A Message from the ABSN Faculty :
REMEMBERING JULIA WISE :
Class of 2021 Posthumous Degree
Julia Wise , a former student in Gwynedd Mercy University ’ s ABSN program , passed away in February 2021 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer . She had finished all but one semester at GMercyU and was set to graduate from the nursing program in May 2021 .
To honor her memory and dedication , GMercyU presented Julia and her family with a posthumous bachelor of science degree in nursing at the 2021 Commencement ceremony . Julia embodied the hard work and diligent attitude that is characteristic of a GMercyU student and is deserving of the degree for which she worked so hard for . Her goal was to become a nurse , following in the footsteps of her mother and sister .
Before coming to GMercyU , Julia attended Polytech High School , then continued her education at Shippensburg University , where she graduated with a Bachelor ’ s degree in Exercise Science . She was a hard-driven athlete , playing field hockey and lacrosse throughout her eight years in high school and college . Julia had a competitive spirit on and off the field ; a force to be reckoned with . She was a member and captain of the Women ’ s lacrosse team at Shippensburg University and also the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee ( SAAC ). She joined the GMercyU family in 2019 in pursuit of a nursing degree .
Julia was the definition of strength , perseverance , and grace . She never backed down from a challenge ; in fact , she faced them head on . She will live on as a person that triumphed . She led us to be better custodians of life through her exceptional character and unrelenting drive . Despite dealing with her own health issues , Julia pursued her goals and maintained an unbounding energy rather than giving in . She brought goodwill and joy to others rather than dwelling in self-pity . Julia showed an unrelenting dedication to providing care . She demonstrated true compassion , caring , and empathy . She would have been an incredible nurse ! We , at ABSN , were blessed to have known her for the short time she was with us . God bless Julia , her family , and the loved ones she left behind .
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Her sense of humor could draw laughs from anyone she encountered , with a refreshing rawness , and a don ’ t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude that left you in awe of her bold personality . She inspired those around her through her tenacity to look every challenge in the eye and approach it with sheer determination . Though her time was short , Julia never wavered in her passionate pursuit of living , traveling , and celebrating . She was driven to soak up every new experience , and never let her obstacles stop her .
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