A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT
Summer Greetings from GMercyU !
While I thrive on the hustle and bustle of the academic year , summer is always a special time of year for me . It ’ s when I pause , unplug , and reflect on all that has happened over the last nine months .
I think back to Orientation Weekend when our newest Griffins first arrived on campus , unsure but excited for their next chapter . It was wonderful to gather again and celebrate our beloved traditions such as the Food Truck Festival , Griffin Madness , and the Holiday Tree Lighting . Our students also presented outstanding original work at our Research Conference and Dissertation Defenses .
All of these moments lead up to my favorite event of the year – Commencement . This May , we honored the Class of 2022 with a weeklong celebration . We toasted their successes , danced the night away on the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise , and spent time together at the Elmwood Park Zoo . The week culminated with our joyous Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremonies .
As I looked out at the crowd of smiling faces , I was overcome with admiration and pride . The strength , perseverance , and resilience our graduates , families , faculty , and staff exhibited over the last couple of years to get to that moment is something I will always carry with me .
I have no doubt the Class of 2022 will join the nearly 25,000 Distinctive Mercy Graduates who are living our Mercy mission daily . As you ’ ll see in the pages of this magazine , our alumni are true difference makers . Inspired by our mission and core values , they ’ re infusing their work with compassion , love , support , and care , and in doing so , uplifting and transforming lives and communities in the true spirit of the Sisters of Mercy .
I hope you and your family are enjoying a well-deserved break this summer , whether it ’ s at the beach , lake , or your own backyard .
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon for an upcoming Alumni event – or at the Phillies game on Friday , August 26 when our very own Voices of Gwynedd perform . See page 12 for more details !
Deanne H . D ’ Emilio , JD President