Saint Francis University 2023 President's Report

2023 Year in Review President's Report

Cover Image: Miranda Weiland portrayed Kora (Persephone), the Goddess of Spring in the SFU Production of Ekphrasis in November 2023. Miranda is a junior majoring in MIS, management, and economics.

Saint Francis University’s Strategic Plan 2022 - 2026 Saint Francis University launched its latest strategic plan, Francis 2026: Thy Will Be Done in 2022 Francis 2026 is inextricably linked to our mission and vision. Saint Francis University is a Catholic and Franciscan university that provides high caliber education and innovative learning experiences so students become that someone that God calls them to be. Francis 2026 will keep us focused on seeking the Lord’s will and working for the good of our students.

A Bold Vision "At the heart of Francis 2026 are our Franciscan values. Our Catholic and Franciscan morals and values set us apart from other campuses, and, at times, even from society," shared University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R.. "At Saint Francis University, one has the opportunity to deepen faith and encounter Christ. We graduate healthcare professionals who are pro-life, business people with strong ethics and morals, scientists who see God as the Creator, and artists who use their talents to reveal the beauty of God."

Catholic and Franciscan Identity is Our Foundation In all we do, we will compel new and existing community members to deepen, explore, and transform their faith alongside one another and serve as models for studentcentric engagement.

Francis the Educator The University will continuously seek new studentcentered transformational initiatives that result in knowledgeable, principled, and visionary graduates.

Francis the Innovator Through a market-driven lens, the University will develop academic and co-curricular programs and support meaningful, innovative partnerships.

Francis the Good Steward Increase revenue, reduce costs, and grow the endowment, capital, and annual funds as a means of improving financial accountability and vitality.

Francis the Builder Support quality living and learning environments that increase student demand and satisfaction.

Explore the plan: francis.edu/francis2026

Saint Francis University is blessed to be sponsored and supported by the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Friars in photo (Back:) Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D; Fr. Chris Dobson, T.O.R.; Br. Andrew Potopa, T.O.R. ‘20; Br. Kolbe Spencer, T.O.R.; Fr. Peter Lyons, T.O.R., ‘59; Br. Matthew Aubin, T.O.R.; Fr. Joseph Krilich, T.O.R.; Fr. Jason Wooleyhan, T.O.R.; Fr. Matthew Simons (Front:) Br. Dennis Snyder, T.O.R.; Fr. Daniel Sinisi, T.O.R.; Fr. Nicholas Polichnowski, T.O.R.; Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R.; Br. Marius Strom, T.O.R.; Fr. David Dodd, T.O.R.20; Br. Kolbe Spencer, T.O.R.; Fr. Peter Lyons, T.O.R.; Br. Matthew Aubin, T.O.R.; Fr. Joseph Krilich, T.O.R.; Fr. Jason Wooleyhan, T.O.R.; Fr. Matthew Simons, T.O.R. (Front:) Br. Dennis Snyder, T.O.R., ‘92; Fr. Daniel Sinisi, T.O.R. ‘62; Fr. Nicholas Polichnowski, T.O.R.; Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R.; Br. Marius Strom, T.O.R.; Fr. David Dodd, T.O.R.

With the President’s Report for 2023, I am pleased to highlight an array of accomplishments. I think you will enjoy the variety of academic successes, athletic achievements and co-curricular events found in these pages. I never tire of touting student success.

You play a vital role with us. We educate students in a virtuous campus setting; produce graduates who make good moral decisions in their personal and professional lives; and are a University community called to bring light into darkness. Thank you for helping us to nurture Franciscan-hearted people for our society.

The pages of this report serve, too, as a preview of coming attractions. We are deep into the implementation of our strategic plan, Francis 2026: Thy Will Be Done. We build on a solid foundation of success, and I believe the Lord has great things in store for Saint Francis University. As the world evolves, so does the University, to meet the needs of students and society. All the while, our Franciscan and Catholic is our firm foundation.

I am excited to continue the journey with you.

Sincerely, Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., President

2023 in Pictures

https://saintfrancisuniversity.smugmug.com /

On October 20, 2023, Saint Francis University celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of Saint Margaret Hall. The facility, bearing the name of St. Margaret of Cortona, will primarily serve Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Science majors.

Left to right:Research Day, Philanthrophy Day, Homecoming 2023

Commencement 2023

SFU Students Bringing the Spirit!

Construction is almost complete for the new Connors Family Fine Arts Center: Home of the Resinski Black Box Theatre. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 18.

Left: The March on the Mountain is faithfully held each January.

Right: The new Immaculate Conception Bell Tower on a snowy day in Loretto.

23-24 Annual Ranking Lists SFU is honored to have once again passed the vetting process to appear on several competitive college distinctions lists.

Here are a few of our favorites: America's Top 500 Colleges (Forbes) #25 Best Colleges in PA (Niche) Best "4-Star" Colleges in America (Money Magazine) Best Bang for your Buck: Northeast (Washington Monthly) Top Performers for Social Mobility: North (U.S. News & World Report) 10 Best Online Colleges in PA (Forbes Advisor) Physician Assistant Science #85 Nationwide (U.S. News & World Report) Catholic College of Distinction (Colleges of Distinction) "A Safety Rating" (Niche )

Explore more news and feature stories: francis.edu/blog Alumni Profile: Blandin ‘Bill’ Karabinos SFU is proud to partner with the 11th Armored Calvary’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia on a new matching scholarship initiative.thanks to Blandin ‘Bill’ Karabinos, a 1960 alumnus with a degree in philosophy.

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SFU's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership Institute Hosts National Expert Saint Francis University's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute invited Dr. Richard Ingersoll, a leading national expert on America’s elementary and secondary teaching force, to address a crowd more than 70 educational leaders.

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SFU one of 50 emerging research institutions to receive NSF funding The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a $399,727 award to SFU as part of its first-ever Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) grant program. The agency is investing $19.6 million to help nearly 50 emerging research institutions grow their capacity to participate in and drive regional innovation.

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SFU names inaugural director for new Aviation Maintenance program Saint Francis University has appointed Brianna Pavkovich of Rockwood, PA, the inaugural director of the university's newest workforce development initiative, the Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate program. As the new director, her first duties include guiding the program through the FAA approval process with the goal of beginning classes in Fall 2024.

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Nursing alumnae finds success at Walter Reed Abigail Cooper, a 2012 BSN graduate from Saint Francis University, was recently profiled by her employer, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. in the the article, A Nursing Story: Answering the Call to Serve one Patient at a Time, appearing on Aug. 23, 2023.

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Finance alumnus named among Forbes Top Next-Wealth Advisors Andrew Krout, a 2013 SFU alumni in Finance, has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors: Best in State for 2023. Andrew is a Wealth Advisor and CoChief Investment Officer at DeGroote Financial Group in Boston.

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Saint Francis joins Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project with NASA Officially joining the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEPB) with NASA, the Saint Francis team will gather and contribute valuable scientific and engineering data by casting weather balloons far into Earth's atmosphere during solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024.

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International association names SFU Criminal Justice 'Program of the Year' SFU's Criminal Justice Program has been awarded the 2023 CJ Program of the Year by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) on March 18. The ACJS is an international association established to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice.

Read More Biology professor interviewed on NPR about octopus RNA research SFU biology professor, Dr. Matthew Birk, is one of the scientists featured in an NPR interview that delves into an article in the journal Cell, where researchers report that octopuses can edit genetic information.

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SFU Designated as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense After completing a rigorous review process, SFU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for its validated degree program in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Administration and Digital Forensics.

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SkyWest Airlines donates CRJ200 airframe to future Aviation Technician program The university's developing Aviation Technician program received a CRJ200 airframe donated by SkyWest Airlines which will give future students the invaluable opportunity to train on a regional jet airframe as a regular part of the proposed curriculum.

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Full NEC Championship Article The Red Flash women compiled five event victories, six silver medalists, four bronze medalists, and 27 top-eight performances to contribute to the team's 147-point total in the NEC Championship.

Madeline Murphy led the way as the Most Valuable Performer of the Championships, sweeping the long and triple jump events. In addition to owning all the horizontal jump records at SFU, she is also the new owner of the NEC's triple jump record, last set 17 years ago. Murphy's performance led to an All-NEC first-team selection and a nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year.

Gabrielle Stanavich (400m hurdles), Olivia Conrad (javelin) and Caroline Ratchford (high jump) each registered first-place finishes at the championships. For their showings, the three were placed onto the All-NEC first team.

2023 Postseason Appearances

Men’s Volleyball (NEC Finals, *NEC Regular Season Champions), Men’s Soccer (NEC Semifinals, *NEC Regular Season Champions), Men’s Basketball (NEC Semifinals), Field Hockey (NEC Semifinals), Women’s Volleyball (NEC Semifinals), Softball (NEC Semifinals, *NEC Regular Season Champions), Women’s Lacrosse (NEC Semifinals)

Noteworthy Academic Achievements: Fall 2023 marks the 50th consecutive semester with an overall Athletics Department GPA at or above a 3.0. This is 25 straight years!

The 3.355 achieved during the Fall 2023 semester is the thirdhighest Fall Athletics Department GPA and the seventhhighest overall (Fall or Spring) in the history of Saint Francis University Athletics.

Alexandra Sappia (Women’s Volleyball) named Scholar-Athlete alongside professor Dr. Edward Zovinka, during a Red Flash basketball game.

Noteworthy Community Achievements: Making a Difference The Saint Francis University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) & SFU Athletics raised $5,149.30 for Seedz 4 Needz Inc in two weeks in 2023's NEC SAAC Money Wars competition. Within three Money Wars competitions (2021, 2022, & 2023), SAAC has raised $15,629.49 for Seedz 4 Needz.

Read Across America Week

Flexing Fundraising Skills SAAC collected $3,509 in the annual #ThinkPink Push-Up Showdown, bringing their total to over $37,000 in 11 years.

History Repeating - Saint Francis Wins Second-Straight NEC Building Communities Award, Presented by Insperity - It's all about giving back to the community for Saint Francis U, and as a result, the Red Flash will have their name engraved on the plaque for the fourth time in the last six years.

Saint Francis U Makes It A Five-Peat in NEC SAAC's Money Wars Competition - The Red Flash StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) continues to rake in the money for a good cause. For the fifth year in a row, Saint Francis U has made the largest schoolwide contribution to the Northeast Conference (NEC) SAAC Money Wars fundraiser, and as a result, they have again retained the league-wide crown.

2022-23 Donors We take this opportunity to recognize all those who have supported our University's mission through alumni contributions, capital campaign, gifts, giving club and society donations, gifts from parents and friends, athletic support, as well as tribute, memorial, and scholarships.

For the full listing, visit: francis.edu/donor-report

Saint Francis Society, Leadership Levels Lifetime Giving of $2,500,000 or more Franciscan Friars, Sacred Heart Province Bro. Gabriel Amato, TOR Fr. Joseph Chancler, TOR Fr. Christopher Dobson, TOR Fr. Terence Henry, TOR Fr. Peter Lyons, TOR Bro. Shamus McGrenra, TOR Fr. Nicholas Polichnowski, TOR Fr. Matthew Simons, TOR Fr. Daniel Sinisi, TOR Bro. Kevin Smith, TOR Bro. Dennis Snyder, TOR Bro. Marius Strom, TOR Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR Fr. Stephen Mary Waruszewski, TOR Fr. Jason R. Wooleyhan, TOR

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania John & Sheila (Widmer) Connors Bruno & Lena DeGol Family Fndn.

Ms. Gloria (DeGol) Burgan Mr. Bruno DeGol Jr. Mr. David DeGol Mr. Dennis DeGol Mr. Donald DeGol Sr. Louis P. & Pat DiCerbo II Joseph & Marguerite (Scharpf) DiSepio Estate of Rudolph C. and Geraldine M. Schonek Pete & Suzy Shields Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Stewart Jr. The Hon. & Mrs. John Wozniak

Lifetime Giving of $1,000,000 to $2,499,999 Mr. & Mrs. Jack M. Calandra Estate of Mr. J. Crilley Kelly Knee Family Fndn.

Kevin & Joan (Morris) Knee Charles Koch Fndn.

Mr. John C. Kornitzer Estate of Mr. John E. Lane Thomas & Lynn (Mullen) Meredith Mr. Mark Pasquerilla Stephen C. & Jean (Payne) Rogers

Lifetime giving of $100,000 to $999,999 Mr. William P. Adamucci Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, Inc. Addison Gibson Foundation & Eden Hall Fndn.

PNC Charitable Trust Drs. Balazs and Michele Hargittai George I. Alden Trust Ms. Martha L. (Guzzetti) Harrie Ms. Margaret Alexander Dr. & Mrs. Edward B. Hill Altoona Blair County Kenneth & Joan Horoho Jr. Development Corp.

Trust U/W. of Helen M. Hughes AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Mr. Mark M. Hughes Association of Independent Mr. Bob Katan & Family Colleges & Universities of PA Mr. Joseph E. Keirn Ms. Christine (Wank) Auses Mr. Thomas J. Lane William & Christine Lee Industries Corp.

(Corbett) Baker Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Lenz Bank of America Foundation M&T Bank - Altoona The Buhl Foundation Stephen J. Machuta Mr. Frank Calandra Scholarship Trust Mr. & Mrs. Jack Calandra Dennis & Rosemary Mr. Michael F. Calandra (Banks) McGlynn Willard & Nancy Campbell Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. McGrath Jr. The John R. & Dorothy D. Caples Fund Bro. Shamus J. McGrenra, TOR Gunard Berry Carlson Dr. Peter M. Melotti Memorial Foundation Mr. Robert C. Mesaros Ms. Francoise Cavagnaro Mr. & Mrs. Kevin E. Miller Mr. Christopher Collins Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Montler The Community Foundation Mr. Urban Mulvehill for the Alleghenies Estate of Mr. Charles B. Noel Jr. Mrs. Thomas Connors Nulton Aviation Services, Inc Mr. Joseph Coray A.J. & Sigismunda Palumbo Mr. & Mrs. Brian Charitable Trust T. Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Picarella Curry Supply Holdings, Inc. Mr. Sabino J. Ranaudo Mr. Anthony W. D'Agostino Raymond James Charitable Luke & Kelly Drayer Endowment Mr. Frank C. Embon Rev. Dr. David & Dr. Therese A. Edith Davis Eve Fndn.

(Wachter) Ream, SFO Jacob Fend Fndn.

Mr. James S. Resch Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Resch Family Fndn.

First Commonwealth Mr. & Mrs. Norman Rish Financial Corp.

Mr. Timothy G. Rubritz First National Bank Dr. Robert & Mrs. Rosemary Ryan of Pennsylvania Saint Francis University Fox 8-ABC 23 Alumni Association Dan & Debbie Friedrich Dr. Jean M. Samii Dr. & Mrs. James P. Gallagher The Scharpf Family Fndn.

Mr. Lawrence T. Giannone Ernest J. Scharpf Charitable Green Mountain Fndn.

Trust Tibbins & Patricia Ms. Joan B. Schratz (Wright) Gunsallus The Hon. Bud Shuster Ms. Judith (Gilligan) Smith

Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Dr. Arthur W. Springsteen Mr. William H. Stadtmiller Minnie Patton Stayman Fndn.

Peter & Kathryn Ann (Buffoni)Stevenson Maurice Stokes Memorial Fund John & Nancy (Grabiak) Sullivan Dr. James W. Takacs Stephen & Robin (Boling) Toomey Ms. Felicia A. Toth Mr. Frederick C. Travaglini UPMC Verizon Fndn.

Mr. Bradley J. Walent Ms. Janice Walker Joseph & Jo-el (Borden)Waterman Mr. Timothy W. Williamson Willow Tree Fndn.

Mr. & Mrs. George R. Wilson Jr. John & Ann Wolf Dr. Philip Woo Jr. Ms. Cynthia (Calandra) Zack Mr. Alan S. Zajdel

Board of Trustees The most prominent steward of this institution is the Saint Francis University Board of Trustees who are entrusted with overseeing the mission, vision, and advancement of the University. The Board of Trustees was established in 1967, replacing the former Board of Control, which had been comprised solely of Franciscan friars.

Chairman of the Board: Very Rev. Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D., Loretto, PA President: Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., Loretto, PA Members:

Dr. James Burke, Class of '88, Altoona, PA, President of Allegheny Brain & Spine Surgeons John "Jack" Eckenrode, Class of '74, Madison, CT, Global Chief of Security, State Street Bank (ret.) and Agent in Charge of Philadelphia FBI (ret.)

Rev. Dominic Foster, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville Dr. Debra Friedrich, Bradenton, FL, Nurse Practitioner Rev. Daniel Klimek, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville Scott Miller Lammie, Pittsburgh, PA, UPMC Health Plan (ret.)

Paul S. McGrath, Jr., Class of ’79, Pittsburgh, PA, Founder and Senior Managing Director, McGrath McCall, P.C. Brittni Smallwood Moore, Class of 2008, Upstate NY, VP of Marketing, CenterState CEO Dr. Larry Nulton, Johnstown, PA, Founder of Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Peerstar LLC, and Nulton Aviation Services The Hon. Judith Ference Olson, Class of '79, Pittsburgh, PA, Superior Court of Pennsylvania Frank Pasqualone, Newtown, PA, COO Theravance Biopharma, Inc. Rev. Gregory Plow, T.O.R., Washington, D.C., Saint Louis Friary Teresa Kaminski Polley, Class of '82, Norwalk, CT, President and CEO Financial Accounting Foundation Jean Payne Rogers, Class of '82, Glen Burnie, MD, Retired, Social Worker, Geriatrics Paul Sansone, Class of '88, Atlanta, GA, Partner, TechCXO Dr. Sarah Schroeder, Loretto, PA, Physician, PA Vein & Laser Institute Rev. Jonathan St. Andre, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville Peter Stevenson, Class of '82, Jupiter, FL, CEO Latisys Stephen Subasic, Class of '90, Davidson, NC, Executive Coach & HR Consultant, Bedwell Talent Advisory John Sullivan, Class of ’67, Newtown, PA, Retired President, ABB North America Power Products and Systems Segment Dr. James Takacs, Class of '82, Ebensburg, PA, Owner, Ebensburg Animal Hospital Joy Thoma, Class of '80, Purchase, NY, Senior VP for HR International Markets, Mastercard International Bradley Walent , Class of '96, Grandview Heights, OH, Lawyer, Kayne Law Group Rev. Patrick Whittle, T.O.R., Washington, D.C., Saint Louis Friary Rev. Vincent Yeager, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville

SFU welcomes new members to Board of Trustees Saint Francis University has announced the election of four new members to its Board of Trustees for four-year terms, which began in fall 2023.