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 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.