Mercy High School launches capital campaign

Mercy High School, a North Baltimore all-girls Catholic secondary school, launched Dec. 12 a $10 million capital campaign, “The Spirit of Mercy: Advancing the Legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.”

According to a media release from the school, the “historic campaign” hopes to expand scholarships and tuition assistance; enhance faculty recruitment and retention; implement an International Baccalaureate program; and fund campus improvements, including a new learning center and fitness facility.

The campaign already has secured $5 million in gifts for the largest and most-ambitious campaign in the 64-year history of a school that has nearly 9,000 alumnae. 

“It is fitting that we launch this next phase of Mercy’s growth on December 12, the day the Sisters of Mercy were founded as a religious congregation,” said Mercy President Mary Beth Lennon in the media release. “Since the Sisters of Mercy were established in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland, they have been committed to helping women and girls achieve their fullest potential. We are proud to advance the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.” 

Since summer 2023, donors have contributed nearly $5 million in gifts and pledges. With a pledge of $750,000, a lead donor has established an endowed scholarship – the largest in Mercy history. The Sister Patricia Smith, R.S.M., Ph.D., Endowed Scholarship, The Bishop P. Francis Murphy and LeRoy E. Hoffberger Fund, the Jeanne A. Blakeslee Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Class of 1964 Scholarship, respectively, honor individuals important to Mercy and members of the first graduating class. Additional gifts totaling $2.5 million have underwritten the installation of a new HVAC system for and renovation of the school’s library and dining hall, named in honor of Mary Agnes Votta, class of 1968, and her late husband Bruce, a former trustee. 

Beginning in 2025, Mercy will work to raise funds to secure a $250,000 challenge issued by the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation aimed at providing tuition assistance to middle-class families.

The campaign also will support the construction of an accessible main entrance and elevator honoring the Sisters of Mercy’s commitment to hospitality. 

The school plans to create a contemporary spiritual center at the heart of the campus featuring stained glass from the old Mount St. Agnes campus. Campaign gifts will also underwrite installation of an outdoor patio adjacent to the dining hall, a new learning commons and a student fitness center. Mercy also will expand international travel opportunities for its students. 

“For decades, the Sisters of Mercy have educated nearly 9,000 Mercy girls for success in college, community, and the workplace,” said Honorary Campaign Chair Mercy Sister Patricia Smith. “Through this campaign, we invite our Mercy alumnae, past and current families, and friends throughout Baltimore and beyond to honor the tireless dedication of the Sisters of Mercy through a gift that will ensure that future generations of girls can take advantage of an excellent Mercy education.” 

To learn more about The Spirit of Mercy campaign, visit mercyhighschool.com.

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