New Mission & Vision Statements Approved In Time For Centennial

President Kathy Getz

(EDITOR鈥橲 NOTE: President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., released the following letter to the university community on April 25, 2025.)

Dear 海角乱伦社区 Community,

I am pleased to share that the Board of Trustees and the Conference for Mercy Higher Education have approved new mission and vision statements for the university. These refreshed statements reflect more than two years of collaboration among the board of trustees, university leadership, the all-university mission committee, and consultation with students, employees, and alumni. With our centennial celebration right around the corner, it is vital that we remain faithful to the mission that the Sisters of Mercy so lovingly instilled in this community almost 100 years ago. These statements, along with our core values and the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, give us a clear foundation as we continue to make a difference in this world!

Mission Statement: Rooted in our Mercy Catholic liberal arts identity, we educate and inspire diverse learners in an environment where faith and reason flourish together for meaningful lives, dignified work, and leadership in service toward a just and loving world.

Vision Statement: We will be known as a dynamic university that builds community and advances the common good as we promote wisdom, mercy, and respect in all our engagements.

Core Values: We are:

  • Socially merciful, - Mercy restores human dignity, expands our social relations, and empowers us to reach out in compassion to others.
  • Globally responsible, - Globalization challenges us to learn how to steward the resources of the Earth wisely and to act in solidarity with its diverse peoples.
  • Compassionately hospitable, - Mercy hospitality begins with self-acceptance, welcomes peoples of different faith, ethnic, and cultural traditions, and thus builds communities that transcend mere tolerance.
  • Intellectually creative, - Generous, inquiring, and critical habits of mind, which support the aspirations for excellence manifested within the academic community, encourage us in our lifelong search for what is true, good, and beautiful.
  • Reflectively aware, - Our Christian environment encourages self-reflection and contemplation of human behavior, promotes balance of mind, body, and spirit, and ultimately offers the opportunity to develop a moral compass for a life of integrity.
  • Ambassadors of service.

The Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy:

  • Earth
  • Immigration
  • Anti-Racism
  • Non-Violence
  • Women

Yours in Mercy,
Kathy
Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D.
President