Evan Hartono

Evan Hartono is a 21 year old senior majoring in Graphic design major born and raised, and currently resides in Jakarta, Indonesia.

There are a number of reasons why he chose Mercyhurst. First of all, he loves the warm and welcoming environment that the campus provides him, and he enjoys the support he can gain from his friends and the staff. The main thing that brought him here was the AIM Program, where anyone can be anything and where he has the opportunity to grow as a person with the courage and strength to pursue the things he loves. Another thing he enjoys about Mercyhurst is the Art Department. There, he has gained the chance to spend a considerable amount of time pursuing a passion that has been dear to his heart. By using different kinds of techniques to create a variety of works of art, he feels that he can showcase his thoughts, emotions, and creativity. Additionally, he greatly appreciates the many wonderful opportunities that Mercyhurst has provided him, since he can’t get these opportunities in any other part of the world. Overall, this has truly been a remarkable experience.

Fun facts about him are that his most favorite animal is the elephant, and had the opportunity to not just interact with them but also bathe them at the Mason Elephant Park in Bali, Indonesia. Another fun fact about me is that my talent in art was inspired by Disney’s The Lion King (something I have been obsessed with for more than 10 years). Every time I see both the live-action and animated versions, I always feel amazed and inspired (mainly by the animation/visuals and colors of the animals and environments) to come up with fresh ideas for my paintings and drawings during my spare time, especially back in Jakarta. He is also a member of two clubs on campus: The ISA (International Students Association) Club and Art Therapy Club.

Something unexpected about him is that he has been helping a local organization back in Jakarta, where my paintings have been turned into different kinds of items such as postcards, bags, and T-shirts. This was made for charity purposes to help special needs children and their families in Jakarta.

June Durkee

June, a 20-year-old student at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania is in her third year of studies as a Hospitality Management major with a concentration in Events.

Born in Hunan,China, June was adopted by a family living in Silver Springs, Maryland and currently lives in Takoma Park, Maryland. Her elementary and secondary education was unique in that she attended The Lab School of Washington, a private school that centers on helping students with learning difference. June enjoys sports and competed in volleyball, basketball, and tennis.

As a result of much research, June’s parents are actually the ones that suggested she attend Mercyhurst University. They felt that the AIM (Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) Program for students with learning differences would be worth investigating. After visiting the campus and meeting with Brad McGarry, the director of the program, June applied for the 3-week CREATE Program to gain some campus experience and determine if she was ready for college experience. June is convinced that if they did not discover the AIM program she seriously doubts as to whether she would become successful at other colleges that do not have the extensive academic and social support that Mercyhurst offers.

After some prodding, June shared some interesting information about herself that she usually keeps to herself. Her spirit animal is the dolphin and she had gotten to experience swimming with them a few years back in Key West, Florida. She is obsessed with actor and singer, Hugh Jackman, whom she loved in the “The Greatest Showman” and “Les Miserables”. June also revealed that one of her hidden talents is that she is a dancer. She primarily enjoys contra or square dancing. She and her family attended a folk dance camp called Terpsichore and they would celebrate and they would ring in the New Year with dance.

I have known June for almost three years and I did not realize what an interesting person she is. I find it refreshing to know someone with these many talents and such a positive view on life.

Nick Woll

Nickolas "Nick" Woll is a senior who is double majoring in Psychology and Religious Studies. He is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. He is an active member across campus and is always searching for new organizations to join. 


Nick is quite active across campus; he is always doing something and rarely takes time for himself. He is currently Vice President of the Ambassador program. He is always looking to recruit more students into the program and getting more students to apply and enroll in the university. This year he became a Laker Leader for the first time and is enjoying every minute of it, as he has a passion for helping others. In the past, he has helped with the PASS Program. The PASS Program is a three-week-long program at the end of the summer, to assist students with learning differences in adjusting to college by taking classes in a structured setting. This past summer, Nick helped with the CREATE Program, which is similar to the PASS Program, but it is geared more towards the students in the AIM Program. The program is a little longer and a little more extensive than PASS. As he is always looking to help others and search for opportunities to grow, he has done various other forms of volunteer work and always puts others before himself. In the past, he has been apart of about a dozen clubs and organizations during the year. He is never afraid to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him. As he takes everything, he does seriously.

Nick is strong in academics as he excels in his classes and puts his all in anything he choices to pursue. He took one acting class last semester and received the role of Miles in the production "She Kills Monsters," which was shown at the start of October. He is someone who enjoys planning; he began looking into Graduate school since the Summer of 2018 and is currently in the process of applying for graduate school for Religious Studies. 


Nick is easy to talk to and can be found around campus doing just about anything, and when he is not on campus, he is more than likely conducting some form of volunteer work in his spare time. He is someone you should take the time and get to know as he can easily teach you something new and put a smile on your face. He will be more than happy to share quite a bit of information and facts about the university if you ask him. 

- Isabel C. Merriman