Core Values & Profile of the Graduate

Compelled By Mercy

Mercy students, in the spirit of our founder Catherine McAuley, are steadfastly determined to take Mercy into an interconnected world. Our shared sense of social consciousness is fortified by universal empathy and a conviction that all are worthy of God’s mercy. This deep awareness and compassion move us to take principled action and serve the needs of others.

Educational Courage

Mercy students welcome the challenge of pursuing their full potential in a culture of excellence, critical thinking and curiosity. Their multifaceted journey builds character while it builds essential skills. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge and personal responsibility, while preparing students to thrive for a lifetime.

Inspired By Faith

Mercy students become living models of faith and forceful advocates for Gospel values. Grounded in our Catholic identity in the Mercy tradition, we welcome all faiths and are strengthened and shaped by these relationships. As we pursue a personal relationship with God, we strenuously follow Jesus Christ’s example of social justice, love and service.

Principled Leadership

Mercy students are poised to lead with their unique gifts. Prepared with an ethical and moral compass, we put Mercy values into action and work assertively for what is right. We’re equipped to make difficult choices, learn from our mistakes and develop high emotional intelligence. As an international community, we’re confident in our ability to make a positive difference and push for systemic change.

A Voice For Dignity and Respect 

Mercy students honor the intrinsic value of the individual and recognize God’s presence in each person. We embrace a global vision and value differences of opinion, and are unafraid to confront hostile or hurtful attitudes. By standing up for those who can’t, we go beyond acceptance to help make sure everyone feels recognized and heard.

Compelled By Mercy: Student Attributes

• Compassion Having concern for the needs of all, including those outside our immediate circle.
• Empathy Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand their feelings and perspectives.
• Responsibility to Serve Fulfilling the duty to not just care about others, but to take action on their behalf.

Educational Courage: Student Attributes

• Curiosity Being open to other ways of seeing the world and exploring new ideas.
• Personal Accountability Staying disciplined in decision-making, proactive in correcting mistakes and self-motivated in our studies.
• Critical Thinking Gathering and objectively evaluating and analyzing information through reflection and reason.

Inspired By Faith: Student Attributes

• Spirituality Developing a personal relationship with a loving, merciful God, expressed in service and respecting other faiths.
• Modeling of Jesus Christ & Catherine McAuley Living life with abundant love, compassion, generosity and hospitality, demonstrating the strength of infinite mercy.
• Ethical & Moral Following a personal code based on Gospel values that guides action and choices.

Principled Leadership: Student Attributes

• Integrity Standing up for or doing what’s right, including when it’s difficult or unpopular.
• Lifelong Learning Always learning something new, gaining skills and wanting to know more, in all walks of life.
• Emotional Intelligence Recognizing and welcoming emotions within ourselves and others to build resilience and healthy relationships.

A Voice For Dignity and Respect: Student Attributes

• Grace Allowing others to be fully human without judgment, while honoring what is God-like within each person.
• Advocate Being a forceful defender, supporter and sometimes spokesperson for the values and people we hold dear.
• Inclusivity Going beyond tolerance to embrace diversity, while accepting and serving with open arms.