Leaving Her Heart on Campus

For more than 30 years, Ellen Rosa-Bian Cericola '82 has given the Mount her time, talent, and treasure — including a sacred space she designed and built herself.

For more than 30 years, Ellen Cericola '82, P'09 has given back to the Mount through a prism of engagement — from supporting Celebrauction for over a decade and faithfully coordinating setup for Breakfast with Santa, to serving on the Board of Directors and Facilities Committee, to designing transformative campus spaces. In 2012, she received the Rosemary McNally 1917 Award for service. As an annual Mount Mission Fund donor and Beyond Pearls supporter, she gives time, expertise, and resources — driven by one simple truth: "I feel like I owed it to the Mount to give back."

A scholarship that changed everything

Ellen's story began with an academic scholarship that changed everything. "I'm a blue-collar kid," she explains. "My father worked, my mother was a homemaker. Without my academic scholarship, the Mount would have been out of reach for my family."

That gratitude has fueled decades of service — in time, talent, and treasure. "It's rewarding to feel like I'm possibly giving to some girl somewhere who otherwise might not be able to be at the Mount, like I was 45 years ago. I'm not doing this for my own benefit. I'm doing this for 'her' — the girls of tomorrow. I was the 'her' of yesteryear."

Designing a sacred space

A computer science major who became a network engineer, Ellen never lost her creative drive. Over the years, she influenced the design of multiple campus spaces, most notably Clements Crossing in 2023 — a connector hallway now used as collaborative learning space. "I love to recycle and repurpose materials. In Clements Crossing, I focused on elements of the earth which unite us all."

Her most transformative contribution came when Sister Charlene asked her to design a labyrinth — a sacred space for prayer and reflection. Board member Sister Rosanne Orchon, SSJ '69 and fellow alumna Cathy Fitzsimmons '70 encouraged Ellen to visit labyrinths throughout the region, including St. Raphaela Retreat Center, to study their design and spiritual purpose. Ellen researched labyrinth traditions and worked out the trigonometry to create a custom octagonal design around the existing statue of Mary. She chose four guiding words for benches along the winding path: Listen, Learn, Lead, Live — with Love at the center. Day lilies honor Saint Joseph; roses celebrate Mary.

"I wanted this to be my gift — to leave a piece of my heart on campus and create a quiet space where students can find their center."

Made possible through $86,000 raised by Mount Magic at the Linc, the labyrinth was dedicated on September 8, 2024. "The Mount could have hired someone to do it," Ellen reflects, "but I wanted this to be my gift."

Time, talent, and treasure

For Ellen, whose daughter also benefited from scholarship support, giving back means both financial commitment and hands-on involvement. Her annual leadership gifts to the Mount Mission Fund and support for the Beyond Pearls campaign ensure both immediate impact and long-term transformation. Her volunteer work — designing spaces, organizing events, serving on committees — brings professional skills and personal passion to every corner of campus.

"There's a legacy to be proud of, to want to stay connected with, whether or not you have another family member who attends. The Mount gave me opportunities I never would have had. Now I get to give that back — and I'm not afraid to climb a ladder, push a wheelbarrow, or go into the basement to do it."

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Why Time, Talent & Treasure All Matter

Giving takes many forms at the Mount. Financial gifts provide essential resources, but volunteer engagement brings something money can't buy: personal expertise, creative vision, and heart. When donors like Ellen give both financially and through hands-on service, they create exponential impact that transforms every corner of campus life.

Ready to share your talents? Contact the Advancement Office at 215-233-3177 or advancement@msjacad.org. Or, make a gift to the Mount Mission Fund today at msjacad.org/give.