PROFESSOR EMERITA Mary Jo Pierantozzi , MS
Mary Jo Pierantozzi , or “ Ms . P ” as she is affectionately known to her students , has been a member of the Gwynedd Mercy University community for more than 55 years , first as a student and then as an esteemed faculty member . She earned her teaching degree from GMercyU in 1972 , worked as a teacher and school principal for many years and then began teaching for Gwynedd-Mercy College as an adjunct instructor in 1996 . She joined the fulltime faculty as an Assistant Professor in Education in 2002 and was awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011 .
Professor Pierantozzi is first and foremost a teacher at heart and puts the students at the forefront of everything she does . While she will be retiring from fulltime service to the University , she will continue to follow her passion as an adjunct instructor and mentor to aspiring teachers .
DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD FOR RESEARCH Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager , PhD
Dr . Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager joined the GMercyU faculty as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education for the EdD program in 2018 . Since joining the University , Dr . Cresswell-Yeager made significant and lasting contributions in many research areas including higher education leadership , supporting first generation college students , and teaching and learning practices .
Dr . Cresswell-Yeager ’ s research legacy includes peer-reviewed journal articles , peer-reviewed chapters in edited books , panel presentations , 17 peer-reviewed international , national , and regional conference proceedings , and more than 25 invited talks . She is a transformative higher education leader whose dedication to research is unmatched .
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DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD FOR TEACHING Michelle McEliece , PhD
Dr . Michelle Kulp- McEliece joined the GMercyU faculty as an Assistant Professor of Biology in 2003 . Dr . McEliece was a driving force in refocusing the program ’ s curriculum on molecular biology and undergraduate research , which prepares students for careers in sciences and for graduate and pre-professional programs . She has developed and taught Biology Program courses , as well as courses in support of the health professions , general education , and the Honors Program . The results are rigorous courses that increase students ’ science literacy , critical and ethical reasoning , and their writing , research , and problem-solving skills .
An outstanding academic advisor and mentor , Dr . McEliece connects with all incoming students before they arrive on campus , has an open-door policy for current students who frequently seek her knowledge and advice , and maintains an ongoing relationship with many alumni .
DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD FOR SERVICE Mary Jo Pierantozzi , MS
For Professor Mary Jo Pierantozzi , education and service go hand and hand . Her 50- year career as an educator is defined by her service to her profession , her students , and Gwynedd Mercy University . For the past 21 years , her service leadership has impacted countless programs across the University including the Student Government Association , Campus Ministry , and the Mercy Leadership Academy .
Professor Pierantozzi led Alternative Spring Break trips for more than 12 years , and was awarded several Presidential Mini-Grants through which she developed an immersion
experience for Education students . Other areas of involvement , over the years , have included Freshman Service Day , Fall Fest , Finals Breakfast , Faculty / Staff Basketball game , faculty mentor for the Volleyball team , ASB Bingo , advisor for Best Buddies and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society , as well as service on multiple Faculty Committees , task forces , and search committees .
Professor Pierantozzi is a true servant leader focused on building a more just and positive world one service opportunity at a time .
PRESIDENT ’ S SCHOLAR AWARD Mark Meade
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science ( CIS ) graduate Mark Meade was named President ’ s Scholar during the 2023 Honors Convocation ceremony .
Mark served as a member of several honor societies and a Peer Mentor within the Integrated Studies program . He was also a four-year participant in the Undergraduate Research Conference .
Outside of the classroom , Mark volunteers at a multitude of organizations . He also completed a summer internship in 2021 at Just in Time GCP and one in fall 2021 at GMercyU ’ s Help Desk .
After graduation , Mark will join Comcast as an Application Development intern in their Atlanta Office .
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ALUMNI AWARD Grace deFreese
Grace deFreese earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and played an integral role within the Biology department , raising money for and developing the Monarch Garden as part of her Senior Capstone . She also served as a Peer Mentor , specifically for first-year students .