Why I Give: Alumni Board Executive Vice President Mary Bevivino ’05
GMercyU Alumni Board Executive Vice President Mary Bevivino ’05 remembers well the challenge of completing a college education while balancing career and family. This is the reason she created
The Mary Virginia Bevivino ‘05 Annual Scholarship.
“I will always be grateful for my family, my supportive Faculty Mentor and Gwynedd Mercy University community’s support and encouragement. It meant so much to me during my own journey," said Mary. "I only wish to show my appreciation and help current students have the opportunity to complete their academic goals and become an agent of change in service to society today.
Journey to GMercyU
Born and raised in South Philadelphia in a small, tight-knit community, Mary began working full-time in the field of business right after graduating from Saint Maria Goretti High School. After getting married and starting a family, she realized she wanted to pursue higher education.
“I took one course at a time. It seemed like it would take forever. I was raising three children, working full-time, and going to school,” Mary explained, “but my family very much supported me.”
Mary completed nursing school and also a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science Management at GMercyU, and enjoyed a successful and fulfilling professional career in clinical research and development.
Gwynedd Mercy University students possess a drive for achievement that is grounded in gratitude and compassion. Creating a scholarship is a way for me to give back to support students, regardless of financial position, so they have the chance to thrive and develop into Mercy leaders with compassion and values.
Making the Journey Easier for Others
The Mary Virginia Bevivino ’05 Annual Scholarship
After retiring from her career in 2017 and with her children grown, Mary turned to volunteer work and joined GMercyU’s Alumni Board as the Executive Vice President, where she serves as chair of the Governance and Awards Committee, which includes sponsoring the Alumni Award for Outstanding Student recipients.
She also serves as a mentor for students in the Exceptional Leaders and Mentorship Program.
Mary prioritizes volunteering every spring for GMercyU’s Commencement Convocation ceremonies. She recalls her own GMercyU graduation as an exceptionally special day.
“It was incredible. I saw my family and thought, ‘I couldn’t have done it without them.’ My family had my degree framed,” Mary said.
It’s a memory she wants for other working parents who are pursuing a degree while raising a family. And for them to know that you can have the gifts that both a career and a family bring to life.
“This scholarship means so much to me. If I can make someone else’s journey a little smoother, a little easier, it’s so worth it,” she said.
The Mary Virginia Bevivino ’05 Annual Scholarship is how she chooses to give back to the Mercy Community that embraced her during her own journey, and led to a meaningful life and career.
“Scholarships are a chance for GMercyU to celebrate the commitment that students are making to the Nursing Profession. And to let them know they have a whole support system cheering them on as they pursue their own educational aspirations.”
The scholarship was first awarded in 2023 to a nursing student that has since graduated and accepted a role at a nearby hospital. When Mary met the recipient, both expressed a passion for service, for family, and the ambition to keep using their gifts for good, to pay it forward the Mercy way.
Planned Giving Options Ways to Give Contact Us
