Be a Steward of
Possibility
Every Mercy student arrives with ambition and purpose. Your leadership helps turn that potential into momentum and momentum into a life changed.
A Message From the Board of Trustees
An Invitation to Make a Difference
At Mercy, leadership on the Board of Trustees isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up for students and helping ensure they have what they need to succeed and build the lives they’re working toward.
Mercy was founded on a simple idea: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our students are ambitious and determined. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Many are balancing work, family, and school. All are working toward something bigger.
That’s what makes Mercy different and why this work matters. When the right support is in place, it can change the trajectory of a life.
Jim Jenkins, Chairman
Trustee Voices
What Inspires Our Trustees to Serve
Each trustee brings a different perspective, shaped by their experiences and expertise. What connects them is a shared commitment to Mercy’s students and the belief that the right support, at the right moment, can change the course of a life.
Listening
“What I truly appreciate about Mercy's Board of Trustees is that we make dedicated time for students to join us at every single board meeting. Hearing their stories firsthand keeps our focus exactly where it belongs, and serves as a constant, inspiring reminder of the real-world impact of our decisions.”
Xuxa Bakal
Veterinary Sales Director, Major Markets
Royal Canin
Trustee
Giving Back
“After a few years serving as an adjunct professor, I came to realize just how deeply our mission serves our students, and I saw first-hand how we change lives. I have always valued and loved my opportunity to give in many ways to the University and our students. It has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life.”
Gary Bernstein
Retired Executive, IBM
Retired Mercy University Faculty Member
Trustee
Creating Opportunity
“Before joining the Board, I was asked to be on a career panel for the School of Business. It made me appreciate how sharing my experiences can help inspire students to pursue paths they didn't know existed or were open to them. Being on the Board has allowed me to help with this, expanding their range and potential.”
Susan Maklari
Senior Equity Research Analyst
Goldman Sachs
Trustee
Changing Lives
“Seeing students overcome obstacles, earn their degrees, and pursue careers and opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach is a powerful reminder of the importance of Mercy’s mission. Knowing that I can play a small role in supporting that transformation is the most rewarding part of serving as a trustee.”
Carlos S. Passi
Former Vice President of Finance
IBM Global Markets
Trustee
Student Outcomes
Your Leadership, Their Future
Behind every statistic is a student making a decision: to stay, to push forward, to believe it’s possible. Sometimes, what makes that decision possible isn’t visible. It’s a scholarship. A safety net. A moment of support at exactly the right time. It’s leadership like yours.
"At Mercy, I was able to fully step into my education in a way I never had before. I explored new career paths, took on leadership roles, and discovered a passion for research that has shaped the direction of my future: applying to medical school."
Marcela Guerero ’26, Mercy Scholar and Student Achievement Award recipient, 45th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala
"Mercy has given me so much, and I cannot wait to give back. My ultimate goal is to become a PA in women’s health, giving back to the very communities that once nurtured me."
Tashauna Wynter ’25, currently in Mercy’s Physician Assistant Master's program, Mercy Scholar and Student Achievement Award Recipient, 44th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala
"I am so grateful for all of the experiences that Mercy has offered me. Life after Mercy and graduation has been nothing short of amazing. My passion for learning has never wavered, and I am proud to share that I’m now pursuing a degree in Exercise Science."
Devin Philip Goens ’24, Student Achievement Award Recipient, 43rd Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala
"I think just being at Mercy has helped me so much. Social Work is a small program, and the professors who are at Mercy are so caring. It really helps to have that level of connection and support from my professors. I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t come to this school."
Melissa Ledesma ’25, Social Work
"Mercy was a blessing. No matter where you come from or the obstacles in front of you, you're able to do anything if you believe in yourself and people believe in you. That's what Mercy did for me."
David Arias ’16, first-generation student and veterinarian
The Opportunity Ahead
This is a Defining Moment
Mercy is building momentum. From expanding access to investing in student success, the work underway today will shape what the next 75 years look like.
With growth comes opportunity and responsibility. This is a moment to lead, to guide and to make a lasting impact.