Ricordia: Alumnae Awardees Inspire Students

by Valentina Tartaglini '29

“No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women,” reads a Catherine McAuley quote that is near to the hearts of many Merion Mercy students, faculty, staff, and alumnae. On April 23, 2026, four alumnae were honored for their immense contributions to their professional fields as well as their emphasis on Mercy values in their everyday lives. They addressed current students on what makes mercy great, the meaning of living out Catherine’s message and school values, and most importantly, the value of being an educated woman. 

Dr. Mara Piltin ‘06 - Young Alumnae Award

Dr. Mara Piltin began her speech by acknowledging that the Young Alumnae Award is “one of the most incredible awards I’ve received.” A breast and melanoma surgical oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, she remains the only fellow in 20 years hired to join the practice. 

She provided students with advice for their future careers. Dr. Piltin commented, “Never be the smartest person in the room.” She later told students, “Ask for what you deserve…continue to ask for what you believe in.” 

The Young Alumnae Award is awarded to leaders of the Mercy community who have graduated in the last 20 years and shown great commitment and promise in their fields of study.

Beth Howley Krieger ’76 - Spirit of Mercy Award 

Beth Howley Krieger ’76 is an information technology innovator, dedicated educational leader, and philanthropist. Upon receiving the award, she commented: “To be accepting this award is flattering and surreal. I'm thinking of the impact Merion Mercy had on each of us.” She discussed her appreciation for independent, single gender schools like her alma mater.

The Spirit of Mercy Award is bestowed on dedicated ambassadors for MMA who have shown a significant commitment to the education of young women. 

Dr. Eileen M. Everly ’91 - Catherine McAuley Award

Dr. Eileen M. Everly told a harrowing account of her second overnight call as a pediatric intern: a two year-old boy was rushed into CHOP at midnight. The doctors diagnosed him with an asthma attack; however, Dr. Everly had her own suspicions. Would a two year old boy really spend hours sleeping after an asthma attack with no energy whatsoever? She further examined the case and made a shocking diagnosis: he was suffering from an opioid overdose after consuming heroin at his home.

Dr. Everly saved his life by using the Educational Courage that she learned at Merion Mercy Academy. She commented, “I would not be the physician I am today without my teachers at MMA.” She publicly praised Karen McClennen, a former science teacher at the school, who recently returned to MMA as a long-term substitute to teach Biology.

She also encouraged students to “work for equity and equality.” Dr. Everly is not only a physician but also a pediatric literacy advocate and the site medical director for the “Reach Out and Read program.” Throughout her speech, she demonstrated the importance of Mercy values and their application in the real world. 

The Catherine McAuley Award is awarded to individuals who have excelled in their fields, contributed to the church and community, as well as incorporated school values into their lives through volunteerism. 

Dr. Kathleen Gleason Beavis ‘76 - Distinguished Alumnae Award

A former member of the Ricordia staff and the World Affairs Club, Dr. Kathleen Gleason Beavis commented that her “commitment to excellence and service” sprouted from her education at Merion Mercy Academy. 

Dr. Beavis is a Professor of Pathology at the esteemed University of Chicago and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious medical journeys across the nation. Currently, she serves as the President and trustee of the American Board of Pathology. 

She gave students notable life advice saying, “When people remember us, they will not remember our accomplishments. They will remember how we made them feel.” 

The Distinguished Alumnae Award is awarded to alumnae who have demonstrated remarkable abilities in their fields and reached the highest level of recognition in their careers while living Mercy values. 
 

The Mercy alumnae awarded at this ceremony demonstrated to students that their unique abilities and strong intellect can lead them to accomplish so much in life while living out the message of Catherine McAuley. President Marianne Grace commented, “this is your future as well…you [students] have the same capacity to achieve.” Merion Mercy Academy is beyond proud of their alumnae and excited to see what the future holds!