Distinguished Alumnae Award

 

Distinguished Alumnae Award 

This award is given to an alumna who has reached the highest level in her field and has demonstrated exceptional talent within her career. It recognizes an individual who exemplifies the ideals of a Mercy education and has used the visibility, power, or leadership of her position to better the community and serve the greater good.

BRIDGET KELLY ’73

Bridget Kelly ’73, D.Ed. earned a B.S., M.Ed., and D.Ed. from Penn State University.

Prior to her retirement, Bridget dedicated 30 years of her career to public education with a focus on secondary education. She served as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, high school principal at two different schools, and district director of student services.

Following an incredibly successful career as an educator in which she positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, Bridget’s Mercy spirit called her to new humanitarian roles.

 As a facilitator for World Academy for the Future of Women, she helped prepare college students to become global leaders with a commitment to bringing the United Nations to countries including China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Bridget also worked as a program consultant for Haiti Family Initiative where she served as a consultant/team leader for the HFI Summer Wellness Camp, which offers a free medical clinic, a women's empowerment group and a children's summer program for the people of Jacmel, Haiti. 

Additionally, she has been involved in numerous community organizations such as: former President of the Foundation Board of the Cecil County Public Library; former Alumni Council Member for Semester At Sea/Institute for Shipboard Education; foster child advocate  with Court Appointed Special Advocate; volunteer for the American Cancer Society; mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters Inc.; member of the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Task Force; Board member for Monroe County Housing Authority; Board member for Penn State Alumni Association; Citizen Lobbyist for CARE International; and first honorary member of the National Honor Society of the Delaware County Vocational Technical Schools. 

Bridget also received the following awards: Financial Literacy Advocate Award from the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union; Diversity Award from Springfield High School Union of Black Educated Students Society; and Educator Award from ARC (Delaware County).

Her impressive resume also includes running for State Senate and serving as an adjunct professor at Saint Joseph’s University.