Today Magazine/President's Report Fall 2020 | Page 13

MercyU ?

“ Artificial intelligence and machine learning are ushering in a new era of technology and automation ,” said Cindy Casey , the CIS Program Coordinator .“ We are excited to introduce this in-demand concentration to the CIS program . Our students will leave the program with the skills and knowledge necessary to build the future .”
Our CIS degree incorporates cutting-edge classes like Programming for Game Design , Artificial Intelligence , Cybersecurity , or Web Data Extraction . Students can also earn certifications and learn programming languages like Python that will help boost employment opportunities and salary .
Learn more about our new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concentration on our website .
Guardian Angel Fund
Griffins will soon join the list of countless students across the area who have benefitted from the generosity of the late Marcella and Edward Rhodes with the creation of The Guardian Angel Fund .
Gwynedd Mercy University recently received a bequest of $ 465,000 from the estate of Marcella and Ed Rhodes , who were passionate supporters of Catholic education . The University has chosen the title of Guardian Angel Fund to reflect the Rhodes ’ legacy of anonymously providing Catholic education to children in need and to honor the memory of their daughter , Andrea , who died from cancer at the age of 17 .
The University will use the fund for the development of new academic programs , including a new program in Public Health , and other innovative and exciting programs in the health care field .
GMercyU ’ s new Public Health Program features both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health ( BSPH ) and an online Master of Public Health Degree ( MPH ) that will prepare future generations of community health workers , public health advocates , disease prevention specialists , Certified Health Education Specialists , and more . The first classes will begin in Fall 2021 .
“ By establishing The Guardian Angel Fund , the Rhodes ’ generosity will have a far-reaching impact and enable the University to continue delivering market-responsive programs for our students ,” said Mary Van Brunt , PhD , GMercyU ’ s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs .
New AVP for Diversity , Equity and Inclusion
On November 1 , Gwynedd Mercy University welcomed Tatiana Diaz , MA as its inaugural Assistant Vice President for Diversity , Equity and Inclusion .
“ A goal of the university ’ s strategic plan is to create an innovative and inclusive culture of excellence ,” said President Deanne D ’ Emilio , JD . “ Our Mercy Mission and Core Values are the foundation for ensuring that we build a welcoming and inclusive environment for every member of our community . We are thrilled to have Tatiana Diaz on board to partner with students , faculty , staff , and Trustees to lead a strategic approach toward inclusive excellence .”
Diaz was most recently Cedar Crest College ’ s inaugural Director of Diversity and Inclusion . Prior to Cedar Crest , she served as the Director of the Student Center for Inclusion and Culture at Drexel University and as the inaugural Director of Multicultural Programs at Messiah College .
Diaz earned her bachelor ’ s degree in Political Science with a minor in Women ’ s Studies and a master ’ s degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State University . In addition , she holds a Certificate in Diversity in Community and another in LGBT Health .
“ I ’ m excited to be joining the GMercyU community as your inaugural AVP of DEI . I look forward to getting to know all the stakeholders , including alumni . Your experiences and care for this community are key aspects of my better understanding of the student experience , our strengths , and our opportunities for change ,” said Diaz .
“ I ’ m confident the Core Values of the Sisters of Mercy and the mission of the institution will be the guiding principles to the work ahead . The upcoming months will be key as we plan the road ahead , the how , and who will help us in the thoughtful conversation of what oppression , inequity , and racism are — and how we as a community can contribute to creating a true Mercy community .”
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