A proud place in the world

About Life Changing History

History

Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is rich with history and tradition. Since the school opened in 1928 we have grown from 75 freshman and five teachers, to 800 students and over 100 faculty and staff. We’ve expanded several times, adding a middle school, new gymnasiums, an auditorium, and dozens of athletic teams. Over 13,000 young women have graduated from Mercy over the past 90 years… and we are just getting started.

Principals

  • Dr. Sherylanne Diodato ’93, Principal, 2022-present
  • Dr. Martin Kilbridge, Principal, 2018-2022
  • Mr. Terence Quinn Principal, 2008-2018
  • Mrs. Vilma Goetting Principal, 2004-2008
  • Mrs. Evelyn J. Kirst Principal, 1994-2004
  • Sr. Barbara Hamm, RSM Principal, 1989-1994
  • Sr. Judith Heberle, RSM Principal, 1983-1989
  • Sr. Mary Bonaventure, RSM Principal, 1976-1983
  • Sr. Mary Bryan, RSM Principal, 1968-1976
  • Sr. Mary Florence, RSM Principal, 1957-1968
  • Sr. Mary Francesca, RSM Principal, 1928-1957

Presidents

  • Mrs. Pamela Baker, J.D. ’74 President and CEO, 2019-2022
  • Mrs. Suzanne Klingler Johnston ’61 President, 2004-2018
  • Sr. Carol Wulforst, RSM President, 1990-2004

  • School opens with 75 freshmen and five faculty

  • Lourdes Grotto dedicated

    Mercy 1929 pray

  • First graduation

    Mercy 1932 faculty and staff Faculty and staff, 1932

  • Auditorium, gymnasium, music room and other classrooms added

    Mercy 2941 mass

  • Two baseball diamonds, parking lot and garages erected

  • Motherhouse Chapel completed as school and campus continue to expand

    Mercy 1954 field day Field Day, Ellison Park, 1954 Merc 1962 celebration May Day celebration, 1962

  • Catherine McAuley College completed

  • New gym floor and track are built as varsity athletics expands

    Mercy 1982 runner Runners on new track, 1982

  • Global Studies inaugurated

    Mercy 1985 graduation

  • Middle School opens

    Mercy 1990 classmates

  • B. Thomas Golisano Media Center, Albert and Eva Bonsignore Family Athletic Center, Kathleen Bonsignore Walgreen ’61 Gymnasium and Catherine McAuley Gallery completed

    Mercy 2003 study

  • 6th Grade added

    New track and turf field completed

    Mercy Track and field

  • Abby Wambach ’98 Field dedicated

    Mercy 2014 awards and certifications

  • Auditorium renovation

    Mercy 2015

  • Middle School Gym Renovation completed and Performing Arts Center opens

    Mercy 2016 school location

  • For the first time in the school’s history, all classes were offered remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • A statue of the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, (donated by Kathleen Bonsignore Walgreen ’61) was installed.

Experience the Circle of Mercy

To truly understand how life changing Mercy is, schedule a visit. Tour the campus, meet us in person, and talk to our students and staff. From information sessions and tours, there are many ways to learn about the Circle of Mercy.

Your Journey to Mercy