The 175th Anniversary 2022 Year in Review

Reflecting on 2022

For the University community 2022 was a year to remember on many levels. Within these pages you will find many accomplishments, each of which is worth celebrating. The University has multiple donor-funded building projects underway. Several donors endowed scholarships to make a Saint Francis University degree more affordable. The previous two academic years are the second- and third-best fundraising years in our history. Those two years combine for a total of $14.3 million dollars! Simultaneously, within those two years, we were awarded $3.25 million in grants.

The generosity of donors, enrollment increases during the pandemic (yes, increases), and the fine work of our University community converged, and are illustrated in the 2022 President’s Report. It is with (appropriate) pride and gratitude that we tout the successes about which you will read. The now complete Francis 2020 strategic plan may now be categorized as a “fine accomplishment.” The University is blessed!

The successes of this past year enhanced the University’s 175th anniversary celebration. Thank you for your generous contributions to these efforts. May the Lord continue to bless us.

Sincerely,

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

CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

It all began with six friars from Ireland...

Brother Giles Carroll along with five of his friar brothers from the Archdiocese of Tuam in Ireland requested permission from the Bishop of the Pittsburgh diocese to bring their dream, rooted in sharing the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, to fruition in the Americas.

Today we have a premier institution, with innovative programs that build ethical leaders who model Franciscan values.

1880s Saint Francis College

1947 Saint Francis College

2022 Saint Francis University

Facing page/Top: 175th Anniversary Mass. Center from left: 2022 Commencement, Homecoming and Twelfth Night theatre production. Bottom: Class of 1972 gathering during Alumni Weekend, July 28-31, 2022.