On a crisp Friday morning, Sept. 26, 2025, the Carlow University community gathered to carry forward a storied tradition of compassionate action. Anticipation buzzed at breakfast. At 9:00, the gathering moved to St. Joseph Hall for a rally and, by 10, teams dispersed to sites across the city to begin their service.
This year’s Mercy Service Day brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to partner with more than a dozen community organizations throughout Pittsburgh, building connections and offering tangible support to neighbors in need. The stewardship of the day was organized by the Office for Mercy Service, aligning with Carlow’s mission of mercy, justice, and relational outreach.
Serving Together Across Pittsburgh
Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, alumni, students, faculty, and staff joined forces at more than a dozen community partner sites. Their work supported organizations dedicated to housing, food security, education, and care for the most vulnerable.
Volunteers assisted at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Brighton Heights, offering support for residents. Teams at the Millvale Library and Weil School organized spaces and contributed to educational projects. At the Family Caring Center in East Liberty and Sojourner House, groups helped prepare and distribute resources for families. Others served with Pittsburgh Mercy, Shepherd’s Heart, the Blessing Board, and the Downtown Partnership, among many more.
On campus, students in the Plant Club worked on greening efforts and planting initiatives, extending Carlow’s service tradition to the grounds they call home.
Voices of Mercy and Mission
The day began with a message of encouragement from Dr. Kathy Humphrey, Carlow’s president, who reminded participants that Mercy Service Day, “is at the heart of who we are as an institution.”
Students also spoke of the experience’s impact. The service ethos was part first-year Maura Schuman’s decision to attend Carlow. “I think it’s important for us to actually be able to participate and help other people outside of campus,” she said. “I think Carlow is unique in that it encourages its students to get involved in things like this.”
Staffer Larissa Lindquist, participating in her second Service Day, feels this experience is a cornerstone for members of the Carlow community. “It’s part of every student’s journey to be a well-rounded individual,” she said. “Part of that is giving back, because everybody has something to give.”
Carrying Mercy Forward
Mercy Service Day is a living tradition that grounds each new first year class of Carlow students in the values of mercy, justice, and service. By engaging with local nonprofits and community partners, students discover firsthand the challenges faced by their neighbors, and their own capacity to help address them.
“We do it yearly because every year we have a brand-new group of people who are part of the University community,” said Sister Sheila Carney, Carlow’s Special Assistant to the President for Mercy Heritage and Service. “It’s important to us to introduce them to service in the tradition of Carlow.”
As the afternoon closed and volunteers gathered back on campus, the atmosphere carried both accomplishment and reflection. The impact of the day extends far beyond the 2 p.m. end time. Carlow’s Office for Mercy Service continues to provide year-round opportunities for engagement, ensuring that the energy of Mercy Service Day becomes a year-round commitment to community and compassion.