Mustang Stories
Mount Mercy University is a proud stepping stone on the journey our students and alums make toward their futures. People are achieving great success here on the Hill, and we’re proud to see how our coMMUnity helps all of us grow.
A good beginning
"Mount Mercy gave me the confidence and tools to take on new things and instilled a drive to want to continue learning every day."
—Kevin Foht '10
With a long-standing tradition of excellence, it's no surprise that our students and alumni go on to do amazing things after their time on the Hill.
We're proud to serve as a stepping stone for students on the way to chase their dreams. Below are just a few selections from our students and alumni who have a story to share with the world.
We love to hear about the influential stories of our coMMUnity members. All are welcomed to reach out and share your personal story with us.
"A good beginning is of great importance." — Mount Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley
Darius Nupolu '20 MSL
Darius Nupolu ’20 MSL uses his passion, agricultural experience, and land provided by Feed Iowa First to grow African crops, making them more accessible to the Cedar Rapids community.
Latest stories
Our students and alumni make an impact on the world every day. Check out the latest ways Mustangs have made a splash.
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Nathan Helm '28
Music Education
After five years on the road as a truck driver and a period of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan Helm ’28 didn’t expect to find himself at Mount Mercy University studying music education.
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Eric Heitland '25
Chemistry
Mount Mercy has enabled Eric Heitland ’25 to follow his dream of becoming a doctor, while also pursuing his passion for music.
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Mariah Petersen '25
Nursing
Involvement in University Band proved to be the perfect distraction as Mariah Petersen ’25 managed the rigors of obtaining a nursing degree.
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Shannon Raap '25 MSL , Jackie Vangilder '25 MSL
Test Equipment Sr. Manager, Procurement Sr. Analyst | Collins Aerospace
Shannon Raap ’25 MSL and Jackie Vangilder ’25 are not only co-workers, they’re cohorts in educational advancement and leadership development.
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Dr. Elizabeth Schlenk ’75
Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Clinical Education | University of Pittsburgh
A future in nursing was always part of the plan for Dr. Elizabeth Schlenk ’75, who then later went down a career path where she got to impact future nurses.
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Stephanie (Francois) Miller ’02
Special Education Facilitator | Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District
For Stephanie Miller ’02, her education degree from Mount Mercy University set her up for a career in teaching and coaching that is still going strong more than 20 years later.
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Mary (Kayser) Thornton '70
Retired/Founder and Chief Operating Officer | The Giving Porch
Mary Thorton’s lifelong passion for volunteerism and giving cannot be diminished, even in retirement.
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Jennifer (Dobrochowski) Vaughan ’15
Regional Administrative Development Manager | Liberty Energy
Upon graduation from Mount Mercy University, Jennifer Vaughan ’15 moved to Denver, Colo., with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from MMU and a conviction to maximize any opportunities that were presented to her.
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Abigail (Maxeiner) Davis ’25 MSEd
Trailside Elementary
Looking to advance her education and open new doors, Abby Davis ’25 MSEd was drawn to the master’s program at Mount Mercy University.
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Joselyn Hildebrand ’25
Political Science | Sociology
In her role as a Mustang Mentor at Mount Mercy University, Joselyn Hildebrand ’25 knows firsthand the impact she can have on the life of a new student on campus.
Read moreWhy Attend Graduate School at MMU? (4:07)
The sense of community drew Feryl York '21 MSL to Mount Mercy to complete her Master of Strategic Leadership.
Meet the Class of 2025 (3:57)
Work + School is Possible (0:46)
Featured in the "Coming Back to School" section below, Dana Schultz '17 '18 MBA gives her advice to those thinking of continuing their education.
Meet the Class: Why Mount Mercy (1:15)
Meet the new Mount Mercy class and hear why they decided to attend Mount Mercy.
Mount Mercy University's Campus Community (0:47)
Learn why so many say that the Hill feels like home.
Top stories
An education from a small school can make a big impact. Read our most popular student and alumni stories.
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Reeann (McCarty) Huber
Clinical Specialist | Axonics
Reeann (McCarty) Huber’s academic path through Mount Mercy University and St. Ambrose University opened professional opportunities she didn’t initially envision.
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Peyton Staab '21
Biology & Chemistry
For Peyton, going into a science-related field was something she always knew she'd do. A poor test grade in one of her required courses only fueled her passion.
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Feryl York '21 MSL
Kirkwood Community College
When Feryl York set out to get her master’s degree, career advancement was top-of-mind. It was her own personal growth that surprised her.
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Piper Twachtmann '15 MBA
Digital Technology, Collins Aerospace
Ambitious and determined, Piper Twachtmann '15 MBA says Mount Mercy helped build on her professional skills and advance her career.
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Jacob Waltersdorf '21
Senior Bilingual Customer Support Representative
From a seasonal position at Alliant Energy to a full-time job, Jacob Waltersdorf ’21 turned what was supposed to be a three-month assignment into a successful and innovative career.
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Grace Herring '22
Nursing
Mount Mercy and Unity Point-St. Luke Hospital's Senior Student Promise Program allowed Grace Herring ’22 to pursue her dream career without worrying about cost.
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Frankline B. Tshombe ’20, ’22 MA-MFT
Kinship Specialist | Families First Counseling
Discovering a helping profession isn’t limited to just nursing, Frankline changed majors and enrolled in the MA-MFT program.
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