Misericordia Hosts Centennial Trustee Associates Gala

Misericordia University President Emeritus Dr. Michael MacDowell, Tina MacDowell, and trustee emeritus Sandy Insalaco Sr. will be among the very special honorees when the university hosts its Centennial Trustee Associates Gala on September 28, 2024. The board of trustees invites and will give thanks to all trustee associate level donors of the 2023-24 academic year, and will offer a special commemoration to Misericordia’s foundresses, the sisters of Mercy, and those who carry on their 100-year-old mission today. Misericordia has been awarded $100,000 from the Mercy Foundation to establish the Mercy Foundation Legacy Scholarship, and the university hopes to raise another $100,000 for scholarships through gala sponsorships and honor roll opportunities.  To learn more about the Centennial Trustee Associates Gala please visit https://www.misericordia.edu/news/news-post-page/~board/news/post/centennial-trustee-associates-gala-to-honor-special-members-of-the-misericordia-university-community

Although gala admission is by invitation only, numerous sponsorship opportunities and an honor roll listing are available for those who would like to recognize the honorees, and support and celebrate Misericordia’s historic centennial year. Each sponsorship level offers a variety of benefits. For information, go to https://www.misericordia.edu/gala24.The deadline for securing a sponsorship is Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Misericordia University Appoints New Board Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Misericordia University (MU) approved two new members during its June meeting.

Joining the board are Mary Griffin Cummings, Esq. (on the left) and Misericordia University alumnus Adam Grzech ’13 ‘17 (on the right).

Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Smith-Mileski, Ed.D., said, “During our centennial year, we are privileged to welcome two caring, compassionate leaders to our board of trustees. As a former Misericordia alumni association president and successful business executive, Adam is a strong supporter of our mission through his volunteer activities and philanthropy. Similarly, Mary’s legal expertise, recognized professional success, and leadership in various community activities in Northeast Pennsylvania greatly enrich our board culture as well.”

Cummings, who is executive vice president and general counsel at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, has established herself as a leader in the legal and banking sectors. Her career has included positions at area organizations such as FNCB Bank, Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, and Wyoming Valley Health Care System.

She is a native of Towanda, PA who obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University and then pursued a Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA. She is a member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Cummings’ legal expertise is matched only by her dedication to community service. She volunteered at the Catherine McAuley House and serves as chair of the board of trustees of the Catherine McAuley Center. She also sits on the board of trustees and the nominating and governance committee of the McGlynn Learning Center.

Cummings has been actively involved with the Sisters of Mercy and has received numerous accolades for her leadership and philanthropy, including the 2010 Mercy Woman of the Year and Women Making an Impact award from Dress For Success Lackawanna.

Cummings has a deep connection with Misericordia University that extends through her family, as she proudly acknowledges her aunt, the late Mary Ellen Griffin Landy, who is a distinguished alumna of the university. Cummings also delivered the commencement address at Misericordia University’s spring graduate ceremony in 2024 where she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Grzech serves as director of operations for Keystone Automotive. He has been with the organization for eight years holding various roles in multiple locations throughout the U.S. He enjoys the constant change of the supply chain environment as well as mentoring others.

Grzech, who resides in Novi, MI, with his wife Erin F. Grzech (Kain), a ’14 MU graduate, and their son John, is a native of Mountain Top and the son of John and Linda Grzech.

Grzech is a graduate of Crestwood High School who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from MU in ‘13 and a Master of Business Administration in ‘17. As an undergraduate student, he competed on the MU men’s swim team and later served as the graduate assistant for the swim team while earning his MBA.

A fan of auto racing, Grzech serves on the board of Waterford Hills Road Racing where he aims to grow the sport. He is a parishioner of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and a member of the MU Alumni Board –where he served as board president and an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees during that time.

In his free time, Grzech competes in auto racing through the Sports Car Club of America spec Miata Class; skis every chance he gets; and enjoys playing golf with his wife.

Misericordia University Introduces New Programs in Entrepreneurship and Criminology

Misericordia University recently introduced two new majors for full-time students that begin in fall 2024. The College of Arts and Sciences added a new Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship is now available within the College of Business.

“Our criminology degree was created to educate students in a wide range of issues and principles impacting crime in modern society,” says John Woznicki, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It will prepare students for a career in law enforcement and various other fields related to the study and reduction of crime. We use an interdisciplinary approach, apply broad-based thinking skills in the Mercy tradition, and draw on the talents of our faculty in government, law, and national security as well as new faculty we’ve added to support this major.”

Building on recent success in launching new majors, such as supply chain management and business economics, the College of Business is introducing entrepreneurship as a major for full-time students, as well as a certificate program for adult learners.

Jim Pierson, J.D., CPA, dean of the College of Business says, “Entrepreneurship is an excellent major for students who desire to start their own businesses or who wish to apply their knowledge in an existing company as someone who promotes innovative product development and marketing. Students will apply appropriate thinking skills and technology to entrepreneurial activities to solve business problems and formulate sound business decisions.” Pierson adds that students can opt for a specialization in social entrepreneurship that will help them analyze the importance of ethical and social responsibilities and to foster innovation in applying entrepreneurial skills to address social issues impacting our communities through social ventures and responsive business operations. 

Misericordia University is a highly personal community of over 2,000 students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning and supports co-curricular activities by engaged faculty and staff. The university challenges students to excel academically, professionally, and socially and has notably superior graduation and retention rates. The university’s core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality underpin the more than 50 academic programs. Misericordia offers 31 Division III NCAA intercollegiate athletic programs, which include the new additions of STUNT, men’s and women’s wrestling, and men’s ice hockey. Misericordia University is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and is planning to welcome its second largest first-year class.

For more information on any new or existing program, please visit www.misericordia.edu/academics.

Misericordia University Opening Doors to Endless Possibilities

At Misericordia University, we believe in opening doors to endless possibilities. Whether it’s through our diverse academic programs, engaging campus life, or community partnerships, we are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to achieve their fullest potential. Join us and discover how Misericordia can help you turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu

Misericordia University to Host Open House

Misericordia University invites you and your family to experience our campus, meet our students, visit with professors, learn more about athletics, and speak with admissions representatives. If you are looking for a college that delivers a powerful education and a personal experience, then look no further than Misericordia University. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu/admissions/admissions/open-house

Misericordia University Educational Opportunities

At Misericordia University, we believe in opening doors to endless possibilities. Whether it’s through our diverse academic programs, engaging campus life, or community partnerships, we are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to achieve their fullest potential. Join us and discover how Misericordia can help you turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu

Misericordia Introduces Expressway Social Work Program

The Mission of Misericordia University’s Social Work Program is to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Accelerated Degree Program prepares students for professional practice with a curriculum that integrates theory with practical experience in a Social Welfare Agency. Graduates are eligible for licensing in Pennsylvania and many other states

Misericordia University Offers Summer Camps for Students

Misericordia University offers a variety of camps during the summer for students of all ages. From Career Exploration Camps for high school students to Sports Camps and a Performing Arts Camp for any age group, there is something for everyone!

To explore all that our summer camps have to offer, please visit:  https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/university-camps utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pacesetter_expressway_pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGmjP4i7Z3d3kbBlssdefXihoSC2OZqSLJLqaspqhbs8eQ5NhXcJ9RoCkeUQAvD_BwE

Misericordia University to Offer Summer Camps for Students

Misericordia University offers a variety of camps during the summer for students of all ages. From Career Exploration Camps for high school students to Sports Camps and a Performing Arts Camp for any age group, there is something for everyone! To explore all that our summer camps have to offer, please visit: 

https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/university-camps utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pacesetter_expressway_pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGmjP4i7Z3d3kbBlssdefXihoSC2OZqSLJLqaspqhbs8eQ5NhXcJ9RoCkeUQAvD_BwE