Archdiocese of Dubuque
We are aware that St. Ambrose University (SAU) and Mount Mercy University (MMU) are announcing their commitment to deep and broad collaboration which has the potential to open new opportunities for students. We know that SAU and MMU are exploring whether, ultimately, to undertake a strategic combination of the two Catholic universities.
In our roles as Archbishop of Dubuque and Diocesan Administrator of Davenport, we express our full support of the innovative spirit of cooperation of SAU and MMU. We wholeheartedly welcome this desire and effort to strengthen Catholic higher education in Eastern lowa.
We are appreciative of the way in which this exploration is focused both on formation of students in a distinctively Catholic manner and on equipping students with workplace skills and knowledge. May the Holy Spirit inspire and guide this collaborative endeavor.
Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula, Archbishop of Davenport
Very Rev. Kenneth E. Kuntz, Diocesan Administrator of Davenport
Sisters of Mercy
We want to commend Presidents Todd Olson and Amy Novak as well as the members of each University’s Board of Trustees and senior leadership for their vision, forward thinking and commitment to Catholic higher education in Eastern Iowa.
We have met with both presidents and have heard their plans for the future relationships between both institutions and the proposed next steps. We affirm and support the courageous efforts to collaboratively strengthen Catholic higher education in the region.
We recognize the authentic commitment to our Mercy charism and encourage you to continue to preserve the nearly 100-year-old legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids and we look forward to the ways in which you will evolve and animate Mercy into the future.
In Mercy,
Sisters Susan Sanders, Patricia Flynn, Teresa Bednarz, Judith Frikker and Maureen King, The Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy
Jane Gerety, RSM, Ph.D., Chair of the Board
Julia Cavallo, Ed.D., Executive Director, The Conference for Mercy Higher Education