Commencement marks an important passage in every student’s academic journey—from student to graduate and now a lifelong Mount Mercy alum. Please join in celebrating our graduates’ hard work and success!
Sunday, May 16, 2021 | Alliant Energy PowerHouse (formerly the U.S. Cellular Center)
Consistent with our Mercy value of commitment to our students and our contemporary COVID-19 concern for safety, we have had thoughtful discussions among the Commencement Committee, Pandemic Task Force, local public health officials, and our university Cabinet to proceed with plans for in-person Commencement. Our current reality reminds us that any decision we make today might have to be modified later.
Alumni Status
It’s easy to stay connected to MMU after you graduate, and we’ve named a few of our favorites below. Take our 3-question survey for a chance to win a gift card to Chipotle and your first set of MMU alumni apparel! We have big alumni friend-chip goals...
5 ways to stay connected to MMU
Visit mtmercy.edu/alumni for more ways to stay involved.
Guac is extra, but alumni events are always free...
Here are just a few you have to look forward to:
#HaveMercyGiveMercy
Graduation/Senior Week
Alumni Weekend & Homecoming
In queso not following us...
MMU Alumni is on Social Media
In the Catholic faith, we firmly believe that God has a purpose for each of us and calls us to become our fullest self. As you move toward graduation and moving out of college, continue to remember that God has a plan for you and won’t leave you hanging.
This call is called a “vocation”. We all have one, but the way we live it out is different. Some are called to be married, some are called to be single, some are called to be priests, and some are called to be religious sisters and brothers. No matter where you are on your journey, there are resources to help! Feel free to talk with Michael Beard or Sister Linda in Mission and Ministry. If you are curious about religious life and/or priesthood, you can find more information here.
There are many different opportunities to engage in service as you graduate. Here are just a few possible opportunities:
Mercy Volunteer Corps - Direct service to and with poor and marginalized communities both in the US and abroad.
AmeriCorps – Serve directly with nonprofit organizations addressing pressing needs within in the nation.
AmeriCorps State - Serve at local community-based organizations; service is primarily through direct service. Full and part time, paid.
AmeriCorps VISTA - Serve through nonprofit agencies addressing issues related to poverty. Full time, paid.
AmeriCorps NCCC - Live in a campus environment and serve in teams to meet the community needs. Full time, paid.
To learn more about these various programs in Iowa, visit this link.
Peace Corps – This is hands-on, grassroots-driven, and long lasting service in 60 countries around the world.
Catholic Volunteer Network - Fosters and promotes full-time domestic and international faith-based volunteer service opportunities. There are resources and tools to browse 185+ programs.
Environmental/Conservation:
The Student Conservation Association - Engages volunteers for 3-10 months in hands-on conservation projects in all 50 states, focusing on critical environmental issues.
Earth Corps - Brings young adults from the US and around the world to Seattle for environmental service and leadership development.
Teaching:
WorldTeach - A nonprofit organization that provides graduates with year-long teaching opportunities around the world.
City Year - Runs educational support programs in 20 cities nationwide.
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) - Renew and transform Catholic education, particularly in low-income and immigrant communities.
Teach for America - Catalyzes leadership to make educational equity a reality in America.
Match Corps - Full-time residential fellows program tutoring students in the Boston area.
Graduates, as you begin this next step in your career and life, we want you to remember that a sustainable future is possible. Each of us affects at least one of these 17 sustainability goals through our jobs and our lives. Make sure your work moves the goal forward.
Your actions make a difference. Be the change!
All students planning to participate in Commencement must:
Diplomas will be mailed following graduation. Questions? Contact registrar@mtmercy.edu or 319-363-1323 x1584.