Mount Aloysius College’s reputation ripples across the state of Pennsylvania, from coast to coast of the United States and has surfed across oceans to make a name for itself across the world. Mounties excel in the classroom, on the athletic field and just last year, donated over 20,000 hours of community service.
Watch the video above to learn how Mount Aloysius College strives to “Make Mercy Real.”
History
The history of the College is rooted in the life of the Religious Sisters of Mercy who founded and sponsor Mount Aloysius. Catherine McAuley founded the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 as a congregation devoted to service. It was one of the first active congregations of women religious in Ireland.
Mount Aloysius College traces its Mercy heritage to the small community of sisters who were sent to Pittsburgh in 1843. From Pittsburgh, they established a community in Chicago in 1845 and by 1848 they settled in nearby Loretto. On St. Mary’s Street in Loretto, the Sisters built a school in a tinner’s shop, which was to be the forerunner of St. Aloysius Academy. The Academy, built in 1853, was moved to its present site in 1897. In 1939 Mount Aloysius Junior College was founded through the initiative of Sister M. de Sales Farley, R.S.M. In 1991, Mount Aloysius amended its charter and scope of programs to include bachelor degrees. In the Spring of 2000, the College’s charter was again amended to include master’s degrees. Today, Mount Aloysius College is a vibrant leader in higher education.
MAC Traditions
- Academic Convocation
- Mercy Week
- All Campus Opening Liturgy
- Blessing of the Pets
- December Graduation Tea
- MLK Week of Service
- Christmas at the Mount
- Graduate Salute
- Freshmen Orientation Day of Service
- Lollanobooza
- Pinning Ceremonies
Inspired by the Gospel vision of Jesus Christ and a Judeo-Christian faith tradition, Mount Aloysius College provides a faith-centered environment, rich with opportunities for engaging the intellect, the heart, and the soul.
Sisters of Mercy Today
Mount Aloysius College was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who today number 3,217 in the Americas alone, and have more than 7,000 members worldwide. The Sisters of Mercy, an active religious congregation, are rooted in service with an emphasis on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Today, the Sisters of Mercy focus on a few key critical concerns: the Earth, Racism, Non-Violence, Immigration, and Women. They understand and act on the need to care for our planet, with goals of sustainability and a just sharing of resources. They also seek to end racism and violence through promoting peaceful actions with a focus on justice. Additionally, they continue to work to overthrow the prejudices and oppression towards immigrants and women.
Through their work, they strive to foster recognition of the connectedness of all people. The Sisters of Mercy acknowledge that in every aspect of our lives, especially service, there is a social dimension. Due to the inter-dependence of all people globally, each of our actions have an influence on shaping the world around us.
It is their strong values and dedication to service which helps guide our campus life and Catholic tradition here at Mount Aloysius College.
Stay Connected!