OLMA looks to future for women in leadership center

Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Newfield has made a bold investment in its future with the completion of the new Dana and Carmine Catalana Center for Women in Leadership, a resource not only for the students, but one whose benefits may ripple throughout Gloucester County and the wider South Jersey community.

“The Center will serve as a hub for leadership development, offering flexible spaces for workshops, conferences, mentoring sessions, and community events,” explained Olivia Stefano of the school’s Admission Development Department. “It’s designed to expand the way our students learn, lead, and connect – both with each other and with the broader community.” 

The Center – which stands on the footprint of the school’s former swimming pool – includes a multi-purpose space suitable for student collaboration, leadership training and school-wide events; new classrooms and a dedicated conference room for leadership meetings, small group sessions and community engagement; a flexible mezzanine area for informal meetings, team-building and creative collaboration; an athletic training room with dedicated space for injury prevention and rehabilitation; new office space; an elevator; and ADA-compliant bathrooms.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Oct. 21 with the benefactors as joyful witnesses to the legacy in action. Longtime benefactor Rose Marie Davis donated $1 million to the school in early 2023 for use in the construction of the Center as well as for tuition assistance. Dana Kazan Catalana and Carmine Catalana have a long-standing relationship with Catholic schooling in the area: Dana is a 1978 graduate of OLMA and parent of two graduates (2004 and 2012), and husband Carmine is a 1976 alumnus of nearby St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland (where Davis also serves as a board member). Karl Auwarter, parent of a 2019 graduate, was also present.

OLMA’s goal for the Center is to attract leadership opportunities as well as curriculum and community engagement. The Student Leadership Council, comprised of elected student leaders, class representatives, faculty and administration, will utilize the new center to plan events, build community, organize and execute middle school and high school leadership workshops, women’s panels, and guest speaker events. One such recent event hosted in the new center was the Nov. 4 presentation of the school’s inaugural “Women in Leadership Award” to Karen Rogers, morning traffic and weather anchor for 6ABC-TV in Philadelphia.

“This addition represents an important investment in our students’ leadership growth and overall school experience,” said OLMA Head of School Brooke Coyle. “We are grateful for every opportunity that strengthens our mission and supports the young women of OLMA.” 

On Nov. 19, the school announced two major gifts at its annual “Gratitude and Giving” event held in the new center. The D’Onofrio and Galetto families established the Sister Marie Pierre Endowed Scholarship, a $100,000 gift made in memory of Sister Marie Pierre Galetto, a beloved Daughter of Mercy and lifelong educator. Davis, a Mount Laurel businesswoman, once again demonstrated her support of Catholic education by expressing her intention to make an additional $1 million gift in the New Year.

“Her generosity will continue to open doors for young women seeking an OLMA education rooted in leadership, faith, courage, and confidence,” noted Coyle. “The gifts are not simply financial contributions, they are profound acts of faith in our mission, confidence in our students, and vision for our future.” 

Over the past several years, the school has experienced incredible momentum by more than doubling its enrollment, expanding academic and co-curricular offerings, and completing multiple campus improvements. The Dana and Carmine Catalana Center for Women in Leadership has established a hub for hands-on learning, leadership development, and community engagement, Coyle concluded, adding, “Each gift, each prayer, and each act of goodness strengthens OLMA’s ability to empower young women as the leaders of tomorrow.”