October 7, 2020

Mount Mercy University honors volunteers for clean-up efforts

Mount Mercy University held a dedication event on Sept. 28 for students, employees and alumni who volunteered to help with campus clean-up efforts following the August 10 derecho.

“Over 160 volunteers came together to get campus ready for our students—despite having to take care of damage to their own homes, cars and personal property,” said Dr. Tim Laurent, president. “This shows the tremendous commitment of our entire Mount Mercy community.”

Over 160 volunteers came together to get campus ready for our students—despite having to take care of damage to their own homes, cars and personal property. This shows the tremendous commitment of our entire Mount Mercy community.

Dr. Tim Laurent
President

As part of the dedication event, a paver that reads, “In gratitude of relief provided following the 2020 derecho” was commissioned to be engraved on the Rohde Family Plaza in front of the University Center.

Mount Mercy also recognized funding from the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Ministry Grant as well as a matching donation from them to provide monetary relief to employees who had auto insurance deductibles to pay. The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas also agreed to provide emergency relief funding for students and employees, along with funding to assist Mount Mercy’s clean-up efforts.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all those who volunteered and provided aid,” said Dr. Laurent. “We were founded on the Sisters’ mission of Mercy and are blessed to be able to carry on that tradition for our community.”

In the upcoming weeks, Mount Mercy will hold thank you events at each business or organization that assisted with the university’s clean-up efforts through donated equipment or services.