Students Find Inspiration in Alumnae Award Honorees

The third annual Alumnae Awards ceremony, a signature event of Reunion Weekend, celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Merion Mercy graduates who have made a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives. More than a moment of recognition, the event served as a source of inspiration for current students, who were reminded of the powerful legacy they are a part of. 

As Head of School Marianne Grace shared, “Your presence here is a powerful reminder of what is possible with a Merion Mercy education. You inspire [today’s students] to dream boldly, to embrace their potential, and see themselves as future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”

Honorees

Meghan Pierce ‘10 - Young Alumnae Award

Recognizing established and future leaders among Merion Mercy alumnae who have graduated in the past 20 years, the Young Alumnae Award is presented to a graduate who has shown great promise and accomplishment in her chosen profession and/or in community, public or humanitarian service, demonstrating leadership and substantial commitment to the mission of Merion Mercy.

This year’s recipient, Meghan Pierce, serves as president and CEO of the Forum of Executive Women, an organization committed to advancing women’s leadership. She was named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” a testament to her professional impact and promise. Meghan holds a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government and earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Gender Studies from George Washington University.

Reflecting on her time at Merion, Meghan credited the school with igniting her passion for advocacy and leadership. Her advice to students: “Be aware of what inspires you… Use your voice… Educate yourself continuously… Stay hopeful and resilient.”

Read more about Meghan on our website.

Dr. Laura Stubbs ‘75 - Spirit of Mercy Award

This award honors an alumna who has given of her time and talent for the benefit of Merion Mercy Academy. The awardee serves as an ambassador for MMA and has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the school. She has a passion for Merion Mercy’s mission to educate young women in academics and faith. 

Dr. Laura Stubbs, this year’s honoree, currently serves as Senior Director of the Cora Ingrum Center for Community and Outreach at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from Penn, and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Before joining Penn, Laura had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Navy Captain and civil servant, with leadership roles across military, private, and public sectors. A dedicated member of the Merion Mercy community, she has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021, where she has chaired key committees, championed fundraising initiatives, and worked to strengthen connections among alumnae.

In her remarks, Laura thanked her alma mater for preparing her for success, no matter what that looks like. She also appreciated that Merion Mercy instilled in her the values of compassion and empathy and encouraged its students to put them into action. Finally, she said, “If I can do it; you can do it!”

Read more about Laura on our website.

Susan Lewis McCrary ‘75 - Catherine McCauley Award

The Catherine McCauley Award acknowledges a member of the Merion Mercy community who has demonstrated excellence in their field, contributed to the church and community, and/or shown a commitment to Mercy values through volunteerism. Recipients of this award are individuals who embody the spirit of Catherine McAuley in their daily lives. 

This year’s honoree, Susan Lewis McCrary, lives that spirit wholeheartedly. Since 2017, she has served as President and CEO of St. Ignatius Nursing & Rehab Center in West Philadelphia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Health Administration from Eastern University.

Susan’s dedication to service is reflected in her leadership and her extensive volunteer work with organizations such as Hope Partnership for Education, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, and Catholic Social Services. As a Mercy Associate, she embraces the mission and values of Catherine McAuley in both word and deed.

In accepting her award, Susan reflected on the lasting friendships she made at Merion and the rigorous academics that prepared her for future studies and leadership. She shared that service has been the hallmark of her life, calling her to advocate “for those whose voices are not heard or for causes that are in line with promoting justice and my faith.”

Her advice to students:

• Be kind.
   
• Be of service.
   
• Be brave.
   
• Be a lifelong learner.
   
• Believe you are enough just as you are.
   

She closed by invoking the wisdom of Catherine McCauley: “Be centered in God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back.”

Read more about Susan on our website.

Patricia McGuire ‘70 - Distinguished Alumnae Award 

The day’s final award is given to an alumna who has reached the highest level in her field and has demonstrated exceptional talent within her career. The Distinguished Alumnae Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the ideals of a Mercy education and has used the visibility, power, or leadership of her position to better the community and serve the greater good. 

Patricia McGuire, this year’s honoree, has served as president of Trinity College in Washington, D.C., since 1989. Under her visionary leadership, Trinity has transformed into one of the nation’s most inclusive institutions of higher learning. It is one of only three private colleges in the country designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Predominantly Black Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Patricia has received numerous prestigious honors and serves on several national boards. She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and graduated cum laude from Trinity College.

Though she was unable to attend the ceremony in person, Patricia shared heartfelt remarks in which she expressed gratitude to the teachers and classmates who helped shape her journey. She spoke warmly of her time at Merion Mercy, crediting it for instilling disciplined intellectual habits, a deep appreciation for women’s camaraderie, and a commitment to leadership grounded in purpose.

She challenged students to reject the belief that success is measured solely by wealth or status:

“You don’t have to make a lot of money, have a corner office, or drive the latest car to ‘be someone.’ Follow your passion and you will reap many rewards… you will become someone others admire and want to follow.”

Read more about Patricia on our website.

Reunion Weekend, which celebrated class years ending in 5 and 0, concluded on Saturday with more than 250 alumnae gathering for Mass in the Convent Chapel, followed by a joyful reception. The weekend was capped by the induction of the Class of 1975 into the Golden Circle, honoring 50 years of sisterhood, service, and Mercy spirit.