News

The Impact: Mercy Alumna Wins NY Emmy For Heartfelt Story on Chilean Artist

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:21:32 +0000

The Impact: Mercy Alumna Wins NY Emmy For Heartfelt Story on Chilean Artist znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 10/24/2025 - 16:21 Mercy in the News Alumni

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The Impact, 91��Ƭ's school newspaper written and edited by students, recently featured an article on Mercy alumna Nicole Alarcon, a Media Studies graduate who was part of a News 12 team that won an Emmy on Oct. 11, 2025.

Alarcon, who was associate editor of the Impact in 2022, is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and guidance she received throughout her journalism studies at Mercy.

Read the article here

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Mercy Class Notes

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:17:27 +0000

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Mercy Class Notes jbailjr@mercy.edu Wed, 08/27/2025 - 11:17 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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Mercy Class Notes

May 2024–December 2024

Our Mavericks marking milestones.

Mercy Class Notes is a way to stay connected. We would love to share your recent news, life events and accomplishments. Tell us about them, and we will include it in the next issue. Email: alumni@mercy.edu with your class note.

1960s

Linda Bianchini Uzelac

Linda Bianchini Uzelac ’69 has released her second album, titled “Piano Classics,” now available on all streaming platforms. The album features 39 classical piano pieces, including her signature concert piece, Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” She is currently arranging and scoring four-part vocal harmonies with piano accompaniments for choral Christmas performances. These will complement her popular and widely performed arrangement of “Silent Night.”

Anne Marie Leone ’69

Anne Marie Leone

Anne Marie Leone ’69 debuted her photo exhibit “Along the Hudson Line” at the Ossining Public Library in Ossining, N.Y., on September 5, 2024.

2000s

Constance Barnes

Constance Barnes, M.S. ’01, Ed.D. PMP, successfully defended her dissertation at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education in April 2024. Barnes earned her Doctor of Education in Administration & Policy with a major in Urban Education. She also graduated from the CORO Leadership NY Fellowship this past spring and continues to serve as director for the CUNY ASAP|ACE National Replication Collaborative.

Angelo Hunt

Angelo Hunt, II ’05, has successfully managed two homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing programs since graduating from Mercy. He is currently the director of Social Services for The Fortune Society, overseeing multiple congregate housing units funded by the Department of Homeless Services, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, HUD Supportive Housing Program and New York Supportive Housing Program.

Camele Barrett

Camele Barrett ’06, M.B.A. ’09, a prominent consultant and founder of Edge Consultant, has been recognized for inclusion in “Marquis Who’s Who,” a prestigious directory profiling individuals of prominence in their respective fields. Beyond her transformative career, Clarke-Barrett is also pursuing a doctoral degree.

2010s

Chris Sapienza

Chris Sapienza, M.S. ’10, received a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School on June 27, 2024. The certificate was presented by Professor Jen Lerner and Vice Admiral Herman Shelanski.

2020s

Sofia Huyhua

Sofia Huyhua ’20 works as a patient care technician in the ICU Burn Care Unit at Westchester Medical Center Health Network. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in occupational therapy at 91��Ƭ.

Mohamed Gueye

Mohamed Gueye ’22 recently completed his master’s degree in software engineering from Grand Canyon University. He works at Fidelity Investments, where he was promoted to mid-level software engineer.

Dennis Dias

Dennis Dias ’23, a New York City special education teacher, was named the 2024 Peace Teacher for New York State by the United States Institute of Peace.

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Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: CNR Class Notes

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:49:50 +0000

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: CNR Class Notes jbailjr@mercy.edu Tue, 08/26/2025 - 11:49 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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CNR Class Notes

July 2024–December 2024

Our alumni achievements.

CNR Class Notes is a way to stay connected. We would love to share your recent news, life events and accomplishments. Tell us about them, and we will include it in the next issue. Email: cnralumni@mercy.edu with your class note.

1960s & 1970s

Maria Dolores Lolita Delgado-Fansler

“Bamboo Whispers: poetry of the Mangyan (Philippine Indigenous People)” by Maria Dolores Lolita Delgado-Fansler SAS ’67 won the 2018 National Book Award as Best Translated Book, and the Golden Book Award for Art and Humanities. Additionally, Delgado-Fansler founded The Association of Foundations in the Philippines, which is now 52 years old. She hopes to introduce West Virginia’s History Alive! program in the Philippines in 2025.

Mary Pepe

On October 28, 2024, the Legacy Theatre in Branford, Conn., announced that Mary Pepe CNR SAS ’71 joined its Board of Trustees. With many years of experience in business and a strong background in community service, Pepe brings valuable expertise to this role. She currently serves as the director of Human Resources for the Town of Greenwich.

1980s & 1990s

Barbara Chirinos

On October 24, 2025, LaTanya Richardson Jackson introduced Barbara Chirinos CNR SAS ’83 as Spelman College’s Inaugural Artistic Director of the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center and the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation and the Arts, in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Tim Richardson).

Dr. Darcel Reyes

Dr. Darcel Reyes SN ’96 has been named an American Academy of Nursing (AAN) 2024 Fellow for her contributions to nursing education, research and practice. Reyes is a nurse practitioner and is also an associate professor at Lehman College.

Meredith Snow

Registered and board certified, as well as licensed as a creative arts therapist, Meredith Snow, M.S., ATR-BC, LCAT, SAS ’97, obtained a position at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford this spring as a pediatric art therapist. She works with cardiac transplant patients, pre- and posttreatment on the Creative Arts and Child Life team at Stanford Health in Palo Alto, Calif. Snow also provides eco-art therapy through her private practice, Island Art Therapy, where she integrates ecological approaches to art therapy after having received a California naturalist certificate last autumn through UC Naturalist program at Point Reyes National Seashore.

2000s & 2010s

Tracey Weeden

In August 2024, Tracey Weeden, B.S.W., M.S.W., LCSW, LICSW, QS, CNR SAS ’02 was appointed as vice president and chief behavioral officer for NeighborHealth. In this role, Weeden will leverage her experience and leadership to support the overall mission of addressing behavioral health needs of patients and improving health outcomes within the communities served by NeighborHealth. Weeden is dually licensed in Massachusetts and Florida.

Liliana Santizo

With over 20 years of leadership experience, Liliana Santizo CNR SNR ’12, launched Florece.Life in September 2024 to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Her company specializes in leadership development and People Operations, using psychology-based strategies to help organizations build resilience, tackle complex challenges and drive lasting, meaningful impact.

Franchesca Sterling

Franchesca Sterling CNR SAS ’13 successfully achieved a milestone by completing an intensive program in international politics at the esteemed Bucerius Summer School in Global Governance in Hamburg, Germany on August 26, 2024. Sterling was one of 55 young professionals selected from a pool of approximately 300 applicants representing 32 countries to explore international relations with some of the world’s top global thinkers. She completed her M.B.A. at American University’s Kogod Business School in 2020 in Washington, DC. Presently, Sterling serves as an advisor to Secretary General Luis Almagro of the Organization of American States and previously worked at Whiteford, Taylor and Preston, LLP in Washington, D.C.

Christine Biskup Columna

Christine Biskup Columna CNR SAS ’13 GS ’14 has taught for 10 years as a general and special education teacher in the South Bronx and White Plains school districts, where she has obtained tenure at both locations. Columna also received her Doctor of Education from St. John’s University, focusing on literacy and administration and published her dissertation on Social Emotional Learning: Narrative Growth. In her spare time, she is an 8th grade confirmation teacher and active volunteer with HOPE Community Soup Kitchen in New Rochelle, N.Y.

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Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Leading the Way

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:34:58 +0000

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Leading the Way jbailjr@mercy.edu Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:34 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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DaMia Harris-Madden, M.S. ’07, M.B.A. ’22, works to improve life for New York communities.

“I wake up every day feeling privileged and honored to work in state government,” said Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, M.S. ’07, M.B.A. ’22, commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) since May 2024. “I also feel massive responsibility.” Named a 91��Ƭ Alumni of Distinction honoree in 2024, she has spent more than 20 years working for community and government organizations serving youth and families.

As commissioner, Harris-Madden plays a pivotal role in shaping OCFS policy to achieve its mission of promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of New York children, families and communities. OCFS provides oversight and support to all local DSS and child welfare agencies, 18,000 childcare providers, domestic violence shelters and just about all programs relative to childcare and child welfare services, foster care, juvenile justice, youth development and the Commission for the Blind. “It’s a vast agency that touches the lives of residents at all ages — ‘from twinkle to wrinkle’,” she explained.

In her first nine months in the role, Harris-Madden has driven forward many OCFS priorities, which include afterschool programming, funding resources and opportunities for young people in the juvenile justice system, paving the way toward universal childcare and supporting the most vulnerable populations, including runaway, homeless and trafficked youth.

A lucky conversation brought Harris-Madden to study at 91��Ƭ and put her on a path to a career in government. She was working at Gap, Inc. in human resources at the time and planned to apply to law school. For some reason, she ended up at a Mercy open house and heard about the master’s degree in human resource management. “The next thing I know, I applied and got accepted!” she said. “That totally changed the trajectory for me.”

Her experience as a young mother completing her degree gives her a unique perspective on the necessity of Governor Kathy Hochul’s childcare initiatives. “I wrote my thesis on youth employment with my baby daughter on my lap, typing with one hand,” she laughed. “I know that lots of parents attend Mercy, and I appreciate the governor’s initiatives promoting access to childcare so parents can further their education and realize their dreams.”

With a passion for helping people prepare for the workforce, Harris-Madden soon moved into the nonprofit world and then into government. After working as an assistant program director at the Urban League of Westchester County, she took a job with the City of Mount Vernon. She worked for the city for 14 years, serving in four mayoral cabinets, including executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau.

Next, Harris-Madden moved to the county level. She was one of the first leaders recruited to serve in then County Executive and now Congressman George Latimer’s Cabinet and served for six years as the executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau. In this role, she managed the financial and technical resources deployed to hundreds of programs supporting children, youth and families across Westchester County and established for the first time in 30 years, three new municipal Youth Bureaus, mental health in afterschool programs, and a number of violence prevention, STEAM initiatives, amongst other things.

When Harris-Madden returned to Mercy to pursue her M.B.A., she appreciated how applicable her courses — especially accounting and quantitative analysis — were to her day-to-day work. “It’s not easy to manage an organization that has vast fiscal responsibility and oversight,” she explained. “Even though I lead a large team, I still need to deeply understand budgets and financial documents. The M.B.A. program formalized that learning for me.”

Harris-Madden finds ways to stay connected to Mercy today. In October 2023, for example, the Westchester County Youth Bureau hosted its inaugural Youth MedTech Conference on Mercy’s Westchester Campus. At the event, 250 middle and high school students explored high-growth industries that combine medicine and technology. This event continues today.

With a new federal administration, the political landscape is changing, but Harris-Madden is keeping her eye on doing good work for state residents. “We want New Yorkers to feel like they’ve received high-quality educations and can land good jobs here,” she said. She encourages Mercy students and alumni to consider careers in state and local government: “We need good people to join our team and help us do this important work for all New York residents.”

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Mercy Honors 12 Outstanding Alumni at 2025 Alumni of Distinction Awards

znegron@mercy.edu — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:30:39 +0000

Mercy Honors 12 Outstanding Alumni at 2025 Alumni of Distinction Awards znegron@mercy.edu Wed, 07/09/2025 - 16:30 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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Front row from left to right: Ryushique Bonner, CNR SNR ’09, GS ’11, Audrey Curley, M.S. ’09, Pascale Jean-Gilles ’15, Anwar Abu-Shayed ’22, M.S. ’22 and Annalinda Pandolfi Ragazzo, CNR SAS ’74. Back row from left to right: Patricia Ahearn Mastellon, CNR SAS ’65, Susan Munroe Milne, CNR SAS ’75, Dwayne McCallum ’88, M.S. ’10, Alexandria Connally, M.S. ’06, M.S. ’07 and Rosemary Tiernan, CNR SAS ’75.

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91��Ƭ recognized 12 outstanding alumni at its annual Alumni of Distinction Awards, held on June 6. The ceremony, a longstanding tradition at the University, celebrated graduates from both Mercy and the former College of New Rochelle (CNR), honoring their exceptional contributions to their professions, communities, and alma maters.

This year’s honorees — six from Mercy and six from CNR — represent a broad spectrum of fields including education, public service, healthcare, cybersecurity, law, and advocacy. Their stories are a testament to the enduring values of both institutions and their shared commitment to leadership and service.

“We are proud to recognize 12 exceptional alumni—six from 91��Ƭ and six from the College of New Rochelle—whose accomplishments extend far beyond professional success,” said Bernadette Wade, CNR SAS ’80, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “They have taken the values and lessons gained during their time at Mercy and CNR and used them to uplift their communities.”

Notable guests at the ceremony included 2024 Alumni of Distinction honoree and NYS OCFS Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden; NYS Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky; and Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins — each there to honor this year’s awardees.

2025 Alumni of Distinction and Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

From 91��Ƭ:

Anwar Abu-Shayed ’22, M.S. ’22 – a double graduate of Mercy having earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Cybersecurity and a first-generation Palestinian and Puerto Rican American who speaks three languages. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Women in Cybersecurity chapter at Westchester Community College’s Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society. A multiple President’s and Dean’s List honoree, she won the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. Now campus director of IT at Connecticut State Community College Three Rivers, she plans to pursue a JD in Cybersecurity Law. Passionate about advocating for underrepresented individuals, she seeks to help shape laws in line with evolving technology and empower people to access information and security.
Lucia Alfano ’11 – a 2011 Mercy alumna with a bachelor of science in Nursing, is an assistant professor of Nursing and director of Clinical Affairs here at 91��Ƭ. She's a nationally recognized leader in nursing and healthcare education, focusing on wellness, leadership, and system development to improve academic and health outcomes. Lucia is the founding president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in Westchester County and has received national awards, including the Breakthrough Nurse Leader award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has published extensively on health, wellness, and academics.
Alexandria Connally, M.S. ’06, M.S. ’07 – a lifelong Westchester County resident, champions educational equity. She has served as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and the first Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Innovation for a Rockland County school district. Currently, she's the first Black Assistant Director of Special Services for Southern Westchester BOCES. Her impactful work includes leading Yonkers Public School District's My Brother's Keeper program and co-founding the Yonkers Basics Committee. She also assisted two New York State Regents on equity initiatives and founded Culturally Responsive Environments and Discipline. Her doctoral research focused on culturally responsive practices and racial suspension gaps.
Audrey Curley, M.S. ’09 – an occupational therapist for over 16 years in the Briarcliff Manor School District, she is a dedicated 91��Ƭ alumna, Class of 2009. Inspired by her work with diverse learners, she earned her master's in occupational therapy from Mercy while working full-time. Since 2009, Audrey has built a comprehensive K-12 Occupational Therapy program in Briarcliff Manor. Audrey has successfully secured grants to utilize alternative seating options within the district, which reflects her forward-thinking approach and dedication to improving student experiences. She also mentors 91��Ƭ OT students and participates in community outreach, significantly impacting students and the field of Occupational Therapy.
Pascale Jean-Gilles ’15 – a Nyack native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from 91��Ƭ and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law. While at Mercy, she was part of Model UN and got her certificate from the NYS Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution. During law school, she led the Black Law Students Association. Her career includes roles as a law clerk for a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, communications director for a former state assemblywoman, and outreach director and policy advisor for a former state senator. Pascale currently serves as legislative director and Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky and is a member of the Village of Nyack Board of Trustees.
Dwayne McCallum ’88, M.S. ’10 – a finance leader with over 25 years of experience in banking, insurance, and mergers and acquisitions, partnering with executives to drive revenue growth and margin expansion. He's led numerous change management and transformation initiatives to enhance client service. His leadership includes senior roles at Fortune 500 companies like Aon, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., JP Morgan Chase, and National Australia Bank. Dwayne holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Class of 1988 and an MBA in Finance from Mercy, class of 2010, graduating with honors and inducted into the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. A White Plains resident, he also received the Dedicated Dads Award from the Arthritis Foundation of New York.

From the College of New Rochelle:

Patricia Ahearn Mastellon, CNR SAS ’65 – a 1965 CNR alumna dedicated over 30 years to education where she was known for her ability to inspire students to achieve their full potential. She has been recognized with the Golden Apple Teacher's Award and multiple "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" listings. Pat's two daughters are also CNR alums. A lifelong volunteer, she has served in various community and educational roles, including the CNR Alumni Association Board and currently the CNR Legacy Council. Pat continues to volunteer at food pantries, is an unwavering supporter of the Mercy Mav Market, and contributes to local performing arts centers. Pat's life exemplifies the philosophy she instilled in her students: "Bloom Where You Are Planted.”
Ryushique R. Bonner, CNR SNR ’09, GS ’11 – found her passion for education at CNR earning her bachelor's degree from the School of New Resources in 2009 and her master's degree in 2011, plus two advanced certifications. For 16 years, she's been a dedicated urban educator, progressing from assistant teacher to dean, school counselor, and assistant principal. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Ryushique [Rye-u-Sheek] has held leadership roles and volunteered extensively. Leveraging her college admissions expertise, she founded Trailblazing College Minds, LLC, and works as a Professional School Counselor. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at Bowie State University.
Mary Ann Geraci Marriott, CNR SAS ’59 – a dedicated CNR alumna, class of 1959 with multiple advanced degrees in education, began her teaching career after she graduated. After raising her family, she returned to the classroom, notably inspiring students in space education. She was active in the PTA and District Curriculum Committee, and after retiring, continued as an educational consultant and tutor. Beyond education, Mary Ann has been a Eucharistic Minister for over 40 years, volunteers at a local hospital, and is a docent at Planting Fields Arboretum. A steadfast supporter of the CNR community at 91��Ƭ, she serves on the Alumni Legacy Council and remains President of the Class of 1959. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to education, faith, and community.
Susan Munroe Milne, CNR SAS ’75 – a 1975 chemistry graduate of CNR, transitioned from research technician to nursing, specializing in oncology, palliative care, and hospice. After earning her MSN and a doctorate from Ohio State University Law School, she worked in advocacy and healthcare policy with the Ohio Department of Aging and Mount Carmel Health System. From 2019 to 2023, she served as Assistant Director for the Office of Founded Ministries with the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Susan has volunteered for thirteen years with Nursing Heart, an organization dedicated to improving healthcare in underserved communities in Guatemala, and also participates in parish ministries and hospice volunteering.
Annalinda Pandolfi Ragazzo, CNR SAS ’74 – a proud 1974 CNR alumna, built a remarkable career of service and leadership. She earned her J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in 1977, then began her legal career in the Westchester County Attorney's Office and served on the Grievance Committee for the 9th Judicial District. After moving to Canada, she led various community organizations. Returning to the U.S., she became Academic Dean at Bryant & Stratton College, playing a key role in their accreditation. In retirement, Annalinda remains a deeply engaged volunteer with The League Club of Naples and the CNR Alumni Legacy Council, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Rosemary Tiernan, CNR SAS ’75 – a 1975 biology graduate of CNR, continued her education at Georgetown University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She served 11 years in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, then held academic positions at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Combining her expertise in infectious diseases and public health, Rosemary worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and contributed to global health initiatives with the World Health Organization. She currently volunteers as a physician at Mercy Health Clinic, serving uninsured patients, and volunteers at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery. Her mother also graduated from CNR in 1986 in the School of New Resources.

A Legacy of Giving Back

The event also served as a major fundraiser to support students through two critical scholarship funds:

The 91��Ƭ Endowed Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund – Established by the 91��Ƭ Alumni Advisory Council, this is the only scholarship devoted to second-generation Mercy students.
The CNR Serviam Endowed Scholarship Fund – Honoring CNR’s mission of service, the fund provides financial aid to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at Mercy.

To learn more about the 2025 Alumni of Distinction and their inspiring stories, visit: https://alumni.mercy.edu/2025-alumni-of-distinction-honorees.

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Mercy Link

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:17:58 +0000

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Mercy Link jbailjr@mercy.edu Mon, 07/07/2025 - 15:17 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni Athletics

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JOINING THE NETWORK

Mercy Link Opens New Paths to Career Success

Last fall, Mercy launched Mercy Link, a platform designed to connect Mercy students and alumni and help them navigate to their next (or first) career goal. It provides a powerful network of up to 100,000 alumni from both 91��Ƭ and the College of New Rochelle, giving the Mercy community another way to stay connected. Mercy Link was made possible by funding from Gioietta and Alberto Vitale HD ’09, longtime supporters of Mercy.

“Your people are your power,” said Lyn Leis, director of Career Education at Mercy. “Unlocking opportunities is so important for first-generation students who don’t come in with these inherited networks.” She added, “That’s daunting if you don’t know how to do it. We do that with Mercy Link.”

“A recent survey of Mercy alumni indicated a willingness to give back to students. Mercy’s Career & Professional Development team partnered with Advancement to make this experience relevant and impactful for students and alumni,” said Bernadette Wade CNR SAS ’80, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “This platform makes it easy and convenient to connect and have meaningful interactions with students.”

Mercy Link is similar to job networking platforms like LinkedIn, but it’s tailored specifically to the Mercy community to connect students with alumni. “The idea is that all the alumni who are opting in and creating an account on the platform are the ones who say, ‘I very much want to help students’,” explained Leis. “It’s not formal mentorship, it’s not a long-term or high-time commitment. Students can reach out through the platform and just ask questions.”

According to Forbes, 70–80% more jobs get filled than posted each year, which means there’s a hidden job market of people who are getting access to these positions through referrals and word-of-mouth. And with Glassdoor reporting that the average online job posting attracts an average of 250 applications, it’s easy to see that personal connections are crucial — they give jobseekers the ability to break through the noise.

The platform makes it easier for users to search for jobs with Mercy connections. It scrapes major job boards and displays only positions where Mercy alumni can offer insider knowledge. Before applying, students can connect with graduates who have knowledge or connections with target companies, industries or roles.

“Instead of millions of postings, students see 200 where alumni connections give them an edge,” Leis said. “A student can message an alumnus [connection] saying, ‘I found this job matching your background. Could you suggest cover letter points to help me stand out?’”

Internship connections take center stage with Mercy Link. “Alumni refer students to openings they know about or post opportunities directly from their own organizations,” Leis emphasized. These internships build confidence, expand networks and create competitive advantages after graduation.

Mercy Link also helps naturally develop strategic networking skills. The platform’s artificial intelligence (AI) feature guides message drafting, flagging casual language and suggesting more professional alternatives. If someone uses slang or other informal language, Mercy Link will suggest it’s not the right tone for that particular message.

“One of my favorite feedback notes pops up if a student writes ‘job’ or ‘internship’ in their first message. It will remind the student that they need to make a connection with someone before they ask for referrals, and then it makes connections easy,” Leis shared. “The platform reminds them: build relationships first, discuss opportunities later. Share your interests but focus on learning from alumni experiences.”

Beyond jobs and internships, Mercy Link aims to provide lifelong career support for students and alumni. “Alumni give back by helping students while growing professionally themselves,” Leis said.

Those seeking career changes post-graduation can tap into peer networks based on industry experience, identity or shared interests. “They find fellow veterans, athletes, Spanish speakers — whatever connects them,” Leis explains. “So, there’s a way for them to connect around shared experiences, which is so impactful.”

Mercy Link also allows for the creation of groups where students and alumni can engage in more public conversations with each other, making more informal connections, which has been a recent business trend. “Traditional mentorship programs struggle because monthly commitments overwhelm people,” Leis notes. “We ask alumni to share guidance when they can. This approach naturally builds student confidence and understanding of the field they’re interested in.”

“Mercy’s community is so special, and one of the things I’ve noticed is that there’s such a unique desire to help each other out,” Leis said. “Current students are helping each other along their job search from day one, and so we’re hoping to leverage that and either engage alumni in new ways or engage new alumni.”

Mercy Link strengthens bonds between current students and alumni. “We build student career confidence through alumni connections,” Leis shared. “They learn industry specifics, secure valuable internships and launch careers in chosen fields. The power of this network will transform how our community supports each other’s success.”

Alumni and students can join the community at mercylink.mercy.edu or through the PeopleGrove mobile app.

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Honorary Degree Recipient Sandra Lindsay Pens her Inspiring Journey

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:54:20 +0000

Honorary Degree Recipient Sandra Lindsay Pens her Inspiring Journey znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 12/05/2024 - 13:54 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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2024 Honorary Degree recipient Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN. CCRN-K, NE-BC became a household name in 2020 when she became the first person in the United States to receive the COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial. Because of her bravery and leading the national push for vaccination to end the pandemic, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Joe Biden on July 7th, 2022—the highest civilian honor. In her new book, “First in Line,” published this year by Post Hill Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Lindsay tells her story.

“When I began thinking about this book, I went back and forth on how I would tell my story. Should I focus on my origins and journey from immigrant to COVID-19 vaccine evangelist, or should I grab the opportunity to raise awareness on important social issues that have impacted my life in very real ways? I chose both,” Lindsay writes in her book. “This is a story about my life: my family, my early years in Jamaica, my life in America for the last forty years or so, the COVID-19 pandemic as I experienced it, and how my passions and priorities changed after I became the first person in North America to take the COVID-19 vaccine.”

In “First in Line,” she shares her inspiring journey, from leaving her home in Jamaica to become a nurse and live the American Dream to facing years of hardship as a single mother and struggling student in the Bronx, NY. She reflects on her triumphs and challenges, as well as the love of her family and guidance of mentors who helped her overcome obstacles, persevere and eventually become a nationally recognized healthcare leader and advocate.

‘This is also a story about health disparities and healthcare problems faced by disadvantaged communities,” Lindsay writes. She recounts leading the critical care units at Long Island Jewish Medical Center through the harrowing months of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the experience deepened her commitment to addressing healthcare inequities.

She hopes to raise awareness of the impact of healthcare disparities and for readers to see it as not just another professional success story, but “a call to action to address the problem of healthcare inequity in our society.”

“First in Line” is available in bookstores.

Lindsay, a public speaker and advocate with nearly 30 years of nursing experience, is currently Northwell Health’s vice president of public health advocacy. She holds degrees from Borough of Manhattan Community College (AAS), St. Joseph’s College (BSN), Herbert Lehman College (MSN), Hofstra University (MBA), and A.T. Still University where she received her Doctorate (DHSc). She also holds an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Hofstra University and an honorary Doctor of Science from 91��Ƭ.

Ryan MacSpadyen Comes Full Circle as Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:15:03 +0000

Ryan MacSpadyen Comes Full Circle as Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach jbailjr@mercy.edu Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:15 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni Athletics

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Former Student-Athlete

Ryan MacSpadyen Comes Full Circle as Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach

Ryan MacSpadyen, ’19, M.S. ’21, is something of a men’s lacrosse legend at 91��Ƭ. His time as a student-athlete was marked by blazing performances on the field along with honors and awards for scholarship. 

Now the Mercy alumnus has come full circle. MacSpadyen recently completed his second season as head coach of the Mercy Men’s Lacrosse Team. His journey from lacrosse wunderkind to head coach and assistant director of athletics at his alma mater reflects his passion for the sport, his commitment to the next generation of student-athletes and his desire to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his character and his career trajectory.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, a Canadian province where “everyone played hockey all winter and lacrosse, or ‘road hockey,’ all summer,” MacSpadyen remembers
his dad cutting down one of his own full-size hockey sticks so the boy could begin playing both sports at the age of 5. As a teenager, MacSpadyen played in a junior league, where his coach, Joe Corace, happened to be the former college roommate of Mercy’s legendary coach Jordan Levine. Levine spoke highly of Mercy, with its leafy green campus less than an hour from New York City.

“Growing up in Toronto, I always enjoyed the liveliness of being near a city,” MacSpadyen recalled. “The combination of a small campus near a big city really appealed to me.” MacSpadyen felt the spark of a new goal. With Levine’s encouragement, he enrolled at Mercy on a lacrosse scholarship, drawn in by the strong academic programs and promising lacrosse culture. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2019 and a master’s in 2021, MacSpadyen was drafted by the National Lacrosse League’s Georgia Swarm, another first for Mercy’s Lacrosse program.

Yet MacSpadyen never strayed far from his goal to mentor the next generation of athletes. His journey led him back to Mercy, where he was hired as an assistant men’s lacrosse coach while earning his master’s degree.  Working with his revered mentor Levine for two seasons prepared him for the next step: When Levine left Mercy, MacSpadyen was tapped to succeed him as head coach.

True to form, he saw it as an opportunity to give back the guidance and support he had experienced. MacSpadyen dedicated himself to fostering a culture of excellence that reflected the values he’d absorbed. In his first year as head coach, he led the Mavericks to their fourth straight East Coast Conference (ECC) Championship, netting him honors as ECC Coach of the Year. This year, the team made it to the NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship Quarterfinals.

MacSpadyen credits his Mercy education for providing him with the foundation to succeed both on and off the field. He credits the invaluable guidance from mentors — professors as well as coaches. “Simple concepts, like working hard, doing the right thing when nobody’s watching — they drilled that into us,” MacSpadyen said. “At Mercy I learned the right way to respond when things don’t go your way. That has molded me into what I am today.”;

Beyond the wins and losses, MacSpadyen prioritizes the well-rounded development of his players, encouraging them to excel academically, personally and athletically. His philosophy applies just as well to performance on the field as in the classroom — and in life. “Whether you win or lose, the lessons you learn from each season in the sport are applicable to real life,” he said. “It’s the same with being a student. You don’t know how much of your education will help you until you enter the workforce and start pulling out those lessons that apply to your life situation.”

He added, “It’s the best part of being a student-athlete: You are learning more than you realize.”

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Sister Mary Virginia Orna: Blazing a Trail for Women in Chemistry

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:45:44 +0000

Sister Mary Virginia Orna: Blazing a Trail for Women in Chemistry jbailjr@mercy.edu Sun, 07/28/2024 - 20:45 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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Sister Mary Virginia Orna:

Blazing a Trail for Women in Chemistry

Sister Mary Virginia Orna, OSU, is truly one of a kind. Energetic and talkative, with short silver hair and robin-bright eyes that miss nothing on her daily five-mile walks, she could pass for a woman far younger than her 90 years.

But Orna, who taught chemistry at the College of New Rochelle (CNR) for 40 years, has never been one to rest on her laurels. Her many honors and achievements are more than mere high points in her remarkable life and career. Orna’s story includes travel and study, bold adventures and serendipity,
all revolving around service and the deep love of chemistry that has guided her throughout her life.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Orna entered the Order of Saint Ursula in 1962, almost immediately after receiving her doctorate in chemistry at Fordham University. Following 30 months of novitiate training and another year of theological study at the Catholic University of America, she was assigned by the Order to teach chemistry at CNR. Though at first skeptical of the college’s small chemistry department and her even smaller teaching role, she said, “It didn’t matter. I was ready to do anything,” as long as it involved her beloved subject: chemistry.

The 1960s were a time of upheaval laced with opportunity. “Girls were not encouraged — not even given a peek — at anything related to science when I was young,” she said. Sensing the student discontent that characterized much of that era, Orna and several colleagues devised a core curriculum before it became a trend. Some of the courses had no textbooks, “so I wrote them,” she said with a shrug.

Orna recalled a lightbulb moment when she realized that teaching students the history of chemistry could personalize courses that many students found remote and difficult. “The students [were happier when they] were looking at the people behind the molecules,” she said.

She was always studying, traveling and contributing to her field. As a Fulbright Fellow, she lectured at the renowned Hebrew University and Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. In Rome she collaborated with two Italian authors, translating a dense volume on the periodic table from Italian to English. In Poland she taught English as another language, possibly the fourth or fifth for most of her students. When she began studying the chemistry of color, it awakened in her a fascination that led to two of her many books, “The Chemical History of Color” and “March of the Pigments: Color History, Science and Impact.”

As a longtime active member of the American Chemical Society, Orna garnered a slew of awards and appointments related to chemistry education and publishing. In 2021, the Society gave Orna one of its most distinguished honors: the HIST Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in the History of Chemistry.

True to the Ursuline motto, she has never ceased to practice “serviam.” When the college closed in 2019, she served on the CNR Legacy Council during its migration to Mercy and remains actively engaged with Mercy and the CNR alumni community. “We are very grateful to Mercy for providing a place to meet where we feel welcomed and honored,”
she said.

Orna was thrilled to be recently selected as the 2024 CNR reunion speaker for the Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, OSU Lifelong Enrichment Series, established in honor of the former CNR president. On June 15, she led a discussion on color — its rich history, its chemistry and its impact throughout human history. The event was open to all Mercy and CNR alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Orna’s keen scientific mind has not softened over the years, but it has mellowed into a philosophy that is almost spiritual. “Our job as humans is to pay attention to what is in front of us every single day,” she said. “With every experience, every person, every event, we need to pay attention.”

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Strengthening Alumni Connections

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:18:43 +0000

Strengthening Alumni Connections jbailjr@mercy.edu Sun, 07/28/2024 - 20:18 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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Strengthening Alumni Connections

This past winter and spring, Mercy held receptions for Mercy and College of New Rochelle (CNR) alumni in Connecticut and California. The gatherings offered alumni a chance to reconnect, meet President Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., network and learn about exciting new developments at Mercy. From sharing memories of their college years to discussing ways to give back to Mercy, these events deepened the integration of the Mercy and CNR alumni communities, enhancing their connection to the University while fostering valuable connections for all attendees. They encapsulated the spirit of camaraderie and community that characterize Mercy and CNR alumni.

From the eastern shores of Connecticut to the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu, meet some of the attendees:

Connecticut

Connecticut Area Alumni Reception, hosted by Therese FitzMaurice, CNR SAS ’83, was held on Jan. 20, 2024.

Darryl Bullock ’73 (retired) and Melissa Petrie-Bullock, M.S. ’02
(principal for academics and technology at Mercy High School in Middletown, Conn.): they met at Mercy.

Q: How did your experience at Mercy influence you in your career trajectory?

Melissa: It allowed me to work on my administration degree while also working full time. I was exposed to and learned from professionals practicing in the field who were able to share practical and real experiences. With the strong foundation gained at Mercy, I had the tools I needed to be successful in my various administrative roles.

Darryl: I was provided an opportunity to learn about a variety of things such as student evaluations, teaching, working with regional accrediting groups and serving in membership at regional and national planning and research groups.

Q: Why do you think it is important to remain connected with Mercy and give back to the college community?

Melissa: I am proud of the advancements I have seen at Mercy while maintaining its core values and mission to a diverse student body. Mercy has been a continual presence in our lives, helped us to develop our professional skills and has continued to catapult its students into the futures that they dare to dream for themselves. Giving back to Mercy
is an important way to remain a part of that mission and ensure that it continues.

Darryl: I went to Mercy and saw how I grew, and I think that I am now watching the University grow, and as I’m able to assist, be it financially or in some other way, then I want to do so.

Therese FitzMaurice, CNR SAS ’83: attorney running her own law firm.

Q: How did your experience at CNR influence you in your career trajectory?

Therese: My CNR education prepared me for my career as an attorney by instilling in me the need to be thoughtful, inquisitive and creative, while always
remembering the importance of character and the spirit of giving.

Q: Why do you think it is important to remain connected with CNR/Mercy and give back to the college community?

Therese: Even though the CNR of the past is no longer as we exactly remember, the CNR/Mercy of the future fosters the same core values. As someone who benefited from a CNR education, I think it is important to ensure through continued involvement with the new CNR/Mercy that the same will be passed on to generations to come.

California

California Area Alumni Reception, hosted by Terry Davis, CNR SAS ’73, in Malibu was held on March 9, 2024.

Richard Burke, M.B.A. ’13: HR business partner at TikTok.

Q: How did your experience at Mercy influence you in your career trajectory?

Richard: Completing my M.B.A. at Mercy was a very impactful experience.
Initially struggling to find my path, I found a sense of direction from the graduate business courses at Mercy. Having a core understanding of each main business function, along with an understanding of how each function strategically works together, gave me a leg up in terms of my ability to consider how day-to-day business decisions in my specific function (HR) might influence or impact the rest of the company. These insights have been a differentiator for me in the corporate world and have given me the confidence to make bold recommendations to the businesses I support as their HR business partner.

Q: Why do you think it is important to remain connected with Mercy and give back to the college community?

Richard: 91��Ƭ does a great job supporting those that might need just a little extra guidance to achieve their full potential. That’s the support
I felt as an M.B.A. student, learning
from faculty that consisted of full-time tenured professors as well as senior business professionals, many of whom chose to teach at Mercy because they also saw the hidden potential in Mercy students. It’s why I think it’s important to remain connected and give back to the next generation of students.

Mary Crescenzo, CNR: arts strategist/practitioner, author and public speaker on arts engagement for persons living with dementia.

Q: How did your experience at CNR influence you in your career trajectory?

Mary: In the mid 1970s I was one of the first graduate students at CNR to study art therapy. The profound influence
of my CNR studies later contributed to my pioneering work in developing comprehensive methods of arts engagement through all the arts and my subsequent “Care Through the Arts”
program for those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Q: Why do you think it is important to remain connected with CNR/Mercy and give back to the college community?

Mary: To remain connected with this community is a way to share perspectives, continue to learn from each other, offer suggestions and find ways to communicate the mission of this institution within our individual communities
where we live and work around the world. Giving back takes many forms, whether through sustained connection or financially.

Jennie Vega ’98: senior paralegal for the Walt Disney Company.

Q: How did your experience at Mercy influence you in your career trajectory?

Jennie: The degree I earned opened up new avenues for me in my career. I went from handling administrative tasks to drafting, negotiating and finalizing contracts in the entertainment industry.

Q: Why do you think it is important to remain connected with Mercy and give back to the college community?

Jennie: It’s imperative to stay connected with 91��Ƭ in order to motivate the next generation to achieve similar goals. I look forward to connecting with Mercy students and providing them with a roadmap to success!

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CNR Class Notes

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:59:29 +0000

CNR Class Notes jbailjr@mercy.edu Wed, 07/24/2024 - 09:59 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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CNR Class Notes

OCT. 16, 2023–MAY 13, 2024

Our alumni achievements.

1950s & 1960s

Margaret (Mardy) Moore

Margaret (Mardy) Moore SAS ’51 was featured in March’s issue of the Daily Gazette in an article entitled: “At 94, Niskayuna’s Mardy Moore reflects on pioneering civic career.” Moore was the first female supervisor ever in the town of Niskayuna, New York’s 200-year history.

Reverend Pat Miod Kriss

Reverend Pat Miod Kriss SAS ’69 is now Reverend Doctor Pat Kriss. The Doctor of Ministry was conferred upon her in May 2023 by Hartford International University of Religion and Peace. Dr. Kriss holds two other graduate degrees from Yale Divinity School: a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Ministry. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Education in 1969. Her career led her into nonprofit fundraising for 34 years in health and education before a call into ministry. She is a full-time senior pastor for First Congregational Church Danbury UCC, and is marking her 14th year as a pastor.

1990s

Denise Sampson

Fulton Books author Denise Sampson SNR ’90, a widow and a loving mother of seven and grandmother of eight, has completed her most recent book, “Meet Cleo and Mindy,” about two animals who are best friends despite the rude comments they hear from the other animals because of how different they are from each other.

Victoria Coudray McMullen

Victoria Coudray McMullen SAS ’93 started a new role as vice president of marketing for the New Jersey Innovation Institute in Newark, N.J. This institute, an NJIT corporation, helps turn ideas into workable solutions across health care, entrepreneurship, defense and homeland security, and professional and corporate education. Previously, McMullen was the vice president of marketing for Certara, a consulting firm for the biotech industry.

Heather Archibald

Heather Archibald SAS ’94 has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Berkshire County Historical Society. Archibald is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Kiwanis International as well as other volunteer groups giving back to the Berkshire community.

JoEllen Revell

JoEllen Revell SAS ’98 has started a new position as vice president of Child Integrated Services at LifeStream Behavioral Center, Inc. in central Florida. LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization that provides high-quality treatment, education, care management, rehabilitation, child welfare, primary care and homeless services to children, adolescents and adults.

Christine Simoneau-Hales

Christine Simoneau-Hales GS ’98, Art Therapy, will be exhibiting at the Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church gallery at Longboat Key, Fla. Over 20 Byzantine-style icons will be displayed. "In a convent in France, I met an iconographer named Sister Miriam," Simoneau-Hales said. “She explained to me about icons and it just changed my whole world. It just seemed to encompass great art."

Don Keene

Don Keene GS ’99 recently exhibited artwork in a show titled “Abstract Reality” at the Guilford Art Center in Guilford, Conn. The exhibit featured a selection of 15 works encompassing both realism and abstraction created in the past 23 years.

2000s

Samantha (Sammi) Turano

Samantha (Sammi) Turano SAS ’05, journalist, was recently featured on local TV station WTAJ, Altoona, Pa., along with her cookbook, “Taste of TV: 30 Sassy Recipes Based on TV Shows & Movies.” Turano has been working as a journalist for the past 12 years, specializing in entertainment, celebrity, sports and lifestyle news.

Nanette Brownlee

Nanette Brownlee SNR ’08, GS ’11 started a new role as mental health therapist with Centurion Health based in Atlanta, Ga.

Kay Casanova

Kay Casanova SN ’08 started a new position as director, utilization & medical expense review at VNS Health, a home and community health care provider based in the five boroughs of New York City.

2010s

Viola Hamilton-Keith

Viola Hamilton-Keith MPA SNR ’11, GS ’16 started a new position as community health worker for Columbia University. Hamilton-Keith also works as an administrative associate for the Board

Andrea Fobbs

Andrea Fobbs SNR ’13, GS ’15 recently welcomed her new grandchildren, Daniel and Destiny Johnson. Fobbs also started a new position as workforce development specialist and case manager at Soulful Synergy, a socially conscious consulting company that takes a multifaceted approach to sustainability, workforce and community development based in Queens Village, N.Y.

Dr. Ramya Bharathi

Dr. Ramya Bharathi SAS ’14 had an article recently published on The Open News, “Septorhinoplasty Beyond Aesthetics: The Medical Benefits of Nose Surgery.” Dr. Bharathi is an otolaryngologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Mass.

Theresa Walton

Theresa Walton SNR ’15, GS ’17 started a new position as co-director of administration and grants management at the National Institute for Early Education Research at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University.

Jamar Crow

Jamar Crow SNR ’16 has recently completed his Master of Science in Developmental and Child Psychology from Capella University. Crow works as a program director for Acacia Network. Acacia Network is a human services organization in New York City and one of the largest Hispanic-led nonprofits in the state, providing integrated, culturally-competent and trauma-informed programs in the areas of health, housing, social services, economic development and cultural revitalization.

Catherine (Katy) Baudendistel Fragola

Catherine (Katy) Baudendistel Fragola SAS ’16 was recently promoted to senior manager, HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) at Telesign, a Proximus company that connects, protects and defends the customer experience with intelligence from billions of digital interactions and mobile signals.

Fabiola A. Padilla Ríos

Fabiola A. Padilla Ríos SAS ’18 has recently opened her own coaching business, Authentic Narratives, as she studies Holistic Health Coaching at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She is focused on cultivating a self-relationship to create an authentic narrative of life for more health and happiness. She is also a wood artist running her business, Wethin Yoursoulf. Additionally, Padilla Ríos is a volleyball coach and seasonal travel manager abroad.

Lisbet Zepeda Becerra

Lisbet Zepeda Becerra SAS ’19 has recently been promoted to assistant vice president for Guy Carpenter, an international risk management and reinsurance brokerage firm. Zepeda Becerra is a fine example of pivoting careers through skills and education. Prior to becoming a reinsurance professional, she was a mathematics teacher.

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Mercy Class Notes

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:19:34 +0000

Mercy Class Notes jbailjr@mercy.edu Tue, 07/23/2024 - 14:19 Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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Mercy Class Notes

OCT. 16, 2023–MAY 13, 2024

Our Mavericks marking milestones.

1980s

Elizabeth de Almeida

1989

Elizabeth de Almeida ’89 has a new role as development manager for Greenwich House, a nonprofit organization offering programs in the arts, education and social services in Greenwich Village and across New York City.

2000s

Monique Sebastian

Monique Sebastian ’02 has a new role as executive director of Entertainment for Seneca Gaming Corp. “Sebastian is an inspiring, creative and innovative thinker who will help elevate our overall entertainment offerings and experience to a new level,” said Seneca Gaming Corporation’s CMO. Sebastian is a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Rebecca Zipp

San Diego resident Rebecca Zipp ’04 has been selected to fill the vacancy created last year when now-Justice Jose Castillo was elevated to the 4th District Court of Appeal. Early last year, Zipp joined the litigation department of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek in San Diego. Before joining the firm, she spent more than a decade as a prosecutor at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

Kevelyn Guzman

Kevelyn Guzman ’06, chief operating officer for Coldwell Banker Warburg, has been named the luxury real estate broker’s newest president emeritus. Guzman has been with Coldwell Banker Warburg for 16 years.

Edward Murray

Edward Murray ’07 started a new position as assistant director of instructional technology at Baldwin Union Free School District in Baldwin, N.Y. Murray has been with BUFSD for six years.

2020s

Vivian Boyd

Vivian Boyd ’20 has been promoted to supervisor with Substation Operations for Con Edison in New York. Boyd recently completed Con Edison’s Leadership Development Program and has been with the utility company since 2019, starting as an analyst aide intern.

Nekendra Liddie

Nekendra Liddie ’20 started a new role as psychotherapist at Alssaro Counseling Services in New Rochelle. Liddie also earned her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.

Melisia Reader Mede

Melisia Reader Mede ’20 started a new position as a registered nurse at White Plains Hospital. Keeping the legacy alive, Reader Mede’s daughter is a current 91��Ƭ student.

Jennifer Ofosu Asante

Jennifer Ofosu Asante ’21, has been accepted into The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing as a Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. As a nursing tutor at 91��Ƭ, Ofosu Asante is committed to both clinical excellence and education. She also founded a CPR training company.

Andy Sanabria

Andy Sanabria BSN ’21, RN, CCRN has received his certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Sanabria currently works as a CCRN for AdventHealth in Tampa, Fla.

Randy Gómez

Randy Gómez, MSOL ’21 has been promoted to director of corporate and community relations at Berkeley College in New York City. Gómez has held several roles with Berkeley College since 2009.

Justine O’Reilly

Justine O’Reilly ’21 was recently featured as Best Guidance Counselor in the Bronx Times Best of the Bronx 2023 issue. O’Reilly is an early career guidance counselor at Bronxdale High School, her alma mater.

Steven Orantes

Steven Orantes ’22 enrolled in Albany Law School in Jan. 2024. Orantes worked as a paralegal at Sobo & Sobo LLP, a civil litigation firm in Rockland County, N.Y. He is also a member of the Mercy Alumni Advisory Council.

Marlo Scott

Marlo Scott, M.S. ’22 has recently been hired as a corporate security officer for Fox News TV in New York City.

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Sculpture by Famed Puerto Rican Artist is Permanently Installed at 91��Ƭ Westchester Campus

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:34:02 +0000

Sculpture by Famed Puerto Rican Artist is Permanently Installed at 91��Ƭ Westchester Campus jbailjr@mercy.edu Thu, 09/21/2023 - 21:34 Giving at Mercy 91��Ƭ News Alumni

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From left to right: CNR alumna Laudelina Martinez, Martín Rubio, 91��Ƭ Provost Eva Fernández, 91��Ƭ President Susan L. Parish and 91��Ƭ Board Trustee Marlene Tutera.

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Today, 91��Ƭ announced that its Westchester Campus is now the permanent home of a sculpture created by internationally known Puerto Rican artist Martin Rubio. Rubio donated the piece, sculpted from laminated wood and meant to be both seen and touched, in recognition of Mercy’s dedication to advancing Hispanic and first-generation postsecondary student success. It also honors contributions to student success achieved at the former College of New Rochelle (CNR), whose alumnae became part of the University community when CNR closed in 2019. CNR alumna Laudelina Martinez CNR SAS ’63 facilitated the donation.

“This sculpture enriches our entire 91��Ƭ community and stands as a symbol to our increasing Hispanic student population which looks to us for inspiration and guidance,” said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of 91��Ƭ. “Martin Rubio’s work will grace our campus and inspire all who see and touch it to think about its meaning and beauty.”

“As someone who was an art major at the College of New Rochelle, I am touched by this generous donation,” said 91��Ƭ Board Trustee Marlene Tutera CNR SAS ’71. “The College of New Rochelle’s connection with Mercy continues to deepen and this is yet another demonstration of how the two institutions’ common goals align, this time in the celebration of art.”

“This sculpture is about traveling between the past, present and future. What’s important is that everybody may see it differently. Somewhere in the middle is where we are all at,” said artist Martín Rubio. “It is important for all of us to have art in our life, not just museums. It is an honor to share with 91��Ƭ this work.”

Rubio is an internationally recognized artist whose works are exhibited in museums, galleries and private collections in Japan, France, Venezuela and the United States. He was one of the founders of El Taller Boricua in Spanish Harlem, which spurred the establishment of El Museo del Barrio in New York City. His works of art tend to be sensory as he is legally blind and had to adapt himself as an artist to the loss of his sight. Martinez, founder and owner of the Martinez Gallery in Troy, NY, has also featured Rubio’s creations in her gallery.

“We are very happy that Mercy extended its hand to the College of New Rochelle, and I thought that it would be a nice gesture to extend my hand, as a CNR alumna, back to Mercy by gifting Martin Rubio’s sculpture to the University,” said Laudelina Martinez CNR SAS ’63 founder and owner of the Martinez Gallery in Troy, NY. “Martin shows the type of resilience that New Yorkers have. Martin is legally blind, but there is something that always happens out of difficulty. His work is striking, simple and connects you to organic forms.”

Rubio’s sculpture, which will be on display at the Main Hall Library in Mercy’s Westchester Campus, is titled G3A and part of the "A Series" in which the artist used symbolic forms to obtain emotional reactions from the viewer. The piece is made in laminated plywood furniture grade wood, with rich variations in wood tones, and is mounted on a wooden rotating pin and invites touching.