Mercyhurst celebrates ‘Women Making History’ honorees

Mercyhurst University is honored that five of the 15 women being recognized this month by the Mercy Center for Women for the ways they positively influence the lives of people in their community have a connection to the university. 

The women will be recognized at the 31st annual “Women Making History” event on Monday, March 25, at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center beginning at 7 p.m.

“As university president, I congratulate all of these remarkable women for their outstanding service to our community and am particularly gratified that five of them are part of our own university family,” said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz. “Their achievements remind us of the transformative power of service and the profound effect individuals can make when they selflessly devote themselves to the betterment of others.”

The five Mercyhurst women include:

Emily Merski ’04, ‘06M is president of the Mercyhurst Alumni Board and an ex-officio member of the university’s Board of Trustees. She is an attorney who serves on numerous local boards, including the university’s Mercy Center for Women and Erie Homes for Children and Adults. As a practicing attorney, she also contributes to the criminal justice system while navigating the legal process for clients. Merski attributes her success to her Mercy education.
 
Mary Elizabeth Euell ’16 is owner of Barb's Family Learning Group Daycare. She attributes her success to organizational skills, commitment, a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and resilience. Her passion for community improvement fosters innovation in future leaders and encourages women to take leadership roles.

Kathy Green Griffith, ‘13M is a retired marketing project manager from Erie Insurance. She serves on the executive board of the Erie City Mission, volunteers at the Erie Humane Society, and contributes to various organizations including Pfeiffer-Burleigh School and the Neighborhood Art House.
 
Stephanie Kooser Travers ‘12M is a special education teacher at Grandview Elementary School. She is a single mother who is also pursuing her passion for art. In 2023, she found fulfillment and accomplishment in creating a mural for the Erie Arts & Culture Views Street Art Festival.

Finally, Danielle Frano is the parent of a Mercyhurst student. She is outreach pastor at Erie First Assembly of God and works with teams to volunteer with various organizations, including Erie City Moms, Erie City Mission, and ServErie. She recently returned from an anti-human trafficking initiative to Cambodia.
 
The other 10 women being honored include Ainslie Brosig, Stacey Buettner, Erin Doolin Fessler, Shateria Franklin, Barbara Hauck, Sarah Howard, Rhonda Matthews, Anne McCarthy, Linda Laird Staszewski, and Cathy von Birgelen.

Congratulations to all of these special women.