May 15, 2022
This is the highest award conferred each year to the graduate who transferred to Mount Mercy University and best exemplifies our university mission in how they reflect, engage, serve, and live a purposeful life during their time at Mount Mercy. The award is named for Sister Mary Frances Warde, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in America in 1843.
Marco Delgado took what some may consider a non-traditional path to the Martin-Herold College of Nursing & Health. He was working in the restaurant industry when his mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Delgado quit his job to be her full-time caregiver. It was through caring for her that he was inspired to pursue nursing.
One of Delgado’s nursing professors said, “Marco is one of those people who practices both the science and the art of nursing. His life experiences before pursuing his nursing degree at Mount Mercy truly help him be empathetic and kind when caring for his patients. As a tech, he went above and beyond, caring for COVID patients during the pandemic—being that hand to hold, a smile behind the mask, and giving words of encouragement and support to each of his patients. I feel so very blessed to have had the opportunity to teach him, as well as have him join the nursing profession.”
Delgado showcased compassion and care for the common good along with his classmates when he administered hundreds of COVID vaccines for our community, a true testament to his character and service over self.
Delgado is planning to use his degree in his role at Mercy Medical Center in the Intensive Care Unit.
Congratulations, Marco!