Gwynedd Mercy University has nearly doubled the University’s footprint by purchasing a 154-acre property adjacent to its campus on Sumneytown Pike. The property, which was previously owned by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., adds 157,000 square feet of useable interior space to the University and expands the campus to 314 acres. Merck was represented in the sale by Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (JLL).
“We are absolutely thrilled that we were able to take advantage of such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase this prime piece of property,” said President Deanne D’Emilio, JD. “Some of our current facilities are bursting at the seams, and this new space will provide exciting opportunities to expand and enhance the educational programs available to new and continuing GMercyU students.”
The University plans to transform the property into a state-of-the-art facility that will support innovative teaching and learning initiatives that enhance existing programs and support the introduction of new market-responsive programs.
“As we celebrate our 70th year and the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy journey to America, we are excited by the many possibilities this venture presents to further differentiate the GMercyU brand as a Catholic university leader in professional and healthcare education,” added D’Emilio.
“Gwynedd Mercy University is such a valued and treasured part of the Lower Gwynedd community and I congratulate them on making such a strategic investment in their future,” said Kathleen Hunsicker, Chair of the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors. “This expansion will make it possible for our hometown University to bring an even larger group of students from throughout the Commonwealth and around the world to enjoy all that our community has to offer.”
The purchase of the property is part of a broader plan to build on the University’s reputation for preparing professionals who can successfully navigate a constantly changing world, and make that world a better place. “The world needs more Distinctive Mercy Graduates who stand ready to make a real and lasting difference in the communities in which they live and work,” said D’Emilio. “We are excited about what the future holds for GMercyU, and for our current and future alumni.”