A Message from the President
Summer Greetings to you from Assumption Hall!
We are definitely in summer mode here on campus
with summer school, summer day camps, and lots
of improvements taking place around campus. It
is a different kind of buzz around campus and one
that allows us some time to reflect on the busy
year that we just celebrated and to prepare for the
new year ahead of us.
The spring had a lot in store for GMercyU,
including our largest Commencement ever which
was held off campus at the Philadelphia Expo
Center for the first time. Additionally, during the
ceremonies, we awarded four honorary degrees
and bestowed Vice President Emerita status upon
Sister Kati McMahon, who retired after 36 years
of service to Gwynedd Mercy University.
During these summer months, many changes and improvements around campus have begun, both procedurally and physically.
On Monday, July 1, we warmly welcomed Dr. Jim Gallo as the new VP for Mission Integration. Dr. Gallo was the Director of
the Center for Church Management at Villanova University and previously was the Director of Student Activities at Neumann
University.
Many of our strategic plan initiatives are underway with many people and departments from across campus involved in their
implementation. In addition, a new Academic program plan is being finalized that will guide us in designing and offering new
in-demand academic programs. We are also working with a land planner to help us envision our use of the new East Campus,
as well as creating an entire Campus Master Plan.
As I mentioned, we have many physical improvements to the campus underway and finished. The new loop road is complete
and allows you to drive around the back of the campus past Alexandria Hall and provides access to any emergency vehicles
from Evans Road.
New sidewalks are nearly complete from Admissions House past the Hobbit House to make our campus even more pedestrian
friendly. We have also closed off the throughway in front of Assumption Hall across from the gates to the Lady Garden. There
is construction underway to convert this space into a lovely gathering place to sit and enjoy the beauty of Assumption and the
Lady Garden.
Finally, as you will see in this issue, our recent graduates give us so much to be proud of and celebrate. Please be sure to
read all about them and their accomplishments. One of these stories in particular is about our men’s baseball team. On May
11, the very same day of our Commencement, they won the Atlantic East Conference Championship! Since there were a
number of seniors on the team who were missing their graduation, coach Paul Murphy held a special ceremony on the field
to commemorate their achievements, in both academics and athletics. We even delivered their diplomas earlier that day to
recognize these committed student-athletes. It was a wonderful day to remember and celebrate.
This type of personal care and attention is just one example of what makes Gwynedd Mercy University truly distinct and
special. There are so many others that you can read about in this issue. Enjoy reading about them and enjoy your summer!
Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD
President
*This is an edited transcription of President D’Emilio’s video message.*