History and Catholic Tradition
Over the years, Mount Mercy has followed the example set by our foundresses, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our time.
With a rich history and commitment to acceptance, justice, and equality, we encourage all students to use their skills to leave the world better than they found it. The Catholic intellectual tradition fuels our curiosity and encourages students to explore different perspectives. Our spirit of compassion compels us to embrace all.
Mount Mercy University was created during difficult times by strong women. Boldly confronting and overcoming the challenges of their time, the Sisters of Mercy built a school to meet the needs of its students—a tradition Mount Mercy has proudly carried on. Now, we are also guided on the pillars of the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concerns—earth, immigration, nonviolence, anti-racism, and women.
We were founded on the values of serving others and creating a more equitable world. Even today, it’s part of everything we do.
Over the years, Mount Mercy has followed the example set by our foundresses, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our time.
Mount Mercy is a Catholic university that provides student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and welcomes people of all beliefs to join our community in pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and compassionate service to those in need. We strive for excellence in accomplishing our mission through four interdependent goals:
The ability to think clearly and carefully, argue coherently, and evaluate competing truth claims critically are fundamental to a college education. Reflective judgment requires a knowledge of basic fact, examination, and evaluation of assumptions; adequate justification for drawing a conclusion; and understanding the implications of drawing that conclusion. With these skills, individuals can solve problems creatively and integrate knowledge across disciplines.
Strategic communication requires selecting from a range of options to accomplish a chosen goal in an ethical manner. These options include construction and interpretation of messages in written, oral, and aesthetic forms using appropriate technology.
The common good is at the heart of Catholic social teaching. Because people are social by nature, every individual’s good relates necessarily to the common good, the sum of social conditions that allows all people to reach their human potential more fully. It includes respect for, and ethical interaction with, every person and the natural environment and, in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, service for the well-being of all humanity and action in the cause of justice in the world.
A liberal education enables students to achieve a greater degree of freedom upon which to act purposefully. Since development of purpose entails planning for life based on a set of priorities, Mount Mercy University provides opportunities for spiritual growth, intellectual engagement, vocational clarity, social development, physical well-being, emotional maturity, and responsible community leadership.
We believe that education is a lifelong experience where learning empowers the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
We foster free inquiry in a compassionate culture where our dedication to faith, truth, and Mercy supports the dignity of each person within the human community.
We acknowledge and affirm that our students' needs are central to decisions that affect community life.
We advocate for equality by actively creating just and healthy relationships in our learning community and in our global society.
We celebrate with humility all gifts and talents bestowed by God and faithfully share these blessings with the wider community.
We accomplish our work in the spirit of Catherine McAuley's graciousness and inclusion that welcomes all people and perspectives.