The Mount St. Mary community will celebrate Founders Day on Tuesday, February 5. The special day marks 168 years since the Sisters of Mercy first opened the doors to what was originally known as St. Mary’s Academy in 1851. Recognized as Arkansas’ oldest educational institution in continuous operation, Mount St. Mary Academy has been providing Mercy education to young women in Arkansas ever since.
In honor of Founders Day, and inspired by the spirit of Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley, Mount St. Mary Foundation is hosting its first-ever Day of Giving. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on February 5, Foundation staff members, along with MSM faculty and staff volunteers, will be available in the school’s entry foyer to take donations for “the best school we know of” – in person, over the phone or online – with the goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the day.
Melissa Stiles, MSM director of donor giving and Class of 1989 alumna, has led the efforts behind organizing this exciting addition to Founders Day and looks forward to the entire school community’s support. “February 5 is not only our Founders Day, but our first-ever Day of Giving. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our founders and this outstanding school by contributing to our future,” she said. “It’s my hope that anyone connected to the school – students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and families and friends of the Mount – will feel encouraged to participate, no matter the size of the gift.”
Those interested in making a gift on Founders Day may do so by calling (501) 664-8006 or stopping by Mount St. Mary Academy between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5. Donations will also be accepted online. An incentive for students to get involved, the class who raises the most money during Founders Day will win a breakfast catered by Chick-fil-A later this year.
In addition to the new activities associated with the inaugural Day of Giving, the annual Mount St. Mary Academy Founders Day and Sophomore Pin Mass will also be celebrated on February 5. During this special all-school Mass, the Class of 2021 will participate in the tradition of receiving their Mercy pins. These pins serve as reminders to the students to live the Mercy values in their everyday lives.
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.