Alumnae Awards
Each year, during Reunion weekend, we honor Merion Mercy alumnae who have made significant contributions to Merion Mercy Academy, their professional fields, and their communities.
The process begins with the Alumnae Awards committee soliciting nominations of those within the reunion classes being recognized. Nominations are collectively reviewed in each awards category to determine the awardees.
Selections are made based upon the depth and breadth of the nominee’s fulfillment of the award criteria, as demonstrated by the information provided in the nomination packet.
Award Descriptions
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AWARD
Given to an alumna who has reached the highest level in her field while demonstrating exceptional talent within a certain career, this award recognizes the individual who exemplifies the ideals of a Mercy education and has used her position of visibility, power, or leadership to better the community and serve the wider goals of society.
SPIRIT OF MERCY AWARD
Honors an alumna who has given of her time and talent for the benefit of Merion Mercy Academy. The awardee will have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the school and serves as an ambassador for MMA. She has a passion for its mission to educate young women in academics and faith.
YOUNG ALUMNAE AWARD
Recognizes established and future leaders among Merion Mercy alumnae who have graduated in the last 20 years. They have shown great promise and accomplishment in their chosen professions and/or in community, public or humanitarian service, demonstrating leadership and substantial commitment to the mission of the Merion Mercy.
Catherine McAuley Award
Nearly a quarter century ago, the Catherine McAuley Award was established and was bestowed annually at graduation for several years. The award's purpose is to acknowledge 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 prestigious award is not based on nominations and is not given every year. Instead, it is conferred based on recommendations from the Offices of the Head of School and Development.
2024 Alumnae Awardees
- Maripeg Mita Bruder '74 - Catherine McAuley Award
- Marianne Corr '74 - Distinguished Alumnae Award
- Kirsten Echelmeier Sams ‘99 - Spirit of Mercy Award
- Clare Nicholson Zimmerman ‘04 - Young Alumnae Award