Mercy University President Susan L. Parish (last from left to right, back row) and Thomas Simmonds, vice president of operations and facilities join former chief of staff Irene Buckley (fourth from left to right, front row) surrounded by her family for The Gardens on Broadway dedication ceremony. Initiated by a gift from Buckley, this perennial garden will provide the Maverick community with a vibrant and environmentally sustainable on-campus haven to connect and unwind with nature all year round.
On June 12, 2024, Mercy University faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathered at the entrance of the Westchester Campus to celebrate its newest addition: The Gardens on Broadway. Initiated by a gift from former Mercy chief of staff Irene Buckley, this perennial garden will provide the Maverick community with a vibrant and environmentally sustainable on-campus haven to connect and unwind with nature all year round.
“I sincerely want to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this thought of mine to life,” said Buckley, adding that her connection to this piece of land started long before she worked for Mercy. She recalled Sunday drives with her family along Broadway and then going to school at Our Lady of Victory Academy, which is now Mercy’s very own Victory Hall. “So many memories of ceremonies, field days and pictures being taken with the river as the backdrop are among my favorite memories.”
At just 21-years-old, Buckley started her career at Mercy working in the President’s office, where she would eventually rise in the ranks from secretary to chief of staff and Board secretary. She retired from Mercy in 2020 after an illustrious 39-year-career.
Buckley’s vision was for the garden was to make it a showcase display welcoming neighbors and friends to Mercy. The garden is designed to offer color and visual interest throughout each season and includes paths and benches to encourage people to walk and sit throughout the area and enjoy the environment.
To bring the project to fruition, Mercy worked with landscape architect Chris Tramutola from Alloy Design, horticulturist Kim Eierman from EcoBeneficial, Village of Irvington Mayor Jonathan Siegel, Village of Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo, Village of Irvington Landscape Architect Suzanne Nolan and Dobbs Ferry Beautification Committee Representatives Simona Connor and Roubi Eliopoulos.
Sustainability is at the heart of the garden's design. It features stormwater management and irrigation systems, native and pollinator-friendly plantings and native stone from pervious pathways. This not only reduces our environmental footprint but creates a self-sustaining system.
“We’re fostering a vibrant ecosystem that benefits our environment and our greater community,” said Thomas Simmonds, vice president for operations and facilities. “Our hope is that this garden is a springboard for further environmentally sustainable initiatives at Mercy.”
The gardens are also a place for the Mercy community to gather, connect with nature and unwind.
“These gardens not only promote sustainability, but will be enjoyed by students, faculty, staff and the entire community,” said Susan L. Parish, PH.D., M.S.W., president of Mercy University. “We look forward to seeing how the plants and flowers flourish and benefit our campus for years to come.”
For more information on The Gardens on Broadway, click here.