GMercyU Surpasses Mercy in Motion Comprehensive Campaign Goal

 

Gwynedd Mercy University has surpassed its original Mercy in Motion Comprehensive Campaign goal of $25 million more than a year ahead of schedule. The Campaign has raised over $28 million since formally launching in January 2022 with the support of more than 2,000 donors. The University will continue this momentum by working toward an increased goal of $30 million. The Campaign is set to conclude in December 2025.

“Surpassing the original goal of the Mercy in Motion Campaign is not just a testament to the collective generosity of our community – it’s a powerful reflection of the unstoppable momentum driving Gwynedd Mercy University forward,” President Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD said. “Together, we are building a future where our students thrive, our values endure, and our commitment to Mercy continues to inspire lives of purpose and service.”

The Mercy in Motion Campaign supports an ambitious vision to expand GMercyU’s reputation for preparing professionals who can navigate a changing world and make it a better place. Driven by three strategic goals, this campaign elevates GMercyU’s commitment to fostering positive, global change through higher education firmly rooted in Mercy.

The strategic goals of the Campaign are:

• Fuel Healthcare Innovation through the creation of the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center
• Invest in Student Success through donor-funded scholarships
• Sustain Our Mercy Mission through supporting annual and planned gifts strengthening faculty development, student life, and academic programs

During the initial phase, the University received its largest gift in history with a transformative $10 million gift from The Maguire Foundation, honoring the late Frances M. Maguire, a 1955 GMercyU graduate, to establish the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center.

Once complete in Fall 2025, the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center will extend GMercyU’s nationally recognized leadership in healthcare education and long history of preparing compassionate, capable healthcare practitioners. The 63,000-square-foot state-of-the-market building will combine the power of technological innovation with compassionate, holistic patient care reflective of Mercy values.

The University received several other seven-figure gifts and grants during the Campaign so far, including:

• $3 million additional gift from the Maguire Foundation to support initiatives to advance Catholic education and the Mercy mission.
• $2.3 million in grants from the Regina Charitable Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation to name the Frances Cannata Stimmler ’66 and Joseph Stimmler Inspiration Station and to establish an endowed scholarship for Nursing students
• $1 million gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jie Du, PhD, to name the Jie Du, PhD Healthcare Innovation Commons
• $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.
• $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania towards the renovations of Loyola Hall, one of three residence halls
• $1.25 million RACP grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania toward the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center
• $1 million RACP grant to enhance The Griffin Complex and Waldron Center, a space housing the Office for Student Engagement, an array of dining options, and GMercyU Athletics

Through the Campaign, the University has furthered its commitment to making a college education accessible to all – with more than $4 million raised for scholarship support. Donors have established 42 new scholarships including scholarships for Nursing, Education, Medical Laboratory Science, Graduate Studies, Integrated Studies, Accounting, Speech-Language Pathology, and transfer students.

Scholarships fulfill GMercyU’s goal of fostering a culture of inclusivity where every student, regardless of financial position, can thrive and develop into a leader with compassion and strong moral values.

The Campaign also aims to increase endowment resources through planned giving, receiving its largest planned gift commitment in the University’s history from a living donor.

Recent initiatives such as GriffinTuesday, GMercyU’s version of the national Giving Tuesday, have helped address the University’s greatest needs, supporting faculty professional development, elevating student life experiences, and enhancing academic programs.

“The Mercy in Motion Campaign advances our rich history of meeting the next great need in society through philanthropy and engagement. The Campaign deeply connects to our Mercy mission to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives. We are grateful for the many who have already participated, as every gift plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of Distinctive Mercy Graduates,” shared Christina Riso, JD, Vice President for University Advancement.

Learn more about the Mercy in Motion Campaign and ways to support.