More of "Taking Pride in our Work"
Faculty and staff members shared their reflections of GMercyU in celebration of our 75th anniversary.
Bonus content from the 75th anniversary issue of TODAY magazine
Stephanie Alderfer, M.Ed.
Director, Tutoring Services & Placement Assessment
Adjunct Lecturer, FYE & School of Education
“Gwynedd Mercy University, I think you could say, is in my blood and in my heart. I took my first class at 'Gwynedd-Mercy College' in 1984 (unbelievably almost 40 years ago) and have been around in some fashion ever since. My 219 credits from GMercyU earned me three degrees and one elementary education certification. I worked as a graduate assistance in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) from 1996 through 1998 while working toward my elementary education certification and was hired as assistant director of the ARC in January 1999. Almost 25 years later, I'm still in the 'ARC,' now known as the Student Success Center (SSC), as director of tutoring services and placement assessment, administering and reporting results of the math and English placement assessments and recruiting, hiring, and training student and professional tutors.
"One of the things I like most is being able to support students' academic success, as well as finding, hiring, and training student tutors and seeing them flourish and gain confidence in their knowledge and ability to share/support the learning of others. Equally, I love tutoring education majors in preparation for their teacher certification exams by giving them encouragement and strategies to successfully tackle them. In addition, I have been blessed to be an adjunct instructor for the school of education since 2004 and also in the past for the First-Year Experience program. I am beyond grateful for the teaching opportunities and love it more than I can impart!
"Gwynedd Mercy has been my anchor, my steadfast community, my rock, and my joy these many years. I am, and have always been, beyond grateful for all opportunities afforded me by GMercyU ... and to think they came about because my dear friend attended Gwynedd and suggested I might want to do the same. And so I did, which led to my degrees, graduate assistant-ship, full-time employment, tutoring, committees, service, and adjunct instruction. Because of this, I have been with a community that fills and fits me all these years. I have made countless, timeless friendships, as well as connections with students that I would not have otherwise. My love for Gwynedd Mercy University for these and so many other reasons is endless and forever engraved in my heart. Thank you, GMercyU!”
Ray Bandlow, PhD
Professor of Education Policy and Director, Doctoral Studies Education
“The 10 years I’ve spent at Gwynedd Mercy University have been the best years of my career. The University’s mission is my personal mission. The Critical Concerns are my critical concerns. We've become a national university with a footprint in 41 states and 8 other nations by instilling our mission, our Critical Concerns, and our student-centered culture into doctoral studies in education.”
Carol Breslin, PhD
Professor Emerita of English
“I congratulate Gwynedd Mercy University on achieving its 75th anniversary as an institution of higher education. I was privileged to be part of the Gwynedd Mercy community for a little over 50 years, 49 as a full-time professor in the English Department, and a few more as an adjunct after my retirement. When I began teaching in 1965, most of the faculty were members of the congregation of the Sisters of Mercy and all of our students were women. Over the years this changed, of course, and we welcomed male students and many lay faculty as the numbers of sisters began to decline.
"From my earliest days on campus, I knew that I was I the right place. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Although several of the sisters I met there had been my teachers at Little Flower High School, they treated me as an equal from the very start, though I hardly felt that way. And over time, they became my friends and colleagues, whose support and confidence made my progress and growth as a teacher, administrator, and most importantly, as a human being, possible. I’ll never forget them.
"Nor will I forget the lay faculty and staff who welcomed me in those very early days, helping me to find my way into what was then the 'college' community, 'showing me the ropes,' so to speak, and allowing me to become one of them — a community of educators and professionals committed to providing an excellent educational experience for their students.
"Speaking of the students, they were, as I said, all women when I began teaching. My classes were large, and it took me some time to match names and faces, but eventually we got to know each other well enough that a few even baby sat my twins when they came along.
"A lot of time has passed since those early days and much at Gwynedd has changed, but what I consider to be its hallmark — its welcoming and accepting atmosphere, its hospitality — remain, making it a very special and unique educational institution that I am proud to have served.”
Tricia Brown O’Hara, PhD
Professor, Nursing Program
“I truly have and continue to LOVE what I do! I love the culture of Gwynedd Mercy University, i.e., its mission, but most especially love the people who work here. Gwynedd feels like a family to me. The faculty, staff, and students have always made me feel so valued and respected. I can reach out to everyone here for advice, assistance or feedback, and always get worthwhile answers. Nothing I ask is ever too much. “
“People are so friendly, positive and do believe in, and follow, the mission. People have fun at work, laugh, smile, and congratulate one another.
“I am on a nine-month contract and when I first started my career in teaching at Gwynedd, I chose to work part-time, in the summer, at two other prestigious universities just to get more experience and see how things are done in nursing in other places. I could not wait until the fall to return to Gwynedd to again experience the positive, caring culture of our University. Our reputation in the community is outstanding, making me proud to be a part of this University."
Desiree Caldwell, EdD
Assistant Professor, Master Teacher & Special Education Program
"What I loved most about being a student at Gwynedd Mercy is the same thing I love being a faculty member at Gwynedd Mercy ... the level of commitment faculty and staff have for students and their success not only as a student, but as a human being. It feels like home 24 years later!"
Rebecca Gullan, PhD
Professor and Program Coordinator of Psychology Program
“One time a student described GMercyU to me as, ‘a place where people hold the door for you,’ and I can’t think of a more perfect way to explain what it is like to be a member of this community. People genuinely care about each other, and this care shows up in our everyday interactions as well as the bonds that develop over time. As a faculty member, my relationships with students (and our alumni!) are what I value more than anything, and I feel lucky to be at a place where I have the opportunity to connect in such a meaningful way.”
Wade Luquet, PhD, LCSW
Professor, Founding Director of Social Work Program
“I arrived on campus two weeks before the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. I remember we were all in shock and did not quite understand what was going on. By early afternoon, we were all gathered at the Bell Tower for reflection and prayer. Because of my social work background, I was asked to hang around with students in the residence hall to have discussions. What I got to see that day is what I have I have known about Gwynedd ever since that tragic day. Gwynedd is a true community bound together by mercy and love. We are a community of friends and I feel lucky every day that I get to drive onto our beautiful campus to be with my colleagues. I have seen how the campus comes together to celebrate, mourn, play, support, and participate in its traditions. Gwynedd is more than a place to learn. It is a place to be nurtured and supported in the process of learning. And that makes you want to learn more. Gwynedd is a very special place."
Michelle Kulp McEliece, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology and Program Coordinator of Biology Program
“What I love most about being a faculty member at GMercyU is the community. I felt that from the moment I stepped onto campus 20 years ago, and it is evident today as it was then. So many places give lip-service to their Mission, but everyone at GMercyU truly lives the Mission. It is the people at Gwynedd who make it so special, and I treasure the relationships I have formed. Every day I get to work with the most amazing and supportive colleagues and teach the most wonderful and caring students, who have all become family to me. That those relationships don’t end after they have left is a testament to how much of a community we really are.”
Cheryl Malfi, EdD
Field Placement Coordinator, Education Programs
“The way in which I carry mercy in my work is how mercy is embedded in my life, in all I say and all I do. As a woman of faith, I attempt to live out my Earthly life as Jesus would, as much as is possible here on Earth. This means that I strive to be intentional in all of my dealings with people and circumstances. I strive to lift people up, to support, encourage, motivate, and to walk alongside when people are in need. I choose to show mercy just as I would hope to be extended the same. And, if I want to have God show mercy to me, I must show mercy to others. Matthew 5:7 has Jesus reminding us, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.'
"In my work here at GMercyU, my actions, words, and deeds are no different. I exhibit kindness, caring, interest, enthusiasm, and mercy for those with whom I work and serve. We are called to love one another. John 13:34 says, 'I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.' At work, even if challenges are presented, we are called to love people. Loving people means loving the associated baggage, issues, circumstances, the problems that people bring our way. This is mercy. Showing mercy while still holding high expectations and standards can be difficult but as we've heard so many times before, that is why it's called work.
"How can we show mercy every day, at work and everywhere? We can listen to the other person, understand the situation, and imagine ourselves in the same predicament. This is one way to better situate oneself to show mercy.
We can practice forgiveness.
We can examine the problem and not the person.
We can look for the good and not get stuck on the bad parts of a situation.
We can believe that from difficulties, new discoveries may bring us to an even better place that we might not have been prior to the problem. Or, from ashes come beautiful things.
We can live out kindness, gentleness, humility.
Today more than ever before, we need to extend mercy, on purpose!”
Janice Nuss, DSW, LCSW
Associate Professor, Director of Field Education, and Director of Social Work Program
“What I love most about being a faculty member at GMercyU are the students. It is a joy to partner with students in their journey to becoming distinctive Mercy graduates. A Mercy education is unique... it is community-engaged, action-oriented, social justice minded, and reflective. In social work, our students leave GMercyU with real-life, hands-on experiences collaborating with local and global partners to promote global human rights. Whether it is traveling to work with residents with intellectual disabilities at Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, fundraising for rainwater harvesting programs with Mercy Focus on Haiti in Jamaica, or collaborating locally with the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia, these are just a few examples of how our Mercy students ‘think global, but act local.’ These experiences provide a foundation for global citizenship and social action that will carry our GMercyU grads throughout their lives and careers. It is a true honor to be a part of our student's educational journey!”
Mary Jo Pierantozzi '72, MS
Professor Emerita
“I have been privileged to be not only a professor at Gwynedd, but a proud alumna as well. There is something about GMercyU that has always made me feel connected to something greater than myself. First and foremost, are the students. I enjoy my time in the classroom as well as the positive relationships with students; they are the heart and soul of GMercyU. The spirit of Mercy is alive and well at Gwynedd and it permeates all that we do. Our focus on service, as well as the Critical Concerns, helps us to prepare our students to be productive members of society and to ‘be the change’. What more could we ask?”
Peggy Kerr, EdD
Assistant Professor, Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Doctoral Program
“I love being faculty at GMercyU because I am able to advance the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy in my teaching. Because my students are all teachers, they can then, in turn, use their learning to advance the Concerns in their own teaching. This beautiful cycle of spreading Mercy makes my job extremely rewarding. In addition, I value working with colleagues who value the Mercy mission and putting student success first.”
Albert Fried-Cassorla
Lecturer in English
“Teaching at GmercyU has been an enriching experience in so many ways. Between the two main pleasures — connecting with great literature and interacting with bright, inquisitive students — I honestly could not choose. And I would add that they're inseparable.
"I've taught Introduction to Poetry for many semesters, and more recently creative writing. My special joy had been to see how students understand and appreciate the greatest poetry of the ages. Some poems are easily understood and enjoyed, such as Wordsworth’s ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,’ also called ‘Daffodils.’ Reading it aloud gives a breath of springtime to all.
"Other poems, such as T.S. Eliot's ‘love song of J Alfred Prufrock,’ require parsing and diligent penetration of meaning. There, like working one's way into a tough lobster, great rewards await.
"My students were mainly, indeed almost exclusively, nursing students. And for them, great poetry was anodyne, a refreshing contrast to their studies in medicine, anatomy, and pharmacology. My students showed their pleasure at reading aloud in class by finger-snapping, which I heartily encouraged. All my students thus became virtual Beatniks!
"A highlight of my semesters was a guided trip to our adjacent forest to study nature and poetry with the help of a professional horticulturist. And that person was the expert and all-around good dude, Jonathan Nuss. Yes, he knew all the plant names and more. And we typically stopped on a bridge and recited ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ by John Keats, or a different nature-inspired poem. Jon, by the way, is the husband of Prof. Janice Nuss, of our Social Work Department.
"In my later years, I became involved with Voices of Gwynedd choir. What a lot of fun! Singers included students and others from neighboring areas. Choir leader Carol Evans was the living embodiment of a joyful attitude.
"Yes, this is sounding like a retirement speech, which I hope it is not! But I do want to thank some people who made my experience here especially meaningful: President Deanne D'Emilio, who amazed my students with her once-per-semester visit with inspiring tales; Dr. Lisa McGarry, who offered me a teaching position; Dr. Lisbeth Chapin, who give me many useful teaching strategies; Wade Luquet, whose gentle encouragement was extremely beneficial in my first few months; Dave McAllister and Jessica Richmond, who made our visits to Keiss Library great pleasures, as well as amazing learning experiences.
"Well, eight years at Gwynedd Mercy U — to paraphrase Jerry Garcia, ‘What a long, lovely trip it's been!’”
Joan Loretta Henkel, RSM, PsyD
Adjunct Instructor, Psychology Program
“As an adjunct instructor at Gwynedd Mercy University, I have had the privilege of teaching students in the theory and practice of psychology over the past several years. In addition to their continued growth in academic knowledge and awareness, our students have displayed impressive personal and professional development as a result of their overall college experience. In general, our students exemplify the University’s core values and express high ethical and moral standards in everyday life. In particular, they have learned and continue to embrace the charism and critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy that address our current societal needs.
"It truly has been a heartfelt experience to journey with these young women and men as they strive for academic excellence and continue to work for peace, justice, and equality in our communities, our country, and our world. Gwynedd Mercy University, its faculty, staff, and students continue to be a blessing in my life and the lives of countless others!"
Amanda Kettinger, M.S.
Adjunct Faculty, Psychology Program
“I have been teaching at GMercyU for 14 years and the thing I love most about teaching here is celebrating the accomplishments of each student — no matter how big or small. Getting to hear about their triumphs and achievements both in and out of the classroom brings me such joy! Having the opportunity to connect with students as they navigate their purpose-driven journey is very meaningful and truly an honor.”
Armani Jay Rivera '20
Programmer Analyst
I.T.S., Administrative Systems and Computing
“Despite the University having to face many ups and downs in these times, I will always be grateful to GMercyU for even giving me a chance as an employee. From my student worker days to today, every moment with the community has been a blessing and nourishing in my early career development.”
