The Mulcahy Institute for Social Justice

At Georgian Court, our values guide us to build a more just and compassionate world.

Our mission

The Institute’s mission is an outgrowth of Georgian Court University’s Mercy identity and its commitment to translate concern for social justice into action. The institute provides educational programs and initiatives, opportunities for meaningful community engagement, resources for citizenship, and advocacy for justice.

Our vision

We seek “a world transformed by mercy – a world where human dignity is reverenced, and every person has the opportunity to participate fully in society.”
Two people shaking hands

Our intellectual and spiritual grounding

The institute is intellectually grounded in the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching and spiritually it is inspired by the lives of Jesus and Catherine McAuley. Focusing on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy – Earth, Nonviolence, Women, Antiracism and Immigration “the institute insists that both action and contemplation are at the heart of Mercy life”.

Our work

  • Formation for service and social justice from a Catholic Mercy perspective
  • Faculty Fellowship for Peace and Nonviolence
  • Support the university’s efforts to build community engagement with local partners committed to social justice
  • Student scholarships for leadership programs offered by Catholic Relief Services, the Conference of Mercy Higher Education, and Mercy International

The Mulcahy Institute for Social Justice is housed within GCU’s Office of Mission and Ministry.

A picture of Tamara Cella

Faculty Fellowship

The MISJ Faculty Fellowship supports a two-year research agenda to critically and creatively explore contemporary social justice issues – with an emphasis on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. The Fellow’s work includes opportunities for the university and broader community to engage with the selected social justice topic. Ultimately, the fellow will aim to develop practical, innovative approaches to address injustice.

MEET OUR MISJ FACULTY FELLOW

Dr. Tamara Cella, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, currently serves as the Institute’s Faculty Fellow. Dr. Cella’s research project, titled “Exploring Literacy Practices Among Migrant Families with Young Children,” will span two years and aligns with the Critical Concern of Migration. Her work aims to generate practical insights that can influence policy and improve outcomes for migrant families.

In June, Dr. Cella will be presenting her research at the Mercy Round Table hosted by the Conference of Mercy Higher Education at Saint Xavier University in Chicago.