Letter from the Board Chair

2021-2022 Board of Trustees

Mr. Mark Bullock, Secretary Mrs. Elsie Goss Caldwell, P’96 Mr. Robert Dunne, P’07, ’12 Mrs. Laura Farrell, Head of School Mrs. Lisa Nicolella Farrell ’78, P’13 Mrs. Megan Grady, P’19, ’20 Mrs. Diane Johnson DiCicco ’97 Mrs. Megan Knott, P’21 Mrs. Beth Howley Kreiger ’78 Sister Christine McCann, RSM, Honorary Alumna ’19 Mrs. Catharine McGeever, P’16 Mr. Bill O’Shea, P’06, ’13, Chair Mr. Dennis Riley, P’21 Dr. Laura Stubbs ’75

Mrs. Ellen Willcox ’80, P’12, Vice Chair Dr. Michelle Williams ’96

Sister Ann O’Connell, RSM ’62 † Mrs. Chrissy Wechsler Rayer ’95 Dear Merion Mercy Community,

Allow me to begin this letter by expressing my delight in the appointment of Marianne Grace as Merion Mercy Academy’s new Head of School! Marianne demonstrates remarkable energy and enthusiasm and has brought to the position her decades of leadership experience and obvious passion for the school and her Catholic faith. She is a mission-driven, strategic, and collaborative leader. Her wholehearted dedication to Merion Mercy and the lives of students and faculty is abundantly clear, and, by all accounts, the year is off to a great start!

As I reflect on the 2021-2022 academic year, there is much to celebrate, including a post-pandemic return to beloved traditions, the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan, a new Design and Discovery Studio and the graduation of 106 impressive alumnae. In addition to being admitted to dozens of fine institutions, the Class of 2022 secured more than $24M in scholarships and numerous students were recognized for their academic performance. Brag worthy results, indeed!

As you will see detailed in this report, the support we receive from our community is far-reaching—and comes in the forms of time, talent, and treasure. Thank you to all of our community members who help Merion Mercy empower the next generation of young women of Mercy who will impact our world in their own, unique way.

I also look back with gratitude for Laura Farrell’s leadership the past three years. Through her commitment to MMA’s mission and Mercy values, her strong Catholic faith, a compelling vision for all girls education, and a commitment to our students, Laura was able to make significant progress despite the challenges imposed by COVID-19. I am particularly pleased with our 2022–2027 strategic plan, “Boundless Mercy, Infinite Possibilities,” which provides a vision for the future and is already generating ideas to enhance the student experience.

I also would like to recognize my fellow Board members for their commitment to the school. These past years, in particular, have seen a heavy workload on many of our committees involving the planning and execution of the first stages of implementing the strategic plan. The years ahead are exciting ones for MMA!

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank our donors, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae and the Sisters of Mercy for your commitment to this amazing school. You provide pivotal support to our wonderful students who bring life to our mission and energy to our entire community. I look forward to celebrating with you all that lies ahead!

In gratitude

Bill O’Shea P’06, ’13 Chair, Board of Trustees