A Message from the President
Winter greetings from Assumption Hall!
I think you will really enjoy reading this edition of the Today
magazine. There are wonderful stories of our Distinctive Mercy
Graduates, who all found their true callings after receiving
an excellent education here at GMercyU and are pursuing
their dreams. Please be sure you read each story about these
unique graduates who speak to the power of a Gwynedd Mercy
University education.
In addition, you will see highlights of many of the exciting
developments and the true momentum that is happening here
on our campus.
First, you may have heard that we acquired a new East
Campus, a 154-acre property that is immediately adjacent to
our current campus on Sumneytown Pike. This is a project nine
months in the making. As I said, it is about 154-acres and it
was previously owned by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Our current, existing campus is about 160-acres so it essentially doubles the size of our campus. The building that currently
sits on the property is 157,000 square feet, which is three-times the size of our largest building, University Hall. We have not
decided on final plans for that building or the property but whatever we decide to do, it will include creating new and exciting
programs to offer our current and future students.
Speaking of new programs, we have an exciting new program called Digital Communications, which prepares students to
work in the corporate world and is a combination of business and communication. It offers courses and has emphasis in
social media and marketing.
Another really exciting development that has happened recently is our new Strategic Plan was approved. We are just
beginning the implementation phase and will be focusing on four themes: Distinctive Teaching and Learning, Transformative
Student Experience, Empowered Community, and Compelling Brand. We had hundreds of people work on the plan and will
very soon have about 80 people working on different implementation teams for the various initiatives.
One of the initiatives in the new Strategic Plan is to develop strategic partnerships that will help the University and our
current and future students. One of those partnerships that has already been signed is with the Bucks County Intermediate
Unit (BCIU). That partnership will allow employees in the BCIU to take advantage of all the programs GMercyU offers.
Another event that you will see highlighted in this issue of the magazine is Woke Week. This is a series of events that take
place in November that focus on social justice in light of the current political climate and the critical concerns of mercy.
Finally, if you’re able to visit campus you’ll notice that we are under construction. Towards the back of campus near the
Evans Road entrance and exit, we are widening some roads, becoming more pedestrian-friendly and enhancing access to the
back of our campus. I hope you’re able to see it.
As you can see, this issue of the Today magazine is jam-packed with interesting and exciting news on our beloved GMercyU.
Thanks so much for your interest and your support.
Happy Reading!
Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD
President
*This is an edited transcription of President D’Emilio’s video message.*