End of an Era,
Beginning of Legacy
Sister Kati announced her retirement from her official duties at
Gwynedd Mercy University in Spring 2019.
Catherine McMahon, RSM '71 – lovingly
known as Sister Kati – has been a staple
at Gwynedd Mercy University since
she was a student in the Elementary
Education program.
After graduation, Sister Kati worked as
a teacher and then a guidance counselor
at Archdiocesan elementary schools,
but she didn’t stay away for long. She
was called to the Motherhouse in 1982
and was asked to accept the position
of Director of Counseling Services at
GMercyU.
During her nearly 40-year tenure,
Sister Kati held six different leadership
positions, served on countless
committees, and was a key administrator
during some of the University’s biggest
evolutions.
Sister Kati celebrated her Golden Jubilee
with the Sisters of Mercy in 2017 and
deepened the campus community’s
connection to Mercy over the years. One
of her special accomplishments is the
establishment of the Mission Leadership
Academy, which serves to promote and
foster the mission of the University by
providing administration, faculty, and
staff with ongoing mission education,
as well as the opportunity to develop
mission integration projects.
The impact she has had on GMercyU
is immeasurable – just ask any of the
students, alumni, faculty, staff, and
friends of the University she passed in
the hallway or welcomed into her office.
“Sister Kati inspires me to live in Mercy
as she demonstrates this charism in her
daily life. She loves to support students
in her career,” GMercyU Nursing
Senior Allison Alejo said. “Whenever
an opportunity comes to learn, she
embraces each moment. I am honored to
know Sister Kati and follow in her tender
courage.”
This past spring, Sister Kati announced
her retirement from her official duties at
GMercyU. While she will still be here for
the “fun stuff,” she is looking forward to
what God has in store for her next.
In honor of her dedication to the
University, fellow alumna Helen
Nelson '92/'93 graciously offered a
challenge gift of $25,000 to create the
Sister Catherine McMahon Endowed
Scholarship. Helen will match any gifts
to the scholarship which will
benefit students in need who
exemplify the spirit of Mercy by
participating in service to others.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Sister Kati was presented with the
scholarship at the University’s annual
Founders’ Society Dinner in April. She
was also honored at Commencement with
the title of Vice President Emerita for
Mission and Ministry.
“Those who know me know that I am
passionate about the University, and
particularly, the many ways we help
students to engage our mission and core
values,” Sister Kati said. “To have a
donor and a fellow alum step forward
to support us in this way is beyond
humbling. I am so very grateful for this
recognition of our good work and what it
provides for the future of that work.”
If you would like to contribute to the
fund, visit gmercyu.edu/giving or contact
Jill Dow at [email protected] or
215-542-4661.
“I became acquainted with her
while on President’s Council.
Sister Kati is a very sincere
person living the ‘Mercy’ life.
She always seemed to have the
pulse on what was going on at
GMercyU. Her dedication to
mission work is what really
inspired me to create the endowed
“Sister Kati inspires me to live in
Mercy as she demonstrates this
charism in her daily life.”
6
scholarship,” Helen said.
(L to R) GMercyU President Deanne H. D’Emilio,
Catherine McMahon, RSM '71, and Helen Nelson
'92/'93 celebrated the creation of the Sister
Catherine McMahon Endowed Scholarship at the
2019 Founders’ Society Dinner.