Welcome & Safety
The Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ Welcome Center - Where Her Journey Begins
Honoring a Legacy of Welcome and Hospitality
Our new entrance will be more than a doorway—it will be the first impression of the Mount. Named in honor of Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ, the Mount's beloved first president, this Welcome Center will embody the warmth, compassion, and extraordinary hospitality that defined her ministry.
Sister Mary had a magnetic presence and an unmatched gift for making every person feel welcomed, valued, and seen. From nervous freshmen to prospective families to returning alumnae, she greeted everyone with a smile that made them feel instantly at home. Now, the space that bears her name will continue her legacy—ensuring that every arrival is not just an entry, but an invitation into the heart of the Mount community.
Safe, warm, and filled with possibility, the Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ Welcome Center will reflect our commitment to protecting our community while welcoming every student, family, and guest with the grace and care Sister Mary exemplified. Here, prospective families will begin their Mount journey, greeted in a space that embodies the values of excellence, sisterhood, and belonging.
Made Possible by the DePaul Family
We are deeply grateful to the DePaul family—Donna DePaul Bartynski '70, GP '22; Alison DePaul-Schmitt '73; Cindy DePaul Saponaro '75, P '97, '04, '11, GP '28; Andrea DePaul Naticchione '76; and Anthony DePaul P '12—whose transformative $1 million gift made the naming of this Welcome Center possible and established a leadership challenge to inspire our entire community.
"She always had a way to make everyone feel loved and important. Her smile and charisma left a lasting impression on all those that had the pleasure of knowing her."
— Erika Olender FitzGerald '95
Join Us in Honoring Sister Mary's Legacy
Contact Shannon Thompson Connolly '86, Chief Advancement Officer at sconnolly@msjacad.org or (215) 233-3177 ext. 389 to learn more about supporting the Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ Welcome Center.
The Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ Welcome Center Renderings
“The Mount is more than just a high school - it’s a community that shapes who you are and who you become. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed into a culture of sisterhood that’s both empowering and deeply supportive. It’s a special place where you find yourself, grow into your potential, and meet lifelong friends who feel more like family.”
Mount Alum
