Celebrating 75 Years

1947

Land Purchased

Mother Mary Bernard, founder and First President of GMercyU, searches available properties in the area and by late 1946 decides that “the Gwynedd Valley estate was extremely desirable for our purposes.”

The Sisters of Mercy purchase 84.5 acres of property from the Taylor family for $100,000 on May 7, 1947.

Mother wrote: “Treweryn, Gwynedd Valley is ours! Thanks be to God! May it exist and be developed from now on only for His Glory!”

At the estate, Mother promptly converts the manor house into a convent and offices, and the barn into classrooms. The Academy moved to Gwynedd Valley in 1947. 

1948

GMercyU Is Founded

GMercyU, originally named Gwynedd-Mercy College, is founded in Gwynedd Valley, Pa, by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Merion as a junior college.

The initial class numbered 28 and there were seven faculty/administration members: Mother Mary Bernard Graham (President), Sister Mary Gregory Campbell (Academic Dean), Sister Mary John Aloyse (Registrar), Sister Mary Virginia (Treasurer), Sister Mary Cecilia, Sister Mary Catherine Laboure, and Rev. Garrett F. X. Murphy.

Opening Ceremony Held

On Sunday, October 31, 1948, his Eminence, Cardinal Dennis Doughtery gave Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the newly opened Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College. 

This ceremony was known as the "28 Roses Ceremony and Reception," with each rose representing a member of the entering class.

In the early years, five courses of study were offered:

• secretarial
• medical-secretarial
• pre-laboratory technician
• merchandising
• liberal arts

First Carol Night

GMercyU held its first Carol Nights celebration. The tradition continues today with the Voices of Gwynedd hosting three concerts to kickoff the holiday season. The concerts are followed by a live navity scene.

1949

First Formal Dance

The first formal dance sponsored by Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College, the Lilac Ball, was held at the Barclay Hotel on June 3, 1949.

Students and their dates danced the night away to the Leo Zollo Orchestra.

First Lawn Fete

In 1949, the First Lawn Fete was organized to celebrate the end of the first year of Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College.

Students entertained families and friends with booths set up to sell various items, including children's clothing and handcrafted goods. Other booths contained a tombola, fish pond, and other games of chance. A giant croquet set was made available, and pony rides were offered.

Such fun events continue today in the form of Fall Fest.

Science Laboratory Built

An addition to the old laundry (formerly the Gustav Martin Building) transforms into a science laboratory. 

Newspaper Started

The first issue of The Gwynmercian is published (ceased in 2016). 

You can read all editions here.

1950

First Musicale

The Glee Club holds its first musicale. 

Today, the Voices of Gwynedd continues this tradition with its annual Spring Musicale.

First Senior Ball

A Senior Ball was held on February 3, 1950 at the Barclay Hotel. Chuck Gordon and his orchestra provided the entertainment.

First Commencement

The first Commencement ceremony is held on May 31, 1950 with 21 graduates. 

First Harvest Dance

Students enjoy the first annual Harvest Dance. Here is an excerpt from the Gwynedition.

1951

Admissions House Building Is Purchased

The home of Elizabeth Ely (nee Taylor) was purchased in 1951 and named Our Lady of Mercy Convent.

It was named Annuciation Hall but today houses the GMercyU Admissions Department. The adjacent barn was converted in 1981 to house the Allied Health Department. 

1952

Day Camp Opens

The Treweryn-Mercy Day Camp, opens for its first summer.

It was later renamed Gwynedd Mercy College Day Camp in 1976. 

1953

Marylyn Residence Hall Opens

Marylyn Estate (an off-campus building) is purchased by the Sisters of Mercy and opened as a student residence. 

Photo: 1955

First Masque

First masque, “St. Joan of Arc” is written and produced by Sister M. Emmanuel S.M. 

Yearbook Launched

The Coelian yearbook is published (final edition in 2009).  

You can view all editions here. 

1954

First Senior Week

First Senior Week features a dinner, hayride, and dance.

Final Approval Granted

Final approval is granted to the College by the Pennsylvania State Council of Education. 

1955

First Holiday Bazaar

Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College holds its first Holiday Bazaar.

Today, GMercyU hosts a bazaar at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. 

1957

Outdoor Pool Opens

An outdoor pool opened in 1957 for use by Gwynedd-Mercy Academy, the summer camp, and the junior college.

The summer camp, which was open for more than 50 years, offered a healthy environment for many inner-city children.

1958

Middle States Accreditation

Gwynedd-Mercy College earns its first Middle States accreditation.

1959

Second President Named

Sr. Mary Gregory Campbell, RSM, PhD is named the College’s second president.  

Library Opens

Lourdes Library (now Keiss Library) opens. 

Photo: "Parade" of books, 1959

ASN Degree Launches

An Associate in Nursing degree is introduced, the first of its kind in a Catholic junior college in the U.S. 

Photo: First ASN Graduating Class, 1961

  

1960

Mercy Honor Society

Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College is included in the Mercy Honor Society, Sigma Phi Sigma. 

This society is dedicated to the ideals of Catherine McCauley: fidelity, scholarship, and service. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a minimum 3.2 grade point average, evidence of upholding the mission and values of the University, a clear commitment of service to the University and their community may apply.

1963

GMJC Becomes GMC

Gwynedd-Mercy Junior College receives approval to award baccalaureate degrees and is re-chartered as a four-year institution, becoming Gwynedd-Mercy College.

Stained Glass Commissioned

Local artist Charles Madden is commissioned to create the beautiful stained glass window in Campbell Hall chapel. 

1964

McAuley Center Opens

The McAuley Academic Center is completed and dedicated.  

1965

Loyola Hall Opens

Gwynedd Mercy University's first official residence hall, Loyola Hall, opens.

Today, it houses first-year students.

1966

"Officially" Co-Ed

While the College was never officially an all-girls school, Sister Mary Gregory announces plans to formally become co-ed in the Fall. 

1968

First Baccalaureate Degrees

The College initiates two four-year programs in Nursing and Business. Today, GMercyU offers more than 40 baccalaureate degrees. 

The Gwynedd Journal

The "Gwynedd Journal" publishes faculty and student non-fiction writing. It ran until 1976. 

1969

First Layman Hired

The first layman, Dr. Benedict Paparella, becomes Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

1971

Third President Installed

The College’s third president, Sister Isabelle Keiss, RSM, PhD is inaugurated. She served from 1971 until 1993.

Sister completed the book Tender Courage, a biography of the Sisters of Mercy Irish Foundress, Catherine McAuley, while on a sabbatical in 1986. 

1973

Hobbit House Opens

A preschool, the Hobbit House, opens on campus. 

1974

CIS Degree Established

Gwynedd-Mercy College and the Maxwell Institute, Inc. establish the Maxwell School of Computer Science, offering an associate degree in computer science. 

Today, GMercyU's Computer Information Science program offers three concentrations: 

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity & Computer Forensics
• Web Design & Multimedia

First Male Graduate

The first male student, Tom Bodziak, graduates.

1978

Connelly Center Opens

The Josephine C. Connelly Faculty Center (informally called Connelly Faculty Center), is completed and opens.

Today, it houses faculty and staff offices and a new, tiered classroom. 

TODAY Magazine Established

Publication of the TODAY alumni magazine begins.

You can read all issues here.

1982

First Graduate Program

Gwynedd-Mercy College offers its first graduate program – a degree in nursing.  Today, the University offers more than 35 graduate program options.

1983

Lourdes Library Addition

The Lourdes Library addition is completed and dedicated. 

1988

Groundbreaking for Athletic Center

On October 23, the College breaks ground on a new athletic and conference center. 

1989

James Bond Dies

James Bond, who lived with his family in Assumption Hall in the early 1900s, dies.

Bond was the inspiration for the name of the infamous Ian Fleming spy character. Read more about it here.

Photo: Sister Isabelle Keiss with Mr. and Mrs. James Bond during a visit to campus, 1988

1990

Athletic Complex Opens

The new athletic complex, The Griffin Complex, opens.

Today, it houses GMercyU's basketball and volleyball teams as well as various campus traditions, such as Griffin Madness and Honors Convocation. 

1991

Fastest-Growing College

Gwynedd-Mercy College is reported to be the fastest-growing local small college. 

In 2023, GMercyU achieved its highest-ever ranking on the U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best College Rankings. GMercyU’s position as a national university jumped 71 places, the largest increase of any school in the region and the sixth largest increase nationally.

1992

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower is constructed. 

Since then, it has served as a gathering place for the campus community.

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union is formed. 

The purpose of the Black Student Union is to educate students about African American history, culture, and heritage. 

1993

The Gwynedition

The Gwynedition, a bi-weekly newsletter for faculty and staff begins publication. 

It started in November 1993 as an effort by president Sister Linda Bevilacqua to communicate events and news to those working and teaching at GMercyU.  

It became an online publication in 2006 and ceased publication in 2013.

MBA Offered

The Business Division co-offers an MBA with Allentown College. 

Today, the University offers a MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership and MBA in Healthcare Administration, as well as post-graduate MBA certificates. 

Weekend Nursing Program

A weekend nursing program is initiated. 

Today, the University offers three options for students to pursue their BSN: traditional four-year program, Accelerated BSN program, and a Weekend BSN program. 

1994

Honors Program Begins

The Honors Program in Liberal Studies is introduced. The Honors Program is dedicated to providing an academically rigorous and challenging curriculum, steeped in the liberal arts and sciences, to its brightest and most industrious students.

The Honors Program is committed to preserving an academic culture that inspires a genuine eros for learning. 

Fourth President Installed

The College’s fourth president, Sr. Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, is inaugurated.

She served as president of Gwynedd-Mercy College from 1993 to 2002. 

 

Glee Club to VOG

The Glee Club is renamed the “Voices of Gwynedd.”

Learn more about the Voices of Gwynedd here. 

1995

Graduate Education Program

GMercyU's first graduate in education program, Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration, is approved. 

Today, GMercyU offers master's, doctorate, and graduate certificates in Education. 

1996

Move to DIII

Athletics moves from the NAIA to NCAA Division III.

Today, GMercyU offers 17 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s athletic programs. 

1997

New Schools Introduced

Gwynedd-Mercy College reorganizes into five new schools:

• School of Allied Health
• School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Business and Computer Information Sciences
• School of Education
• School of Nursing

ARC Debuts

The Academic Resource Center, now called The Student Success Center, opens. 

1998

50th Anniversary

Gwynedd-Mercy College celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

1999

The Griffin Launches

The University’s literary journal begins publication. Previously called The Seed, it’s now called The Griffin. 

You can read all issues here.

Baseball and Softball Debut

GMercyU's baseball and softball teams debut.

Since then, the baseball team has won five conference championships.

Keiss Hall Opens

The Sister Isabelle Keiss Center for Health and Science opens.

Today, it's called Maguire Hall and houses nursing, health professions, and science classes. 

2003

Fifth President Inaugurated

The college’s fifth president, Kathleen Cieplak Owens, PhD, is inaugurated. She is its first lay president and served until 2017. 

Under her leadership, Gwynedd-Mercy College transitioned to University status. Dr. Owens led the development of new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including doctoral programs in Nursing and Education; online degree programs; and international programs. 

After completing a Campus Master Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan, several new and renovated facilities were added including a new residence hall, new academic building, new labs and technologically-enhanced classrooms, renovated Admissions House, one-stop shop for administrative services and another for academic services, as well as a new outdoor athletics complex. 

2005

Intramurals Begin

Gwynedd-Mercy College introduces intramural sports. Today, the Intramural program offers the following sports and activities:

• Basketball
• Dodgeball
• Flag Football
• Kickball
• Soccer
• Softball
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Wiffle Ball

Mascot Debuts

The first official school mascot, M.E.R.V. the Griffin is named and debuts. 

2006

Alexandria Hall Opens

A new residence hall, Alexandria Hall, opens in January. 

2009

Turf Field Opens

A new outdoor athletic complex is completed. 

It houses GMercyU's lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, track and field, and cross country teams.

Nursing School Renamed

The School of Nursing is renamed to the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing. 

2012

Nursing & Allied Health Consolidate

The Schools of Nursing and Allied Health professions consolidate, becoming the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions. 

Construction Begins on University Hall

The Gustav Martin Building is demolished to make room for a new academic building. The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new academic building, later to be named University Hall. 

2013

First Doctoral Program

GMercyU is approved to offer its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

University Status Achieved

In September, the college receives university status and is renamed Gwynedd Mercy University. 

Learning Commons

Keiss Library is reconfigured to include the new Learning Commons. 

2014

University Hall Opens

University Hall, which houses the School of Business and Education, opens.

EdD Launches

GMercyU launches its groundbreaking Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD), which is now a leader in EdD programs with a graduation rate of 76% vs. 11% national average in three to four years. 

2015

Maguire Hall Renamed

The home of the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions is formally named Frances M. Maguire Hall. 

2017

Sixth President Named

GMercyU welcomes Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD, as the sixth president of the University. 

2018

East Campus

GMercyU announces the purchase of its new East Campus, a 154-acre property adjacent to its main campus. 

2019

Historical Commencement

The University holds the largest Commencement in its history, awarding degrees to more than 880 graduates. 

2020

Response to Pandemic

GMercyU donates medical supplies to area hospitals at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DEI Office Opens

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion opens. 

2021

School Consolidation

The University consolidates the programs within the School of Graduate and Professional Studies into its three other schools. The University now features three schools: The School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Education, and the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions.  

Student Services Renamed

A division of student services is renamed as The Office for Student Engagement, featuring dozens of clubs, leadership activities, and more. 

2022

East Campus Sold

GMercyU sells East Campus to a company that supports advancements in life sciences fields. 

Transformational Gift

GMercyU announces a transformational $10 million gift from the Maguire Foundation to build the Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Center. 

2023

Loyola Hall Renos

Loyola Hall undergoes extensive renovations. 

Reopened in August 2023, every room now features new air conditioning units, micro-fridges, and new furniture and floors, while the much-loved and spacious wardrobes were preserved.

Upgrades also included all new lighting fixtures in rooms and common areas, new interior paint, improved lounge areas, and super-fast Wifi throughout the building. Renos to the exterior will begin this fall. 

HIC Groundbreaking

The University breaks ground on the future Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Center. This future state-of-the-art hub of healthcare innovation will address the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow, with the goal of improving access and equity for all.

Here, technological advancements will converge with a compassionate healthcare mindset, and healthcare majors will collaborate with Social Work, Psychology, Computer Information Science and students in many other majors as they learn to advocate for the "whole" patient.