Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Mercy Academy has initiated a $15 million capital campaign, "Mercy Bold," aimed at expanding its endowment and creating an innovation center to advance its Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) curriculum. The school, located at 5801 Fegenbush Lane, launched the public phase of the campaign on March 7. According to Leslie Hibdon, Mercy's director of advancement, the campaign had already secured $8 million in gifts and pledges during its quiet phase.

The funds will partially finance the construction of the Dr. Sheri Kalbfeisch Innovation Center on land adjacent to the campus. Becky Montague, Mercy’s president, highlighted that the campaign addresses two significant needs: additional space for STEAM activities and increased tuition assistance.

“Mercy Academy has always been at the forefront of providing a future-focused education for young women in Louisville,” Montague stated in a press release. “After we completed our strategic plan in 2020, it was clear that additional space for STEAM and increased tuition assistance are the greatest needs for our students.”

Paul Kalbfeisch contributed the first $2 million to honor his late wife Sheri Kalbfeisch, a graduate from the class of 1965 and a notable physician. The innovation center is named after her.

The planned 12,000 square-foot facility will connect to Mercy's existing building via a breezeway. It will feature two advanced STEAM workspaces, a health science lab with mock medical exam rooms, art studios, an outdoor classroom and courtyard as well as four collaborative spaces supporting project-based learning. A geothermal system will provide heating and cooling to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs.

Construction is slated to begin in 2026 on land purchased by Mercy in 2024. Completing payment for this property remains one of the campaign's priorities.

Hibdon emphasized that all professionals assisting with this campaign are Mercy alumnae including Mariah Weyland Gratz, Jenna Hollinden, Peggy Hagerty Duffy among others who contribute expertise across various fields such as engineering and marketing.

Since starting its STEM program in 2014—and becoming the first all-girls school nationwide to receive STEM certification in 2016—Mercy continues enhancing educational opportunities for students like Nora Brown who expressed excitement about empowerment through new technology while Avery Heffernan praised their comprehensive STEM offerings which opened up numerous career paths.