Commencement 2024: Seniors establish scholarship in memory of Joey Talarico

As a parting gift to their soon-to-be alma mater, the Mercyhurst University Class of 2024, in collaboration with Men’s Rowing and the Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies, has established a scholarship in memory of classmate Joseph “Joey” Talarico, who died August 17, 2023, at the age of 21.

Seniors presented a check for $17,172.15 to Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., in a special ceremony on Friday, May 10, at 12:15 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel. The gift is the result of a year of fundraising activities.

In remembering Talarico, the students have chosen to celebrate him as the very personification of the Mercyhurst spirit. He was fully involved in the campus culture: a dual major in Intelligence Studies and International Relations and a minor in Arabic and Islamic Studies, a coxswain for the Men's Rowing Team, a bookstore employee, and a member of the Honors Program. He was strong in his faith, as well as enjoyed history, reading, learning, and sharing what he knew with others.

Most importantly, he is remembered for his kindness to others and for encouraging those close to him to be the best versions of themselves. A close friend of Joey’s put it this way: “Joey was the embodiment of the motto ‘A man for others.’” It is a notion that many others on campus embrace, making his legacy the ideal choice for the Class of 2024’s recognition.

This year’s Senior Class Gift Committee members include Mik Sciortino, Fundraising Chair, Tessa Korchak, Public Relations Chair, and Audrey Smith, Events Chair. They were advised by Director of Annual Engagement & Operations Meaghan Hubert ’16 ’18M, and Brooke Martone, Coordinator of Annual & Digital Fundraising.

Since 1989, each senior class has bid farewell to its alma mater by bestowing a gift upon the university. In 2018, the decision was made to create an annual scholarship as the gift, which is a more sustainable model.

Meanwhile, alumnus and Trustee Lev Kubiak, who for many years has been a generous supporter of Mercyhurst, particularly its students, has agreed to match the students’ gift up to $10,000, creating an endowed scholarship.