Deanne D’Emilio, president of Gwynedd Mercy University (PA), writes:  The world has changed immensely in the almost 75 years since Gwynedd Mercy University opened as a junior college in Gwynedd Valley, PA. But it has sustained a critical constant that has shaped its identity and given it the strength required to face obstacles and seize opportunities: Gwynedd Mercy University was founded by, and has only ever been led, by women. 
And these women all had something in common — they were bold. They were guided by strong values, morals and convictions. They stood on principle and believed in service and community. They believed that under their guidance, they could transform the lives of generations, especially the lives of people most in need of opportunity.