Elizabeth Rathburn

Elizabeth Rathburn is a 22 year-old graduate student at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.  She has been working as a graduate assistant in the Study Abroad Office while pursuing a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership. In 2019, Elizabeth was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Music and Communication from Mercyhurst University and is very happy to have the opportunity to continue her studies at Mercyhurst.

Her choosing Mercyhurst University was based on several reasons, not the least of which is that she is a native Erieite and feels right at home living on campus in spite of the snow that comes every winter and covers everything in sight. The University offered her the courses of study that she wanted as well as the flexibility in scheduling and support that she needed.  Her decision was finalized when Mercyhurst offered her the opportunity to earn a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership through their 4+1 program allowing her to achieve this goal in only 5 years instead of the usual 6 years that it takes through traditional programs at other schools. She is thrilled to be here saying, “I am so happy to spend a fifth year on this beautiful campus!”

Although she didn’t play any sports, her spare time was taken up with playing the oboe. She has worked hard at learning to play this very difficult instrument and has experienced many hours of enjoyment with it.

Interestingly, Elizabeth has recently taken on the demanding task of writing a book. It is about entrepreneurship and creative fulfillment. Although publishing a book is not someone usually thinks about at this early stage in life, she is confident that her educational background and experiences at Mercyhurst University have given her the means to be successful in this endeavor.

Jacob Chichester

Jacob Chichester is a second year graduate student at Mercyhurst University located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Originally from Livonia, New York, Jacob was drawn to Mercyhurst as a result of the strong program in Criminal Justice that the University offers. Jacob made a point of saying that the beautiful campus was also a big factor in his decision to choose Mercyhurst.

Jacob graduated from Mercyhurst University in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement. In July of 2018, he received his Act 120 Certification from the Mercyhurst North East Municipal PoliceAcademy. Now, at age 23, Jacob is a second year graduate student in the Criminal Justice Program.

Along with his studies, Jacob is Hall Director for Residence Life and Student Conduct (Police Academy experience must come in handy here). He resides in Warde Hall where he oversees the coed residence hall, supervising a staff of 8 RA’s and a building with over 300 students.

Jacob loves the outdoors. During his undergraduate years at Mercyhurst, he ran Cross Country for the school from 2014-2017. In fact, another reason that he chose Mercyhurst is the great Cross Country coaching staff that they have. Running isn’t the only outdoor activity that Jacob enjoys. He also likes to spend time hunting, hiking, and golfing.

Some interesting facts that Jacob shared had to do with his studies abroad. As an undergraduate he had the opportunity to study both in Dungarven, Ireland and Rome, Italy. The experience was fun and educational. Last and definitely not least, Jacob said that he is engaged to be married. He has known his fiancé since the age of 3 years old. They met at pre-school and apparently hit it off and never looked back. This gives a new meaning to the term, childhood sweethearts.