Remembering Julia Wise: Posthumous Honorary BSN Degree Recipient

Julia Wise, a former student in Gwynedd Mercy University's ABSN program, passed away in February 2021 after a two-and-a-half-year journey 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 is presenting 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).

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.