Gwynedd Mercy University announced a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to be used to support the Academic Facilities Renovation Project, an infrastructure redevelopment of The Griffin Complex/Waldron Center.
Interior renovations of The Griffin Complex include new restrooms on the first floor in compliance with ADA regulations. Other upgrades include new multi-space flooring to accommodate large-scale activities that include new training health/wellness facilities to expand the University’s ability to offer academic and extra-curricular programming, and upgraded technology infrastructure. Renovations to the Waldron Center include new HVAC. The project will also allow Gwynedd Mercy University to expand its ability to increase outreach activities and Career Readiness Programs to help 9-12th grade students explore future careers.
“We are excited that this grant will provide a vibrant student center that offers inclusive community programming for GMercyU students, school-aged students in the region and community at large, providing access to address the health and wellness needs of today and in the future,” shared Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD, President of Gwynedd Mercy University.
The Academic Facilities Renovation Project is in support of GMercyU’s mission by meeting the market demand to prepare trained and qualified professionals post-graduation through the use of improved and innovative student spaces. The project will retain 28 jobs and create 3 new jobs while meeting GMercyU’s goals of increasing student recruitment, retention, and learning outcomes.
The grant was made possible through the support of Senator Maria Collett, Representative Liz Hanbidge, and Representative Mary Jo Daley (GMercyU alumna ’69). It is the third RACP grant that GMercyU received to support campus transformations geared towards improving the student experience.
Respiratory Care program Receives Apex Award
In related news, the University’s Respiratory Care program has received the prestigious Apex Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
The award was created in 2017 to recognize programs that demonstrate best practices within the field of respiratory care to deliver high-quality patient care.
Gwynedd Mercy is one of 10 recipients across 466 respiratory care programs in the nation to receive the Apex Award, and their Respiratory Care program is the only program in Pennsylvania, and one of five in the country, to receive both the Apex Award and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care’s Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award, which is presented to programs that achieve a 90 percent pass rate on the RRT exam and meet several other requirements.
Photo: GMU