Sister Alice Swartz, RSM, Ph.D., ‘62

Sister Alice Swartz celebrates her 64th anniversary as a Sister of Mercy this year. Her spiritually devout family led her to life as a religious which, she says, “has always been and continues to be full of blessings, challenges, and grace.”

After leaving Carbondale, PA, Sister Alice attended elementary school at Saint Mary’s (Plainfield), then joined the MSMA Class of 1961. The deep spirituality, prayer life, and professionalism of her Mercy teachers greatly influenced her and the decision to join their community upon her Mount graduation. 

Sister’s ministerial life was filled with a wealth of exceptional mentors. For 26 years she taught middle and high school students, including at the Mount. “I loved those years of teaching and administration because of the students and colleagues who helped me grow personally and professionally.” Leaving the classroom, she ministered for eight years as a pastoral associate at Saint Anthony of Padua (Port Reading) and Saint Augustine of Canterbury (Kendall Park). She recalls the joy of sharing celebrations and liturgies with parish families.

Sister Alice has an accomplished academic background: earning a BA in English (Georgian Court), MAs in Biblical Studies (Providence College), Jewish/Christian Studies (Seton Hall), and Philosophy (Drew University). After completing a doctoral program in Liturgy (Drew), she spent the next 25 years teaching at The College of Saint Elizabeth as Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Theology and Department Chair. As Professor Emeritus, Sister will continue to teach one class each semester. Summers studying in Israel and a sabbatical year in Rome remain the most memorable of her extensive travel experiences.

Reflecting on her high school experience at the Mount, Sister credits its strong foundation in academics and community. Friendships formed with classmates, students, and colleagues provided long-cherished life lessons. The dedication of the faculty, both religious and lay, made a lasting impact. “The environment they fostered taught me the importance of responsibility, integrity, and perseverance – values that continue to shape my approach to challenges and opportunities today.”