Mary Hayes was a mathematics and computer science professor who taught at Mercer for 26 years before retiring in 2006. After passing in 2011, her presence remains on campus in the form of a memorial garden built in her honor.
Professor Amy Ricco of the Ornamental Horticulture A.A.S. program explained that the purpose of the garden and hardscaping, besides being a place for the arts, is to grow plants that would attract, “birds and pollinators and things like that, because those were things that Mary loved.”
The initial dedication garden was built by the college’s landscape class in 2013. They planted boxwoods and other pollinator friendly greenery to reflect Hayes’ deep love for nature.
Over time, however, the area’s condition began to decline. The plants deteriorated, the pavers collapsed, and weeds aggressively overtook the space.
Between 2024 and 2025, Professor Ricco and her students worked to renovate the declining space and restore it to its former beauty.
Beginning in 2012, Joan Silver, Hayes’ sister, donated money to Mercer in increments over a period of ten years, totaling $35,000. With this funding, Mercer was able to complete the structure located outside of the Communications building.
A Mercer student in the Horticulture Program, Matthew Shteynberg, said that he hoped after this renovation his peers will “be more on top of it” in maintaining the memorial.
Former Professor of English and Dean of Liberal Robin Schore, who retired in 2016 after 43 years at the college, described Mary as a “genuine faculty leader” who “did not tolerate fools.” He laughed as he remembered the things they had in common, including shared birthdays and similar political viewpoints.
Another former colleague, math Professor Don Reichman who started working at MCCC in 1977 and retired in 2020 said, “Mary was an innovative instructor who used examples in math class that were beyond the scope of the textbook.”
He added, “We were both comrades in crime. Mary was really smart and had a wonderful sense of humor.”
The garden project brought together students from across the campus to contribute to something meaningful. The space now serves as a reminder of Hayes’ legacy and dedication to Mercer.
