2011 Annual Report of the President
Gannon University
President’s
M essage Every year, Gannon University uses its strategic plan as the map for directing progress on its goals. This Annual Report of the President describes where the University has achieved measurable success specific to the Strategic Plan 2008-2013 goals of: I. Enhancing academic excellence; II. Distinguishing the University; III. Increasing enrollment; IV. Forging key relationships and partnerships; and V. Establishing a culture and practice of innovative strategic management. Strategic planning and the development of a clear vision for our efforts to transform this very good University into an exceptional one are my passion and an essential next step for us. It is timely that as I enter my first year as President, we are progressing through year four of the five-year Strategic Plan 2008-2013. It is the right time for us to take a fresh look at the University’s goals, priorities and aspirations for our future. In spring 2012, we will begin as a community the creative and analytical planning process that will lead us to the next iteration of Gannon’s strategic plan.
president’s message
In the following report, we have attempted to provide a more datadriven illustration of the previous year’s progress on our goals as an indication of what is to come in future reports on strategic initiatives. I hope you enjoy the new layout of this publication, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or input you may have as we make our way in the planning process for a successful future for Gannon.
Keith Taylor, Ph.D. President 2
Student workers in Gannon’s One Green World Café celebrate the business’ grand opening in its new location on West Fourth Street.
Enhancing Academic
Excellence The University’s online academic offerings, GOLD (Gannon Online Degree Programs), are now available in three programs: RN to BSN (nursing), Master of Public Administration (MPA) and master of engineering management. Gannon’s newly revised Master of Business Administration (MBA) program will be available online in spring 2012. An $80,000 grant by the George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, Mass., provided important funding for the
University’s new biomedical engineering program, introduced in the Spring 2011 Semester. It is the only local program of its kind. New additions to Gannon’s academic offerings include: a nanotechnology minor; a polysomnographic technology certificate program; two new tracks in education and leadership in the bachelor’s in health sciences degree program; and a concentration in actuarial science in the bachelor’s degree program in mathematics.
The School of Education received a formal endorsement for Act 48 courses offered to members of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) for the purposes of professional development. The University’s Patient Simulation Center has been incorporated into 23 health profession courses and six disciplines. A total of 446 students used the Center during the 2010-11 Academic Year.
Students in the University’s Exercise Science Club and students in Advanced Sports Nutrition and Nutrition in Disease courses helped develop healthy recipes and distributed them to local food pantry clients as part of an ErieGAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability) project aimed at improving the health and well-being of this target audience. A grant of nearly $5,000 from Metz Culinary Management, Gannon’s food service provider, made the project possible.
Strategic Plan Goal I
A high-quality curriculum rooted in the Catholic Tradition; motivated students; dynamic faculty: these are the hallmarks of a Gannon University education. During the 2010-11 Academic Year, both students and professors exhibited these traits and more.
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Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Robert Janosky ’64, students are now able to study nanotechnology using an NSCRIPTOR DPN system.
undergraduate application trend 5,000 4,124 4,000 3,269
3,381
3,424
3,545
2007
2008
2009
2010
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Full-Time Day Applications, Fall
Respiratory care graduate Lauren Bafik ’10 demonstrates new polysomnography equipment with the help of Charles Cornfield, RRT, assistant professor of respiratory care.
One Green World Café, a student-run, culturally diverse business, relocated from the first floor of Zurn Science Center to the former Antlers Pub building on West Fourth Street.
Strategic Plan Goal I 4
The Office of ServiceLearning received a grant of $26,350 from the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Learn & Serve America program to participate in the Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship Through Education Network (GLISTEN) project. The grant funds faculty stipends, professional development, supplies and outreach efforts related to stewardship of the Great Lakes through service-learning. The master’s program in nurse anesthesia offered collaboratively by Gannon University’s Villa Maria
2011
School of Nursing and UPMC Hamot was reaccredited, partly due to high job placement rates and first-time pass rates on exams. The program was granted a 10-year reaccreditation, the maximum possible. In addition, Gannon’s master’s degree program in community counseling was granted an eightyear accreditation, which allows graduates to qualify as Nationally Certified Counselors (NCC) upon passing the National Counselor examination. Michelle Homan, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science, and Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and their students worked on a research project designed to optimize the process of producing biodiesel. The
group uses a processor purchased through a grant made by local Burger King restaurants that can produce up to 40 gallons of biodiesel per batch of waste vegetable oil. Greg Andraso, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, and Rick Diz, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science, received the University’s inaugural Cooney-Jackman Endowed Professorships, which will run through August 2013. The professorships are designed to allow
Gannon faculty members time to focus on research projects and other scholarly activities through reduced teaching loads and provide the resources required for research. The professorships are named for two Gannon alumni, C. Christopher Cooney ’63 and Brian Jackman ’63.
Michelle Homan, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science, explains the process of creating biodiesel from waste vegetable oil.
Students help out with landscaping during the 2010 GIVE (Gannon’s Invitation to Volunteer Everywhere) Day.
Distinguishing the
University A crowd of 400 attended the 22nd annual International Night, held in March in the University’s Hammermill Center.
Gannon celebrated Catholic higher education in February with a series of weeklong events, the highlight of which was the inaugural Thomas J. ’74 and Mary H. Loftus Lecture on Catholic Thought and Action. The Rev. Nicholas Rouch, S.T.D. ’83, vicar for education for the Diocese of Erie, and Sister Kathleen Dietz, F.S.O., theology instructor, presented the lecture, “Blessed John Henry Newman: The University in Idea and Experience.” A new diaconate certificate program for area deacons was approved, with the first class of students enrolling in fall 2011.
Gannon ranked as a top tier Best Regional University for the seventh consecutive year by U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2011.” Additionally, Gannon ranked for the fifth time as one of only 15 colleges and universities in this part of the country in the Great Schools, Great Prices category. Washington Monthly, a nonprofit magazine covering politics and government, recognized Gannon’s dedication to service, ranking it 16th out of more than 500 “Master’s Universities” nationally in its 2010 College Rankings.
Strategic Plan Goal II
From a record number of service hours to top-notch national rankings, Gannon continued to make its mark on the higher education landscape in 2010-11.
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Gannon’s Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit is an annual occurrence that helps usher in the new Academic Year in a spirit of faith and unity.
For the fourth consecutive year, Gannon was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. It is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Gannon’s 2010 Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit included a special recognition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the blessing of an icon written to honor the Sisters as they celebrated 150 years of service to the Erie Diocese. The University also partnered with the Sisters for the second straight year to host their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Approximately 750 meals were served on campus with another 370 delivered to homes by volunteers.
Strategic Plan Goal II 6
Gannon reported that its students, faculty and staff recorded 79,421 service hours during the 2009-2010 Academic Year, an increase of 2.5 percent over the prior year. In addition to giving generously of their time, students, faculty and staff contributed nearly $130,000 to individuals, agencies and
organizations locally, regionally and nationally. More than 450 Gannon University volunteers, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, participated in the annual United Way Day of Caring by volunteering for local agencies and organizations in the spring. Community service within Gannon’s Erie-GAINS neighborhood was the day’s focus. Gannon faculty and students extended classroom learning outside the country this past year. Seven students and two staff members traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, as one of the University’s Alternative Break Service Trips. The location was a first for Gannon. A group of students studied in southern Italy in May, while a group of theatre students performed at the International Collegiate Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August.
Education to participate in the GO College – Erie initiative, funded by two separate grants totaling $24 million. Gannon will expand the University’s delivery of crucial programming and services, like tutoring, coaching and mentoring, to students at three local high schools through its GUMS (Gannon University Mentoring Services) program. Gannon now offers an international studies minor for students who want to be better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century global society. The 18-credit program includes course options in international relations, the United Nations and international law, United States foreign policy, international economics and global business. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in study abroad. Parris Baker, Ph.D. ’92, assistant professor of social work, became Gannon’s first African-American faculty member to receive tenure.
Students paint over graffiti in downtown Erie for the United Way Day of Caring.
The University was formally recognized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education and awarded a Malaysian Quality Assurance Certification, which will allow Gannon to much more effectively and aggressively recruit students from Malaysia and provides greater credibility to the Gannon degrees earned by those students.
economic impact trend 180 160 140
$154
$156
2009
2010
$161
$144 $130
120 100 80
Enrollment in Gannon’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program has more than tripled since 2009. Gannon was one of three local partners chosen by the Council for Opportunity in
60 40 20 0
2007
2008
(All figures in millions of dollars.)
2011
The Student Success Center provides support services, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, programming and other resources, under one roof.
Increasing Student
As the University’s Strategic Plan II: 2008-2013 states, “Gannon will increase its enrollment through strategic recruitment practices and enhanced retention initiatives as it capitalizes on its strengths in undergraduate and graduate programs and co-curricula leading to careers, advanced studies and professional development.” Examples of this commitment to student success were widespread over the past year.
Since 2005, the University’s overall enrollment has experienced an 18 percent increase, while the minority student population more than doubled.
13,000-square-foot Student Success Center. The Center formally opened in fall 2010 and includes academic support services that were previously spread across campus.
Gannon was awarded a Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, renewable for up to five years for an overall total of $1.1 million. The grant is the first of its kind ever awarded to Gannon. Gannon was one of only 118 new institutions out of a total of 1,026 that received an SSS grant this year, which will go toward improving services at the University’s new
New advising strategies were implemented for atrisk populations in an effort to increase freshman-tosophomore and sophomoreto-junior retention rates. The electrical engineering program was redesigned to offer more project-based work earlier in the curriculum to help students develop real-world skills before their upperclassmen years.
Strategic Plan Goal III
Enrollment
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service hours trend 80,000
77,487
79,421
79,585
2009
2010
2011
72,553
70,000 60,000
58,645
50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0
2007
2008
Includes faculty, staff and student service hours.
In November 2010, Gannon hosted a special recruiting event for alumni, students and their parents at “Gannon is All Over Cleveland.” Attendees were able to meet with University administrators, faculty and staff and connect with some of the people who make the Gannon experience special. Stephanie M. Williams ’03C, ’07C, ’10Ph.D. successfully defended her dissertation and became the first graduate of Gannon’s doctoral program in organizational learning and leadership.
Strategic Plan Goal III 8
A new bachelor of science degree program in leadership studies was introduced, with courses being offered in the Spring 2012 Semester. Gannon University and Geneva College signed an articulation agreement for master’s-level graduates of Geneva’s leadership studies program who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at Gannon. Nearly 97 percent of 20092010 master’s and doctoral degree graduates have secured positions related to their aca-
Biology professor Steve Ropski, Ph.D. ’78, congratulates physical therapy graduate Matt Galbo ’11 at Spring Commencement.
demic major or are continuing their education, according to a report by the University’s Office of Career Development and Employment Services. Several programs had 100 percent placement rates for their graduates, including embedded software engineering, mechanical engineering, nursing-anesthesiology and occupational therapy. Nearly 90 percent of undergraduates from the 2008-09 year (the most recent year for which data is available) are working in a field related to their aca-
Biotechnology graduate Jessica Moore ’11 explains her poster presentation during “Celebrate Gannon.”
demic major or are continuing their education. Placement rates of 100 percent could be found in finance, elementary/ special/early childhood education, health science, radiologic sciences and respiratory care. Gannon students showcased their creative and scholarly talents at “Celebrate Gannon,” held March 25. It combined two prior events, the Graduate Research Conference and the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creativity Celebration. More than 1,000 degrees were awarded during commencement exercises held in both winter and spring.
Nearly 30 Villa Maria College alumnae reunited at a high tea during 2010 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. About 11 percent of all alumni received their degree from Villa Maria.
Forging Key Relationships &
Partnerships Gannon’s National Alumni Board (NAB) created and implemented a strategic plan, and regional directors to the NAB are being recruited in 12 cities around the country. 2010 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend experienced the largest attendance to date, with more than 600 alumni, family and friends returning to campus for fun and fellowship. Highlights of the weekend included 23 events, nine affinity group reunions and the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner, which honored five individuals.
Forty-five alumni events were held throughout the country with an attendance of more than 3,000. The Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences established an Advisory Council, which consists of executive directors and CEOs of local health and science agencies. The council meets biannually. The Office of Alumni Services welcomed some new faces during the 2010-11 year. Tracy Lyons, formerly the office’s secretary, assumed duties as an assistant director,
as did new hire and alumna Erin Sekerak ’04. Cathy Fresch serves as director. According to criteria established by AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania), Gannon currently estimates its annual economic impact as more than $161 million, up 24 percent since 2007.
Biology professor Stan Zagorski demonstrates an experiment aboard the Environaut, Gannon’s research vessel.
A new endeavor between Pennsylvania Sea Grant and Gannon will allow more students in PA Sea Grant’s science program to collect, record and analyze sediment and water samples to deepen their understanding of the current health of Lake Erie via the University’s research learning vessel, the Environaut.
Strategic Plan Goal IV
For Gannon University, building key relationships and strengthening partnerships is not just a goal; it is a vital part of making a difference in both students’ lives and the greater community. As John Lennon once said, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”
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North Hall, Gannon’s first new construction in more than two decades, welcomed its first resident students in fall 2011.
Encouraging Growth & Progress
Looking toward the future and staying abreast of technological and academic advances is a key part of Gannon’s plan for campus. Whether completing a brand-new, state-of-the-art residence hall or continuing with innovative green initiatives, the University is committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Strategic Plan Goal V 10
A new residence hall, North Hall, was constructed and is now providing quality housing for nearly 300 students. Features include a convenience store, fitness center, high-tech study lounges and community kitchens. The Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, S.T.D., S.S.L., Bishop of Erie, announces Keith Taylor, Ph.D., as the seventh president of Gannon University.
Freshman Hall, a former University dormitory during the 1950s and now called West Hall, was purchased from the Sisters of the Divine Spirit.
An apartment building on West Eighth Street was purchased to provide additional campus housing. Ten new endowed scholarship funds were established. The Annual Fund for Academic Excellence continued to show growth, with the highest total in University history raised to support Gannon’s athletic programs.
University
Gannon’s Center for Teaching Excellence will now help up to 50 area K-12 teachers earn National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification thanks to a grant from State Farm. The grant, for $25,000, allows the Center to recruit and support teachers by providing each candidate with nearly 250 hours in hands-on support. Keith Taylor, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Gannon since 2005, was named the University’s seventh president after sixth president Antoine Garibaldi, Ph.D., was named the first lay president of the University of Detroit Mercy. Linda Fleming, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the psychology department and director of training for the counseling psychology program, was named interim provost, and Michael Caulfield, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, was chosen as
interim associate provost. Longtime English professor Philip Kelly, D.A., served as interim president during the nationwide search. In its second year, Gannon expanded its Goodwill Garden project to two gardens, both of which are 100 percent organic. Using donated seeds and volunteer efforts of GU staff and students, especially Custodial Supervisor Galen Adams ’04C, ’07, the harvest was donated to the food bank at the St. Paul Episcopal Cathedral, Gannon’s neighbor. Metz Culinary Management launched “Trayless Fridays” in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. Starting in December 2010, the cafeteria removed plastic trays from circulation, saving both money and energy in terms of washing the trays, while students found they experienced less food waste by only taking items they intended to consume.
Financials Revenue Tuition and Fees, net of scholarships Federal, State and Private Grants Contributions Auxiliary Enterprises Other Total
2009-10 $52.0 4.0 2.9 9.4 5.7 $74.0
2010-11 $53.6 3.8 3.2 9.7 9.7 $80.0
Expenses 2009-10 Compensation $45.1 Operating Expenses 13.2 Interest 1.1 Depreciation 3.8 Auxiliary Enterprises 1.9 Total $65.1
2010-11 $44.8 14.6 1.5 4.3 2.0 $67.2
Expenses by Function 2009-10 Instruction and Research $32.1 Public Service 1.6 Student Services 11.6 Institutional Support 13.3 Auxiliary Enterprises 6.5 Total $65.1
2010-11 $32.6 1.7 12.3 13.4 7.2 $ 67.2
Use of Funds Student Scholarships Capital Spending Debt Retirement Endowment Activities Total
2009-10 $26.0 9.1 2.4 0.6 $38.1
2010-11 $28.0 18.8 2.3 1.1 $50.2
$32.6
$40.4
Value of Endowment
(All figures in millions of dollars.)
2010-11 Revenue University supporters raised a record amount to support Golden Knight athletics this year. Funds will help students like Drew Deimel ’11, who was named 2010-11 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Men’s Golfer of the Year.
67% 12% 12% 5% 4%
Tuition and Fees, net of scholarships Auxiliary Enterprises Other Federal, State and Private Grants Contributions
2010-11 Expenses
67% 22% 6% 3% 2%
Compensation Operating Expenses Depreciation Auxiliary Enterprises Interest
2010-11 Expenses by Function
48% 20% 18% 11% 3%
Instruction and Research Institutional Support Student Services Auxiliary Enterprises Public Service 11
2010-11
Board of Trustees Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, S.T.D., S.S.L. • Chairperson Bishop of Erie Erie, Pa. Thomas C. Guelcher ’62, ’76M Vice Chairperson Treasurer Sisters of Mercy Erie, Pa. Mark Minnaugh ’81 Secretary CFO and Executive Vice President Giant Eagle Inc. Allison Park, Pa. Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. • President Gannon University
William I. Alford II ’65 Executive Director Head Start Akron, Ohio
James W. Keim Jr. Senior Vice President RBC Dain Rauscher Erie, Pa.
Rev. Msgr. Robert L. Brugger Pastor Saint George Church Erie, Pa.
Constantine K. Kliorys, Ph.D. • President Gannon University Faculty Senate
Marcia A. Dall Executive Vice President and CFO Erie Insurance Group Erie, Pa.
Sister Mary Rita Kuhn, S.S.J. ’60VMC, ’68M Vicar for Religious Diocese of Erie Erie, Pa.
Tina M. Donikowski ’85 General Manager GE Transportation Systems Erie, Pa.
Urban J. LaRiccia ’59 President Datascript International Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Barry T. Drew, Esq. ’76 Deputy Secretary for Administration Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Thomas J. Loftus ’56, ’74M Retired Business Executive Cary, N.C.
James J. Duratz Consultant Barco-Duratz Foundation Meadville, Pa. Sister Mary Ellen Dwyer, S.S.J. ’64VMC • President Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Erie, Pa. Dana M. (Kennedy) Fallon, Esq. ’91 Alumni Director George Mason University School of Law Arlington,Va. James E. Gehrlein ’72 CFO Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Erie, Pa. Rev. Msgr. Andrew H. Karg Pastor St. Michael Church Greenville, Pa.
Robert H. Morosky ’63 Private Investor Columbus, Ohio Susan M. Nedza, M.D. ’80 Vice President Strategic Clinical Solutions of HealthyCircles Hinsdale, Ill. Thomas A. Panighetti • President Gannon University Student Government Association Thomas F. Power Jr. ’63 Retired Business Executive Green Oaks, Ill. Kiran K. Rajasenan, M.D. ’93 Medical Oncologist UPMC Cancer Center Wexford, Pa. Rev. Nicholas Rouch, S.T.D. ’83 Vicar for Education Diocese of Erie Erie, Pa.
James J. Rutkowski Jr. ’83 General Manager/Treasurer Industrial Sales and Manufactuing Inc. Erie, Pa. Robert F. Ruyak, Esq. ’71 Chairman/CEO Howrey LLP Washington, D.C. Helen M. Schilling, M.D., D.D.S. ’77 Physician Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Houston, Texas James A. Scozzie, Ph.D. ’65 Retired Business Executive Cleveland, Ohio Timothy G. Shuttleworth President and CEO Eriez Magnetics Erie, Pa. Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Smith, J.C.L. Vicar General Diocese of Erie Erie, Pa. Christopher B. Snyder ’81 Cofounder and CEO Spectrum Direct Mission Viejo, Calif. Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Speice ’55 Pastor St. Anthony Church Cambridge Springs, Pa. William C. Springer ’63 Retired Business Executive Tucson, Ariz. Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Sullivan Pastor St. Andrew Church Erie, Pa. James F. Toohey, Esq. ’56 Partner Quinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto Inc. Erie, Pa. • Ex officio Members