GMercyU Alumna, Professor Uses CGA to “Pay It Forward”

As a lifelong educator Lucille wishes to provide for future GMercyU students and to give back by making a legacy gift. She will be the first alumna to single-handedly establish a life income gift at GMercyU.

After high school, college was not in Dr. Candeloro’s plan. In fact, while she was a fantastic student, she didn’t feel that education was her path forward.

“It was a Sister of Mercy that pulled me aside and signed me up for the SAT’s. That same mentor, Sr. Margaret Songster, then helped me to receive a scholarship that allowed me to teach full time after completing freshman year at Gwynedd Mercy University while still attending college.”

Dr. Candeloro earned a Bachelor of Education from Gwynedd Mercy University in 1973. From there she continued on to receive a Masters degree and reading specialist certification from Arcadia University, certifications in supervision and K-12 administration from Penn State University, and a Doctorate in Reading from Lehigh University. Now having spent over 47 years in education teaching students from kindergarten to graduate school she knows it genuinely was her true path.

“During my first year at GMercyU, it was the Mercy Mission that made me feel like family. I received a great education and made wonderful friends who are still an important part of my life. When I returned to teach for GMercyU years later, I felt like I had come home.”

With such a focus placed on serving the underserved, it was a mission that she lived wholeheartedly. Dr. Candeloro is proud to have two nieces who have followed her footsteps through GMercyU and in teaching for communities that need it most, and with the mercy spirit.

“I’ve set up this charitable gift annuity as a way to ‘pay it forward’, especially for those preparing to be teachers! I know GMercyU enriched my life and feel I should try to make a positive difference for students who attend this special place. And, I enjoy knowing that my heirs and executors will have no decision to make about it. My plan is completed.”

Dr. Candeloro has established The Lucille Candeloro, Ed.D. Scholarship through two charitable gift annuities which will allow for future scholarships, benefiting many students for generations to come. Contact Christina Riso, J.D. at 215-542-4661 and riso.c@gmercyu.edu to learn more.