Misericordia University Celebrates Generosity at Annual Gala

Misericordia University honored its supporters and celebrated its mission during the annual Trustee Associates Gala on October 18, 2023, at the Westmoreland Club’s Grand Hall. The event gathered alumni, benefactors, and friends of the university to recognize individuals whose dedication enhances Misericordia’s commitment to academic excellence, service, and mercy.

The evening began with an invocation by Sister Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D. ’68. Following this, Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., the university’s 15th president, reflected on his fifth year in the role. He noted the “extraordinary generosity” that has supported Misericordia throughout its first 101 years. Dr. Myers also announced the enrollment of the university’s second-largest first-year class in history, attributing this success to the valuable contributions of benefactors and alumni.

One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the Trustee Associates Award to Dorothy Dickson Darling, president of the Darling Entertainment Management Group in Encinitas, California. A resident of Kingston, Darling has actively supported various campus initiatives, including the Brassington Athletic Dome and Mangelsdorf Field, which honors her late husband, Jack F. Mangelsdorf Jr.. Her commitment to Misericordia continues through her son, Jack Ewen Mangelsdorf, who is currently a student-athlete at the university.

The prestigious Mercy Mission Medal was awarded to Rosemary Dvorsky Gido, Ph.D., a distinguished sociologist and professor emerita from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gido shared her personal journey from Wilkes-Barre to achieving her dreams with the help of Misericordia. She emphasized the profound impact of her education and mentors, particularly Sister Mary Hildegarde, on her values of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality. Dr. Gido’s family has established several scholarships at the university, including the Sister Hildegarde’s Justice and Mercy Scholarship for Women with Children.

Another significant recognition was the Founders Medal awarded to the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation of Princeton, New Jersey. This award acknowledged the foundation’s nearly four-decade partnership with Misericordia. Dr. Gianna Durso-Finley, the foundation’s executive director, accepted the award and recounted the inspiring story of Charlotte Newcombe. Despite facing near blindness in the early 1900s, Newcombe championed lifelong learning and used her resources to support others’ education. Dr. Durso-Finley highlighted how the foundation’s mission aligns with the ideals of the Sisters of Mercy, providing over $75 million in scholarships to more than 50,000 students nationwide, including 850 students at Misericordia, totaling $1.3 million in awards.

Through this annual gala, Misericordia University continues to foster a spirit of gratitude, highlighting the crucial role of its supporters in transforming lives through education rooted in mercy.