Carpe Diem: Jim Kaveney brings his heartfelt message to Mercyhurst
“It’s often the detours that lead us to the most beautiful destinations, and the challenges that reveal our true strengths and passions.”
This is the message Jim Kaveney ‘96, an Erie native and author of “Unlimited Heart: How To Transform Your Pain Into Purpose,” will bring to Mercyhurst University on Thursday, Oct. 3. His talk, titled “Carpe Diem: Embracing Life with Unlimited Heart,” will be held in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. and is a prelude to Homecoming Weekend. The event is free and open to the public, with a book signing to follow.
Kaveney’s deep ties to Mercyhurst are woven into the fabric of his life. Growing up in a family with strong connections to the university, he is part of one of Mercyhurst’s largest legacy families. His mother and two of her sisters, including Sister Joan McCabe, RSM, ‘63, attended Mercyhurst, as did five of his siblings and his wife, Lisa Stafford Kaveney ‘97. This rich heritage has instilled in Kaveney a profound appreciation for his alma mater, making his return to speak at Mercyhurst a meaningful homecoming.
In his talk, Kaveney will delve into the concept of “heart” as the delicate balance between aligning the heart and mind, both physically and metaphorically—a lesson that became personal when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) at the age of 38. Now 50 and living in New Hampshire, Kaveney will share highlights from his memoir, tracing his journey from a directionless student at Mercyhurst to a driven entrepreneur, ultimately finding purpose through his health struggles. His message is for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges—personally or professionally—offering insights on turning adversity into growth opportunities while embracing the spirit of Carpe Diem.
Kaveney’s time at Mercyhurst began with uncertainty. He vacillated between fields of study, searching for direction, until he eventually discovered his undergraduate major, Biology. Later, he earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, but it was rowing that truly ignited his passion and enriched his life, providing him with a sense of purpose and community that would shape his future endeavors.
After graduation, Kaveney found himself unsettled once again. He transitioned from job to job, searching for the right fit, until the allure of entrepreneurship piqued his interest. Despite the risks and lack of guarantees, he dove into the business world, forming a company called Alkemy Partners, a pharmaceutical and biotech learning and development firm, with his wife, Lisa, and his Mercyhurst friend, C.J. Deitrick ‘98 (husband of Assistant Admissions Director Holly Deitrick ‘95). The Mercyhurst connection didn’t end there; he later hired former Mercyhurst Enrollment Administrator Adam Grady ‘08, ‘11M (husband of Andrea Grady ‘07, program manager for Intelligence Studies), further strengthening the ties between his business and his alma mater.
But as his company soared, Kaveney’s health declined. He experienced his first of many bouts with cardiac distress, leading to a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can be classified into several stages. Kaveney seemingly experienced them all, enduring heart rates that escalated to 240 beats per minute and heart pauses lasting up to six seconds. Effective treatment was elusive, involving a combination of medications, a catheter ablation, and eventually the installation of a pacemaker. Despite these challenges, Kaveney managed and grew his company into a successful enterprise, which was later acquired by EVERSANA, a global life sciences company.
The unpredictability of his heart disease led Kaveney to navigate the uncertainties of life with courage and curiosity—a path that continues to direct his life. Having recently completed his book, which will officially be published on Sept. 17, he is now starting a new business of the same name: Unlimited Heart Health & Wellness. It is a digital health company that will build a community for AFib patients, designed to help them effectively manage their condition. The platform will offer diet and exercise recommendations from chefs and dietitians, support from healthcare coaches and performance psychologists, and a variety of other resources aimed at improving the quality of life for those living with AFib.
“Whether you’re a student questioning your academic path, a recent graduate navigating the job market, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone exploring a new phase in life, remember that your journey is uniquely yours,” he said. “Embrace the uncertainty with the spirit of Carpe Diem—seize each day with courage and openness.”
“It’s often the detours that lead us to the most beautiful destinations, and the challenges that reveal our true strengths and passions.”