Misericordia University Honors Jeremy Kuba ’19 Occupational Therapy Memorial Scholarship at Annual Scholarship Brunch

Misericordia University Honors Jeremy Kuba ’19 Occupational Therapy Memorial Scholarship at Annual Scholarship Brunch

There was not a dry eye when Misericordia University proudly recognized the legacy of Jeremy Michael Kuba ’19 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Recognition Day Brunch held on Sunday, April 14. This heartfelt event not only commemorates the generous contributions of scholarship benefactors but also celebrated the life and impact of Kuba, whose spirit continues to resonate deeply within the university community.

Kuba was an exceptional student and compassionate individual who passed away tragically from a heart condition just after completing his undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Despite his short life, Jeremy left an indelible mark on all who knew him, embodying the core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality that Misericordia holds dear.

The Jeremy Michael Kuba ’19 Occupational Therapy Memorial Scholarship was the spotlighted scholarship during the event, awarded this year to Jenna Potter ’22, ’25, a doctoral candidate in Occupational Therapy from Medford, New York, who exhibits the same enthusiasm for service and leadership that Jeremy exemplified. Like Kuba, Potter has immersed herself in university life, demonstrating outstanding commitment to her studies and community engagement in many areas similar to those of Kuba.

“It has been such an honor to be recognized for this award. To be considered for something in Jeremy’s name is something I will hold close to my heart. This scholarship has meant so much to me as I continue my journey in my doctoral program. Your support creates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond this moment, it is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in my future and the futures of countless others who will benefit from your kindness and generosity,” said Potter.

During the event, Roslyn Kuba, Jeremy’s mother, who initiated the scholarship to honor her son’s legacy, made heartfelt remarks. The moment was bittersweet for Kuba, of Hellertown, as this was the first time she was back on campus since the tragic loss of her son. She recalled what a wonderful experience her son had as a Misericordia student.

“Misericordia helped him find a way to bring his faith and compassion to help people into the entire being that he was. That is why I know this scholarship is the perfect legacy for Jeremy. One of the hardest things as his mother is to realize everything he overcame to become an OT, and then to think he did not get to work in the field a day of his life,” said Kuba.

She continued to explain the impact this scholarship will have and what it means to her and her family. “This scholarship and his life at Misericordia helps me accept that because of all the messages I received from the students who knew Jeremy, and the professors, and the students who received this scholarship, they all say how they will be a better OT because of Jeremy. The students that will become OTs will impact their patients and those patients will impact more lives, and the circle will be much bigger than the impact that Jeremy would have had on his individual patients,” explained Kuba. 

Kuba’s family never expected to see so many people donate and that it is an honor to have an endowment fund for future Misericordia OT students like Jeremy. “As a mom, and representative of his family, there is no greater gift than knowing that Jeremy’s life mattered. That his legacy will carry on. That people will always say his name, and that each year somebody will have a life a little easier because Jeremy existed in this world. I thank Misericordia again for all that you did for Jeremy while he was on this campus, and all that you do for him in his name. Knowing that he was truly loved while he was here gives me great comfort,” concluded Kuba.

President Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., reflected on the importance of scholarship support in enabling students at Misericordia to pursue their educational and professional dreams without financial burden. He expressed deep gratitude to all benefactors for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Misericordia leaders and changemakers.

As Misericordia University celebrates its Centennial year, the event was a poignant reminder of the profound impact that scholarships have in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The university extends its deepest appreciation to all who support its mission, helping to carry forward the legacy of its foundresses, the Sisters of Mercy.

For more information about establishing a scholarship at Misericordia University, please contact Mark DiPippa, director of Development for Individual, Corporate and Foundation Giving, at 570-674-8194 or at mdipippa@misericordia.edu. For more information about scholarships available to students, click here.

Photo Caption: From left to right, President Daniel J. Myers presents to Roslyn Kuba a pictoral gift of Jeremy Michael Kuba’s ’19 scholarship story at the Annual Scholarship Recognition Brunch held at Misericordia University.

Second Photo: Collage of Jeremy Michel Kuba; Top left Jeremy Kuba in OT clinic; Bottom Left Jeremy and his Mother; Right photo Jeremy during his service trip.