Achieving New Heights: Capital Campaign and Construction Update
A Place to Soar: The Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Campaign for a New Monarch Wing
has exceeded $6 million in commitments, reaching 85% of our $7 million goal. This milestone underscores the dedication of alumnae, parents, friends, and foundation partners contributing to fulfill our mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each supporter for their instrumental role in making this essential project possible. Construction began in late November, and remarkable progress has been made during the winter months. Recent developments include the installation of steel beams. Notably, the Board of Trustees has recently approved the addition of two new classrooms, further enhancing the project's scope and impact.
More than a physical expansion, the new Monarch Wing is a symbol of our commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for young women. This state-of-the-art renovation and addition will house expansive collaborative spaces including a new community and dining commons, seminar room, classrooms, and counseling center — all designed to foster a dynamic and nurturing educational experience for students.
In May, we are set to commence the demolition of the existing cafeteria and faculty dining room. The envisioned transformation will convert the current space into a modern kitchen, servery, touchdown area, and school store. We anticipate completing this portion of the project by early September, just in time for the 2024-2025 academic year. The entire wing is scheduled for completion by January 2025.
An exceptional aspect of this project is the proximity of the construction site to our cafeteria and classrooms, providing our students with a front-row seat to witness the ongoing transformation. For an immersive insight into the construction, we invite you to view the timelapse video and the updated project map below. |
For more information on the capital campaign: Please contact Director of Advancement Colleen Belz Frascatore '89 at cfrascatore@8782325.com. |
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Making a Difference: The Catalino Family
Gwynedd Mercy is honored to highlight Mary and Jim Catalino, proud parents of Mary Kate '12, Nicole '15, and Kathryn '17
for their recent leadership gift to "A Place to Soar: The Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Campaign for a New Monarch Wing." Their generous support has led to the naming of the new Counseling Center, marking a significant milestone in our transformative campaign to provide essential community, learning, and counseling space for every student.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mary and Jim for their investment in Gwynedd Mercy," expressed President Denise Marbach ’72. "Naming the Counseling Center for the Catalinos is especially fitting, as it reflects their compassion and commitment to empowering young women. They understand that, with a Mercy education, Gwynedd Girls are both prepared for success and poised to confidently pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact."
Before pledging their support to the campaign, Mary and Jim consulted with their three daughters to gather their input. The consensus was unanimous in favor of supporting their alma mater. "When our parents approached us with the idea, it was a no-brainer," they shared. "We are deeply proud and grateful to be Mercy-educated women and look back on our time there with the fondest memories. Gwynedd left an indelible mark on each of us, and we could not be prouder of our parent's commitment to ensuring future generations have the same transformative experience."
Mary, an alumna of West Chester University with a degree in education, has been an active contributor to the Gwynedd community. She played a vital role as a committee member for the Athletic Enhancements Phase 1 project, which funded the construction of the turf field, enhanced track and field areas, and a natural grass field. She also served as co-chair of the decorating committee for two Gwynedd auctions, a major annual fundraiser for the School.
Jim, having recently served as the Chief Revenue Officer of Frontline Education, a leading provider of school administration software, brings a wealth of experience and passion for Mercy education to the Gwynedd community. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University, Jim's values align with Gwynedd Mercy's to do good and contribute to the world. Mary and Jim are also the proud parents of two sons, James and Christopher.
"We wanted to support Gwynedd in a meaningful way to give back to the school that provided so much for our daughters," shared Mary and Jim. "Supporting the Counseling Center and its growth is immensely important to us considering there are so many challenges and opportunities that confront today's young women. We are grateful for Gwynedd's commitment to excellence and are excited to be a part of it."
Guided by our strategic plan, “She is the Future,” Gwynedd’s School and College Counseling Programs have grown in staff and services. Today, from freshman year onward, students have both a school and college counselor, with dedicated time in the academic schedule for support in academic coaching, emotional well-being, goal setting, problem-solving, career exploration, financial literacy, and navigating the college search and application process.
The new Counseling Center space will reflect this growth, featuring a welcoming reception area, six private offices for counselors to meet with students, an executive conference room, and easy access to the new Seminar Room and Community Commons. This transformation highlights GMA’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for each student's holistic development. The Catalino Family's commitment embodies the spirit of the "A Place to Soar" campaign, honoring the Sisters of Mercy legacy and fostering a nurturing environment for all our Monarchs to transform and take flight. We extend our profound gratitude to Mary and Jim for their impactful gift. |
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Bringing the Luck of the Irish: McAuley's Pub Night
We're excited to invite you to be a part of our 5th Annual McAuley's Pub Night, an annual adult social and school fundraiser happening at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School on March 2. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM and features an Irish inspired menu and open bar, pub games, a whiskey tasting, live music, Irish dancing, an online silent auction, and a raffle drawing to win a trip for four to the Emerald Island.
All proceeds will support A Place to Soar: The Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Campaign for a New Monarch Wing to provide much needed community, dining, learning, and counseling space for all students.
You can participate in multiple ways from near or far through a sponsorship, online bidding, and raffle entries (you need not be present to win). Please join us and bring the luck of the Irish to GMAHS! Kindly register by February 26 so we can ensure the pub is fully stocked.
For more information: Please contact Director of Family Engagement Karen Cavacos at kcavacos@8782325.com.
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Uniting for the Mercy Fund: One Week for GMA The Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School community will come together in full force to champion our beloved school and all our girls during One Week for GMA, April 22-26.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of a series of participation challenges that will allow you to double or even triple the impact of your gift to the Mercy Fund, GMAHS's annual fund.
The Mercy Fund provides immediate assistance to every area of our school, enhancing the Gwynedd Mercy educational experience for each and every student. Gifts of all sizes collectively power our school and empower all our girls. You also have the ability to direct your gift to one or more areas that matter most to you. Whether it's academic innovation, ministry and service, extracurricular activities, financial aid, or any other area close to your heart
– your contribution makes a meaningful impact. For more information: Please contact Director of Annual Giving Colleen Corace Connor '86, P'25, '28 at ccoraceconnor@8782325.com. |
Expanding Access: EITC/OSTC Program Participants
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our alumnae, parents, grandparents, friends, and business partners who participate in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) Programs for Gwynedd Mercy. Your support empowers the school to provide tuition assistance to students facing economic barriers, and for that, we are truly grateful! Thanks to growing participation, our donors were able to provide tuition assistance to 66 young women for the 2023-24 academic year through this impactful program alone. The opportunity to make a difference continues, as tax credits remain available. Participate today to ensure a Gwynedd Mercy education is accessible to more Monarchs by turning your PA tax dollars into financial assistance at Gwynedd. What makes this program truly remarkable is its minimal cost to the donor, coupled with a significant impact on the financial aid recipients and our entire school community. Your participation, with its minimal cost, will play a pivotal role in empowering young women to reach new heights.
For more information: Please contact Director of Annual Giving Colleen Corace Connor '86, P'25, '28 at ccoraceconnor@8782325.com. |
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Recognizing Your Future Gift Today: The Catherine McAuley Legacy Society
When you indicate your intention to support Gwynedd Mercy with a gift of any amount by naming the School as a beneficiary in your will or retirement account, such as a 401k, IRA, Donor Advised Fund, or other asset, you will be welcomed into Catherine McAuley Legacy Society for life.
Named for the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, the Society honors individuals of all ages who together will help ensure Gwynedd Mercy continues to educate, inspire, and empower young women today and for generations to come. Is Gwynedd Mercy already in your plans?
Please let us know so we can properly thank you and make sure your gift will be used as you've intended. For more information: Please contact Gift Officer Jeannine Hartz P'14, '20 at jhartz@8782325.com. |
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