Misericordia University Celebrates Generosity at Annual Gala

Misericordia University held its annual Trustee Associates Gala on October 18, 2023, at the Westmoreland Club’s Grand Hall, celebrating the generosity and support of its alumni, benefactors, and friends. The evening focused on honoring individuals whose unwavering commitment has helped advance the university’s mission of academic excellence, service, and mercy.

During the event, Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., the university’s 15th president, reflected on his fifth year in office. He emphasized the “extraordinary generosity” that has been instrumental in sustaining Misericordia through its first 101 years. He highlighted the arrival of the university’s second-largest first-year class in history, attributing this achievement to the support from benefactors and alumni. Myers stated, “Your support helps Misericordia transform lives through the power of Mercy higher education.”

Honorees Recognized for Their Contributions

The gala honored several noteworthy individuals for their contributions to the university. Dorothy Dickson Darling, president of Darling Entertainment Management Group in Encinitas, California, received the Trustee Associates Award for her support of various campus initiatives, including the Brassington Athletic Dome and Mangelsdorf Field, named in memory of her late husband, Jack F. Mangelsdorf Jr.. Her son, Jack Ewen Mangelsdorf, is currently a student-athlete at Misericordia, continuing the family’s legacy of support.

The prestigious Mercy Mission Medal was bestowed upon Rosemary Dvorsky Gido, Ph.D., ’67, a distinguished sociologist and criminologist. Dr. Gido shared her personal journey from growing up in Wilkes-Barre to achieving the American Dream with the help of Misericordia. She credited her alma mater and mentors, such as Sister Mary Hildegarde, for instilling values of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality that have guided her work in social justice and educational equity. Dr. Gido’s family has also established several scholarships, including the Sister Hildegarde’s Justice and Mercy Scholarship for Women with Children.

The Founders Medal was awarded to the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation of Princeton, New Jersey, recognizing its nearly four decades of partnership with Misericordia. Executive Director Dr. Gianna Durso-Finley accepted the award and shared the inspiring story of Charlotte Newcombe, who, despite facing near blindness in the early 1900s, championed lifelong learning and dedicated her resources to support educational opportunities for others. Durso-Finley noted the foundation’s mission aligns closely with the ideals of the Sisters of Mercy, emphasizing support for mature students and those with disabilities. Over the past 40 years, the foundation has provided more than $75 million in scholarships to over 50,000 students nationwide, including 850 students at Misericordia, totaling $1.3 million in awards.

The event concluded with an invocation by Sister Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D. ’68, who set a reflective tone for the evening, encapsulating the spirit of gratitude that permeated the gala. As the university continues to grow and evolve, the contributions of its supporters remain vital in fostering an environment where students can thrive and achieve their dreams.