I am grateful for the privilege of serving as President of Mount Mercy Academy during these past six and 1/2 years. Throughout this time I believe much has been accomplished with the help and support of our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, parents and benefactors to bring the systems of our school to a new level of functioning and better efficiency; for example, our academic programs, with extensive advanced classes and programming for career development, the finance office with updated policies and procedures, the advancement efforts including Alumnae relations, endowments, significant sponsorships, scholarships and grants as well as marketing and recruitment, beyond the traditional boundaries.

Within these six years we have been challenged by a significant drop in the demographics of the Western New York region as well as a severe recession. Yet our benefactors continue to support the school, allowing us to grow through the challenges and prepare strategically to face the future.  Each area has been a focus of attention of the Board and the support of active, working committees as well as our faculty and staff.

I will always treasure my long-standing relationship with MMA and will continue to support this very important ministry in any way I am able.  I am convinced that Catherine McAuley's mission of educating young women is being realized more now than ever in the history of Mount Mercy.   Our girls are flourishing, are happy to come to school and are well prepared for college and career.

It is time for me to withdraw from the leadership position and allow someone new to continue to work with you for the future of our school. I am planning to resign my position on June 30, 2015 and seek some sabbatical time. I will miss our MMA family so very much, yet trust that God is leading our school forward under the guidance of Mother McAuley.

Thank you for your support,
Sister Mary Ellen Twist, RSM '60
President, Mount Mercy Academy