Gwynedd Mercy University Graduation Scheduled For Saturday

Alyssa Mease-Onisick for Patch

GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA — More than 800 degrees will be conferred on Saturday, May 13 when Gwynedd Mercy University holds its 68th commencement ceremony. The graduates will join the ranks of more than 20,000 distinctive Mercy graduates.

The degrees conferred will include 23 doctorate, 196 master’s, 500 bachelor’s and 98 associate degrees.

Longtime Gwynedd Mercy faculty member and Religious Sister of Mercy Marie Michele Donnelly will give the keynote address to the graduates. Sister Marie Michele has served several roles in the GMercyU community, including professor of religious studies, dean of students, and vice president for student services. She was the 1989 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Waldron-Mercy Academy, a position she’s held since 2014. She also serves as co-director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, through which she provides preached retreats for parishes, school faculties, ministry groups, ecumenical groups and religious communities. She is a frequent presenter for parent and parish groups throughout the Tri-State area.

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Julia Tasca will serve as the student speaker for the Class of 2017. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and will begin a master’s program in chemistry at Villanova University with a full scholarship as a research assistant. Her research will involve identifying bioactive natural products that are associated with amphibian immune defense. Julia plans to pursue a PhD in biochemistry and maybe pursue a career in teaching.

Professors Ann McGinn EdD, RN and Bruce Taylor, Ed.D will be awarded the title of Professors Emeritus. Professor McGinn became a full-time nursing faculty member in August 1976 and has taught in the associate and RN to BSN programs. She has been an integral part of the success of the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions. For more than 40 years, she was a dedicated and conscientious teacher who gave great effort to her teaching and advising.

Professor Taylor joined the Gwynedd Mercy University School of Education in 2002 as the director of the graduate program in special education. As the inaugural director of the program, he grew it to produce highly qualified special educators. In addition to working with graduate students, Dr. Taylor also had positive interactions with undergraduate students and, for many years, taught the Professional Seminar course.

Gwynedd Mercy is located on Sumneytown Pike between Routes 309 and 202 in Gwynedd Valley.

Image via Gwynedd Mercy University