Mercy University Celebrates Honorees and Raises Crucial Dollars at 43rd Annual Trustees' Scholarship Gala

On May 2, 2024, the Mercy University community came together to honor three individuals for their outstanding contributions and raise critical funds to benefit student scholarships. The 2024 Trustees’ Scholarship Gala, which grossed over $400,000, drew more than 300 attendees, including Mercy trustees, students, faculty and staff, Mercy and College of New Rochelle (CNR) alumni, community partners, local government officials and friends who gathered in person and virtually.

This year’s honoree lineup included Susan Fox, H.D. ’22, president & CEO of White Plains Hospital, College of New Rochelle alumna Patricia Keegan Abels, CNR SAS '73, and student Devin Philip Goens '24.

Mercy’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Joe Gantz kicked off the evening acknowledging the honorees and highlighting the importance of student scholarships. “Raising crucial funds for scholarships makes a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. They become the nurses, the caregivers, the engineers, the teachers, the counselors and social workers and the entrepreneurs who will shape our world.”

He was followed by the presentation of the Student Achievement Award, which went to Goens for exemplifying leadership and serving as a role model to his fellow students. He was introduced by last year’s award recipient and good friend, Jade Alers ’23, who fondly recalled their conversations. “Some [conversations] were about life, others about school, but all of our interactions contained some level of laughter.”

When Devin contemplated becoming a resident advisor (RA), he looked to Alers for advice and asked if it was worth it. To which she replied, “It will be a new and challenging experience. The RA position doesn’t only foster professional development. It also fosters character development, and that is an experience like no other. So, Dev, tonight, I hope your choice to be more involved in the Mercy community feels worth it.”

In addressing the crowd, Goens did not hesitate to congratulate Alers and thank her and everyone who has contributed to his success. “This is not just a recognition of my efforts but a celebration of the collective dedication and support that has fueled my journey thus far.” He dedicated the award to those who paved the way for him to thrive, like Alers, and those who pushed him to become a better student, a better advocate for other students, a better role model, a better leader, and most importantly a better version of himself.

“As I get ready to graduate in a few weeks, I look back at these last few years, and am so grateful for all of my experiences that Mercy has offered me. I am also thankful to have had scholarship support. Without the support of scholarships, I couldn’t have attended this institution and be as involved as I was on campus,” he added.

Then, President Susan L. Parish took the stage. She applauded Goens for his achievements and mentioned how impressed she has been by Mercy’s students, faculty and staff since her arrival in July. “Time and again this year, I have found myself in awe of our students; in the classroom, in the playing fields, in the courts, in student government, in the clubs, in service to one another, and in community. They are singularly impressive. They are driven. They are ambitious and work incredibly hard to achieve their goals. Supporting students’ growth and development is why I became a professor years ago. Today, It is a true privilege to work alongside faculty and staff colleagues whose North Star is to ensure our students succeed in college, and in their careers.”

She also thanked everyone in the audience for their commitment to Mercy’s mission and for helping students chase their dreams and achieve their career goals.

The evening continued with students who have benefited directly from scholarships, some on video and others in person, like Stephanie Rios ’24, a senior graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “The first thing I’d like to say is thank you.  Your generosity allowed me to further my studies in nursing without focusing so much on having to work simultaneously.  If that sounds like a small blessing, it isn’t.”

She also expressed gratitude for the support she has received at Mercy, including helping her get a job at White Plains Hospital, where she has been working since 2021. “I guess I’m super lucky that the big boss at the hospital is one of Mercy’s honorees tonight!  I would say this even if she weren’t here.

Scholarship recipient, Sofia Huyhua ’20, who also works at White Plains Hospital and is pursuing her clinical degree in Occupational Therapy at Mercy, expressed her gratitude for the support received at Mercy and White Plains Hospital. “I have not made it to where I am today alone. I have had a team through it all. I am achieving my career with the help of my parents, siblings, friends, my boyfriend, the Mercy faculty, and of course I wouldn’t have done it all without my Mercy Scholar [scholarship] donors.” She added, “If White Plains Hospital has taught me anything it is to be ambitious and to have a strong desire for success.”

When it was time for Fox to come up to the stage, she took the opportunity to show her appreciation. “You are mine for life,” she said pointing at Rios and Huyhua. Fox, who was presented with the Community Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to health care and her dedication to serving the community, was visibly moved by the recognition.

“This night is very special to me for many reasons. First, I am an honorary Maverick. Two years ago, I was humbled to receive an HD and provide a keynote address to students. I was there to help inspire them but of course they inspired me.”

She acknowledged the support she received from her family, especially her father, who was seated at her table, and the importance of scholarships. “Like the 63 percent of students at Mercy who are first-generation, I was the first to graduate in my family. It was because of scholarships and matching funds that I was able to attend college.”

The program continued with the presentation of the CNR Legacy Award to Keegan Abels for her outstanding contributions to journalism and education, her long-standing service in the public sector, and her unwavering dedication to her alma mater and Mercy University.

“How do I feel tonight? Grateful,” said Keegan Abels. Grateful to be sharing honors with Susan Fox…and with graduating senior Devin Goens. Grateful to Mercy and its commitment to keep alive and nourish the CNR Legacy. Grateful that CNR gave us Wisdom for Life – and also Friends for Life.”

She concluded the evening by thanking everyone for coming out to support Mercy University scholarships.  “I salute everyone here and those watching livestream who practice “serviam” –whether they work in education, health care, communications, business, law, government, the arts, social work or religious life. The gift of education is one of the greatest gifts we can give.”