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Historical Content

Misericordia University is situated in northeastern Pennsylvania and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.

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Established in 1924 to educate the women of the region, the university began its journey as Luzerne County's first four-year institution of higher learning in September of that year. This foundational moment was marked by the gathering of over 2,500 individuals and the commencement of 37 students' academic pursuits under the motto "Mulier Fortis,” which means valiant women trained in scholarship and spirituality.

Initially named College Misericordia, the university was situated on nearly 100 acres of land in Dallas, Pennsylvania. This land was procured in 1914, setting the stage for a future of educational excellence. Misericordia transitioned to co-educational status in the 1970s and has since expanded its offerings to include graduate programs, maintaining its commitment to superior education for a diverse student body.

Misericordia Historical Timeline

From its inception, Misericordia was envisioned as a sanctuary for broad-based liberal arts and pre-professional studies, welcoming students of all faiths.
Its commitment to providing quality education through the core values of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality has been unwavering for nearly a century. The Religious Sisters of Mercy, who founded the institution following their mission to serve the impoverished, sick, and uneducated since their establishment in Dublin in 1831, laid a strong foundation for Misericordia's ethos. Their arrival in the Wyoming Valley area of Pennsylvania in 1875 and subsequent efforts in education and healthcare paved the way for the university's creation.

May Crowning Ceremonies

Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary are an integral part of Misericordia and its traditions. On the liturgical feast day for Our Lady of Mercy (September 24), we celebrate Mercy Day as the day Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy in 1827. In 1924, it was the first day of school for College Misericordia.

The month of May is traditionally devoted to Marian activities in the Roman Catholic Church, and Misericordia conducted a May Crowning ceremony for over 40 years. During a May Crowning, a young woman is chosen to serve as the May Queen, who crowns a statue or image of Mary with flowers. 

Being selected May Queen was considered the highest honor at Misericordia. The May Queen was a member of the senior class elected by popular vote of the entire student body. Senior attendants were those candidates who received the next highest number of votes. The rest of the senior class served as her court. Attendants from the freshman class were chosen by the Queen. Children also often assisted the May Queen, which is a traditional practice. During the ceremony, the May Queen received her own crown of flowers from the senior class president.

By the early 1940s, the location of the ceremony changed, likely due to increasing class sizes and greater public attendance. The crowning took place in the front of the Administration Building, where a statue of Mary was erected on a platform each May (or indoors in the Chapel in the event of poor weather), rather than in the Grotto on the east side of campus. 

One notable May Queen was Lois Reed in 1954; Lois went on to have a successful career in television as Miss Judy, the host of the popular local children’s television show The Land of Hatchy Milatchy.

The last May Crowning at College Misericordia took place in 1968. In At the Edge of Centuries, Dr. Regina Kelly, RSM, and Dr. Agnes Cardoni (Class of 1969) remark on the differences between that final, much simpler ceremony and previous celebrations. The United States saw great cultural and political shifts by the 1960s that led to the tradition more or less falling out of fashion, and such was the case at Misericordia.1 

1.) Kelly, Regina, RSM, and Agnes Cardoni. At the Edge of Centuries: College Misericordia, 1913-1999. Dallas, PA: College Misericordia Press, 1999.

During the forty years that Misericordia observed this tradition, 39 women served as May Queen.

Misericordia Centennial

Misericordia through the eyes of ...

Today, Misericordia University is a vibrant community on over 250 acres of land with roughly 2,106 students, recognized for its collaborative learning environment, engaging co-curricular activities, and exceptional academic programs.
The university boasts notable graduation and retention rates, reflecting its commitment to student success. With over 50 academic programs, Misericordia also shines in athletics, offering 30 intercollegiate programs as a member of NCAA Division III. This includes recent additions such as STUNT, Men’s and Women’s Wrestling, and Men’s Ice Hockey.

Misericordia's reputation for excellence is nationally recognized. As the university approaches its 100th anniversary in 2024, it stands as a monument to the vision and values of the Sisters of Mercy, continually evolving to meet the needs of its community while remaining steadfast in its foundational commitments.