Mercyhurst to celebrate ‘Distinguished Alumni’ for 2025
As is customary every year, Mercyhurst University welcomes the opportunity to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, their communities, as well as their alma mater.
This year, the nod goes to Dr. Ryan Molli, John Leisering, Dr. Lacey Neugebauer, Sharon Kestler, Cory Kutcher, and Terry and Michael Fitzgerald, whose contributions will be celebrated during Homecoming Weekend ’25 Oct. 3-5.
Dr. Ryan Molli ’01 will be recognized for his “Service to Community.” He is the founder of Whole Health Orthopedic Institute with offices in Meadville, Mercer County, Erie County, and the Ohio Valley. Through his medical practice, he offers learning opportunities and internships to deserving students. He is also the founder of “Do Good Inc.," a non-profit organization that provides meals, toys, bicycles, game nights, and school supplies to more than 1,500 children and 600 families in Meadville and Erie. He also attends events at Mercyhurst, is a supporter of Mercyhurst Athletics, and has spoken at Wellness Week in years past.
John Leisering ’81 will be recognized for “Service to Mercyhurst.” A Business Administration graduate and former sports information director and director of athletics, he started the men's Ice Hockey program at Mercyhurst and is responsible for the hiring of longtime Coach Rick Gotkin. He also served Mercyhurst in many other ways, among them director of the college radio station, gameday emcee, and instructor in the communication department. He continues his involvement with Mercyhurst in his attendance at athletic events and serving as the public address announcer for selected athletic events, as needed.
Dr. Lacey Neugebauer ’10’s distinction is among “Young Alumni.” After graduating from Mercyhurst, she attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), where she earned her doctor of osteopathy degree in 2014. She did her residency in family medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Presently, she serves as an attending physician at the Erie Veterans Medical Center and delivers primary care to female veterans as the medical director of Women's Health. As such, she is the youngest chair/director for women's health in the entire Veterans Administration system.
Sharon Kestler ’73 will be honored for her “Service to Community.” A Sociology graduate of Mercyhurst, she received her master's in counseling from Gannon University. From 1975 until 2018, she served as a counselor, teacher, and principal at Harborcreek Youth Services. Today, she teaches CCD at Our Lady of Mercy, leads a prayer group to lift the sorrow, pain, and worry of those in need, and participates in the prayer shawl ministry. She remains engaged with Mercyhurst as a legacy donor and has attended every single Reunion Weekend since its inception in 2010. She has also performed marriage ceremonies for both Mercyhurst alumni and staff.
Cory Kutcher ’07M will be recognized posthumously for “Service in a Chosen Field.” A First-Generation college student and graduate of the university’s Intelligence Studies master’s degree program, Kutcher passed away in 2023. He was 46. He had worked as a senior intelligence analyst in the China Mission Group for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Known for his sense of humor and ability to connect with others, he frequently mentored junior analysts and was sought out by his peers for his insights and assistance. In his spare time, he served as a child advocate at family court proceedings involving the child welfare system. He also was involved with Shriners International.
Michael ’83 and Terry ’85 Fitzgerald will be honored for “Service to Community.” The Fitzgeralds discovered the ugly truth about the job market for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) because of their son Patrick, who lives with autism. Through the inspiration of Saint André Bessette, they founded Brother André’s Café, which aims to serve Christ as an outreach of Move a Mountain Missions. By providing employment opportunities for adults living with IDD and promoting products from vulnerable communities in developing countries, Brother André’s Cafe provides a place of community and Christian fellowship.