Ralph Hoffman, Ron Bruce, and Mary Jo Pierantozzi Named Professors Emeriti

This year, Gwynedd Mercy University is recognizing three faculty members with the disctinction of Professor Emeriti for their dedication and contributions to the University, their students, and their fields of study. Congratulations to Ron Bruce, MBA, Ralph Hoffman, EdD, and Mary Jo Pierantozzi, MS.

Ron Bruce, MBA

Professor Bruce was a dedicated fulltime faculty member in the Business programs for over 38 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting, with a minor in Quantitative Methods, from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1982. He earned his Masters of Business Administration, with a concentration in Administrative Management from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1984. Professor Bruce continued his studies by earning over 60 additional graduate credits in Educational Technology, Research Methods and Statistics from Lehigh University.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Professor Bruce worked as a staff accountant for Main, Hurdman and Company before accepting a faculty appointment in the School of Business and Computer Information Science at Gwynedd Mercy College in 1984. While teaching he remained active in the field as both a Tax and Statistical Consultant. Professor Bruce attained the rank of Associate Professor and was awarded tenure in 1996.

He continues to serve as an adjunct instructor, even in his retirement. His excellence in teaching was recognized in 2004 when he was selected as the Lindback Award recipient.

Known as an early adapter of technology, Professor Bruce was a dedicated professional who continually worked to advance the business programs with a focus on integrating key technology into the curriculum. In addition to teaching traditional undergraduate Business courses, Professor Bruce also engaged in the development of several master courses for the online business programs.

During his time at the University, Professor Bruce has served on countless Faculty Standing and University committees, most notably leading a Middle States Reaccreditation Self Study. In addition to his committee service, Professor Bruce assumed the lead role in conducting outcomes assessment for all business programs to meet the high standards of the IACBE accreditation.

Professor Bruce’s dedication to his students and the University is evidenced by his daily 68 mile one way commute, but moreover the affection his student’s feel for him is evidenced by the unwavering call of “BRUCE” anytime they see him on campus.

Ralph Hoffman, EdD

Dr. Ralph Hoffman was a dedicated faculty member in the Business programs for over 40 years. Dr. Hoffman earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from then Gwynedd Mercy College. He earned his Masters of Business Administration, with a concentration in Administrative Management from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Professor Hoffman received his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership Policy from Temple University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1996.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Hoffman worked as a systems analysts for Worlco Data Systems in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hoffman joined Gwynedd Mercy College in 1979 as the Director of Computer Services, later moving into the role of Director of Institutional Research before joining the faculty in 1981. Dr. Hoffman attained the rank of Associate Professor and was awarded tenure in 1988. In addition to his professional roles with GMercyU, Dr. Hoffman also successfully launched his own business.

Dr. Hoffman was a dedicated teacher who continually worked to innovate the business curriculum. He obtained external marketing certifications in order to incorporate essential job market skills into his courses, creating added value for his students. Dr. Hoffman also supported the development and accreditation of the MBA program and led several study abroad trips. His excellence in teaching was recognized in 2013 with the awarding of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Dr. Hoffman’s dedication to the Mercy Mission was felt in each course, by his peers, and with each interaction with his students. As a Mercy Scholar, Dr. Hoffman presented several times on Catholic Social Teaching and a Business Curriculum. Dr. Hoffman was recognized for his service by receiving the Anne Fitzpatrick Murray Award for Distinguished Service in 2005.

In addition to his dedication to the mission and to excellence in teaching, Dr. Hoffman served in many administrative roles when called upon to meet the leadership needs of the University. He served as Interim Dean for Business and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, accepting the appointment to Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs twice.

Dr. Hoffman’s leadership and deep commitment to Mercy continues to be felt by all who were fortunate enough to have worked by his side or sit in his class.

Mary Jo Pierantozzi, MS

Mary Jo Pierantozzi, or “Ms. P” as she is affectionately known to her students, has been a member of the Gwynedd Mercy community for over 55 years, first as a student and then as an esteemed faculty member. Professor Pierantozzi earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in English from Gwynedd Mercy College in 1971, qualifying for her Level I Instructional Certification in Elementary Education. In 1982, she earned her Master of Science in Integrative Education from Marywood College (now University) in Scranton, Pennsylvania and qualified for her Level II Instructional Certification. She continued her studies at St. Joseph’s University qualifying for her Certification in Secondary English, and at Penn State University in Great Valley where she completed her qualifications for her Principal Certification.

Professor Pierantozzi began her career teaching grades 4-8 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1968. She remained with the Archdiocese until 1988, eventually serving as a Curriculum Coordinator and Principal. Following her time at the Archdiocese, Ms. Pierantozzi taught in the School District of Philadelphia and served as a Regional Agent for the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. She began teaching for Gwynedd Mercy College as an adjunct instructor in 1996 and joined the full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor of Education in 2002. In addition to her classroom teaching, Ms. Pierantozzi found a multitude of ways in which to engage and mentor students, serving as a supervisor for student teachers, advising multiple student organizations, and obtaining three consecutive Presidential Mini Grants for Student Field Work Immersion Experiences, just to name a few. Her excellence in teaching was recognized by the awarding of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011.

In addition to her dedication to her students, Professor Pierantozzi has a long and esteemed record of service. She has served on numerous University and Faculty Standing Committees, including serving as Faculty Council Chair twice and has served as the Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Education programs. Having reached the level of Steward in the Mercy Leadership Academy and serving as a Mercy Associate, Ms. Pierantozzi brings a deep and abiding commitment to the Mercy Mission to all that she does.

Professor Pierantozzi is first and foremost, a teacher at heart, and puts the students at the forefront of everything she does. While she will be retiring from full time service to the University, she will continue to follow her passion as an adjunct instructor and mentor to aspiring teachers.