As we embark on the next 75 years at GMercyU , we do so with the same combination of fortitude and faith that our founding Sisters had . Despite the pandemic-related challenges of the past several years , we have remained focused on meeting the next great need in our world by providing a world-class education grounded in our Core Values of integrity , respect , service and social justice .
A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT
I am thrilled to share this 75th anniversary edition of TODAY magazine !
On Oct . 1 , 1948 , what was then known as Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College was launched by a group of adventurous and tenacious Sisters of Mercy . They didn ’ t have any experience creating or running a college , but that didn ’ t stop them . They saw a need to provide a place where women in particular could earn a college degree , be grounded in Mercy values and use their knowledge and education to better themselves and others in the community , much like Catherine McAuley did when she opened the House of Mercy in Dublin , Ireland , in 1827 .
I am happy to report that the mission has not changed in 75 years . Catherine ’ s spirit , and the spirits of the brave women who founded the institution , are still with us . I have enjoyed reading “ The Annals ,” a journal written by Sister Mary Gregory Campbell , the second President and first Academic Dean who was tasked with building the college from the ground up . She wrote about buying desks , dealing with government approvals and the joy of welcoming the first class of students . In July 1962 , she described the disappointment of having the Pennsylvania Department of Education reject her application to become a four-year college . But her disappointment turned to determination , and in the entry for October-December , she wrote “ Never Say Die !” as she worked on a new application . This “ Never Say Die ” attitude continues to inspire me ! She also wrote during this timeframe about the difficult task of requesting a loan to build Loyola Hall . How wonderful is it that we recently completed the renovations to this building that is now home to our newest Griffins ?
If you haven ’ t been on campus in a while , you ’ ll be pleasantly surprised by the progress we ’ ve recently made . Since the sale of the East Campus , we ’ ve renovated our baseball and softball fields and Loyola Hall ; reconfigured the entrance from Evans Road ; repurposed Mercy Hall , which now houses The Mercy Center ; and received the largest single gift in our history to build the Frances M . Maguire Healthcare Innovation Campus . We broke ground on the state-of-the-art facility this fall . That gift from the Maguire Foundation is the cornerstone of our Comprehensive Campaign for Gwynedd Mercy University .
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary , we will honor our Founders by carrying this momentum into the future . Our theme of Mercy in Motion accurately describes how we continue to meet the historic mission that Catherine began and the founding Sisters brought to Gwynedd Valley 75 years ago .
This issue contains a treasure trove of information , stories , pictures and inspiration for everyone who loves Mercy and Gwynedd Mercy University . Enjoy , and happy 75th anniversary !
PRESIDENT // DEANNE H . D , EMILIO , JD