Student Engagement Staff

Our staff is committed to offering you endless ways to get involved, make friends, and develop skills towards your future career. Don't hesitate to reach out! Contact us at studentengagement@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5565.


headshot_alijabarajohnston.jpegAlexandra Jabara Johnston, M.S. (she/her/hers)
Director for Student Engagement

Formerly the Associate Director for Leadership Programs, Alexandra (Ali) was promote to her current role in Summer 2023. Her primary role is to manage all aspects of student engagement by supporting student programming, including orientation, night and weekend events, thought-provoking ideas about social justice issues, student organizations, and many other fun happenings on campus. She has been at Gwynedd Mercy University since 2013 — first as a graduate student, then as an employee in the Office for Student Engagement. 

Ali has been fortunate enough to lead a multitude of Alternative Spring Break service trips, as well as a pilgrimage to Dublin Ireland for the Young Mercy Leaders Conference in 2018. She believes strongly in the mission of the University and sees it as the context from which we build our work.

Prior to her time at GMercyU, Ali worked in youth development and has created leadership programs in conjunction with PA CareerLink. She earned her Masters of Science in School Counseling degree from Gwynedd Mercy University and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from Temple University.

Ali loves reading, traveling (16 countries and counting!), theater, buying a lot of plants, writing letters to elected representatives, and baking – if you stop by, she will probably have some sweet treats to offer!

 

Cecily RitchieCecily Ritchie, M.A.
Coordinator for Student Engagement

Cecily Ritchie joined Gwynedd Mercy University in Summer 2025 as the Coordinator for Student Engagement. In this role, she helps create a well-rounded co-curricular experience by planning and implementing a robust calendar of campus-wide programs and events through GMercyU After Dark, CORE Programs, and the Discount Ticket Program. She serves as the advisor to the Student Activities Committee, supports signature traditions like Red & Gold Day, the Christmas Tree Lighting, Finals Breakfast, and Grad Week, and contributes to orientation and commencement programming. Cecily also supervises student workers and helps maintain key student engagement spaces on campus.

Cecily brings with her a strong background in student affairs. Prior to joining Gwynedd Mercy University, she received her Master of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership from Villanova University in May 2025, where she held several roles where she supported student organizations, leadership development, and professional programming.

Her passion for student engagement began at Lehigh University, where she was deeply involved in campus life through roles in residence life, student-led programming, and peer leadership. From her involvement, Cecily received three awards from Lehigh University for her contributions to the student experience. Cecily graduated from Lehigh University in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Health, Medicine, & Society, with a minor in Marketing.

Cecily is passionate about student development and providing engaging opportunities where every student feels seen, welcomed, and supported.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, shopping, hiking, playing video games, and spending time with her friends and family.