Making an Impact Through Scholarships
Generous donors share their stories and what inspired them to support the next generation of students.
The Catherine P. Alexander-Lennon ’84 Endowed Scholarship for Nursing
Created by her family after her passing in April 2023
When Cate's husband and father of their six children passed away after battling melanoma, she was faced with a decision: return to her administrative job at Goodyear that would barely support her young family or fulfill her dream of attending college and provide a better life for her family. Cate soon enrolled in Gwynedd's Nursing program, inspired by the nurses who took care of her husband during his cancer treatment. Read Catherine's story here.
My mom was just an ordinary person. Usually when somebody has a scholarship in their honor, it’s because they were a senator or super successful business person. But our definition of success is her being an amazing mother and an incredible role model for all of us.
— Amy Watson
Rosemarie Zaro Scholarship Fund
Created by her husband, Dr. John Zaro
Two years after graduating from GMercyU's Education program, Rosemarie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Despite undergoing treatment and even finding a bone marrow donor in Iowa, Rosemarie passed away at the age of 42. Her husband created the scholarship to help keep her memory alive and since its inception, it has impacted more than 60 students with more than $200,000 given to assist in making college more affordable. The scholarship is offered to students displaying financial need, with an emphasis on women with children or other family obligations. Read Rosemarie's story here.
She was so proud of her Gwynedd Mercy affiliations, and wanted to help women achieve their career goals. She always felt that she learned so much by teaching people.
— Dr. John Zaro
Alumni Board Executive Vice President Mary Bevivino ’05
Creator of The Mary Virginia Bevivino ’05 Annual Scholarship
Having pursued higher education while raising a family, Mary wanted to make the journey easier for similar working parents. The scholarship is how she chooses to give back to the Mercy community that embraced her during her own journey, leading to a meaningful career and life. The scholarship was first awarded in 2023 to a nursing student that has since graduated and accepted a role at a nearby hospital. Read Mary's story here.
Gwynedd Mercy University students possess a drive for achievement that is grounded in gratitude and compassion. Creating a scholarship is a way for me to give back to support students, regardless of financial position, so they have the chance to thrive and develop into Mercy leaders with compassion and values.
— Mary Bevivino '05
Christine Barrasso '65
Creator of The Antoni Malecki Endowed Scholarship for Clinical Laboratory Science Scholarship
The Sisters of Gwynedd-Mercy College made an unforgettable impact on Christine Barrasso '65 MT (ASCP) SBB, MAS as a young student. After a 39-year career in the Pathology Department at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she is paying it forward to help meet the urgent need for healthcare professionals such as clinical lab scientists. Read Christine's story here.
The Sisters of Mercy offered me a wonderful education that provided the basis for a successful career. What I gained from Gwynedd Mercy inspired me to include the university in my estate plan so future generations of students can continue to experience an outstanding education and Mercy values.
—Christine Barrasso '65
Rosemary Maloney '72
Creator of The Michael John Maloney Johnson Nursing Scholarship Scholarship
Retired nurse and nurse educator Rosemary Maloney ’72 PhD, CRNP, ANCC, MA, MSN was inspired by many of the Sisters at Gwynedd-Mercy College, beginning with Sister Fenton Joseph, who enrolled Rosemary and played a key role in Rosemary earning her first graduate degree at no cost. Having dedicated much of her career to studying the relationship between caregiver and patients, Rosemary's scholarship supports future Mercy nurses — compassionate caregivers with outstanding skills. Read Rosemary's story here.
After 48 years of experience in varied healthcare positions and settings, one can discern “change” is imperative — seeking outcomes in which patient and practitioner are honored in ethical surrounds.
—Rosemary Maloney '72
Mary Jo Pierantozzi '72
Creator of The Future Teachers of PA Annual Scholarship
Having retired from GMercyU in 2023 after 21 years, Professor Emerita Mary Jo Pierantozzi ’72 MS created this scholarship to support future Education majors. Scholarship recipients will be students from a charter or public school in Philadelphia, where Mary Jo taught for so many years before returning to her alma mater as a full-time professor. Read Mary Jo's story here.
The scholarship is to encourage students from various backgrounds to become teachers. We cry out for that. My hope is that by giving, I am in some small way helping to support current and future students with the opportunity to gain a quality education and carry the Mercy charism into their professional lives. This also is my way of giving back to the college that gave me my profession.
—Mary Jo Pierantozzi '72