Few current faculty members have served the University longer than Mary Reilly '81, who began her career as an assistant professor of Psychology in 1985 at the (then) Gwynedd-Mercy College.
Professor Reilly embodies the ideals of Mercy education. She understands that, while learning may begin in the classroom, it often deepens through community involvement and service to others. This focus on transformative learning is most evident in her role as internship coordinator for the Psychology program. Her excellence in teaching was recognized in 1997, when she received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.
Having been a Mercy Associate for more than 20 years, Professor Reilly’s passion and deepest satisfaction lie in the Mercy tradition of service, both to this University and to the broader community. As a faculty member, she has served in administrative roles as coordinator of the Psychology Program and as chairperson of the former Behavioral and Social Sciences Division. She has also served as a member of task forces and faculty standing committees, including Faculty Council, Faculty Development Committee, Educational Policy and Planning Committee, the Retention Committee, and the General Education Committee.
Professor Reilly as co-advised Sigma Phi Sigma, the national Mercy honor society, and she has served on the Mission and Values Committee numerous times. She also volunteers for many service-oriented activities on campus, including Welcome Weekend and Holiday Outreach, and she is strongly connected to the Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice.
Off campus, Professor Reilly devotes time to coordinating various types of service within her parish, most notably around issues of food insecurity, aging, hospice care, and grief. Her enduring commitment to serving others was recognized in 2006 when she received the Sister Isabelle Keiss Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.
Professor Reilly is highly regarded by many faculty and staff members, and she has had a lasting impact on students, her colleagues, and the University.
