Convocation Ushers in 2026-2027 Academic Year
Inside the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, students, faculty and staff ushered in the 2026-2027 academic year during Convocation on Wednesday, September 9th.
New faculty/staff members were recognized and introduced by Jacqueline Muratore, M.A., Ed.M., M.S., Assistant Directress. Next, Brittany Maldonado, M.A., Dean of Students, introduced the Peer Ministers who shared the Mercy Core Values, reminding all to act with mercy and kindness throughout the year. Following the recitation of the Suscipe of Catherine McAuley, Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. (Directress) addressed the school community.
Sister Lisa said, "Welcome to a brand-new school year. It is nice to see some familiar smiling faces and some brand-new smiling faces. The first day of school is always a little unnerving for everyone. It is the start of new opportunities, new friendships, new experiences and new achievements. I have no secret for ultimate success, no magic formula for complete happiness, no amazing AI driven techniques that will give you straight A's or admission to your top-choice college. What I can promise you is that the Mount has time-honored values and traditions which include respect, kindness, honestly, appreciation, a commitment to hard work, and good and kind people."
"We have preserved the best of tradition, while making sure we are relevant and contemporary. Not an easy thing to do," continued Sister Lisa. "Over the past 118 years, we have earned our reputation and our legacy. You are now a special part of that heritage." She later added, "This is not just a place to acquire knowledge; this is our home -- where we feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered."
After offering some tips for a successful school year, news about plans for the future, and other pearls of wisdom, Sister Lisa concluded, "I pray that each of you have a happy, healthy, and productive school year. And I ask you to pray for me. Let us remember...we are...and always will be...MOUNT PACK!"
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