GMercyU Traditions


GMercyU traditions remind us of our Mercy identity, celebrate our culture, and create lasting memories for Griffins forever. 

page_orientationservice.jpegNew Student Orientation Service Project

First-year students participate in a hands-on service project reflecting the core values of GMercyU. Although they receive an introduction to Catherine McAuley and the University's Mercy heritage during Orientation, engaging in service allows new students to see Mercy in action, and provides a unique preview to the Distinctive Mercy Experience ahead. Interacting with fellow students while serving together adds fun and meaning to the event.

page_ribbontradition.jpegRibbon Tradition

The Ribbon Tradition is held during New Student Orientation at the Bell Tower to recognize and celebrate the journey that brought students to Gwynedd Mercy University. Students learn of the Sisters of Mercy arrival from Ireland in Philadelphia on a hot August day in 1861. It was August 22, 1861 to be exact. There were only 10 Sisters, led by Mother Patricia Waldron. They ranged in age from 16-27. They were happy and hopeful with only a dream for Mercy.

President D'Emilio expresses to students that she could only imagine how anxious those women must have been in a new city all alone not sure of their place and their paths. However, they had faith knowing that they were exactly where they were supposed to be. Just how the new students might be experiencing anxiety and apprehension. As you begin your time as a GMercyU student, have faith, just like those early Sisters did, that you are indeed right where you are supposed to be — at Gwynedd Mercy University following your path. Students are asked to tie ribbons near the bell tower to show how they were committed to their mission of being Mercy students.

page_academicconvocation.jpegAcademic Convocation

Academic Convocation is a formal academic ceremony that welcomes first year and new transfer students to the university. It brings together administrators, faculty, and students to commemorate the start of the academic year.

page_belltower.jpegMercy Week

On Sept. 24, 1827, in Dublin, Ireland, Catherine McAuley founded a home to shelter and educate young girls. This house would be the foundation for the Sisters of Mercy — and 17 U.S. colleges and universities, including ours. Each September, we celebrate this heritage during Mercy Week, which features a variety of educational and service-related programming that brings our campus community together, from inspirational films and engaging lectures to shared meals and lively discussions. Finally, the GMercyU community commemorates the founding of the House of Mercy by celebrating a special “Mercy Mass” on September 24.

page_catherinesgarden.jpegCatherine’s Garden

This new tradition takes place during Mercy Week. Members of the GMercyU community make public commitments to living out the Five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy or the Four Core Values of GMercyU. Community members write these commitments on paper yellow roses and display them in Waldron Center. Yellow Roses are also known as the “Catherine McAuley Rose,” and were named by Sr. Josephine Mary Agnew, RSM, in order to commemorate Venerable Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

page_fallfest.jpegFall Fest

Fall Fest is Student Government Association (SGA)’s biggest event of the year. It takes place in September to welcome the autumn season. This large outdoor festival welcomes the families of past and present Griffins. It is an opportunity for students to mingle and participate in activities with students, alumni, faculty, friends, and neighbors.

page_griffinmadness.jpegGriffin Madness

Griffin Madness is an inclusive pep rally for students, faculty, staff, and all of the GMercyU community to kick-off the winter sports season. Through collaboration with departments and offices across campus, Griffin Madness is a memorable night for all. This experience is an opportunity for all for the campus community to take pride in being a Griffin. For the holiday season, SGA partners with Catherine’s Cupboard for our annual canned food drive.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

GMercyU's Community Thanksgiving Dinner is a tradition that allows faculty, staff and students the opportunity to join together, pause to give thanks and praise, and enjoy a meal with new friends and family. This is a free meal for the campus community sponsored by Parkhurst Dining Services.

page_finalsbreakfast.jpegFinals Breakfast

Finals Breakfast is held each year to bring together students, faculty and staff for a late-night breakfast before the fall semester comes to a close. The breakfast is held late at night and includes all types of breakfast foods. Students get served and welcomed by their favorite faculty and staff members at the University. This year, finals breakfast welcomed over 220 students into the Waldron Cafe for the student's favorite event. In addition to having breakfast, over 45 prizes were given out ranging from study snack packs, fitness watches, and an iPad.

page_treelighting.jpegChristmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony kick-off the holiday season in front of Assumption Hall. The tree lighting honors our University’s roots while representing other faiths. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the greater GMercyU Community are invited to partake in the festivities. Enjoy the sounds of the season with performances from the members of the Voices of Gwynedd who lead the crowd in a sing-a-long, and GMercyU’s Dance Team. Prior to the tree lighting, guests can enjoy holiday sweets and hot cocoa as well as various activities outside, including ornament making, a photobooth, and s'mores.

Take Back the Night

Take Back The Night is an international event with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. Every year the Gwynedd Mercy University community comes together as a part of this mission, creating a platform for voices to be heard, pain to be recognized, and courage to be acknowledged. Through this event we are living out the traditions of Mercy and embracing our core values of Integrity in Word and Deed, Respect for the Dignity of Each Person, Service to Society, Social Justice in a Diverse World*

* With a special focus on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Earth, Immigration, Anti-Racism, Non-Violence, Women

page_studentappreciationday.jpegStudent Appreciation Day

Student Appreciation Day is hosted by SGA’s Positivity Committee! This day is dedicated to showing appreciation to the student body for all of the hard work they do throughout the year. This event takes place in the Spring and is an opportunity for Student Government to thank the student body for allowing us to represent them.

page_gmercyugradphotos.jpeg#GMercyUGrad Photos

Each year, GMercyU Graduates take photos in their caps and gowns at some of the most iconic spots on campus such as the Welcome Wall, Bell Tower, Assumption Hall, and Lady Garden. Grads can submit their photos to the #GMercyUGrad photo contest, which is held on GMercyU's Instagram account.

page_honorsconvocation.jpegHonors Convocation

Honors Convocation is a formal academic event that recognizes students that have earned program honors, special awards, and induction into academic Honor Societies.

page_commencement.jpegCommencement

Commencement is a formal ceremony that celebrates the conferral of academic degrees to graduating students. This traditional ceremony dates back to the 12th century in Europe and the 17th century in the United States.