Marian Court College's Commitment to Service

As Marian Court College begins its forty-sixth academic year, the members of the incoming Class of 2012 will be arriving on campus ready to expand their educational horizons. They will have heard about the benefits of Marian Court’s small class size and its attentive and expert faculty, and be prepared for classroom learning. Through the admissions process, they also know that some of their education will be taking place outside of the classroom, thanks to a curriculum that stays true to the mission of the College and its founders, the Sisters of Mercy.

Students will be learning the value of giving back to their communities early on in their college experience by fulfilling a community service requirement that is built into the First-Year Seminar, a required course for every incoming freshman.  Students will be able to choose from community-enhancing projects such as working on a construction site for Habitat for Humanity, or cooking and serving meals at Salem Mission, or a service project related to their major or chosen career field, among others.

 “Many students arrive at college knowing there will be a lot of studying, group projects and tests, but may initially wonder why they are being asked to serve the greater community,” said Megan Penyack, Director of Academic Advising and First-Year Seminar instructor. “But once they experience giving back first-hand, they are hooked and understand that learning takes place in all types of environments, both inside and outside of a traditional classroom setting.”

While service-related activities also provide a way for Marian Court College students to build community amongst themselves, these volunteer opportunities also help students prepare for their future by helping them to cultivate their ability to work well as part of a team and develop leadership skills.

“Marian Court College is committed to nurturing the growth of the whole person – spiritually, intellectually and morally,” said Gretchen Manning, Vice President of Advancement & Admissions.  “Many colleges and universities offer community service options on campus and that’s nothing new. What sets Marian Court College apart is our commitment to infusing the founding core Mercy values of Integrity, Compassion, Justice, and Service into all aspects of the college experience. Through the service requirement incorporated into First-Year Seminar, we ask students right at the onset of their college careers to also commit to these values and to honor the College’s Motto – Seek Knowledge, Serve All,” said Manning. 

The Class of 2012 will also have unique opportunities to develop or enhance a spirit of giving through service projects that are related to their major.  For example, Fashion Merchandising students will again partner with a local nonprofit in collecting donations of prom gowns and accessories for high schools students who need a helping hand so they can afford to attend their proms.  Not only do Marian Court’s Fashion Merchandising students secure the donations, but they are the stylists for the selection event.  “It really goes back to our mission of instilling lifelong learning,” said Manning.  “It is our hope that students are not only prepared for their chosen careers, but they also recognize and respect the importance of exhibiting good character and being involved in their community.” 

Marian Court College Appoints New Dean

Marian Court College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Denise Hammon as Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services.  An accomplished policy researcher and strategic planner with a strong commitment to private higher education, Dr. Hammon joined Marian Court College on August 2, bringing with her over twenty years of experience in higher education.

Prior to assuming her new post, Dr. Hammon served as Vice President for Policy & Research at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), an organization of 60 colleges that provides advocacy for need-based financial assistance for Massachusetts students.  In addition to her 14 years at AICUM, Dr. Hammon worked at member institutions Wentworth Institute of Technology in enrollment management and marketing, and at Lesley University in government relations and regulatory compliance for their nationwide teacher education graduate programs.

Hammon received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Harvard University, and her Doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University.  She has served on several state task forces and committees for the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Education. Her national policy research advisory role includes participation in two US Department of Education task forces. She has been an active participant of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the New England Council.

Currently, Hammon serves on the Board of Trustees for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and as Chair of the Board of the American Council on Education (ACE) Network in Massachusetts, an organization of over 500 members.  She is also a member of the adjunct faculty in the Ed.D. program at Northeastern University.

“We are pleased to have such a highly qualified and accomplished individual join our leadership team as we continue to introduce new academic programs and implement the College’s strategic plan,” said Dr. Ghazi Darkazalli, President of Marian Court College.