Evan Merkhofer, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mount Saint Mary College, addresses an audience of about 75 local leaders, alumni, and friends of the college at the recent “Climbing Higher: Meet the Leaders of the Mount” event.
Mount Saint Mary College welcomed about 75 distinguished community leaders, alumni, faculty, and friends to the Aquinas Hall Atrium on Wednesday, September 17, for “Climbing Higher: Meet the Leaders of the Mount.”
The event focused on the college’s deep connection to the Hudson Valley and its commitment to student success.
The evening featured remarks from key members of the college’s leadership, including Dr. Robert Gervasi, president of the Mount; Lou Bach, Chair of the college’s Board of Trustees; Fr. Gregoire Fluet, Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Campus Chaplain; and Evan Merkhofer, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Nikki Khurana-Baugh, Vice President for College Advancement, opened the evening by highlighting the profound connection alumni feel for the Mount, even years after graduating: “The fact that alums still carry their ID in their wallet is proof of that,” she said.
Gervasi outlined his vision for the college based on three core words: opportunity, affordability, and community. He shared his personal commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students while also stressing the importance of fostering a culture of trust and shared purpose.
“We are building together. We are building an environment of trust and…cultivat[ing] a culture of trust,” said Gervasi. “We have to see one another as God sees us…The essential reality of things, beyond education, beyond career, is the belief that we all ultimately are brothers and sisters.”
The Mount was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Hope using the four pillars of Service, Study, Community, and Spirituality as their guide, noted Fr. Fluet. Service, he said, is particularly near and dear to the college’s students, faculty, and staff.
“Service has been a cornerstone of this college from the very beginning,” he noted. “Service to our students and service to our larger community. As an institution, Mount Saint Mary College has served the entire Hudson Valley by offering incredible and capable young nurses, educators, business leaders, and more.”
Bach, a proud 1982 graduate of the Mount, touted the college’s significant economic impact on the region: According to a recent report by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU), the Mount “had an economic impact of $119 million in the year 2022-2023,” he stated.
He added, “We look forward to continuing to do what we do best: educating teachers, nurses, accountants, and future leaders.”
Merkhofer detailed the college’s academic innovations, including the new Joseph F. Maloney Memorial Investment Lab, outfitted with 12 financial terminals and a ticker display, which will benefit finance students; and a virtual reality program for nursing students.
“We are constantly looking at what our students really want: what do they want to do in their careers,” he explained. “We tailor our academic programs around that.”
The event concluded with an invitation for attendees to continue supporting the college’s mission by attending the 16th Annual Gala Reception, “Sip, Savor and Celebrate,” on October 16, which directly funds student scholarships. To purchase tickets or to sponsor the event, visit www.msmc.edu/gala.