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.

Kali Beutler

Kali Beutler is a sophomore from Tonawanda, New York, majoring in Integrated Media and Strategic Communication, as well as minoring in both Psychology and International Relations. Kali is an active member around campus, as she is a part of many clubs and organizations around campus. 

Kali is close to her family, which includes; her older sister, who works as a dog groomer, her mother, and pet dog. Kali's father passed away when she was seventeen years old. 

Kali's mother works in law enforcement and similar career goals to what her mother does for a living. Kali's goal is to work in the government doing crisis communication by developing natural disaster response plans. Her major, double minors, and her mother's background put Kali in an excellent place to achieve her career goal. 

 

Kali is very outgoing and friendly. She is always full of energy and shows she is passionate and hardworking in everything she does. Kali has demonstrated her success through hard work consistently through being both active around campus and in her academics. Kali is busy around campus as she huge with campus involvement.

Kali is a part of many clubs, including; Theater club. OAC, yoga club, modern cinema club,

Multicultural Activities Council, and Student Activities Council or better known as MAC/SAC to those around campus, as well as The Merciad. She does her work-study at the campus involvement center. 

Although she is active around campus, she has been able to achieve the perfect grade point average of a 4.00 consistently. Her excellent grade point average has resulted in her becoming an active member of Phi Eta Sigma. 

Kali was like this before college. She was quite active as well. She played tennis in high school, despite not being a fan of sports. Her hobbies consist of hiking, swimming, photography, reading, and painting. She describes herself as outgoing and kind. If you ever have an interaction with Kali, it is evident that she is both outgoing and helpful. 

- Isabel C. Merriman 

Will Zytnick

Will Zytnick is a freshman majoring in Sports Business Management and considering Communications as a minor. He is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is involved with The Merciad covering athletics on campus, as it correlates with his major.

Will played tennis in high school and fell in love with sports at the age of four. He is passionate about any Pittsburgh sports team. His dream job is to work with a Professional Sports team in the Pittsburgh area. Therefore, he chose to go into Sports Business Management and a possible Communication minor. He believes these areas of study will guide him closer to achieving his dream.

Pittsburgh sports have played a significant role in man aspects of his life. They have helped him get through some tough times in his life. If you came up to will and asked him about specifically the Penguins and Steelers, he would give you the complete rundown of the history of the franchises.  He can memorize most topics in life, especially pro-sports.

Will wanted to play tennis in college, but unfortunately, it was in his best interest. Through his major and Merciad, he can still find ways to participate in these activities with those close to him. Some activities he enjoys tennis, running, basketball, and he is discovering more.

Will believes his family plays an essential role in who he is today. He has a twin brother named Zach, who attends the University of Miami, Florida. He also has a younger brother named Matthew, who is a junior in high school. His father is named Jay and works in Real Estate, and his mother Kim is a former small business owner of a cleaning company in his hometown. He believes that his mother's entrepreneurial background played a role in going into business.

Will is a very outgoing and friendly person who is always looking to connect with new people. He can found at any Mercyhurst sporting event and covering it for The Merciad. If ever you have the opportunity to meet Will, take some time, and get to know him better.

- Isabel C. Merriman