From the President

We’ve heard it said that change is the only constant. As I reflect on the past several months, I am reminded of just how true that has become for each and every one of us.

Our world shut down this past spring – a reality none of us could have imagined. Even now, we continue to wrestle with the adjustments COVID-19 is forcing us to make on campus and in our lives.

But as we learned this semester, change can bring opportunities for growth and new approaches. I am moved by how the Gannon community embraced that truth with a spirit of tenacity and a boldness that led us to successfully complete our fall semester in person.

Reopening for the fall semester was an intentional decision that we were confident could be done safely and would be the most engaging for our students. Faculty and staff from across the university come together to support each other and to create an environment that still reflected the best of the Gannon experience.

When traditional methods of delivering education were disrupted, faculty innovated to give students the learning experience they needed to thrive. Others operated an in-house COVID-19 surveillance testing program to keep students healthy and cared for those who did become infected by delivering meals, social supports and other essential items.

In our surrounding communities, our alumni generously contributed their talent and efforts to the frontlines – particularly those serving as teachers and health care professionals. These difficult times have challenged us to persevere and I am grateful for these examples of our alumni and those of my colleagues who have our continued progress on critical campus initiatives. What an incredibly special loyalty we share as a Gannon family.

We have continued to transform the Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge, or I-HACK, as we anticipate a dedication and blessing ceremony in the early spring when students begin enjoying the facility. Erie Insurance and Gannon students and faculty will also launch collaborations this spring through a new partnership in I-HACK. Renovations to the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel are also nearing completion with a rite of dedication and blessing planned for this winter.

Gannon has evolved as an organization, yet this year has also been a humbling reminder that growth needs to happen on personal levels, too. When racial justice tensions heightened in Erie and across the nation, the university came together in meaningful reflection and to offer targeted efforts to address these issues. Already, we’ve been inspired by how students, faculty and staff have stepped up to share their voices and supported the initial work through academic and event programming, community-wide discussions, and listening and learning. Yet, we know we have far to go in planning and in action on this journey toward inclusion and justice.

The following pages reflect the positive momentum we see happening all around us. My desire is that you will find hope and new perspective in learning about the incredible opportunities that can come from and happen through adversity. This year, I’ve seen our Gannon community come together in ways I never have before – encouraging and lifting up one another to continue to be the best versions of ourselves so we can transform the lives of others. I am honored to share these stories with you in this issue of the Gannon Magazine.

Ever grateful for God’s and your blessings and support,

Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President