Our Mercy Heritage by Mount Mercy University

OUR MERCY

HERITAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mount Mercy University........................................ 3 Sisters of Mercy.................................................... 4 Mount Mercy History............................................. 6 Our Catholic Identity & Mercy Charism................ 8 Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns....................... 10 Sister Presidents.................................................. 12 Campus Symbols.................................................. 14 Sister-Named Buildings........................................ 16 Mission & Values.................................................. 18 Diversity & Inclusion............................................. 20

Our Mercy Heritage

MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY Mount Mercy University, located in beautiful Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers students a fulfilling education, promising all people solid preparation for a changing world. Our 1,800+ students come from around the globe, creating a vibrant, diverse, and open-minded campus community. Established on five critical concerns—earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women—Mount Mercy’s curriculum guides students in exploring and working towards a more just, equal, and peaceful world. Hands-on work often accompanies classroom learning, giving students the experience needed to start their careers with confidence in a variety of newly-developed skills and knowledge. Mount Mercy was founded on academic excellence, offering students a values-based curriculum. Students are often involved in faculty-led research and career-oriented internships with local, national and global organizations. Housed on a hill nestled in Cedar Rapids’ historical Mound View neighborhood, Mount Mercy’s main campus is safe, charming and full of life. With over 30 on-campus clubs and organizations, students can connect with others who share similar values and interests. The university’s strong Campus Ministry culture engages students and encourages exploration of faith through daily Mass, spiritual direction, reflection groups, service learning, and volunteer opportunities. A forward-thinking undergraduate curriculum, in-demand graduate programs, and the region’s most successful accelerated program have led Mount Mercy to be recognized as a distinguished institution and national leader within the Conference for Mercy Higher Education.

Our Mercy Heritage

SISTERS OF MERCY

George Greene was responsible for having

new building near the commercial center of

the mansion built and was the first legally

the city. When the Sisters arrived, the building

recognized owner of the property, the others

was not only unfurnished, but unfinished!

being considered squatters. The mansion

Upon viewing the building, one Sister is said

had been vacant for about 10 years, used

to have exclaimed, “The windows are not in!”

only as an occasional shelter by hunters, with

Another playfully replied, “Well, we won’t have

the ballroom being used for grain storage.

heiress in Dublin, Ireland, began caring for

building ready for the school year, the Sisters

women and children in need. She provided

rolled up their sleeves to help the carpenters,

safe housing, taught the uneducated, and

laying floors and installing windows. In

visited the ill. By 1831, she officially dedicated

addition to the academy, the building would

her life and her inheritance to this mission

also serve as the convent and novitiate for

by establishing the Sisters of Mercy. The

the next 30 years. MERCY HOSPITAL As early as 1894, the Sisters opened their

At the time of Catherine’s death in 1841,

first hospital, which was located in the rural

she had established Mercy communities

Iowa community of Anamosa. In 1900,

throughout Ireland and England. By 1856, the

because the only hospital in Cedar Rapids

Sisters of Mercy had expanded into Scotland,

was consistently filled beyond its capacity,

Newfoundland, Australia, and New Zealand.

the Sisters opened a 15-bed hospital in a

Simultaneously, hundreds of thousands of Irish

converted house. Response from the citizens

laborers and their families were emigrating to

was overwhelming and by 1903, after much

the Americas and the Sisters of Mercy came

scrambling for funds, the Sisters moved

with them, establishing schools and hospitals.

Mercy Hospital to a brand-new building with

THE SISTERS ARRIVE IN CEDAR RAPIDS The first Sisters of Mercy came to Cedar Rapids from the Iowa towns of Davenport and Independence, where communities had been

100 patient beds and the most advanced technology of the day. A year later they welcomed their first class of students to the Mercy School of Nursing. They later added

After signing a lease, the Sisters once again rolled up their sleeves to lovingly prepare the mansion for their motherhouse, novitiate, and the fall opening of their girl’s boarding school, Sacred Heart Academy. St. Joseph Academy continued to operate in its original location as a day school. The farsighted leadership of the Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy elected to buy the Greene property in 1907. Future years saw remarkable growth in Sacred Heart Academy boarding school for girls, as it became Mount Mercy Academy in 1924, a junior college in 1928, a four-year college in 1960, and went co-ed in 1969. In 2010, the early vision of the Sisters was realized when Mount Mercy became a university. THE PRESENT Through the years, the Sisters divested themselves from their involvement with all their rural hospitals and colleges. Day-to-day operations/management of Mercy Medical

schools of Medical Technology and Radiology.

Center, Mount Mercy University, and the

Three Sisters, Mary Isadore O’Connor, Mary

THE ACADEMY AND JUNIOR COLLEGE

Boniface Daly, and Mary Gertrude McCullough,

over to each organization’s Board of Trustees.

By 1906, their convent, novitiate, and school

arrived in Cedar Rapids on July 22, 1875, and

A true continuity of the Mercy mission is

were all bursting at the seams and the

four more came from Davenport two weeks

maintained by having Sisters serving on each

search began for a larger site. Eventually,

later. They were responding to a request for

board at all times. An Executive Director for

the Sisters located and leased the Judge

teachers for the new St. Joseph Academy, a

Mission and Ministry, who is liaison for all

Greene mansion, which was then beyond

boarding school for girls and a parochial day

three sponsored works, also ensures that

Cedar Rapids’ city limits. Over the years, the

school. The only transportation to the town

Mercy values and charism permeate the

property had at times been home to three

was by steamboat or rail.

sponsored ministry and remain the focus of the

shady horse thieves, an alleged counterfeiter,

Directors of Mission and Ministry at each site.

established in 1869 by Sisters from Chicago.

Our Mercy Heritage

St. Joseph Academy was to be housed in a

to wash any windows today.” Eager to get the

much in demand.

and finally, a Supreme Court judge. Judge

As early as 1827, Catherine McAuley, a wealthy

community grew rapidly and the Sisters were

IN THE BEGINNING

Catherine McAuley Center have been turned

Our Mercy Heritage

1906–1950

1970–2000

2012–Present

The Sisters of Mercy purchased Mound Farm and Greene

Throughout the next 30 years, Mount Mercy met the physical

In 2012, the University announced plans to renovate the

mansion in 1907 after leasing the property in 1906, a

demands of a growing student population. Donnelly Center

former army and navy training center at 1650 Matterhorn

move that would lay the groundwork for Mount Mercy

was opened in 1975, followed by Hennessey Recreation

Drive NE into the Mount Mercy University CRST International

Junior College, which was opened by the Sisters on Sept.

Center (1985), Busse Center (1993), Lundy Commons (1995)

Graduate Center. The center began hosting classes in 2013

9, 1928. Students who enrolled in the junior college

and Betty Cherry Heritage Hall (1996). Students utilized

and is home to Mount Mercy’s low-cost Olson Marriage

received a low cost Catholic education from the Sisters, who

these spaces for classes, course work, athletic endeavors, co-

and Family Therapy Clinic as well as six graduate programs:

The Sisters of Mercy established Mount Mercy Junior

worked tirelessly to provide a rich education in the name

curricular activities, and for socializing – and with these new

Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in

College in 1928 with the purpose of filling a need—the

of Catherine McAuley. For the next 30 years, Mount Mercy

facilities came increased opportunities. By 1997, students

Nursing, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Strategic

need to unite people with opportunity through high-

thrived as a two-year institution for women.

had the option to write for the Mount Mercy Times, to

Leadership, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy,

participate in a robust athletic program with 13 NAIA varsity

and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.

MOUNT MERCY HISTORY

quality, values-based education. Mount Mercy flourished as a junior college, and continued

1950s

sports, and adult students were welcomed into the ADVANCE program, a partnership with Kirkwood Community College.

June 2013 marked a special announcement for the University’s athletics—the purchase of 22 acres adjacent to

to have success as a four-year institution. Over the years,

It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Sisters’ vision of a

Mount Mercy has added new programs and curriculum

four-year college came to fruition. They decided that

which were reflective of the mission and values of the

the community surrounding Mount Mercy would benefit

original institution. Today, Mount Mercy University’s

from a baccalaureate institution in the heart of Cedar

Many years had passed since Mount Mercy was a junior

on the property in April 2014. The facility, completed in

available course offerings are tailored to meet the needs

Rapids, and after receiving accreditation from The Higher

college, but the feeling of imminent change was much the

September 2017, is home to softball, baseball, an all-purpose

of those who live and work around campus in the same

Learning Commission of the North Central Association of

same in 2006 as it was in 1956. The College had recently

track, multipurpose practice field, and a soccer field. For

spirit of our founders.

Colleges and Schools, Mount Mercy became a four-year

completed construction on Andreas House (2001), a

the first time in the institution’s history, outdoor athletes

college in 1960.

residence suite for upperclassmen, and Basile Hall (2003),

have a home field advantage. Mount Mercy University’s

adding additional classroom and laboratory space for

ninth president, Laurie M. Hamen, J.D., assumed the role in

1960s

business, biology, chemistry, physics and other programs.

February 2014 and continues to guide the University with the

On August 23, 2010, the institution was re-designated to

same strength, courage, and vision as her predecessors.

The 1960s proved to be a decade of further change for the

Mount Mercy University, making Mount Mercy the only Mercy

students, faculty, and staff of Mount Mercy. Regina Hall was

University in the state of Iowa and one of only four in the

built in 1965, providing the first on-campus housing since

Midwest. Construction began on the University Center in the

students first began residence in Warde Hall. Soon after,

heart of Mount Mercy’s main campus in 2010 and the facility

Mount Mercy opened its doors to both male and female

opened in 2011 offering the campus community a beautiful

students by officially becoming co-educational in 1969.

space to socialize and study.

Our Mercy Heritage

2000–2011

the main campus on 17th Street NE would become Mount Mercy’s first outdoor athletic complex. Demolition began

Our Mercy Heritage

OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY & MERCY CHARISM Mount Mercy University’s foundation, built on the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching and the Sisters of Mercy’s five critical concerns, guides students in exploring an education that reaches far beyond the classroom. Students of all faiths are encouraged to join our faith-based community, leading to intellectual development, self-reflection and spiritual growth. The university strives to be a community that demonstrates the highest standards of Catholic intellectual tradition, welcoming all people to explore and promote core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence and service. Pursuit of truth and integration of knowledge for the common good are key in Mount Mercy’s classrooms. Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, students are challenged to take what they learned in the classroom and apply the critical concerns in a wide array of volunteer projects. Students are also encouraged to demonstrate core values in their personal lives. Mount Mercy is sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, through the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. As a Mercy institution, we carry out our charge to continue the Catholic intellectual tradition. As such we respectfully abide by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education’s statement on Catholic Identity and Mercy Charism.

Our Mercy Heritage

We believe in the need to work toward the sustainability of life and support movements and legislation that secure the fundamental right to water for everyone, and that address climate change. That leads us to examine our own behaviors and policies and to adopt more environmentally sustainable practices. We also advocate against hydrofracking;

EARTH

against mining that impacts indigenous and impoverished communities; for regulations that protect land, air and water; and for national and international agreements that mitigate climate change and ensure support for those most vulnerable to its effects.

SISTERS OF MERCY CRITICAL CONCERNS

We reverence the dignity of each person and believe everyone has the right to a decent home, livelihood, education and healthcare. In the United States we work for just and humane immigration laws, a reduction in deportations that tear families apart, and an end to the detention bed quota. We look at the root causes

IMMIGRATION

of immigration, including U.S. policies that contribute to the economic and social conditions that push people to flee their countries, and the global impact of migration through our reality as an international community of women religious.

We work for peace through prayer, education, and personal and communal practices of nonviolence. We support nuclear disarmament, reduction of arms, and the use of dialogue instead of armed conflict. We work to prevent domestic

NONVIOLENCE

violence and abuse of women and children, stop human trafficking and reduce violence in our communities. That leads us to advocate for commonsense gun violence prevention legislation, an end to the death penalty, an end to the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, and dialogue with Syria and Iran.

We believe racism is an evil affecting us all. We work to mobilize Sisters and associates in recognizing and dismantling institutional racism in order to become an anti-racist

RACISM

multicultural community. We advocate for upholding the voting rights of marginalized Americans and for a fair criminal justice system, and point out racism wherever it exists.

We believe that womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education, health and spirituality need special attention. We continue this mission in our schools, colleges, health-care institutions and spirituality centers. We advocate for equal pay, for services for domestic violence

WOMEN 10

Our Mercy Heritage

victims, and for the rights of girls and women in especially repressive societies.

Our Mercy Heritage

SISTER PRESIDENTS Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland | 1928–1933, 1946–1961

Sister Mary Cornelia Burke | 1933–1939

Sister Mary Maura Marron | 1939–1946

Sister Mary Agnes Hennessey | 1961–1977

Sister Mary Ildephonse formally entered the Sisters of Mercy

Sr. Burke’s decision to expand the college’s course offerings to

Sister Mary Maura’s tenure with the campus is recognized

During her fifteen years as college president, Hennessey led the

on April 15, 1904 and is notable for her two terms of service

include nursing can be directly associated with her position as

for its tremendous work within the Sisters of Mercy. Marron

campus through monumental change. McAuley Library opened

as the college’s president. Considered the “Foundress of

Superintendent of Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids. While appointed

established the Sisters’ first, formal novitiate and directed the

in 1962, shortly followed by the second dormitory, Regina Hall,

Mount Mercy College,” Ildephonse had past educational

as president of the college, Sister Mary Cornelia simultaneously

revision of their constitutions. For the college, she initiated

in 1965. The Greene Mansion, once the home of the Sisters of

experience as a teacher on most K-12 levels, worked as the

served as Major Superior of the Sisters of Mercy. Burke also

studies that would eventually lead to the North Central

Mercy, was demolished, and in 1968, the Sisters transferred legal

Bursar and Mother Superior for the Sisters, and served as

extended Mount Mercy’s student teaching opportunities. Her

Association accreditation and established a building fund,

authority to a Board of Trustees. Student enrollment tripled, and

a college instructor and campus business manager. Among

significant work in growing the campus’ education and nursing

clearly seeing the need for future structures in the quest to

the college became co-educational in 1969. Faculty numbers

her many achievements are the construction of Warde Hall,

programs remains her legacy to the college.

become a four-year institution.

expanded, reflecting a varied curriculum.

the opening of Mount Mercy Junior College, the Bachelor’s degree designation by North Central, and the all-important accreditation for the college.

Our Mercy Heritage

Catherine McAuley and Francis Warde Statues On Sept. 24, 2014, Mount Mercy named the University Center “The Sisters of Mercy University Center” and celebrated the installation of new statues of Catherine McAuley and Frances Warde. Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831, and Frances was the first Sister of Mercy to bring the Sisters to the United States in 1843. The bronze works were created by Sister Marie Henderson and overlook the plaza, reminding today’s students, faculty, and staff of the determination and vision of the Sisters of Mercy.

CAMPUS SYMBOLS Our other (Lady) of Sorrows Grotto Visionary artist and contractor William Lightner built the

Peace Pole

Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto complex on the Mount Mercy

This pole proclaims the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in English as well as other

University campus between 1929 and 1941.

languages. It serves as a constant reminder for us to visualize and pray for world peace. This

William H. Lightner’s our Mother of Sorrows Grotto complex

ties into two of our critical concerns, Nonviolence and Racism.

has anchored Mount Mercy University as a treasured and unique feature of the campus for nearly ninety years. It is a rare remaining example of visionary architecture and the Midwestern grotto tradition of the early twentieth century. Lightner used exceptional visual design and building technique as well as highly skilled stone inlay and Italian

Chapel Stain Glass Windows

mosaic artistry to create a large lagoon surrounded by five

Inside the Chapel of Mercy, four stained-glass windows represent the dedication of the Sisters

major structures, all dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Lightner

to God through the Blessed Mother by means of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

was a respected, yet self-taught architect, artist, and builder

The brilliant reds, blues, greens, and oranges of the windows are offset by a roofdeck of light

responsible for other major buildings in Eastern Iowa.

Douglas fir and walls of Minnesota rainbow granite and wood paneling. (Courage and Change

However, this multi-structure Grotto site became his life’s work

by Sister Mary Augustine Roth (58))

and an obsession.

The words “My soul doth magnify the Lord; My Spirit hath rejoice in God, my Savior” (east

From its beginning the Grotto’s was a haven for reflection

window) and “With Him, By Him, In Him, To Thee, All honor and glory” (west window) proclaim

and meditation as well as a favorite location for college and

scripturally the dedication of one’s whole being to God through praise and gratitude.

community ceremonies. It became a neighborhood gathering place and a picturesque setting for weddings and pageants,

This dedication is manifested through the corporal works of Mercy (north) and the spiritual

including the annual May Day Celebration.

works of Mercy (south). These works are the heart of the work of the Sisters of Mercy. They

After Lightner’s death in 1968 there was little funding for the

legacy continues through the partnership of the faculty and staff who share the mission of

Sisters of Mercy to maintain the site and it fell into disrepair.

the Sisters in their work.

are a constant reminder of their legacy and the foundation of Mt. Mercy University. This

A campaign to finance conservation began in the 1990s and in 2001 a preservation grant from the Smithsonian Institution’s American Heritage Preservation Project, Save Outdoor Sculpture (SOS!), began the restoration process. Major grants from the Iowa Arts Council in 2011 and The National Endowment for the Arts ARTWORKS program helped

Stello Stain Glass Windows

complete the process in 2014 and as of 2015 the Grotto is

Stello Performance Hall, prior to its renovation in approximately 2015-16, was the college

listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

chapel. The chapel had been constructed as an integral part of Warde Hall in 1924. By 1928, the stained glass windows, imported from Munich, were installed—the Good Shepherd, St. Patrick, St. Agnes, and St. Aloysius on the left, St. Joseph, the Blessed Mother, St. Peter, and St.

Our Mercy Heritage

Therese on the right, and two decorative designs in the sanctuary. Our Mercy Heritage

Sisters of Mercy University Center Opened in September 2011, the Sisters of Mercy University Center, built between the twin pillars of Regina and McAuley Halls, is the gathering place for the Mount Mercy University community. Its flexible design creates an environment that fosters collaboration, integrates technology, encourages learning beyond the classroom, and builds community. The Sisters of Mercy University Center houses several offices including: Admissions, Marketing & Communications, Residence Life, Student Activities, Leadership, Counseling Services,

SISTER-NAMED BUILDINGS

Career Services, Public Safety, Health Services, International Programs and International Student Services, Academic Center for Excellence, the Student Government Association, and club offices. The Dining Center, Hilltop Grill, Campus Store, Mail Center, Information Desk, conference rooms, a large seating area with large screen TVs, and a game room can all be found in the Sisters of Mercy University Center.

McAuley Hall Opened in 1956, McAuley Hall was named in honor of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. This hall features double room suites with adjoining private baths. Rooms in McAuley are furnished with beds, dressers, desks, and desk chairs. Kitchens in the Regina Lounge and the McAuley penthouse are available to residential students. This hall is coeducational with men and women living on separate floors.

Warde Hall Built in 1924, Warde Hall is the oldest building on the Mount Mercy campus. The building itself was originally called Mount Mercy College, but its name was changed to Warde Hall when McAuley Hall was built. The building is named after Frances Warde, the first Sister of Mercy in America. It is home to the Provost’s Office, Business Office, Development and Alumni Relations Office, President’s Office, Registrar’s Office, and Student Financial Services Office, as well as classroom and office space.

Hennessey Recreation Center Opened in 1985, the Hennessey Recreation Center’s 2,000 seat gymnasium with regulation basketball and volleyball courts, a racquetball court, a Universal weight room, and locker rooms are available to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Center is named after Sr. Mary Agnes Hennessey, the fifth president of Mount Mercy.

Lower Campus Apartments Opened in September 1976, the lower campus apartments consist of four buildings named after Sisters of Mercy: Mullany House, after Sister Mary Agatha Mullany, first mother superior of the Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy; McCullough House, after Sister Mary Gertrude McCullough, the mother superior who, along with Sister Mary Agatha Mullany, purchased the Mound Farm property that is currently Mount Mercy; Holland House, after Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland, foundress and first president of Mount Mercy; and Reilly House, after Sister Mary Xavier Reilly, Mount Mercy’s first dean and long-time member of the English department. The apartments feature furnished living 16

Our Mercy Heritage

rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. All apartments are air-conditioned. Our Mercy Heritage

MISSION & VALUES

MISSION

VALUES

Mount Mercy is a Catholic University that provides student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters Mercy

As members of the Mount Mercy University community,

and welcomes people of all beliefs to join our community in pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and compassionate service to those in need.

Catholic identity, we are committed to:

We strive for excellence in accomplishing our mission through four interdependent goals:

Lifelong learning and education of the whole person

Using reflective judgment

Serving the common good

The ability to think clearly and carefully, argue coherently, and

We advocate for equality by actively creating just and healthy relationships in our learning community and in our global society.

Gratitude We celebrate with humility all gifts and talents bestowed by God

The common good is at the heart of Catholic social teaching.

spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

and faithfully share these blessings with the wider community.

evaluate competing truth claims critically are fundamental

Because people are social by nature, every individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

to a college education. Reflective judgment requires a

good relates necessarily to the common good, the sum of

Pursuit of truth and dignity

Hospitality

knowledge of basic fact, examination, and evaluation of

social conditions that allows all people to reach their human

We foster free inquiry in a compassionate culture where our

We accomplish our work in the spirit of Catherine

assumptions; adequate justification for drawing a conclusion;

potential more fully. It includes respect for, and ethical

dedication to faith, truth, and Mercy supports the dignity of

McAuleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graciousness and inclusion that welcomes all

and understanding implications of drawing that conclusion.

interaction with, every person and the natural environment

each person within the human community.

people and perspectives.

With these skills, individuals can solve problems creatively and

and, in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, service for the well-

integrate knowledge across disciplines.

being of all humanity and action in the cause of justice in

Commitment to students

Service

We acknowledge and affirm that our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs are

We instill a sense of responsibility and caring that calls us to

central to decisions that affect community life.

serve the common good.

Engaging in strategic communication Strategic communication requires selecting from a range of options to accomplish a chosen goal in an ethical manner. These options include construction and interpretation of messages in written, oral, and aesthetic forms using appropriate technology.

We believe that education is a lifelong experience where

Justice

learning empowers the whole person, intellectually,

the world.

grounded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and our

Our Mercy Heritage

Promoting purposeful living A liberal education enables students to achieve a greater degree of freedom upon which to act purposefully. Since development of purpose entails planning for life based on a set of priorities,4 Mount Mercy University provides

The Mount Mercy University Brand Promise

opportunities for spiritual growth, intellectual engagement,

We are the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse

vocational clarity, social development, physical well-being,

backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires

emotional maturity, and responsible community leadership.

them to discover knowledge, build community, and lead courageous lives. Our Mercy Heritage

OUR NAME IS MERCY. OUR SPIRIT IS COMPASSION. As a Catholic Mercy institution of higher education, we uphold the inherent dignity and worth of all people. In accordance with our mission and Mercy values, we cultivate inclusivity and foster diversity that supports human well-being. We affirm all people as persons, whatever their age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, immigration status, nationality, religion, ability, or any other identity. We denounce all acts of hatred and seek to build equity for all. Mount Mercy University recognizes the importance of preparing students for a diverse, global society and creating a campus community that embodies a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty— consistent with our values and the Sisters of Mercy’s five critical concerns. 20

Our Mercy Heritage

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee originated from the preceding Living Equity & Diversity (LEAD) task force. The committee promotes the University’s collective efforts to:

• Grow in diversity as a community

• Create productive, meaningful encounters

with different perspectives in a welcoming multicultural environment

• Develop programs, services, and initiatives that help

educate, support, and engage the campus in social justice and equity

MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797 319-368-6460 | mtmercy.edu