THE FOUNDERS’ SOCIETY
The Founders’ Society recognizes donors who have
contributed $50,000 or more in lifetime gifts.
Robert J. Casale
After the passing of his beloved wife, Claire Ann McGuire
Casale, in 2016, Mr. Casale contacted Gwynedd Mercy
University to share his intention of establishing a scholarship in
his wife’s memory. Mrs. Casale graduated from then Gwynedd-
Mercy College in 1963 from the School of Arts and Sciences.
The Claire McGuire Casale Endowed Scholarship provides
recognition and financial assistance to outstanding students
with demonstrated financial need. The first scholarship
from this fund will be awarded for the upcoming 2019-2020
academic year and will benefit Gwynedd Mercy University
students for years to come.
Kevin O’Flaherty and Debra Karlan
As Gwynedd Mercy University’s Vice President of Finance,
Kevin O’Flaherty has witnessed and managed the growth of
the University in a variety of ways. From the awarding of
University status to the construction of University Hall, Kevin
has been dedicated to moving GMercyU forward and meeting
the ever-evolving needs of our students. Kevin is also a member
of the strategic planning committee of Saint Charles Borromeo
Seminary.
Deb Karlan worked in higher education for over 35 years, in
positions ranging from director of administration and finance
to assistant registrar to director of operations, at institutions
including Illinois Institute of Technology, Mount Aloysius College
and Drexel University. She retired from Drexel in June of 2018.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and a
master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Associate Executive Director Lindsey G. Bohra, Executive Director
Gianna Durso-Finley, PhD from The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation,
and President Deanne D’Emilio
Heather Falck Major, Foundation Manager from Indepence Blue
Cross Foundation and President Deanne D’Emilio
Judith Leone Reed
Judith Ann Leone Reed was a 1959 graduate of Gwynedd Mercy
University’s School of Business. Judy was born and raised in
Erie, Pa. and attended Villa Maria Elementary and Mercyhurst
Preparatory School.
Following her graduation from Gwynedd Mercy University, Judy
eventually moved to Atlanta, Ga. where she met her husband
and great love of her life, Buddy Reed.
Kevin O’Flaherty, Debra Karlan, and President Deanne D’Emilio
Mrs. Reed passed away on April 8, 2018 and through her estate
established the Judith Leone Reed Endowed Scholarship Fund
in Memory of S. Mary Consuela, RSM, Librarian and Faithful
Friend. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide recognition
and financial assistance to Gwynedd Mercy University students
and celebrate the memory of Sister Consuela, former librarian
at the University.
Buddy Reed and President Deanne D’Emilio
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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