Misericordia University to Honor Visionary Leaders at Commencement Misericordia University is proud to announce that it will honor three outstanding women whose lives and work exemplify the mission of mercy, justice, and service at its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on May 10. The University will confer honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees upon Mary Scullion, RSM, and Ana María Pineda, RSM, STD, and present its highest accolade, the Catherine McAuley Medal, to Trustee Catherine McGroarty, RSM. Mary Scullion, RSM: Champion for the Homeless and Advocate for Justice For more than four decades, Sister Mary Scullion has led the fight against homelessness and poverty. As co-founder of Project HOME and Woman of Hope, Sister Mary pioneered programs that provide permanent housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Project HOME grew into a nationally acclaimed model of integrated care and empowerment. Named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Most Influential People” in 2009 and a recipient of numerous national awards, Sister Mary has influenced policy and expanded rights for vulnerable populations, including groundbreaking advancements in fair housing and voting rights. Misericordia University is honored to recognize her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Sister Mary will be the keynote speaker during the 10 a.m. graduate ceremony. Ana María Pineda, RSM, STD: Theological Leader and Advocate for Hispanic Ministry Sister Ana María Pineda is a distinguished theologian, educator, and advocate for Hispanic ministry in the United States. Born in El Salvador and raised in San Francisco, she has worked tirelessly to center Latino/a voices in Catholic theology and pastoral practice. Her leadership roles include teaching at Santa Clara University, directing the Hispanic Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union, and is considered one of the founding generation of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), serving as its president in 2000. As a keynote speaker at the national V Encuentro and advisor to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, she has shaped national discourse on cultural inclusion and justice in the Church. Misericordia will honor her lifelong service and scholarship with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Sister Ana María will speak to the undergraduate ceremony crowd at 2 p.m. Catherine McGroarty, RSM: Dedicated Trustee and Compassionate Leader The Catherine McAuley Medal, Misericordia University’s highest honor, will be presented to Catherine McGroarty, RSM, in recognition of her 18 years of service on the University’s Board of Trustees and her unwavering commitment to the ideals of mercy and hospitality. Sister Cathy has played a pivotal role in guiding University policy, advancing scholarship initiatives, and supporting programs such as the Bourger Women with Children program. Her legacy includes not only governance and mentorship, but also extensive leadership in health care and outreach through the Catherine McAuley House. Her life of quiet service and powerful impact embodies the values of Misericordia and its Mercy heritage. Misericordia University is privileged to celebrate these visionary women whose work has inspired change, fostered hope, and uplifted communities. Their commitment to service stands as a beacon for graduates and the broader university family. All three honorees are Sisters of Mercy and these ceremonies are a capstone to the university’s 100th anniversary celebration, Mercy Thrives, which was held during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Spring Commencement Ceremonies will be broadcasted on Misericordia University’s YouTube Channel to watch live. The broadcast of the ceremony will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel for those that are unable to watch it live.
Misericordia University’s Nursing Department to Host 100th Anniversary Gala Celebrate a century of nursing excellence on May 8, 2025, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort as Misericordia University’s Nursing Department marks its 100th anniversary. You’re invited to an elegant evening featuring hot appetizers, a pasta station, live piano music, nursing memorabilia, basket raffles, and a commemorative 100-Year Nursing Pin. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting the Donna Ayers Nelson Scholarship, which benefits future nursing students. Don’t miss this meaningful milestone—register today
Misericordia University Launches Center for Workforce Development Misericordia University is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, housed within the College of Business. This newly established center is dedicated to strengthening the local, regional, and globally connected workforce by equipping businesses and professionals with tailored educational programs, workforce training, and talent development solutions that address evolving industry needs.As industries face evolving challenges in talent recruitment, employee retention, and skill development, Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions will serve as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between higher education and workforce needs. Through innovative training programs, credit-bearing degree programs, professional certifications, customized corporate learning opportunities, and career development initiatives, the center will equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving job market.“The establishment of this center reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce innovation,” said Jim Pierson, Dean of the College of Business at Misericordia University. “By leveraging our academic expertise and industry partnerships, we aim to provide employers and professionals with the resources necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape.” The center will offer: Workforce and Talent Solutions: A commitment to equipping the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond with the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to meet evolving employer needs. The center will ensure that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool, ready to contribute to organizational success in an increasingly competitive and interconnected economy. Business Partnerships: Collaboration with employers, professional associations, government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders to develop talent pipelines that strengthen the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond. Comprehensive Credentials: Credentialing opportunities (certificates, micro-credentials, badges, continuing education units, and credit-bearing degree & certificate programs) in high-demand fields to enhance career advancement and long-term professional growth. Career Support: The center will provide front-end and back-end career counseling and ongoing career support throughout the entire career lifecycle, ensuring individuals have the guidance, resources, and strategies needed to navigate career transitions, advance in their fields, and achieve long-term professional success. Customized Workforce Training: Tailored programs designed to address specific industry needs, from leadership development to technical skills training. Core sectors will include business, business healthcare, business technology & analytics, and human development skills. Through these initiatives, the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions seeks to position Misericordia University as a local, regional, and broader community hub for workforce education and business collaboration.For more information about the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions and upcoming programs, please visit www.misericordia.edu/workforcedevelopment or contact Paul Nardone, Director at pnardone@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8130.
Misericordia University Hosts Virtual Open House for OT Program Misericordia University will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00–6:45 p.m. to provide prospective students with an overview of its Nontraditional (Weekend) Entry-Level Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy. The online event will include a brief presentation on the program’s curriculum, followed by a Q&A session to offer insights into how the hybrid-format program is tailored for adult learners. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Pre-registration is required, and the Zoom link will be sent to registrants via email.
Misericordia University to Honor Dr. Mary McAleese at Winter 2024 Commencement Misericordia University is proud to announce that Dr. Mary McAleese, the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and a renowned advocate for peace and social justice, will be the commencement honoree at the university’s Winter Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, December 15, 2024. McAleese will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree during the ceremony. Dr. McAleese served as President from 1997 to 2011, during which she championed the theme of “Building Bridges.” Her presidency was marked by significant contributions to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, including the historic state visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. With a rich background as a barrister, journalist, and educator, Dr. McAleese has made lasting impacts in the fields of law and social justice. Born in Belfast in 1951, Dr. McAleese was the eldest of nine children and grew up in a challenging environment during The Troubles. Her commitment to social justice led her to co-found several organizations, including Belfast Women’s Aid and the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform. She has authored multiple books, including “Reconciled Being: Love in Chaos” and “Here’s the Story: A Memoir.” In addition to her presidential duties, Dr. McAleese has held prominent academic positions, including Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity College Dublin and Chair of the Von Hugel Institute at Cambridge University. She is a recognized leader in higher education, having chaired the European Union Commission’s High Level Group on the Modernization of Higher Education. Misericordia University looks forward to celebrating Dr. McAleese’s achievements and contributions to society during the commencement ceremony. It will be livestreamed on YouTube beginning at 2:00 p.m. A schedule of commencement-related information and events can be found by clicking here.
Misericordia University Presents “Swinging Jazz Nutcracker Suite” Misericordia University presents a festive and unique twist on a holiday classic with the “Swinging Jazz Nutcracker Suite.” The performance will take place on Friday, December 6th, at Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University. The show begins at 7 PM, with doors opening at 6 PM. Ticket Information: General Admission: $25.00, Children 6-11: $10.00, Children 5 and under are free. Tickets are available here: https://www.misericordia.edu/nutcracker.
Misericordia Players Present “The Mousetrap” The Misericordia Players proudly present Agatha Christie’s iconic play, “The Mousetrap.” Known for being the world’s longest-running play, this thrilling whodunit is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final moment. Plot Summary: A group of strangers is snowed in at a remote guesthouse, only to discover there’s a murderer among them. As suspicions rise and secrets unravel, everyone becomes a suspect. Will the killer be caught before they strike again? Performance dates & times: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. November 24 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University Directed by: Scott Colin Woolnough Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Agatha Christie’s most famous works live on stage! “The Mousetrap” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Misericordia University to Hold Open House Misericordia University invites you and your family to experience their campus, meet students, visit with professors, learn more about athletics, and speak with admissions representatives at the open house on November 16th! If you are looking for a college that delivers a powerful education and a personal experience, then look no further than Misericordia University. Learn more and register here!
