DALLAS TWP. — Misericordia University welcomed 418 first-year students during the annual convocation ceremony Aug. 22 in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater. The students were led into the ceremony by a contingent of bagpipers and members of the staff and faculty attired in academic robes for the occasion. The event welcomes first-year students and their families to Misericordia University, and acts as the official start to the new academic year.

The convocation program included a welcome by President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., a blessing by Monsignor John Bendick, and an address by Misericordia alumna Vera Cornish ’93, president of Cornish & Associates Inc. and recognized author, publisher and life empowerment strategist. During the convocation ceremony, Misericordia University Alumni Board President Adam Grzech ’13 ’17 presented Cornish with the Mother Mary Catherine McGann Achievement Award. The alumni award is given in recognition of distinguished and sustained career accomplishments.

Cornish is publisher of The Urban Connection, a lifestyle publication that focuses on the delivery of information to diverse markets. She most recently authored the book, “Dare to Dream,” chronicling her journey from humble beginnings in Pittsburgh to community leader and president of her own company in the state’s capitol.

Raised by her grandmother, she is the first member of her family to graduate from high school, attain a baccalaureate degree, earn a master’s degree, and serve as owner or president of a business. During her address, Cornish encouraged students to embrace the decision they made to attend Misericordia University and make the most of it.

She offered a list of lessons she learned as she overcame obstacles to earn her academic degrees and successfully develop her own highly regarded business. The lessons include: “Build relationships with great people. Some will be for a season. Some will last a lifetime;” “Let your yes be your yes, and your no be your no. Stay in integrity,” and “Understand there is power in perseverance – perseverance develops character.”

Lastly, she added, “Today, know the mission of Misericordia and the core values (Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality) of this incredible university. Ask yourself, are you in alignment?”

A Pittsburgh native, Cornish grew up in Wilkes-Barre and earned a bachelor’s degree in education of the exceptional child from Penn State University. As a full-time adult student at Misericordia University, she received her master’s degree in education, specializing in multi-cultural curriculum development. She launched her career in multi-cultural diversity, working first for Penn State University, and then as the first director of Institutional Diversity at Harrisburg Area Community College.

She founded Cornish & Associates, Inc. in Harrisburg in 1999, and has provided coaching and consultation services to a variety of corporations, government entities and nonprofit organizations, including Giant Foods LLC., Highmark, The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Capital BlueCross, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, Business Women’s Forum, Pennsylvania Women’s Conference and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

Misericordia University first-year students process to the annual convocation ceremony in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Convocation-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMisericordia University first-year students process to the annual convocation ceremony in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater. Submitted photo

Misericordia University first-year students join arms and prepare for the annual convocation ceremony in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Convocation-2.jpg.optimal.jpgMisericordia University first-year students join arms and prepare for the annual convocation ceremony in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater. Submitted photo

The Misericordia University Class of 2023 processes in front of Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall on their way to the annual convocation ceremony on campus.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Convocation-3.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Misericordia University Class of 2023 processes in front of Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall on their way to the annual convocation ceremony on campus. Submitted photo

Adam Grezch, M.B.A., ’13, ’17, president of the Misericordia University Alumni Association, presents Vera Cornish ’93, M.S., with the Mother Mary Catharine McGann Alumni Achievement Award.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Convocation-4.jpg.optimal.jpgAdam Grezch, M.B.A., ’13, ’17, president of the Misericordia University Alumni Association, presents Vera Cornish ’93, M.S., with the Mother Mary Catharine McGann Alumni Achievement Award. Submitted photo