Maria College Celebrates 60th Anniversary During Earth Week

Maria College in Albany, NY celebrated 60 years of Mercy education on April 25, 2018. The ceremony included a ribbon cutting of the newly renovated McAuley building (former McAuley Residence) which will expand the campus for health professions education.

Maria Board of Trustees Chairperson Gail Waring rsm welcomed everyone and Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community President Jacqueline Marie Kieslich rsm gave the opening prayer (PDF). Maria College President Tom Gamble, PhD then introduced Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan who read a proclamation (PDF) from the city proclaiming April 25 in Albany as, “Maria College Day.” Also providing remarks were Senator Neil D. Breslin, and Assembly member Patricia Fahy. View the celebration program (PDF).

Since 1958, Maria College has graduated 9,723 students. Many have stayed in the region to contribute their skills, knowledge and experience, making a difference in the lives of others in the communities where they work and live.

Maria Board of Trustees chairperson, Gail Waring rsm stated, “The Sisters of Mercy and Maria share a vision for providing advanced education to all who can benefit for the purpose of transforming learned skills into caring service for careers in direct patient care and other health related service professions whose missions align with our values.”

There were many Sisters in attendance who significantly contributed to furthering the ministry of higher education at Maria College.

Sisters of Mercy attending Maria’s 60-year anniversary are:
Standing, left to right, Rose Hobbs, Nancy Quinlan, Jean Roche, Jacqueline Marie Kieslich, Jane Somerville, Gail Waring, Victoria Battell, and Patty Moriarty.
Sitting, Gloria Graves, Gini Sposito, Barbara Dudley, Rita Carr, and Cabrini Nellis.

The Maria College 60-year celebration coincided with Earth Week and the Maria Mission Animation Mercy and Justice subcommittee organized activities and events to build awareness and social responsibility on caring for creation.

On April 26, Marianne Comfort, Sisters of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas justice coordinator for earth, anti-racism and women, presented, “Critical Concern of Care for Earth.” She inspired listeners with global examples on how our daily decisions impact our common home, Earth. The Maria bookstore also offered students a discount on water bottles for everyday use as well as at water filling stations on campus.

 Marianne Comfort presenting, “Living Mercy’s Concern for Earth” at Maria College during 2018 Earth Week.

Also in celebration of Earth Week, blogs were posted on the College’s website with the theme, “What does care of the Earth mean to me?”

Maria College Vice President of Mission, Planning and Student Affairs, Victoria L. Battell rsm, stated, “Maria College shares a deep commitment with the Mercy community to protecting our environment by influencing personal lifestyle changes, such as promoting the use of recyclable water bottles on campus to creating institutional policies that align with energy conservation. Marianne’s visit inspired the Maria Community with her enthusiasm for sustainability and encouraged us to reflect on how our personal choices impact our ‘common home’, Earth.”

Messages to: Elizabeth M. Wales - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer