Mary Whipkey, who has served as Camden Catholic High School’s president since 2016, and in many other capacities for the Cherry Hill school since 2004, has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2023.
“This difficult decision came after much reflection and discussion with family, friends and colleagues,” Whipkey said in a statement announcing the news.
Noting the “extraordinary group of people I have been honored to work with,” she mentioned the “dedicated and talented group of administrators, faculty and staff … dedicated trustees … passionate and spirited students [with] creative minds and faithful souls … parents [who] I witnessed [making] sacrifices for their teenagers … incredible alumni and friends” of Camden Catholic who “have left a handprint on my soul.”
Thanking Camden Catholic’s first educators, the Sisters of Mercy, Whipkey said she was grateful for the religious community’s “heartfelt wisdom and inspiring guidance.”
“It is now time for me to hand the torch onto the next leader of CCHS,” she said. “From Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, ‘For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.’ The time now feels right, as I am confident in the success of Camden Catholic going forward.”
Among Whipkey’s accomplishments as the school’s president and admission/advancement director is an estimated $17 million raised through the Camden Catholic Annual Fund and for capital projects. Under her guidance, Camden Catholic has continued to enrich student life with curriculum growth, facilities improvements, alumni relations and Catholic Identity building. She most recently spearheaded the 100 Year Anniversary of Performing Arts showcase and gala while concurrently guiding faculty and students to refocus their academic efforts on design thinking, STEM and problem-based learning.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Mary has accomplished at Camden Catholic and the many roles she has played at the school. Her leadership, dedication and commitment to Camden Catholic – and her unique ability to invite parents, students, donors and friends into the Camden Catholic community – will be missed,” Jack Wixted, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, and Dr. William A. Watson, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, said in a joint statement.
“Mary has shepherded Camden Catholic through many transitions, challenges and successes, always leading with humility, perseverance and unmistakable dedication to Camden Catholic and its mission,” they continued.
The search for the school’s next president has already begun, Dr. Watson and Wixted said.
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