Mercy University is preparing to celebrate a milestone that traces back to the history of the institution’s beginnings. The university over the years has embodied opportunity and building relationships with the community.
From starting as an independent college to becoming a four-year university, Mercy will always be the place that brought the people together. A presentation of the institution’s history welcomes the current and new members of the community an insight of how the campus was established.
Zodet Negron, Executive Director of Public Relations at Mercy University and part of the 75th Committee, tells Impact News how putting together a presentation is about honoring the excellence and history of the institution.
“Together these events give us the opportunity to reflect on our history, recognize those who have shaped this institution and celebrate Mercy’s impact over the past 75 years,” said Negron.
Mercy University celebrates its 75th Anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year as a major milestone to the school’s journey. The celebration honors the rich history and achievements that have shaped the years of impact and progress.
The university put together an interactive display of memorable photos, artifacts, and stories surrounding the institution. The exhibit was a collaborative showing of the achievements for the guest to view the moments that embraced the community.
Kristen Sangregorio, Executive Creative Director of Marketing at Mercy University explains to Impact News on the importance of putting a presentation of Mercy’s history for the anniversary.
“Part of the 75th anniversary year of celebration was wanting to celebrate our institution’s rich history through a visual piece,” said Sangregorio.
Mercy was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1950 as a junior college in Dobbs Ferry to later become a four-year college. The institution was rooted in a mission of access, opportunity and academic reach.
By the early 1970s, the college transitioned to an independent and co-educational institution that opened campuses beyond Westchester. A decade later, Mercy would become a university marking an era of growth and impact.
Sangregorio references how the background of the school’s history helped build the creation of the presentation.
“The exhibit highlights everything from the founding Sisters of Mercy through growth and change in the ’70s and ’80s through the exciting transition from college to university in 2023, ” Sangregorio added.
Mercy has a tolerance towards expressing education but focuses on building relationships with the community. Throughout the years, the college continues to host a series of events designed to bring students, faculty, alumni, and the community.
The biggest event hosted by the University is Founder’s Festival which is a community-wide event for everyone to enjoy a special day. The event includes live music, food trucks, games, and activities for all ages.
Negron explains to Impact News how the community’s involvement with Mercy is becoming a special part of the partnership and engagement.
“Mercy University is more than an educational institution: it is a community anchor, serving both as employer, educator, partner, and civic institution. Through initiatives like mobile health screenings, nursing student clinics, and service projects, Mercy brings resources and care directly into surrounding communities,”
She added, “Mercy partners with local community organizations to provide space, expertise, and programming that enriches community life. Events on campus are also open to the community (i.e. Annual International Film Festival, Annual Founders’ Festival, Athletic events, etc.) Students, faculty, and staff regularly take part in service days and volunteer projects that directly benefit local parks, schools, and nonprofits.”
Mercy offers members of the community to embrace the memories that will last forever and be shared with others. People who are familiar with the campus have memories about the events or achievements that trace back to the school’s history.
The university continues to establish a bond between the students, faculty and community to celebrate the accomplishments. The memories are the secret recipe to the exhibit bringing the growth and improvement of the institution.
Sangregorio looks back at one of her favorite memories from the exhibit that symbolized the fun moment of the university.
“One of my favorite parts of the exhibit was Mercy beach. It was fun to see how both students and the Sisters of Mercy kicked back and had fun back in the day. It was fascinating to see older traditions, like the Candle Lighting Ceremony and other traditions like connections with West Point, “said Sangregorio.
The 75th Anniversary of Mercy celebrates not only means to the university as one but to the people that come before us. The university is the place where access and empowering generations have transformed people’s lives.
Mercy has evolved to the needs of students in the world around us and embracing the offerings of the campuses. The institution’s background continues to grow over time and is thriving towards the future.
President of Mercy University, Susan Parish tells Impact News the meaning of the university’s anniversary and growth for the future.
“This anniversary is not only a chance to honor our past but also to affirm our vision for the future as we continue to thrive and lead in higher education,” said Parish.
Today, Mercy University is the region’s largest private minority-serving institution and a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. The University has more than 73,000 alumni, serves over 9,000 enrolled students across six academic schools and offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, and the Bronx, as well as online offerings, Mercy University continues to expand access and meet the demands of the current and future workforce.
To learn more information about Mercy’s 75th Anniversary and upcoming events, visit at www.mercy.edu/75.
