GMercyU Hosts a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Blessing for Loyola Hall
Gwynedd Mercy University hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing for the newly renovated Loyola Hall and Triplex outdoor space on Monday, November 18.
Loyola Hall is GMercyU's original residence hall for first-year students. Renovations included new student-controlled air conditioning units, micro-fridges, and new furniture and flooring for every room. Upgrades also included all new lighting fixtures in rooms and common areas, new interior paint, improved lounge areas, and super-fast Wifi throughout the building.
In President D’Emilio’s remarks, she referenced a particular meaningful addition to the beautiful outdoor space in front of Loyola Hall, which now features a statue of Mother Frances Warde, one of the earliest Sisters of Mercy who led the first group of sisters to the United States.
Frances met Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, in Dublin, Ireland in 1832. Because Frances was gifted with intelligence, energy, and enthusiasm, Catherine named her the first superior of the foundation to Carlow in 1837. In America, Frances established numerous houses of Mercy, schools, and facilities to care for the sick (including the first Mercy hospital in America) and a refuge for orphans. Today we are privileged to have the physical reminder of our mercy values and heritage on our campus.
The beautiful new outdoor spaces in front of the Triplex (GMercyU’s three residence halls) now feature plenty of seating — perfect for an outdoor event or student gathering space.
Renovations were made possible by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a grant program for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“When we invest in an educational institution’s infrastructure, we’re investing in the success of our students, the wellbeing of staff and faculty at work, and the future of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Maria Collett (D-12, Montgomery). “That’s why I was proud to help Gwynedd Mercy University secure $2 million in state grant funding back in 2021 to help begin renovations on Loyola Hall, ensuring their residential infrastructure is ready to meet the needs of a growing and developing campus community.”
The event began with a warm welcome from GMercyU President Deanne H. D’Emilio, followed by remarks from Senator Maria Collett, Representative Liz Hanbidge, and Representative Mary Jo Daley ’69. Recent Sport Management graduate and current MBA student Shylynn Cordero ’24 ’25 served as the student speaker for the event, followed by GMercyU’s Vice President for Mission, Planning, & Effectiveness Jim Gallo, EdD, who gave the blessing.
“I am proud to have supported my alma mater in its efforts to create a space for the next generation of young leaders and professionals to live, learn and grow,” shared Mary Jo Daley ’69, D-Montgomery. “With a comfortable and welcoming environment, students will develop into the best versions of themselves and bring that excellence to our communities, ultimately benefitting Pennsylvania professionally, economically, and otherwise.”
“It’s an honor to join with you in celebrating the wonderful upgrades to Gwynedd Mercy’s campus,” said Representative Liz Hanbidge. “For over six decades, The Triplex has been a cornerstone for students and alumni, and these modernizations will ensure it continues to support students of all abilities. This project reflects our state’s and our community’s shared commitment to empowering the next generation, and I’m proud to have worked alongside university leadership, fellow legislators, and state and local officials to make this vision a reality.”