Gwynedd-Mercy College > News and Announcements

The Outstanding Student Leadership Award is presented to a graduate who has provided exemplary leadership and service to the College and to fellow students over several years in non-elected or elected positions in a variety of co-curricular activities.

The 2012 recipient is Steven Rufe, an education major in the School of Education. Rufe resides in Schwenksville, Pa.

The Catherine McAuley Award honors Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. A wealthy Irish heiress, Catherine gave all of her inherited money to establish a House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in 1827. From this beginning, Mercy organizations flourished throughout Ireland and England, coming to the United States in 1843. Today the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas sponsors numerous educational, health care and social service institutions in service to the poor, sick and uneducated.

The 2012 recipient is Abby Reed, a nursing major in the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing. Reed resides in Manheim, Pa.

The President’s Scholar Award recognizes the highest academic achievement coupled with a commitment to the mission and values of the College. The award recipient is chosen by the President of the College.

The 2012 recipient is Matt VanDenHengel, a business administration major in the School of Business. VanDenHengel resides in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

The Alumni Association Outstanding Undergraduate Award is presented to a distinguished undergraduate student for a demonstrated and articulated commitment to Gwynedd-Mercy College and to academic achievement. The recipient will represent the College and its mission in his or her future.

The 2012 recipient is Ashley Scheiber, an English major in the School of Arts and Sciences. Scheiber resides in Warrington, Pa.

The Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award is presented to a distinguished graduating master’s-level student for a demonstrated and articulated commitment to Gwynedd-Mercy College and to academic achievement. The recipient will represent the College and its mission in his or her future.

The 2012 recipient is Audrey Lombard, who will receive a master’s degree in education with certificates in elementary and special education. Lombard resides in Ambler, Pa.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2012 CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD:

The Alumni Association Center for Lifelong Learning Outstanding Student Award honors a graduating adult student from the Center for Lifelong Learning who embodies academic excellence.

The 2012 recipient is Joanne Henkels, who will earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Henkels resides in Ambler, Pa.

In 1993, the College established the Tender Courage Award in honor of Sister Isabelle Keiss, the third president of Gwynedd-Mercy College. Commencement is, first of all, a celebration of the accomplishments of our graduates. On this occasion, we also recognize members of our staff and administration who work tirelessly to make this College the special place it is. During this ceremony we give special recognition to those who exemplify the ideals of Mercy and the mission and values of Gwynedd-Mercy College.

Celebrating 25 years as a Redemptorist priest and eleven years of service as the College’s campus chaplain, the 2012 recipient, Father John Collins, is one who embodies all of the core values of our college, exemplifies the best of what it is to be a priest and minister and is truly loved by all in our college community who know him. Father John gives generously of himself, his time and his talents to faculty, students, and staff, ministering to all in ways known and in many ways unknown to most. He goes above and beyond daily and as Catherine McAuley would note “he does ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

Father John has celebrated many life events with the members of our college community and it is a privilege for us to celebrate the sacrament of his Holy Orders with him, a priest of God and a wonderful man of Mercy through this award and through our prayers for him. In a small way, it is an acknowledgement of gratitude for the many ways he has blessed us as individuals and the college community as a whole.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey Speaks at Gwynedd-Mercy College's 63^rd Commencement

Gwynedd-Mercy College’s 63^rd commencement was highlighted by a keynote address from Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. During his distinguished 44-year career, Ramsey has maintained his commitment to valuing diversity and building community—two of the college’s central themes.

Ramsey has won numerous humanitarian awards since acquiring the helm of the Philadelphia Police Department in 2008. In 2009, he was selected to receive the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Keys & Sword Award, which recognizes faith, selfless service and personal sacrifice, among other traits. His policing strategies have focused on uniform patrol, organizational accountability and evidence-based policing initiatives, netting a 14 percent reduction in violent city crime.

Prior to his work in Philadelphia, Ramsey was the chief of police for the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. He handled high-level investigations of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001 Anthrax Attacks and the 2002 D.C. Sniper Case. Ramsey’s dedication of service to local neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. has also garnered him several civic engagement awards.

Ramsey has been a strong advocate of adult learning, securing his undergraduate and graduate degrees as a nontraditional student. He earned both from Lewis University in Romeoville Illinois, his home state.

Tuition discount for government employees

The College's Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) has announced a new 20 percent tuition discount for all federal, state, county and local government employees. The discount applies to the following degrees offered for working adults at CLL:

Anyone who is employed by any branch of government at any level is eligible for the discount, including police and fire.

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