Laker Legends Scholarship Gala

Thank you for an unforgettable Laker Legends Scholarship Gala!

Our 2026 honorees, left to right: Dr. Ferki Ferati, Ed.D. ’03, Erin Kerner ’05, Mashea Williams ’05, Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69, along with our host couple, Judy ’80 and Carmen Rosatti.

Joy, laughter, excitement, new relationships, celebration and dancing all came together on Saturday evening as our Mercyhurst Prep community gathered for the 15th annual Laker Legends Scholarship Gala. It was truly special to see the Sisters of Mercy, alumni, donors, community members, board members, faculty, staff, and Lakers all in one space. The energy in the room was undeniable, you could feel the excitement and momentum building as we prepare to celebrate Mercyhurst Prep’s 100-year anniversary.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening that included a delicious meal prepared by Calamari’s and outstanding entertainment by Grise Audio Video Center and Millennium Sound Productions. The silent auction, basket raffle and program brought out the incredible generosity of our community, all in support of scholarships that help ensure every student who wants a Mercyhurst Prep education has the opportunity to receive one. More than 86% of Mercyhurst Prep students receive financial aid or scholarships and the Gala plays a vital role in making that possible.

We are so excited to share that we raised well over $100,000 and counting for our students. Our most successful gala to date!

A special thank you to all of our Gala sponsors, those that “Raised the Paddle”, and purchased raffle tickets or bid on auction items. You made tonight possible.

We are deeply grateful for the many individuals and organizations who stepped forward in support of the evening and our mission.

We were also proud to recognize this year’s Laker Legend Honorees, whose leadership and commitment reflect the Mercy Core Values:

Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69: Distinguished Alumni Award for Service
Dr. Ferki Ferati, Ed.D. ’03: Distinguished Alumni Award for Career
Erin Kerner ’05 and Mashea Williams ’05: Laker Legends Sports Award

We are incredibly grateful to our Host Couple, Judy ’80 and Carmen Rosatti, who did an amazing job leading the evening and keeping the energy high throughout the celebration. A special thank you as well to our host, Sean Baer, who once again brought the laughs and the unmistakable Laker spirit that makes this event so memorable. We are also deeply appreciative of Lyn Potalivo, who worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was nothing short of extraordinary while keeping vendors on track, the ultimate party planner. In addition, Kevin Wheeler who brought incredible energy and excitement as our auctioneer.

These remarkable members of our community embody the spirit of Mercyhurst Prep through their service, leadership, and dedication to others.

To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and supported the evening — thank you. Your generosity helps open doors for future Lakers and ensures that the Mercyhurst Prep mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

Our hearts are genuinely so full at MPS.

View photos at MPS Fundraisers, and check Facebook for photos to be posted within the next two weeks.

“We should be shining lamps. Giving light to all around us.” –– Catherine McAuley

MPS 2026 Laker Legends Gala Honorees

MPS Scholarship Program

Thank you to our sponsors!

President’s Circle $5,000

Kathy and Jim Dammeyer H ’15
Scott ’90 and Kristen Griebel
Jefferson Educational Society
Mercy Terrace Apartments
UPMC Health Plan

Laker Legacy $2,500

Barb Brairton H ’19
Laura Godlewski Parysz ’05
UPMC Health
VNET/Kate & Co

Green & White $1,000

Erie Catholic School System
Expert Computers
Martha Hilbert ’55
Metz Culinary Management
Judy ’80 and Carmen Rosatti
WeissEarley Landscape Design & Contracting LLC
Paul and Nicole Seth Wojcik ’88

Luck of the Irish $500

Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69
Erie Community Foundation
Erie Day School
Erie Pharmacy/Bayside Pharmacy
Flynn O’Hara Uniforms, Inc.
Fr. Leo Gallina
Joe and Julie Haas
Knox Law
Dr. David and Lori Kruszewski
Linda J. (Marsh) Loesch ’69 and James E. Loesch
Marilyn Reiser ’61
Jessica and Charles Trimer
John and Barb Weber

Sponsorship Levels

President’s Circle $5,000

Logo/name on all event materials
Logo/name on event website
Full-page program ad
Two exclusive social media mentions
Two ads in Laker Life eNewsletter
One premier table for 8 guests

Laker Legacy $2,500

Logo/name on event website
Logo/name on event-day signage
Half-page program ad
One exclusive social media mention
One ad in Laker Life eNewsletter
One table for 8 guests

Green & White $1,000

Logo on event website
Quarter-page program ad
One non-exclusive social media mention
Four VIP tickets

Luck of the Irish $500

Logo/name on event website
Listing in program
Thank-you recognition on social media
Two VIP tickets

Gala Host $250

Two VIP tickets
Listing in program

Laker Legends Scholarship Gala

Thank you for an unforgettable Laker Legends Scholarship Gala!

MPS 2026 Laker Legends Gala Honorees

MPS Scholarship Program

Thank you to our sponsors!

President’s Circle $5,000

Laker Legacy $2,500

Green & White $1,000

Luck of the Irish $500

Sponsorship Levels

President’s Circle $5,000

Laker Legacy $2,500

Green & White $1,000

Luck of the Irish $500

Gala Host $250

Previous Honorees