Alums Get Engaged at GMercyU's Tree Lighting Event

At last night's Christmas Tree Lighting, GMercyU Public Health alum Scott Boyle '23 proposed to his college sweetheart, Nursing alum Mary Claire Leva '22.

As a student, Scott served as GMercyU's mascot, M.E.R.V. and kept the much-guarded secret from everyone, including his then-girlfriend Mary Claire. It became a running joke that whenever M.E.R.V. would appear on campus, he would always find Mary Claire in the crowd. And Scott was suspiciously nowhere to be found.

When it came time to plan the proposal, Scott knew it had to be at the place where they fell in love - and with the help of his pal, M.E.R.V.

GMercyU's annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar has become a tradition for the couple, attending each year with their families. Scott donned the mascot costume one more time and after the tree was lit, and scanned the crowd to give away the "first gift of Christmas." He chose Mary Claire and revealed his true identity, popping the question in front of the excited crowd.

Congratulations to the happy couple! Watch the proposal below: