Retiring president reflects on innovation, faith at Camden Catholic

Mary Whipkey’s first exposure to Camden Catholic High School came in 1983 through her husband’s work when he was a young teacher at the Cherry Hill school.

“I thought of it as an extended family back then,” Whipkey said. “I made the connection to the welcoming environment through meeting the Sisters of Mercy and getting to know Sister Pat Kenney, Sister Phil, Sister Michele.”

When their oldest son started his educational journey there in 1998, Whipkey grew to appreciate how the school would “help form the educational and spiritual minds” of students. Whipkey and her husband would go on to see three children graduate from Camden Catholic, in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

“I love the mix of students from many areas – they can broaden their worldview. Their transition to college is much easier because they learn to accept and work with many types of students,” she said. “The community stresses that we all have value and are made in the image and likeness of God.”

Whipkey joined the Camden Catholic High School community herself in 2004, becoming the school’s second director of advancement. She later served as the director of admissions in 2010, before being named interim president in 2013 and president in 2014.

Whipkey reflected on her tenure at the school as she prepares to retire from her role as president June 30.

“I hope my legacy will be living the mission – ‘Educating diverse learners since 1887, Camden Catholic develops tomorrow’s innovative leaders steeped in the Catholic tradition of mercy,’” she said. “I made all decisions based on this mission. I raised money so many could afford to come to Camden Catholic, to put programs in place that would be innovative and moving with the educational times and to be sure our students graduate with leadership skills, and to help build their faith journey.”

She is perhaps most proud of her work to launch the school’s first capital campaign in 2013, which raised $6 million to renovate the cafeteria and library, add an innovative learning space and more. During her tenure, an estimated $17 million was raised through the continued effort, supporting projects like a new elevator, auditorium seating, locker room and turf field, as well as renovated laboratories and other learning spaces.

Msgr. Andrew Martin, president emeritus, also credits the annual fund for bolstering scholarship commitments from less than $200 per year to more than $1.5 million.

He also praised Whipkey’s continuous efforts to innovate and develop the school’s curricula and educational offerings, her commitment to the school’s performing arts program, and her strong interpersonal skills that helped to acquire major gifts to support Camden Catholic’s growth.

“Mary’s retirement is so well-deserved. While I will miss her day-to-day presence at school and school events, I am happy for her and wish her God’s choicest blessings in this new chapter in her life,” Msgr. Martin said. “Indeed, she will be greatly missed by the entire Camden Catholic family, and her absence will, sadly, be felt by all, [but] I am confident in the future of Camden Catholic because of all that she has put in place.”

Reflecting on Whipkey’s lasting impact at Camden Catholic, Msgr. Martin described her “years of unselfish dedication, expertise and commitment” to the school’s mission.

“Mary has always been a person who ‘bleeds green,’” said Heather Crisci, the school’s principal. “She is a champion of Camden Catholic High School and speaks all the time about the education that CCHS provides to students.”

In addition to building relationships with alumni and others who have supported the school’s continued growth, Crisci credits Whipkey with her support of the arts during her time as president.

“She has worked to continue to provide access to a well-rounded arts education where students find their place in all aspects of the arts, including the stage, the art room, the digital arts lab, the TV studio, and the innovation lab,” she said. “This will be a lasting impact.”

Jack Wixted, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, spoke highly of Whipkey’s contributions to the institution.

“It is striking how 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,” he said. “Virtually everywhere you walk in the school contains Mary’s fingerprints, whether it is an academic innovation, performing arts improvements or athletic renovations. Mary’s contributions leave a legacy of the enduring Camden Catholic values of honor, faith and loyalty.”

Whipkey will be succeeded by Mr. Rory J. Sweeney, the former interim president of Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School in Philadelphia; he will begin his tenure as the school’s next president on July 1.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as president. I would like to thank all the diocesan representatives, trustees, alumni, fellow administrators, teachers, and parents who have supported me to accomplish all that we accomplished together to make Camden Catholic the extraordinary place that it is,” Whipkey said. “I feel proud knowing that I have helped many teenagers find a place they called home for four years and have gone on to be successful faithful adults.”

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