaVille, Marshalltown, IA, Spring
Valarie Ann Leonard, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Maja Letica, Des Moines, IA, Honors, Summer
Mar-Rex Lindawan, West Des Moines, IA, Spring
Megan Diane Ling, Champlin, MN, Honors, Summer
Chloe Lockhart, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Kyndra Lynn Malmanger-Green, Clive, IA, Honors, Spring
Christina Leigh Martinez, Union Grove, WI, Summer
Marisa K. Martinez, New Albany, OH, Summer
Tricia Ann Maston, Ankeny, IA, Spring
Ashley Noel Mattox, Waukee, IA, Spring
Charlie Mayer, Summer
Jordan Lynn McCrady, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Amber Michelle McNace, Grimes, IA, Summer
Kristin Ann Messerschmidt, Dallas Center, IA, Summer
Makenzie Rae Michelson, River Falls, WI, Spring
Kierstyn Joy Borg Mickelson, Mount Vernon, IA, Summer
Andrea Cain Miller, Stanton, IA, High Honors, Spring
Ann Merren Miller, Alexandria, MN, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Spring
Nicole Rose Monohon, Indianola, IA, Spring
Vivian Elodia Morris, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Alexandra Marie Mortoza, Winterset, IA, Summer
Daniel Alan Mowry, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Selma Mrzljak, Johnston, IA, Summer
Kaaydah Ann-Marie Nangle, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Tiffany Lyn Nelson, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Amber Fae Nieman, Delhi, IA, Spring
Jeanna LeeAnn Norton, Wichita Falls, TX, Spring
Tara Alaine O’Connell, Ames, IA, Summer
Amber Kristina Onnen, Manson, IA, Summer
Melanie Elizabeth Ortiz, Ames, IA, Spring
Morgan Leigh Pals, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Sydney Renee Pierce, Winterset, IA, Spring
Roxanne Marie Popelka, Summer
Tyler Dean Ramsey, Indianola, IA, Summer
Chad Eric Reyna, Iowa Falls, IA, High Honors, Spring
Mackenzie Ann Riedell, Carroll, IA, Summer
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Paiton Amber Risetter, Jewell, IA, Spring
Kevin Roger Curtis Rixmann, Osceola, WI, Spring
Everett Henri Roberts, Waterloo, IA, Spring
Meghan Ann Rogers, Ankeny, IA, Summer
Megan Renae Roose, Sheffield, IA, Summer
Katherine Brynne Ruge, Fort Dodge, IA, Spring
Jade Irene Ruggieri, West Des Moines, IA, Summer
Ricky Dale Schad, Norwalk, IA, Spring
Brianna D. Schenkelberg, Shueyville, IA, Honors, Summer
Margaret Sue Scholer, Norwalk, IA, Summer
Jenna Nicole Schutter, Lakota, IA, High Honors, Summer
Sidney Paige Sheerin, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Britnie Marie Shoning, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Kayla Kristine Simmons, Norwalk, IA, Spring
James Steven Skelton, Pleasant Hill, IA, Summer
Audrey Kathleen Smith, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Jill Renee Smith, Waukee, IA, Spring
Shalon Danae Smith, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Whitney Leigh Stowell, Ankeny, IA, Spring
Mackenzie Ann Templeman, Atlantic, IA, Summer
Jordan Elizabeth Tinkle, Grinnell, IA, Spring
Kassondra M. Van Wyk, Summer
Katie Lynn Villalobos, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Katie Jo Virden, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Terri Lynn Warren, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Amber Christine Wasser, Seward, NE, Summer
Adam Kurt Williams, Indianola, IA, Summer
Danielle Briana Wilson, Sac City, IA, Spring
Kelly Marie Wilson, Stuart, IA, Spring
Sarah Christine Woods, Des Moines, IA, Spring
Kaylee Ann Woody, Monroe, IA, Honors, Summer
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SCHOOL
OF
a l l ie d he a lt h
These candidates will be presented by Dr. Robert Loch.
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Jennifer M. Carstens, Alpha Beta Kappa, High Honors, Spring
Alyssa Rayanne Edwards, Ankeny, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Eta, Highest Honors, Spring
Laura Lynn Good, Winterset, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Spring
Jillian Mae Irland, High Honors, Spring
Ashley Dawn Klingaman, Ankeny, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Eta, Highest Honors, Spring
Tessa Keely Larsen, Windsor Heights, IA, Honors, Spring
Jessica May McInville, Fort Dodge, IA, Spring
Traci Lynn Reetz, Slater, IA, High Honors, Spring
Linsey Kay Riesberg, Urbandale, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Eta, Highest Honors, Spring
Kendra Lea Roberts, Corning, IA, Spring
Lacey Jae-Ann Short, Osceola, IA, Spring
Carissa Ann Stebral, Solon, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Spring
Clare Alison Stordahl, Ankeny, IA, Spring
Shannon Leigh VanScoy, Lake Park, IA, High Honors, Spring
Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services
Bud Hartsell, Winterset, IA, Spring
Timothy Francis Maher, Des Moines, IA, Fall
Matthew T. Olson, Summer
Associate of Sceince in Physical Therapist Assistant
Jesse Clifton Barth, Huxley, IA, Spring
Darla Jean Garrison, Indianola, IA, Spring
Abby Joy Gordon, Carlisle, IA, Spring
Rebecca Elisabeth Lutter, Jewell, IA, Spring
Theresa Ann Sommerhauser, Rose Hill, KS, Spring
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Heather Noel Anderson, Clive, IA, Spring
Jami Kay Bingaman, Indianola, IA, Spring
Isaac Devin Coddington, Corydon, IA, Spring
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Rachel Leigh Crim, Ames, IA, Honors, Spring
Katherine Marie Eilts, Norwalk, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Highest Honors, Spring
Courtney Lynn Eivins, Eagleville, MO, Honors, Spring
Callie Nicole Millard, Ottumwa, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Eta, Highest Honors, Spring
Robert Scott Peterson, Lake View, IA, Spring
Tia Marie Reynolds, Muscatine, IA, High Honors, Spring
Allison Sue Shemwell, Grimes, IA, Spring
Cassandra Jo Vos, Polk City, IA, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Eta, Highest Honors, Spring
Associate of Science in Surgical Technology
Kiersten Adena Sorenson, Decorah, IA, High Honors, Spring
Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science
Brianna Lynn Beck, Council Bluffs, IA, Certificate Honors, Summer
JoHanna Karen Degen, Algona, IA, Certificate Honors, Summer
Paige Helen Deike, Le Roy, IL, Summer
Thomas Stephen Folta, Blaine, MN, Summer
Katie Lynn-Howell Franck, Earlham, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Morgan Nicole Lee Gossman, Forest City, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Amber Huerkamp, Summer
Ella Kornaga, Schaumburg,IL, Summer
Haley Danielle Korth, Stockton, IL, Summer
Kristina Elizabeth Nistler, St. Cloud, MN, Certificate Honors, Summer
Erica Schneibel, Lincoln, ND, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Megan Elizabeth Steffen, Cicero, IL, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
Certificate in Medical Assisting
Brandi Kay Brosam, Indianola, IA, Summer
Kathryn Elaine Hoffman, Adel, IA, Summer
Shukree Marqion Patton, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Dana Marion Smith, Grimes, IA, Summer
Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Amber Christine Gurican, Rockton, IL, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Erin Lindsay Rieck, Ankeny, IA, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
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Paramedic Certificate
Heather Lynne Blutt, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Sean Michael Bovinett, Salix, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Matthew Allen Brooke, Johnston, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Amber M. Carns, Certificate Honors, Summer
Leah Coleman, Boone, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Emily Rose Doonan, Newton, IA, Summer
Charles Scott Erickson, Ankeny, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Donald Thomas Fischer Jr., Sterling, CO, Summer
Kelly F. Fitzgerald, Summer
John Micheal Guzman III, Des Moines, IA, Summer
Anthony Michael Henry, Creston, IA, Summer
Doug Hulshizer, Colo, IA, Summer
Stacia J. Kluever, Summer
Adam R. Nelsen, Summer
Matthew T. Olson, Summer
Sara J. Schilling, Summer
Certificate in Surgical Technology
Whitney Renee Eivins, Leon, IA, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
Anna Blair Hamilton, Summer
Lynda Rose Hammond, Truro, IA, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
Haley Brooke Long, Marshalltown, IA, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
Veun Joy Lothi, Clive, IA, Certificate Highest Honors, Summer
Jordan Ann Rodgers, Wayland, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Tayler Renee Rogers, Norwalk, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Kiersten Adena Sorenson, Decorah, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Jill Elisabeth Staniger, Des Moines, IA, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Katherine D. Steinbach, Certificate High Honors, Summer
Lisa M. Swafford, Summer
Nicole Elizabeth Walker, Creston, IA, Summer
Skyler N. Walters, Summer
Lindsey Elizabeth Yanecek, Cedar Rapids, IA, Summer
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COLLEG E
board
Willard L. Boyd III, JD
Board Chair
Diane Huber, PhD, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC
Professor
University of Iowa
Attorney
Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
Glenn Lyons
Diana Deibler
Board Vice Chair
Executive Director
Neighborhood Development
Corporation
President
Deibler & Company
Sharon Phillips, RN
Sister Jude Fitzpatrick, CHM
Board Secretary
Vice President, Clinic Operations
Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines
Chancellor/Director of
Administrative Services
Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines
Thomas Reitinger
CEO
Thomas A. Reitinger & Associates, LLC
Merle T. Pederson, JD
Board Treasurer
Bob Ritz, ex officio
President
Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines
Vice President & Counsel Government Relations
Principal Financial Group
Mary Sheldahl
Retired Business Owner
Desmund D. Adams, JD
Sr. Maurita Soukup, RSM, RN, MSN, PhD
Owner
BFGG Holdings, LLC
Nurse Researcher/Consultant
Member of the West Midwest
Regional Community of the Sisters of
Mercy of the Americas
Elisabeth C. Buck
Chief Community Impact Officer
United Way Central Iowa
Barbara Q. Decker, JD, ex officio
President
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Stephen Eckstat DO, FAAFP
Physician
Jacquie Easley McGhee
Director of Community, Diversity, &
Interpretation Services
Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines
Jeff Flora
Senior Vice President of Finance, Food &
Human Group
Kemin Industries, Inc.
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COLLEG E
a d m i n i s t r at i on
Barbara Q. Decker, JD
President
Ryan Marr, PhD
Director of Campus Ministry
Steven D. Langdon, EdD
Vice President of Academic Affairs
and Provost
Jeannine Matz, PhD
Dean of the School of Liberal Arts
and Sciences and
Chair, Health Science
Karen Anderson, PhD
Vice President of Enrollment
Management and Student Affairs
Joan McCleish, RN, PhD
Dean of Institutional Research,
Assessment and Grants
Thomas D. Leahy, JD
Vice President of Business and
Regulatory Affairs
Roy Meador, MA, MLS
Director of Library and
Media Services
Brian Tingleff, BA
Vice President of External Affairs
Karen Norris, BS, RT(R)
Chair, Radiologic Technology
Kathy Balmer MS, CST
Chair, Surgical Technology
Kris Owens, EdD
Director of Student Success
Shirley Beaver, RN, PhD, NEA-BC
Dean of the School of Nursing
Vanessa Preast, DVM, PhD
Director of Distance Education and
Teaching/Learning
Sue Bravard, PT, MS
Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant
Janet Roberts-Andersen, EdD, MT(ASCP)
Chair, Medical Assisting
Suzanne Crandall, RT(R), EdD, EdS, MHA
Chair, Health Care Administration
Mary Schemmel, RN, MSN
Associate Dean ASN/BSN
Lisa Croat
Director, Financial Aid
Adrienne St. Clair, MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
Chair, Diagnostic Medical
Sonography
Anne Dennis, PHR, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Business Partner
Kyla Dippold, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Chair, Clinical Laboratory Science
Melinda Tingle-Williams, MS
Director of Admissions
David Filipp, MS, NREMTP
Chair, Emergency Medical Services
David von Arb
Director of Information Technology
Robert J. Loch, PhD, CNMT
Dean of the School of Allied Health
and Chair of Nuclear Medicine
Technology
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COLLEG E
fa c u lt y
SCHOOL OF
ALLIED HEALTH
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL
ARTS AND SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF
NURSING
Bradley Davison, BA,
Susan L. Brown, PhD,
Kassandra Adams, RN, MSN
Melissa Etten, DPT
Marti Doyle, PhD, MSW
Erin Moon, BA, RDCS
Miranda Gauthier, MAS,
NREMT-PM
Kim Patrick, MT(ASCP)
Adam Retzlaff, BA,
NREMT-P, CHES
MLT(ASCP)
Steven Hart, PhD
NREMT-M, PM
Amy MacKrell, PhD
Lee Richardson, CMO,
Joseph Moravec, DMin
NREMT-P, CCEMT-P
Janet Whitney, BA, MLS (ASCP)CM,
SBB (ASCP)CM
Truc Nguyen, PhD
Margaret Scholbrock, MS
Tria Allen, RN, MA
Dawn Bowker, RN, MAN,
ARNP, WHNP-BC
Dale Brown, RN, MSN, NP
Kim Casper-Bruett, RN, MSN
Anne Citarella, RN, MSN
Jane DeGooyer, RN, MSN
Teresa Doolittle, RN, MSN,
ARNP, FNP
Marilyn Harter, RN, MSN
Debra Wolff, BSRT(R)(M)(QM)
Rhonda Heim, RN, BSN
Trisha Highland, RN, PhDc
Tammy Johnson, RN, MSN
Judy Monroe, RN, MSN, APNP,
DNP, CPNP
Rebecca Orvella, RN, MSN
Kim Oswald, RN, MSN, EdD
Cathy Pagel, RN, MSN
Jacqulyn Pelan, RN, MSN,
ARNP
Rachel Reynolds, RN, MSN
Deb Taylor, RN, MA
Brandi Tomlinson, RN, MSN
- 24 -
ABOUT
mercy college
mercy college - a brief history
Many of the healthcare educational programs
now offered by Mercy College of Health Sciences
spring from the educational and healing ministries
of a group of religious women founded in 1831 in
Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley, the foundress
of the Religious Sisters of Mercy (RSM), responded
to the desperate poverty of Ireland’s Catholics under
the British penal laws by reaching out to provide
comfort and education.
Using a significant inheritance, Catherine, in 1827,
built and opened Baggot Street House of Mercy, a
Catherine McAuley
place where she and like-minded women instructed
children and taught young women the skills they needed to become independent.
This focus on women and children remains an important charism of the community
to this day. It was only after the work being done at the Baggot Street facility was
noticed, that Catherine moved to establish a religious community. Their visiting
the sick in homes and hospitals resulted in the nickname “The Walking Nuns”
because their ministry was among the people. The Vatican formally recognized the
community in 1841, shortly before Catherine died. Frances Warde, one of the first
women to profess vows as an RSM, came to the United States in 1843 in response to
requests from American bishops to minister to Irish immigrants.
By 1893, three sisters from Mercy Hospital in Davenport
were asked to open the first hospital in Des Moines.
Under the leadership of Mother Mary Baptist Martin, these
women provided their first care from rooms rented at Hoyt
Sherman Place. By 1899, the need for more help with their
ministry prompted the local community to establish the
Mercy Hospital Training School to educate nurses. Seven
students graduated in the first class in 1901. The historical
roots of several other academic offerings currently available
at Mercy College also originated within what is now known as Mercy Medical Center
— Des Moines (MMC).
These early programs met growing workforce needs, expanding technology and care
options – clinical laboratory science (established 1956), and radiologic technology
(established 1960) – and were established within a department of the hospital where
the academic instruction was focused as “hands-on” or “on-the-job training”. A
legacy of these experiences necessitated a nearly exclusive focus on certificate and
- 25 -
associate degree programs at the time Mercy College sought formal entry from The
Higher Learning Commission as a College in 1995.
Since 1996 when the regional community of the Religious Sisters of Mercy set in
motion a transition from direct control of their health care ministry in Des Moines
and other cities, both the College and MMC have been sponsored by Catholic
Health Care Federation (CHCF), a corporation formally recognized by The Vatican
as responsible for the Catholic character of the many facilities under its control.
CHCF operates as Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a corporation located in Denver,
Colorado.
Together, Mercy College and all of the other facilities within CHI operate under a
set of shared core values which remain congruent with those of the Sisters of Mercy,
who remain engaged as a member of the sponsorship board of CHI. Mercy College
is unique in that it adopted not only the CHI core values -- reverence, integrity,
compassion and excellence, but a fifth value – knowledge, to reflect our academic
culture.
As an associate member of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, the national
corporation overseeing all RSM colleges and universities in the United States, Mercy
College continues to live the charisms of the Religious Sisters of Mercy as we live our
mission and vision for delivering health science education.
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vision
To be a national leader for excellence in the delivery and innovation
of health sciences education.
Mission
Mercy College of Health Sciences prepares graduates for service
and leadership in the healthcare community by integrating its core
values with a professional and liberal arts and sciences education.
Values
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a Catholic institution of higher
education, rooted in the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, guided
by our core values of knowledge, reverence, integrity, compassion
and excellence.
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Special Thanks
Pianist: Jessica Anderson, Vocalist: Molly Schuncht
Sign Language Interpreters: Tara von Wolden and Carrie Wood
It is the Mercy College policy to conduct academic and business activities in a manner that is free
from discrimination and to provide equal opportunity for and equal treatment of students regardless
of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed,
physical or mental disability, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of war, or any other factor
protected by law.
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