“Becoming a Global Citizen Will Repair a Broken World”
ALBANY, NY—Patricia Deirdre Mullan, PhD, Religious Sister of Mercy (RSM) will deliver the 2015 Maria College commencement address on Sunday, May 17 at 3:30 pm in the Empire Plaza Convention Center. Her address to the graduates will focus on using their gifts to help a world that is, “broken and sore.”
Mullan has worked tirelessly on global justice and social service initiatives, as a Religious Sister of Mercy for 38 years. International fundraising projects include the building of schools in Cambodia and Nuba Sudan, assistance to a Mukuru slum in Nairobi, and refurbishing a hospital in the Philippines; demonstrating how Mercy can have local and global impact. She stated, “Everyone has an important role in looking for and finding the light, then doing their part to make the world a better place. It is especially important for young people to nurture the global citizenship that lies within them and to take notice of the broken parts in the world and bring healing and hope to those who have none.”
Mullan received her doctoral and master degrees from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. For over a decade, she served as, Director of the Mercy Global Concerns at the United Nations, then as Executive Director for the Partnership for Global Justice at the United Nations. Currently, she is a Consultant for UNICEF, the children’s wing, helping to form partnerships for Women Religious projects to benefit children around the world.
Maria College President, Dr. Lea A. Johnson in announcing the 2015 Commencement speaker stated, “We are honored that Dr. Mullan, RSM will address this year’s graduating class. She will bring a depth of knowledge and passion in conveying the importance of serving others in a connected global society.”
Albany’s Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D. will be participating in the awarding of degrees at the 2015 Maria College commencement Ceremony.
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About Maria College
Maria College is a baccalaureate nonprofit, independent, co-educational institution, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, and is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. The College serves traditional and nontraditional students through day, evening, weekend and online classes. A student focused and highly affordable private college in Albany, NY with a 99% placement rate—employment and continuing education.