Building Community

Completed Westchester Campus improvements allow the Mercy community to grow and flourish. 

Passing through the stately brick walls of the main entrance of Mercy University’s Westchester Campus, the engaging beauty of the newly enhanced landscape is quickly revealed. In spring 2024, the remarkable transformation in Dobbs Ferry came full circle. Along with enhancing the physical beauty of the campus, these improvements have another goal: fostering a stronger sense of belonging and connection among students, faculty, staff and the community. 

"We want to do what we can to make our campuses feel more welcoming, create connections, break down silos and create multi-use spaces," said Thomas Simmonds, Mercy’s vice president of operations and facilities.

Once past the redesigned main entrance that welcomes visitors with the new Mercy University name, The Gardens on Broadway feature dramatic softscape additions in the form of a beautiful pollinator garden. Envisioned through a generous donation from former Mercy staff member Irene Buckley, who retired in 2020 after a distinguished 39-year career, the garden showcases colorful native plants that attract pollinating insects. Buckley wanted the entrance to have a "splash of color" year-round. Now, the garden is a place where students can meet to pause during their busy day, recharge and be inspired by nature. Visitors have a beautiful space to walk or rest, as they explore the garden’s sustainable native plants. 

Another large-scale addition for the community is the incredible 4,100 square foot open-air pavilion, named in honor of Timothy L. Hall and Lee Nicholson Hall, Mercy’s 12th president and his wife. Located in a high-traffic area of campus, this amazing focal point also serves as a hub of activity, promoting conversation and connection among the entire Mercy community. "We wanted to facilitate informal gathering, inclusiveness and accessibility, so all feel welcome," Simmonds said. In May, the pavilion hosted a performance from the Paul Carlon Latin Jazz Trio to celebrate its opening, among other student events. 

The section of the Old Croton Aqueduct (OCA) that runs through campus also saw some much-needed upgrades, including surface improvements to the trail, outside seating and a raised pedestrian walkway where the OCA crosses the campus entry driveway. The trail is popular with students and the local community, who can frequently be seen walking, jogging or just sitting, taking a break from classes and enjoying its natural beauty. 

Smaller in scale but adding to the overall transformative enhancements, the addition of the first phase of new signage throughout the campus serves as a visual testament to the University’s evolution, creating an atmosphere of growth. Sustainability was a paramount consideration with the improvements, and the incorporation of sustainable building elements and stormwater management additions not only mitigate environmental impact but also serve as a reminder of the University’s responsibility toward ecological stewardship. 

Mercy’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the upcoming enhancements to its athletic fields. New dugouts, a state-of-the-art scoreboard and an enhanced audio system are just a few of the exciting changes on the horizon. These upgrades not only elevate the athletic experience but also underscore Mercy’s dedication to providing top-notch facilities for its students and athletes. Work starts this summer. 

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