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CAMPAIGN NEWS An Outstanding Lead Gift to Start 
Frances M. Maguire, Class of 1955, and her husband, James J. Maguire, led off the campaign with a $5 million gift. The health care field has always been close to Frances "Frannie" M. Maguire's heart. As a child, she observed her mother and father who worked in the medical profession. She enrolled at Gwynedd-Mercy College to earn a medical secretary degree, and then returned to study nursing in the mid-1970s. Later, health care played a new role in her life as she was a patient at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "Quality health care is something that I have been fortunate to receive and do not take for granted," says Maguire, who is a mother of eight and grandmother of 21. In fall 2009, Maguire and her husband, James, honored her alma mater with a gift of $5 million to name the School of Nursing as the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing. "I have always been a believer in remembering where I came from and giving back to those who have helped me to get where I am today," Maguire says. This contribution is the largest-ever alumni gift in the history of the College. It will form an endowment for the School, as well as meet some immediate priorities for nursing students and faculty. Three important areas that the gift will address are scholarships, faculty support, and best-practice technology and equipment. The nursing skills laboratory has already been renovated with state-of-the-art equipment through funds provided by the Maguires and their foundation, the Maguire Foundation. The Maguire Foundation has a mission to invest in education where there is a high probability of good return, and Gwynedd-Mercy College is well-known for high graduation rates and excellent career preparation for students. "Gwynedd-Mercy College would never give up on a student," Maguire says. "Its faculty and staff always encourage students to move forward, ask for help and follow their dreams!" Dean Andrea Hollingsworth, PhD, believes this gift will not only enhance the School's quality, but also bring additional honor and prestige. "A named School is the dream of every dean," she says. "This gift recognizes the excellence of our School and enables us to continue development of outstanding nurses to serve our community." ________________________________________ GWYNEDD-MERCY COLLEGE GOES PUBLIC WITH $20 MILLION CAMPAIGN Gwynedd Valley, Pa. (October 19, 2009) - Gwynedd-Mercy College announced the public phase of its $20 million capital campaign on Saturday, Oct. 17, which was propelled by a $5 million gift received two weeks ago from Frances M. and James J. Maguire. The announcement was made during the college's 50th Nursing Anniversary celebration by campaign chair William J. Avery, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Cork & Seal Company, a Philadelphia-based, worldwide packaging company. Avery is a campaign veteran, serving as chair of 11 previous campaigns, one being for Gwynedd-Mercy College's health and science building. "Our last capital campaign really helped with enrollment and upgraded campus facilities, especially in the School of Nursing. This campaign will continue to increase scholarship support and academic excellence in all college programs," Avery said. Although a native of Chicago, Avery has been a visible leader in the Philadelphia area for many years. He played an active role in a number of civic and charitable organizations, including the board of directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Philadelphia First Corporation. Not only does he serve on the Board of Trustees for Gwynedd-Mercy College, Avery was also elected to membership of the board for organizations such as the YMCA, Fox Chase Cancer Center and The Connelly Foundation. The $20 million campaign is Gwynedd-Mercy College's first comprehensive campaign. The college has already raised nearly $11 million since the silent phase began in January 2008. "So far, we have only solicited members of our Board of Trustees and a few individuals and organizations that have been long-time donors of the college, so this is excellent progress," said Jerry McLaughlin, vice president for Institutional Advancement. All contributions during a five-year period are counted towards the goal. The campaign funds will be geared toward more student scholarships, endowed professorships, program support including student internship, research and international experience funds, projects for student life on campus, technology enhancements and annual giving.
________________________________________ SEN. GREENLEAF AND REP. HARPER GIVE $1 MILLION TO SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Gwynedd Valley, Pa. (August 24, 2010) - Senator Stewart Greenleaf, of Pennsylvania's 12th District, and Representative Kate Harper, of Pennsylvania's 61st Legislative District, each granted $500,000 to support a new facility for Gwynedd-Mercy College's School of Education. The college, in the midst of a $20 million capital campaign, is looking to grow its education program. Currently, there are more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students studying in the School of Education in 12 different areas of interest. Nearly all graduates of the School remain in Pennsylvania and teach locally. "There's a need in this area for well educated teachers," Sen. Greenleaf says. "Gwynedd-Mercy College has a good location and a reputation for excellence in educational pursuits." Besides the shortage of teachers in Philadelphia, there is also a looming technology gap between teachers and their pupils, even in the lowest primary grades. A large portion of the grant will go toward implementing the most current technology for classroom preparation. "Gwynedd-Mercy College is an important asset to Montgomery County, not just for the graduates it produces but also because of its important local economic impact," Rep. Harper says. "I am happy to secure the grant to help enhance educational opportunities and Gwynedd- Mercy College."
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