GannonUniversityAnnual Report of the President

Gannons missionGannon is a Catholic, Diocesan, student-

centered University which provides for the

holistic development of undergraduate and

graduate students in the Judeo-Christian

tradition. As such, it offers each student

outstanding teaching and a value-centered

education in both liberal arts and professional

specializations, in order to prepare students

for leadership roles in their careers, society

and church. The University faculty and staff

are committed to excellence and continuous

improvement in teaching, learning, scholarship,

research and service. The University’s environment

is to be one of inclusiveness and cultural diversity.

’

contentsPresident’s Message ...................................... 2

Doorways to Knowledge ............................. 4

Doorways to Community .......................... 14

Doorways to Faith ..................................... 22

Catholic Higher EducationSpeakers Series .......................................... 29

Financial Stewardship ................................ 30

Year in Review ........................................... 32

Doorways represent opportunities for movement from one state of being to another.We often speak of “standing upon the threshold” of new ideas or abilities, or ofopening doors wide to welcome others. Thus we have chosen doors as fittingmetaphors within The Annual Report of the President to represent Gannon University’sfocus upon Knowledge, Faith, and Community. This was a year filled with bothchallenges and achievements as we worked collaboratively to execute our StrategicPlan and to fulfill our Mission. As you shall see from the accounts in the report,Gannon students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to excel in academic, faith, andservice endeavors.

One tremendous challenge and major accomplishment for the entire community—The Middle States Commission on Higher Education Review—was completed inJune 2003 and resulted in Gannon’s successful accreditation for the next 10 years.On page five, you can read about the results, which affirmed that Gannon’saccreditation process is an institutional model of exemplary practice.

Toward fulfilling the seven goals of our Strategic Plan, approved by the Board ofTrustees in 2002, the faculty and staff of the University have expanded the curriculum,improved facilities, weathered the constantly shifting economic situation, and servedan ever-growing community in fulfillment of our Mission. We have increasedenrollment by identifying more highly qualified students and planning activities inwhich they can expand their knowledge of Gannon. Alumni support has grown aswe have encouraged more Gannon and Villa Maria alumni to return to our ever-changing campus—alumni who have not only contributed financially, but also haveoffered their own unique perspectives to current students through guest lecturesand personal interaction. We have increased and diversified course offerings to encompassnew technological requirements and opportunities, supported by improved informationtechnology services. These include a new bachelor’s degree in software engineering,expanded educational degree programs, and a doctoral degree in physical therapy.

The Strategic Plan also focuses upon Catholic identity and encouraging facultydevelopment and scholarship. Our Catholic Higher Education Speakers Seriesbrought three noted theologians to campus last year who spoke on several differenttopics of concern. Two thousand, five hundred and seventy-seven (2,577) of ourstudents truly lived our Mission—serving local, national, and internationalorganizations for 22,281 hours. In support of faculty development and scholarship,

“Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find; knock andthe door shall be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7

2

the University recognized 76 faculty memberslast year for their research and publications.While Gannon continues to focus uponteaching, scholarship enriches our work inthe classroom and encourages the developmentof new methods, ideas, and abilities.

Gannon’s dedicated facilities staff continuesimproving classrooms in order to enhancelearning. Renovation and expansion of existingbuildings has improved efficient use of ourspace and extended our technologicalcapabilities. But the sum of Gannon is notlimited to a physical location. The Universityis an intellectual, social, academic, andCatholic entity with an impressive past anda promising future.

The legacy of learning so proudly bequeathedto us by Villa Maria College endures andthrives. It lives on in the continued excellenceof our nursing program—which continues toachieve 100% employment for its graduates—and in the experiences and aspirationsof our education majors. Students Casee Campbell, Mark Sandidge, Keary Wagle,and Jen Toney offer their own insights into the strength of the education major inthe following pages.

Clearly, the commendations of the Middle States Commission recognize ourcollaborative success as a University in striving to meet the seven goals of theStrategic Plan. The Commission commended Gannon for “developing and sustaininga community that is so strongly dedicated to the support of students in bothacademic and co-curricular enterprises; for the strong commitment of its faculty toteaching and supporting students; and for sustaining a supportive and cooperativerelationship among all academic and administrative departments and between facultyand staff”; for financial management; and for commitment to significant transformation.

The Commission commends us for those things that we have done well for manyyears—our teaching, leadership, and collaboration. The Gannon faculty, students, staff,and alumni whose stories follow illustrate those strengths, are a great source of pride,and inspire our entire community. I am confident that they shall do so for you as well.

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.President

3

doorways to

Gannon’s academic community faced a huge task over the last two years—preparing for,conducting and coordinating Middle States reaccreditation. Steering the Universitythrough the process were the dedicated co-chairs, Assistant Professors Penelope Smith,Ph.D., and Jan Friedman, CRNP, MSN, CS.

“The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the accrediting body for collegesand universities in this region of the country. Reaccreditation is required every 10 years.Without it, the University could not continue to operate,” according to Friedman.

In preparation for the Middle States visit, Friedman and Smith held regular steering commit-tee meetings and helped coordinate the compiling of each of the surveys used as one of thedata sources for the Self-Study done by the University. “We were in frequent contact withthe chairs of the 15 working groups to answer questions, offer encouragement, provideguidance and feedback,” says Smith. “We also provided regular updates to President Garibaldi,his staff, Provost’s Council, Faculty Senate, and the Gannon community.”

Regular community meetings enabled feedback at various stages of the process. Fried-man notes, “we also worked closely with Dr. Kate Marsters, the general editor, readingmultiple drafts of each working group’s reports and other portions of the final Self-Study. She did a phenomenal job of weaving everything together.”

The job didn’t end with the study. Following that, Smith and Friedman wrote the Introduc-tion and Executive Summary of the Self-Study and revised the recommendations in order tolink them to Gannon’s Strategic Plan in consultation with the President. They also workedwith the President and his staff to plan and coordinate the visits for the full Middle StatesSite Visit Team. In fact, President Garibadli asked them to join his weekly staff meetingsfrom February up to the date of the visit in April.

In the process, both discovered new things about the University community. “As I seeit,” Smith says, “Gannon’s chief strength is its employees. We have a gifted, dedicatedfaculty; a knowledgeable and caring student development staff; a helpful, responsive ITSdepartment; a creative and hardworking professional library staff; and administratorswho encourage participation in governance.”

“We could never have completed the project without the organizational skills of Col-leen Cipriani,” Friedman says. “She kept everything going as Penny and I tried toprovide feedback, support, and encouragement to the working group chairs.” Theydidn’t want to take over the process, instead trying to ensure that the final report fairlyand accurately represented a collaborative, communal view of the University.

Their success and the success of all the working groups is evident in the Middle StatesCommission’s highly favorable report and reaccreditation of Gannon for the next 10 years.It was so favorable, in fact, that Friedman and Smith were asked to present Gannon’s Self-Study at the next Middle States meeting in the fall as a model for other colleges to follow.

Both feel that the Self-Study offers excellent points for the University to address inconsidering the next stages in fulfilling the strategic plan. “It’s important to addressthose recommendations not in isolation, but as part of our larger vision of where weshould be heading for the future,” Smith adds. She is confident that her colleagues arequite capable of meeting the challenge.

Nearly 300 faculty, students, trustees and staff members participated in the process.Smith says, “I expected that the Gannon community would ‘mobilize’ and participateactively in the entire process, but I wasn’t prepared for the degree of dedication shownby everyone who was involved. It was truly a community-wide effort.”

Penny Smith andJan Friedman ’81VMC

“It wastruly acommunity-wide effort.”

5

Though she considered Point Park College, Mercyhurst, and the University of Pittsburgh,Johnstown, Gannon University’s strong academic programs drew Renae Pryjmak here.

“Gannon really focuses on teaching,” she notes. “I did a lot of research on various pre-physical therapy programs, and Gannon’s was very impressive. The fact that Gannon hasits own graduate physical therapy school was the deciding factor. When I talked tofaculty, they were professional, yet friendly—a very attractive combination.”

Renae is in the pre-Physical Therapy program at Gannon, and hopes to add a Theater orLiberal Arts major. She values the support that her professors have provided.

“The sciences demand discipline and a rigorous method of reasoning that can be useful inmany aspects of life. Gannon subscribes to many journals and magazines as well as web-based search engines like Proquest and First Search. I have found these sources helpful. Manyprofessors give thorough instruction on how to use these facilities efficiently. As far ashands-on research, there are many opportunities. I had the chance to observe research inwound care techniques as a freshman.”

An Honors student, Renae is in Lamda Sigma National Honor Society and the SchusterScholarship Program, as well as Physical Therapy Club.

“I’m interested in understanding the physiological and anatomical workings of the body inorder to help people prevent and recover from injury,” she says. “Outside of class, I’minvolved in Dafmark Dance Theater, music, intramural football, and theater, and I volun-teer at the Erie Art Museum.”

“Money is tight for many students, so the availability of scholarships and work-study atGannon makes it easier to concentrate on school,” Renae says. “Professors work withstudents and vary the pace of learning in a particular class depending on their needs. Also,Gannon has various groups like Chemistry Club, Women in Science and Engineering, andPT Club that allow people with similar interests to share ideas and gain experience intheir field of study.”

Renae notes, “There are many different ways to learn. In the classroom, things are usuallybased on theory, but we gain practical knowledge of topics, socially, economically andhistorically. It is important to understand how different subjects relate to, and influenceeach other. Students are encouraged to think creatively about every subject; not to justaccept the facts, but to build on them. Innovation and new ideas lead to progress. Lastyear, there was a debate on the war with Iraq. It made students think about pertinentissues and defend their positions. They searched for new answers. I think that havingevents like this in and out of the classroom encourages learning.”

It has been important to Renae to work with others who share her passion for learning.“There are people here who have the same interests and goals I do. It is nice to be able toshare ideas and help each other. My advisor, Professor David Gustafson, has really helpedme figure out my options. Theater and physical therapy tend to clash, and I have had ahard time making decisions. He has been positive and encouraging.”

It is impossible to be anything but positive about Renae.

Renae Pryjmak

“Students areencouraged

to thinkcreatively

about everysubject.”

6

Leah Nehrebecki ’03 isn’t one to ignore the challengesof life—in school—or in “the real world.” At Gannon,the Finance/Risk Management double major excelled inand out of the classroom, a trait that continues today.

Leah is now a Financial Analyst for Ford Motor Com-pany, working at the Lorain and Ohio assembly plantsin Cleveland, Ohio.

“No other school could compare with Gannon,” shesays. “Gannon offered a well-rounded education, a favor-able teacher-to-student ratio, and a resource center ex-clusively for commuters.”

In addition to participating in the usual student activi-ties and on-campus events, Leah was a member of theCommuter Advisory Board, Delta Mu Delta businessadministration honor society, and was the president ofthe Risk Management Club. Leah also enjoyed playingon basketball and soccer teams at local athletic facilities.Though this slate of activities would be impressive forany student, Leah did all of this while raising her four-year-old daughter, Allie.

“A benefit of attending Gannon is that your professorsknow your name and who you are. They guide you in developing as a student and as aprofessional. Many professors encouraged discussions that were challenging and offereda new view on an old concept. Some professors required that we read business maga-zines to stay abreast on current issues and news. Professors Abe Aburachis and MichaelDeSanctis greatly influenced my learning experience at Gannon.”

Leah notes, “The University needs to continue to challenge students and push them totheir limits. I enjoyed the quantitative methods of Finance, while also using my creativ-ity and presentation skills with Risk Management.”

Leah learned many things in school, but she says the most important lesson was moreabout living than academics. “I’ve learned to enjoy life by doing what will make me mosthappy,” she says. “The professors at Gannon made sure we understood that life is aboutmore than just work.”

“Ford offers me a challenging work environment and the ability to advance my profes-sional career while being a single mother. I work in Cost Analysis, which is the account-ing and finance department of Ford’s assembly plants. Some of our major responsibilitiesinclude establishing financial controls for the daily operations of the plant, assessing andtracking performance to metrics, providing analytical studies for areas of cost savingsopportunities, and, most recently, developing our plant’s total operating budget for the2004 Ford Escape and 2005 Mercury Mariner.”

“It’s wonderful here,” Leah says. “I enjoy what I do, and I find it more interesting andchallenging each day. Gannon prepared me for an excellent career and provided me withthe skills to be an asset to my company.”

Leah Nehrebecki ’03

“Theprofessorsat Gannonmade sure weunderstoodthat life isabout morethan justwork.”

8

Author and alumnus, Tim Laskowski ’78, switched to Social Work as a major in hissophomore year at Gannon. He was enamored with the idea of being able to make aliving while helping people. “Social work is something I do for a living, and it has beenfulfilling emotionally and spiritually,” he says, “but I also spent six years studying litera-ture and writing and teaching.” Since earning his B.A. from Gannon, he has focused onboth social work and literature, earning his M.A. in English and his M.F.A in CreativeWriting from the University of Montana and his Ph.D. from Ohio University.

Tim’s interests as a writer and as a teacher are in how people communicate with eachother—how meaning is expressed. “Contemporary literary theory emphasizes the im-possibility of accurate communication among people, but I like to explore the wayspeople find to bridge the emotional and intellectual distances between them,” he notes.This is the thematic driving force behind his book, Every Good Boy Does Fine. Timsays, “It was very important to me to portray the brain injury experience accurately. Iapproached the subject with as much humility as I could muster, knowing that I wastrying to get inside and describe an experience I do not know directly.”

At times, the disparity between Tim’s academic inter-ests and working life feels like two different worlds.“My social work life keeps me grounded,” he says. “Ihave gone directly from a meeting talking about a client’sbowel program into a classroom to teach Shakespeare.I never worry about being too removed from the ‘realworld’ because of my art. I value that grounding.”

Tim feels that Gannon’s liberal arts core program en-couraged him to reflect on and explore all of life andphilosophy. “Gannon offers a well-rounded program thateducates the whole person—not just training peoplefor specific jobs—but truly educating many differentaspects of the person by making us think and reflect onsome of the big questions of life. My social work Pro-fessors, Charles Murphy and Tony Rao, were alwayssupportive of me, and I think they appreciated my levelof dissent. I enjoyed the liberal arts classes and thetheology and philosophy classes as well. Twenty-fiveyears later, I still remember those classes and the ideasthat were raised.”

Tim feels that all institutions of learning should foster a spirit of questioning—question-ing both of authority and the answers we’ve internalized for ourselves. “A universityshould ask students to challenge themselves and the world around them,” he says.

 “Life is short and the best way to get through it is to enjoy yourself while being gentleto others, to the earth, and to yourself,” says Tim. “There’s no sense in being harsh; itwill only bring you grief. I’m not talking about hedonism, which I define as a kind ofshallow and temporary merry-making. I’m talking about identifying and taking care ofyour emotional and physical and spiritual and intellectual needs. If you do that, youbecome a lot more valuable to others. As I get older, I relate more and more withVoltaire’s advice in Candide: ‘Cultivate your own garden.’”

Tim’s garden should be flourishing indeed.

Tim Laskowski ’78

“Gannonoffers a well-

roundedprogram that

intends toeducate the

wholeperson.” 9

Steve Ropski ’78Steve Ropski ’78, Ph.D., conducts his research in consummate hands-on fashion. Hedelights in taking his students out into the field with him and teaching them about themyriad facets of environmental and ecological studies.

Ropski’s academic and personal interests harmonize perfectly, since he spends almostevery other day outside with his family at Presque Isle. “To me, a bad day in the fieldbeats a good day in the lab anytime,” says Ropski. The collaborative learning he and hisstudents share enhances his research and teaching.

“The majority of my field work must be done outdoors,” Ropski notes. “I can show mystudents photos of nature, but to truly understand it they must experience it forthemselves, firsthand. On our last trip to Yellowstone National Park, we watched afemale bison going into labor. Then a wolf came out of the nearby trees and attacked.We watched the struggle unfolding right before us. Seeing the bison succeed in drivingaway the wolf was not something I could ever have planned, nor could it have achievedthat power and immediacy on film.”

Though quite successful in finding internal and external funding for his research,Ropski considers the primary focus at Gannon to be teaching, as it was when he was astudent here. “Ken Anderson (Professor Emeritus, Biology) was a great influence onme,” he notes. “It was his research on the mammals of the Wattsburg Fen that firstdrew me into mammalian studies. Stan Zagorski (Professor Emeritus, Biology) inter-ested me in field ecology and ecological ethics. What Gannon is good at hasn’t changed.We get to know our students—they are more than faceless forms in a crowd. Despiteits growth, the University hasn’t lost that personal approach.”

Ropski considers the values explored in Gannon’s liberal arts curriculum to be crucial intraining the next generations of scientists and field biologists. “Unless people exploreethics and philosophy—unless they truly think about what they believe and why—theymay make decisions based solely upon money as the bottom line. I teach my studentsthat even making small changes such as using less energy, recycling, and buying recycledproducts can have a huge impact if enough people take part.”

Senior Biology major Jackie Metheny chanced upon her eventual academic interest oneday on campus. “Dr. Ropski was carrying a ladder around with a student to tag bats,and he asked me to join them,” she remembers. “I did and he hasn’t gotten rid of meyet. I can’t get bats out of my mind—the more I learn, the more I want to know.”

Jackie confirms Dr. Ropski’s description of Gannon as an institution where collabora-tion between faculty and students adds a richness to the learning process that universi-ties with larger class sizes simply cannot offer to undergraduates.

“I took a summer class at West Virginia University with over 80 students,” she says. “Itwas too large to ask questions. At Gannon that’s never a problem. Students receiveindividual attention in and out of class. We participate in shaping the campus by joiningclubs and groups or starting our own, as we did when we formed the EnvironmentalCampus Committee with the help and guidance of Dr. Ropski and Gary Garnic (Associ-ate Vice President of Campus Services). We actively changed our campus.”

Jackie notes that the Biology Department encourages undergraduates to participate inresearch. “Professors help out as much as possible with directing students in theirendeavors,” she says. “Dr. Ropski is committed to our research but also has the time tocare about all his students. He, Dr. Elisa Konieczko, and Professor David Gustafsonhave changed my life with their guidance, knowledge, and encouragement when I mostneeded them.”

Jackie Metheny

“Despite itsgrowth, theUniversityhasn’t lost

that personalapproach.”

11

Criminal Justice major Monteiá (Monty) Goodwin cites Dr. Michael J. McSkimming,Assistant Professor and Director of Gannon University’s Criminal Justice Program, asthe teacher who has most affected his life. “As a freshman, I was undecided as to whatI wanted to do with my life. I took the Introduction to Criminal Justice course that hetaught and I was immediately drawn to the field. He helped guide me onto the paththat I am on right now.”

Monty chose Gannon in part for its location and urban setting. “Most of the othercolleges I looked at were in rural areas,” he says. “At Gannon, in my spare time I don’thave to try too hard to find something interesting to take part in. There’s plenty to doright here.”

As a talented student-athlete on Gannon’s football team, Monty says, “Gannon is uniquebecause the professors, administrators, and coaches really go out of their way to helpwhen I need it. Everyone here genuinely cares about each other, and if they are able tolend a helping hand they will do so. Gannon’s writing and math centers really supportlearning. If a student is behind in a class, it is relatively easy to talk to the professor orset up an appointment with a tutor.”

Learning directly from criminal justice professionals is key. “Guest speakers are a bigpart of the learning process,” Monty says. “Just last semester, I listened to three guestspeakers who spoke on subjects ranging from Theology to Criminology.”

Monty feels that Gannon challenges him as a student with new concepts and highexpectations. “Time flies by when you’re working hard,” he says. “Therefore, I don’teven have a chance to get bored. Professors here at Gannon help me by always expectinga little bit more out of me. I’ve yet to reach my full potential as a person, and until that daycomes, I wouldn’t mind if everyone pushed me a little harder academically and personally.”

“The most important thing I’ve learned thus far is to take advantage of every opportu-nity that presents itself,” he says. “Never regret something that you did in the past.Only regret the things you never tried to do.”

Words for us all to live by, Monty.

Monteiá M. Goodwin

Brian BixbyFinding time to serve his community has not been easy for freshman football playerBrian Bixby, but he thrives on challenges. The Computer Science major holds theteenage record in Pennsylvania for power lifting; competed in the Junior Olympics inCleveland, Ohio; earned Erie’s All-Metro First Team honors for two years; and gradu-ated at the top of his class at Cathedral Preparatory School. Despite the myriad de-mands upon his time, he has spent four years volunteering his summers with the SecondHarvest Food Bank in Erie.

An intense but gentle giant (off the football field, at least), Brian has also been involvedin serving his local parish, St. Jude Church, where he helped to create the commemo-rative garden. Brian is a talented artist and enjoys working with Artists Incorporated ofErie doing art and theatre projects for underprivileged and mentally challenged children.

“I would like to get more involved with the community, but it can be hard becausefootball takes up a lot of my time and most of my energy,” he says. “I see my role as astudent-athlete enabling me to use my athletic ability to help out Gannon’s footballprogram. I hope to set a good example as a student-athlete for people outside of—aswell as within—the University.”

He’s already setting a great example for us all.

“Everyonehere

genuinelycares abouteach other.”

12

Com

doorways to

Keary Wagle

mmunity

Freshman Keary Wagle has been planning for her first semester with great antici-pation and some careful research into her chosen field. The Leadership Scholarshipwinner is pursuing a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.“The dual major is more marketable,” she says, “especially since inclusion is soimportant now in elementary and middle school classrooms. Gannon’s educationdepartment is one of the best.”

Keary was drawn to Gannon because of the intellectual community she saw here.“The learning atmosphere at Gannon is very inviting,” she says. “From the veryfirst time I visited Gannon, I was warmly welcomed. Any questions I had wereanswered right away. Students and faculty alike were enthusiastic about the classes.I felt I’d be very comfortable here academically.”

As an Education major, Keary will be required to participate in service learning, atask she approaches with her customary enthusiasm and energy. “The expERIEnceChildren’s Museum seems like a great place to get some excellent experience work-ing directly with children. I plan to volunteer there.”

“Dr. Patricia Pollifrone has been a great contact,” Keary says. “She worked in thefield so she knows what she is talking about. She was so enthusiastic about Gannonand helped me in so many ways. She stayed in contact with me, inviting me todifferent events going on at the school so that I could attend lectures before I evenstarted as a freshman. Every time I visited, she would set aside time to sit down andtalk with me.”

Keary already understands that not all her growth and learning will happen withinthe classroom. “I was very involved in student government at the high school leveland would like to continue that at Gannon to help me improve my leadership skills.It will also serve as a good place to meet people. I would also like to becomeinvolved in campus ministry. That’ll be a good group to help me continue to growin my faith.”

Noting that she wanted to attend a Catholic university, Keary says she foundGannon to be the best match for her. “I know it will provide me with a strongacademic and ethical foundation for when I begin to search for jobs in my profes-sion. Gannon has many good contacts.” Gannon’s president made a particularimpression upon her. “Dr. Garibaldi’s eyes light up when he talks about the Uni-versity. He learns all of the students’ names and gets to know them. That reallyshows something about his character.”

Keary’s thoughtful plans for her own education and her life show us a great dealabout her character.

“I know itwill provideme witha strongacademicand ethicalfoundation.”

15

Service to both the Gannon community and the Erie community is an integral part ofStudent Government Association (SGA) president Phil Zimmerly’s life. His interests(and talents) range broadly from musical and theatrical performance, rhetoric and litera-ture to sports and drawing.

“At Gannon, I’ve learned that I’m most content when I canserve others. That’s what makes SGA so exciting for me—knowing that if I work hard, I can make positive, lasting changes.”

Phil chose Gannon because he saw it as a place where he wouldbe encouraged to participate. “I knew a smaller school wouldoffer me the opportunity to become involved. I’ve had the oppor-tunity to do all that I wanted to do—SGA, theater, and othersocial organizations. What makes the University click is the factthat so many different voices and backgrounds are coming to-gether for one purpose.”

In addition to SGA, Phil is active in Gannon’s Honors Pro-gram, as a Resident Assistant, as the Gannon Mascot, in Cam-pus Ministry and intramurals. He participated for the last two

years in GIVE Day, and last year was a part of the Student Day of Caring. “Workingwith the Honors Program’s mentoring program tutoring children after school was thegreatest,” he says.

Phil credits Gannon’s Center for Social Concerns with providing opportunities forstudents to become involved in the Erie area, but adds that the professors here are ahuge part of the community spirit as well.

“Theology of Moral Responsibility last semester totally blew me away. I never thought aboutissues like social justice and natural law until I was sitting in the Honors conferenceroom, debating tough subjects like abortion and euthanasia with other students. Stu-dents learn that they are a part of a greater human community, and that they shouldbecome involved in changing the status quo.”

Phil Zimmerly

Michael DeSanctis, Ph.D., began working at Gannon and in the Erie community in 1985when he joined the faculty. He wanted to teach at a university where he would not have toseparate his faith from his subject matter. His books on church architecture reflect this, asdoes his Ph.D. in Comparative Arts, with concentrations in architectural and musical his-tory. He is fascinated by the interplay of faith and art in both liturgical and artistic settings.

Erie has been a rich location for DeSanctis’s interests. He is deeply involved in the Catholicand Christian communities of Erie. He led the second of two diocesan pilgrimages for thesesquicentennial of the Diocese of Erie this summer, explaining the variety of architecturalinfluences and styles. He teaches liturgical history at his home parish of St. Jude and consultswith other parishes locally and nationally on making their worship places more open to thedirectives of Vatican II. He says that his community involvement allows him to bring practicalexperiences back to class, as in the course he teaches once a year on Erie architecture.

DeSanctis considers teaching to be a transformative act. “Because of our Catholic identity,Gannon allows that to happen more explicitly than it might elsewhere. The classroom andthe community can become sacred spaces. Teaching is not indoctrination. It is more likeopening a door to knowledge...a door the teacher has already been through. Students needa framework, as art forms do. Picture frames, window frames, proscenium archways, anddoor frames focus our vision just as faith focuses our vision as a community.”

“I didn’t want my students to be numbers to me,” he says. “I get to know them individu-ally and they know me by name. That allows us to become a community and to reach outto the Erie community as well. We’re not so large that we become anonymous to eachother. The University encourages us to be involved. I’ve never encountered anyone atGannon who felt that our jobs were limited to the classroom.”

Michael DeSanctis

“I’velearned thatI’m mostcontentwhen I canserve others.”

16

– 18 –

Jen GwinIn 2002-03, the Lady Knights produced the nation’s 15th highest team grade pointaverage (GPA), and advanced to the NCAA Division II Great Lakes IntercollegiateAthletic Conference (GLIAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament due in no small mea-sure to the talents of Jen Gwin both on and off the court. She has repeatedly beennamed to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) basketball honor roll sincebeginning her career at Gannon.

Many on campus know of Jen’s talent as both a scholar and an athlete. She was namedGLIAC Freshman of the Year for 2001-02—a major accomplishment. They may not beaware of how involved she has been in the community. Every year, the women of thebasketball team spend hours working on service and outreach projects. Jen volunteeredat the Annual Social Work Club Christmas Party last year, celebrating with a diversegroup of individuals. She also helped out at the Health Fair held by the Villa MariaSchool of Nursing at Franklin Terrace Apartments.

One might wonder where Jen finds the time to work out in the morning, maintain a3.23 GPA, play basketball and serve her community. She says, “As a student-athlete,the number one ability a student must acquire to succeed is time management. I havelearned that the education you receive at Gannon is not only acquired in the classroom.Your service and social interactions with Erie community organizations can teach youeven more.”

Women’s Basketball Coach Cleve Wright enjoyed having Jen and her teammates helpout with several free clinics that Gannon offered at St. Andrew and Emerson Gridleyschools for students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to work withexperienced players. Jen and her teammates also volunteered at the Thrift Store, ShrinersHospital for Children, and Martin Luther King Center, and participated in the Race forthe Cure. They plan at least four more projects in the coming year.

Last spring, Jen served as the assistant coach of the Erie Saints (a 14-and-under Ama-teur Athletic Union team) and spent part of her summer helping with Gannon’s basket-ball camp for girls from grades three through 12. The camp improves girls’ skills andknowledge of the game. Jen assisted in teaching them the value of good character andproper attitude in both basketball and life.

Jen values the close relationships she has developed with the professors and staff atGannon. “My favorite staff member truly cares about the students and the University.The circumstances under which he and I met weren’t the greatest but he has the abilityto see past the mistakes people make and realize that one experience doesn’t necessarilyshow a person’s true character.”

“As a student at Gannon, I benefit from the small size of the school. I receive a lot ofone-on-one time with my professors whenever I need it.” Jen hopes one day to be ableto offer that same degree of involvement to her own team if she can pursue her dreamof coaching. If not, she says, “I’ll pursue a career in either finance or human resources,”positions in which her confidence, commitment, and academic credentials will serve herequally well.

“I havelearned that

the educationyou receiveat Gannonis not only

acquiredin the

classroom.”

19

Sanjay Naga ’02 MSMBA student Sanjay Naga ’02 traveled to Erie from India on a cold January day. Hisfirst weekend was difficult. He arrived on a Friday, and, after he was picked up at theairport and dropped at his new apartment, he had no idea where to go or what he shoulddo. He had never cooked for himself and knew no places to eat, so he lived on tap wateruntil Monday morning, when Dr. Mehmet Cultu, advisor of the International StudentsAssociation, took him to breakfast and showed him around. The following semester,Dr. Cultu asked Sanjay to help other international students with their transitions toGannon. He leapt at the chance.

“Dr. Cultu was so welcoming, so helpful and kind. The entire Gannon community wasawesome. That inspired me to serve my fellow international students and make thetransition easier for them.” Sanjay created a brochure with key information on rent,clothing, food and other basic facts about Erie.

Sanjay doesn’t limit his volunteer efforts to Gannon students. Sanjay is also involvedwith the non-profit International Trade Organization (part of the Manufacturer’s Asso-ciation of Erie). He offers his financial management and information technology skills anddiscusses export and import opportunities between the U.S. and India. Sanjay works inthe Erie community to help refugees from places as far flung as the Sudan, Bosnia, theUkraine, and Somalia. He helps them learn English, teaches them how to decipher thebus schedule, and helps them adapt.

“They lived lives of poverty, drought, and want in their regions. They aren’t familiar withday to day life here when they arrive,” Sanjay says, “but now they are doing really well. Itis wonderful speaking with them and learning of all that they have overcome to be here.Hearing of their sorrows can be hard, but it is truly marvelous to share in their joy.”

Intellect and heart unite to serve a common focus for Math/Educationdouble major, Mark Sandidge. He has been fascinated by mathematicssince he was a boy—playing chess with his uncles and solving problems.

“To me, math just makes sense,” he says. “But even though I love it, Icould not see myself doing math problems eight hours a day for fortyhours or more a week. Education seemed to be the avenue that was bestsuited to combine my math skill with a more social environment in whichI could use my knowledge to help someone become a better person.”

As a Gannon Ambassador, member of Truthseekers (a bible study whosemain goal is to seek the truth, know the truth, and live the truth in JesusChrist), a member of the Peer Ministry team of Campus Ministry, three-year Resident Assistant, and member of Minority Cultures United, Markmight appear too busy serving the University community to serve theErie community as well. Such is not the case. He has volunteered withthe youth at Glenwood United Methodist Church in programs designedto provide students with positive after-school alternatives.

Mark says his community efforts have benefited him rather than in-terfering with his education. “Getting involved and taking advantage

of all my opportunities at self-advancement made a world of difference. It seemed that thebusier I became, the better I was able to handle it.”

Mark Sandidge“Gettinginvolvedand takingadvantageof all myopportunitiesat self-advancementmade a worldof difference.”

doorways to

Fa

When one considers the academic life of a seminarian, philosophy, theology, and Latinare probably the first areas of study that spring to mind. Father Chris Singer ’99certainly took his share of those courses. But his major and his interests were muchbroader than that. Physics was his major with a Mathematics minor.

To some, reconciling the worlds of science and faith might seem contradictory, evenimpossible. Not to Father Chris. “My years at Gannon taught me otherwise. I metmen and women who were experts in their fields of physical and human sciences whodeeply believed and lived their faith. The faith of the people around me, whetherCatholic or not, challenged me to understand and live my own faith more deeply. Thatexperience, combined with solid courses in theology and philosophy, showed me thatthere is one Truth about ourselves and the universe and that all fields of study can usetheir own respective tools to honestly come closer to that Truth.”

When Father Chris talks about the faith character of the University, he does not limitit to Christianity. “At Gannon I came to know students from a variety of cultural andfaith backgrounds. The presence of priests, sisters, and experts from other denomina-tions and religions on the Gannon campus provided a constant reminder to me of thecentrality of faith in all our lives. My experience was that the religious leaders andprofessors of all faith backgrounds respected each other and genuinely wanted to helpthe students come to the know the Truth.”

Now serving the parish of St. George in Erie, Father Chris remains close to his almamater. “In looking back at my entire Gannon experience, one fact comes immediatelyto mind. As good as the education was that I received, the people that I met were byfar the most rich and valuable aspect of my Gannon years. From my perspective, thequality of the students, faculty, and staff is the most valuable resource that the Univer-sity has to offer to others. In my four years there I met people from all walks oflife, experts in virtually every field of human endeavor, who still managed to keep theirfaith as the focus of their lives. This witness has helped me to do the same.”

Father Chris Singer ’99

Faith

“The faithof the peoplearound me,

whetherCatholic

or not,challenged

me tounderstand.”

23

How does a Catholic university respect all religious traditions while staying true to itsown heritage and mission? Sam Van Eman, Campus Ministry Associate in the Chaplain’sOffice, has first-hand experience with this very subject.

Sam wondered how his own faith would intersect with the Catholic identity of Gannon,but found that to be an opportunity rather than a conflict. “As a Protestant, I’ve alwaysfelt very welcome here. From an ecumenical standpoint, I take seriously my opportuni-ties to work with the variety of traditions represented at Gannon,” he says.

Sam says that working on the Chaplain’s staff has sparked many conversations on faith.“I took two graduate courses here in the Pastoral Studies program that challenged mythinking. We must meet the needs of all students, not just Christians. We make surethat they know where they can go to worship, at the University and in the community.”

Leading groups of students on journeys of discovery during alternative breaks has givenSam a great deal of insight into the role of faith within the Gannon community. “Thereare many opportunities for pursuing spiritual depth here and yet Gannon, while itsidentity is clearly Christian, does not force itself onto non-Christians. I have backpackedwith and come to know several Hindu students who seem to enjoy Gannon and what itoffers. One Indian student said, ‘Gannon is Catholic and that’s fine. I came here knowingthat. I’m getting a good education and I can worship elsewhere if I want to.’”

“The better we model the integration of academia and our Christian heritage andmission as a University, the more effective we will be in the community.”

Sam Van Eman

Psychology major Christina Linehan just returned from three weeks teaching English inEl Salvador amid poverty that she had never imagined before her family began theirservice trips.

“Most of my service trips have been in the U.S., such as Kentucky and West Virginia,”she says. “But my family also works a lot with El Salvador. I don’t see teaching Englishas the essence of what I did there. I see the most important thing I did as just beingwith the people and loving them. El Salvador went through a civil war which endedabout 10 years ago. Since then many of the people in villages do not see their own self-worth. Being there with them shows that they are important. My trips have shown mereality. I’d be very sheltered, otherwise.”

Christina’s activities at Gannon include the Honors Program, Student Advisory Board,Lambda Sigma Honor Society, Program for Students with Learning Disabilities, andCampus Ministry. “Campus Ministry goes backpacking as part of Impact, which is aChrist-centered wilderness experience,” she says. “I thought that was the coolest thingin the world.”

“The University has helped my faith to grow. There are many different groups to joinwhich challenge their members in different ways. I live in the Kirk House, which is anIntentional Christian community. We make a point of knowing what is going on in eachother’s lives and faith traditions and how we can care for one another.”

Christina doesn’t limit her involvement to Gannon. “I visit the House of Prayer aboutonce a week. This is a house opened to the public for prayer. During the week there isMass and Contemplative Prayer. On Wednesdays I babysit for kids at the First Presby-terian Church of the Covenant while their parents are at Bible Study. I also work atL’Arche, which is a community for adults with mental retardation.”

“Gannon does a wonderful job supporting faith and differences in faith traditions. Thestaff in the Chaplain’s Office is GREAT,” Christina says. “The first time I met themthey were friendly and welcoming. After I got to know them better, I found that that

Christina Linehan

“As aProtestant,I’ve always

felt verywelcome

here.”

24

Father George Strohmeyer ’58For Father George Strohmeyer, Chaplain of Gannon University, faith and communityare inextricably intertwined. In the 25 cumulative years he has served Gannon, inpositions as varied as Residence Director and priest to Assistant Dean of Students andDirector of New Student Services, Father George has seen enormous changes acrossGannon’s campus.

Father George seems to relish the challenges facing him as Chaplain. “The culturalsupport for a reasoned, ethical life isn’t there for our young people today. They have toreach for it and find it on their own. Gannon’s Catholic identity must be expressed notonly in the classroom or the chapel on campus, but to our neighbors. We must practicesocial justice—not charity—but justice.”

“I want to continue broadening our community. Honoring diversity is one of ourchallenges in the Chaplain’s office. I want us to expand on the excellent work of the lastfew years and keep building a responsive, compassionate faith community.”

Father George credits his deep involvement with L’Arche Erie with fueling his ministryat Gannon. He went to Toronto in 1971 with Sister Barbara Karsznia of Gannon tohear Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, speak. The moment transformed his lifeforever. They returned and founded the Erie L’Arche community in 1972. L’Archecommunities seek to be places of peace and hope, where people with developmentaldisabilities and assistants live, work, and pray together, sharing suffering and joy asbrothers and sisters. Erie is the oldest L’Arche community in the United States.

“I learned incredible things about life through the community of L’Arche, Father Georgesays. “I learned about how I can hurt and be hurt; how I long for my deepest aspirationsand prevent them at the same time. I also learned about the simplicity of acceptingweakness and brokenness and letting it exist alongside of aspiration.”

“L’Arche rendered me human and humane,” he says. “It softened my heart and gave mea sense of humility and endurance. We all create the barriers that we fall over. I foundmy place in the rough and tumble of human relating.”

The quiet priest immersed in rough and tumble relating is also fascinated by contemplativemystical spirituality and Zen meditation. Father George sees them as very compatible withthe teachings of Jesus and enjoys introducing students to them in his Nursing and SocialWork guest lectures. “It’s another way of seeing into the heart of things as they are—life asit is. That is very important for me. I am driven to know what’s at the heart of everything.”

Gannon’s Chaplaincy is in good hands with this founding Father.

friendliness was based on a strong spirituality. They are people with great insight andfrom whom I truly learn.”

After graduation, Christina would like to do a year or two of service, “maybe with theJesuit Volunteer Corps, or independently in El Salvador. After that I would like to goback to school for a Master’s in Theology. These are tentative plans. I try not to be toostuck on my own plans so God can do what He wants with my life.“

It would be easier to count the Campus Ministry activities at Gannon in which JenToney is not involved than it is to list those in which she plays an active role.

The Elementary Education and Early Childhood double major is part of ICHTHI (aCatholic faith group), Truth Seekers (a nondenominational Bible study group), Intercol-legiate Gathering Team (which plans workshops and prayers for gatherings with theother diocesan colleges), and Ministry Meetings (where all the religious groups oncampus meet to plan events for the whole campus to attend.) “I am the Honors

Jen Toney

“I wantto continuebroadeningourcommunity.”

26

Casee Campbell cites her peers at Gannon as the mostimportant influence upon her faith. “Being around peopleyou can talk to about faith is important,” she says. “Manyof my professors lead by example. My sacred scripturesprofessor made everyone feel comfortable no matter whattheir faith background. He respects everyone.”

Winner of the St. Catherine Medal (awarded to a Gannonsophomore with an outstanding record of scholarship, lead-ership, and service who exemplifies the highest ideals of aCatholic University), Casee chose her Education triplemajor as the result of her experiences as a child.

“When I was a little girl, my father was severely hurt inan automobile accident. My second grade teacher took meinto her home while my family recouped. This teacherhad the grace of God shining so brightly in her. Shetouched many lives. It is my hope to touch lives the waymine was touched and I can’t think of a better career thanworking with children.”

Casee is involved in sign language and deaf ministries, andsinging, as well as basketball and competition cheerleading,dance team, SGA, the Committee for Social Concerns, Council for Exceptional Chil-dren, Phi Eta Sigma and Lambda Sigma honor societies, Good Schools PA, Hooked onBooks!, Big Brother/Big Sister, and the Erie Playhouse.

“Gannon is special because there are people here to help us grow spiritually as well ascognitively,” Casee notes.

Casee Campbell

Executive Board Secretary, a Resident Advisor for Student Living, serve on the Activi-ties Planning Board movie committee, and am a member of Phi Eta Sigma and LambdaSigma honor societies.”

That is hardly enough to keep Jen busy, though. She is a mentor with the HonorsProgram at Holy Rosary School, volunteers at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, andworks on the Student Day of Caring through Gannon’s Center for Social Concerns.

Many of these activities help her fulfill her service learning requirements as an Educa-tion major, but Jen feels called to service as part of her faith as well as her academic life.“I pray every day that God is guiding me and that I will be the best teacher that I can.I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people at Gannon who know andhave a deep faith in God. I have grown in faith with the help of the people I meet hereeveryday. Peers in class have brought up issues that really make me ponder my views andthink about what my religion says about those issues.”

“Gannon’s diversity gives all students the opportunity to express their faith,” Jen stresses.“They encourage different groups to exist and reach out to the students. All students of allfaiths are included in all of the events. Gannon is a very welcoming and open school to all.”

It would be difficult not to welcome such a dedicated and enthusiastic young woman.

“Peoplehere helpus grow

spirituallyas well as

cognitively.”

28

What does it mean to be a Catholic university?As a university, Gannon is dedicated to teaching, learning and research. As a Catholic university,Gannon is called to ensure that faith informs its academic culture. This commitment is grounded inthe Catholic belief that faith does not compete with reason, but that faith and reason complementeach other in the pursuit of truth. This vision of education is clearly manifest in the witness andwritings of Pope John Paul II. Himself a former university professor, John Paul has marked hispapacy with a passionate call for the renewal of Catholic universities. In Ex corde Ecclesiae, heidentifies four essential characteristics of a Catholic university:

· Christian inspiration of the individuals and of the university community as such;· Continuing reflection in light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge;· Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes through the Church;· Institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life.

At Gannon, these characteristics are evident and in harmony with our commitment to culturaldiversity, academic freedom, and the welcome extended to students of diverse religious backgrounds.

These characteristics are the focus of thoughtful discussion through Gannon’s CatholicHigher Education Speaker Series. Over the course of last year, one symposium and threeesteemed speakers contributed to this effort.

On April 5, 2002, as part of the Inauguration of President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Gannonheld a symposium on “The Role of Catholic Higher Education Today” featuring a paneldiscussion led by the presidents of four nationally known Catholic colleges and universities:Reverend George F. Lundy, S.J., Ph.D., of Wheeling Jesuit University, Mary Pat Seurkamp,Ph.D., of College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Norman C. Francis, Ph.D., of XavierUniversity of Louisiana, and William P. Garvey ’57, Ph.D., of Mercyhurst College.

The Reverend Edward A. (Monk) Malloy, CSC, Ph.D., president of the University ofNotre Dame, lectured on the “Future of Higher Education in America” on September26, 2002. Malloy, who teaches in addition to his administrative duties,spoke of crises both inside and outside of the Church as opportunities

for Catholic higher education to help people think about complex issues insophisticated ways.

On October 24, 2002, Monika K. Hellwig, LL.B., Ph.D., Executive Directorof the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities spoke on “CatholicHigher Education: The Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly ChangingSociety.” Gannon presented Hellwig with its Ut Diligatis Invincem award,inspired by the motto of founder Archbishop John Mark Gannon, “That youmay love one another.” Hellwig noted that Catholic universities help studentslook beyond the boundaries of their academic disciplines to develop their charac-ters, an understanding that all human life has meaning, and that faith cannot be

kept “in a separate box” set apart from our lives.

The Reverend Dennis Dease, Ph.D., president of theUniversity of Saint Thomas, delivered a lecture on “Promoting CatholicIntellectual Tradition and Interfaith Understanding” on January 30, 2003.The University of St. Thomas is the largest Diocesan university in theUnited States, with 11,500 students. “The broad range of skills that aCatholic university develops in its graduates creates for the church a cadreof lay leaders who know and live their faith,” Dease said.

Catholic Higher EducationSpeakers Series

Reverend Edward A. (Monk)Malloy, CSC, Ph.D.

Monika K. Hellwig,LL.B., Ph.D.

Reverend DennisDease, Ph.D.

29

Due to prudent fiscal management, Gannon University maintained operating expenses at levels

consistent with current revenues and completed operations with a balanced budget for the 27th

consecutive year, with one exception of an extraordinary depreciation expense of almost $6

million on the engineering software gifted to the University in Fiscal Year 2001. The deprecia-

tion is not being funded as we do not intend to replace the software in the future. As of June

30, 2003, the University endowment totaled $23.6 million.

Endowment returns for Fiscal Year 2003 stand at a 0.5% loss

due to a strong fourth quarter and the implementation of a new

asset allocation.

Net tuition, fees, and auxiliary enterprise revenues increased $2.2

million over the prior year. Compensation and benefits increased

approximately 3% over the prior year mainly due to rising

health care costs. Operating costs increased by only 1% due to

careful fiscal management and efforts such as energy management

programs which have been successfully implemented to contain

utility expenses.

Gannon continues to make strategic investments in state-of-the-

art technology. New computers were installed in student labs

and Nash Library’s Cyber Café. A wireless network was in-

stalled in Zurn Science Center this summer. In addition to

Zurn, wireless networks are also available in Beyer Hall, Nash

Library and the Waldron Campus Center. All campus class-

rooms now have network connections for instructors, 30 class-

rooms have a digital dais or ceiling-mounted projectors and 10

classrooms have a network connection for each student. Several

other strategic capital investments were also made at year-end from unused contingency and

operating budget funds. These items include: emergency call boxes, new furniture and carpeting

in Nash Library, Liquid Matrix software for admissions, new copy machines, and new athletic

equipment for the Carneval Athletic Pavilion. Each of these items was identified as a priority in

the strategic planning process.

The University continues to upgrade student residence halls and apartments. Sprinkler systems

were installed in Wehrle Hall and Wickford apartments along with security screens and cameras

in Wehrle Hall. New furniture was purchased for Wickford Apartments and Freeman Hall. An

additional 58 new resident student parking spaces were made available this fall.

Financial Stew

Linda L. Wagner,Vice President for Finance andAdministration ’81, ’84 MBA

30

Expenses by FunctionInstruction and Research $23.8 $24.3Public Service 0.9 0.8Student Services 5.9 6.1Institutional Support 12.0 12.1Plant Operations 2.9 3.2Auxiliary Enterprises 2.5 2.9Total $48.1 $49.4

Use of FundsStudent Scholarships $12.1 $13.0Capital Spending 1.7 2.7Debt Retirement 0.9 1.8Endowment Additions 0.3 0.2Total $18.0 $21.3

2001-02 2002-03**

2002-2003 Revenue■ 71% Tuition and Fees,

Net of Scholarships■ 8% Federal, State and

Private Grants■ 3% Contributions■ 13% Auxiliary Enterprises■ 5% Other*

2002-2003 Expenses■ 58% Compensation■ 19% Operating Expenses■ 3% Interest■ 18% Depreciation■ 2% Auxiliary Enterprises

2002-2003 Expenses by Function■ 49% Instruction and Research■ 2% Public Service■ 12% Student Services■ 25% Institutional Support■ 6% Plant Operations■ 6% Auxiliary Enterprises

(All f igures in m il l i on s of d oll ars )

RevenueTuition and Fees, Net of Scholarships $29.3 $31.0Federal, State and Private Grants 3.7 3.6Contributions 1.5 1.2Auxiliary Enterprises 5.3 5.8Other (1.7)* (1.9)*

Total $38.1 $43.5

ExpensesCompensation $27.6 $28.5Operating Expenses 9.4 9.5Interest 1.3 1.5Depreciation 8.7 8.8Auxiliary Enterprises 1.1 1.1Total $48.1 $49.4

**Unaudited financial statements

wardshipThe University received $3.6 million in private, state and federal grants, including funds for

research and programs such as Science in Motion. 34 additional proposals were submitted by

University faculty and staff during the past fiscal year than in the previous year.

Gannon’s Annual Fund totaled $917,000 for Fiscal Year 2003. This represents the second-

highest amount ever given to support the University’s operating budget. Fiscal Year 2003

alumni donors were up slightly from the prior year and the average gift from alumni increased

by 14%. Documented bequests to Gannon currently exceed $1.6 million. Thirteen new estate

plans that include Gannon University as a beneficiary were created this year and $91,500 was

received from estate gifts in Fiscal Year 2003.

Gannon continues to be prudent with its resources and to make reinvestments in order to meet

strategic objectives outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan.

31

2001-02 2002-03**

Year in ReviewJulyGannon University’s Erie Technology Incubator (ETI), a growth tank forlocal entrepreneurship, received a $250,000 grant provided by State SenatorJane Earll in the form of a $100,000 grant from the Community Revitaliza-tion Program and a $150,000 grant from the Stay Invent the Future Initiative.This total was combined with nearly half a million dollars in federal fundingreceived in March, 2002. Gannon’s ETI will provide assistance with businessplans, access to cutting-edge communications technology, office space andother necessities to help new area businesses get started.

The Regional Summer School of Excellence, which began over twenty yearsago, continued as one of Gannon’s best programs for recruiting promisinghigh school students. It offers intensive laboratory and field site studies in thelife sciences for qualified high school sophomores and juniors.

Gannon’s Annual Fund exceeded $1 million for the first time ever, increasing financial aid to students,expanding library and computer resources and helping to defray operating costs.

AugustAt the Convocation and Welcome Mass, new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, DonnaDalton, Ph.D., welcomed 633 new students. Gannon’s undergraduate and graduate students hailfrom 34 states and 34 different countries.

The State of Pennsylvania approved Gannon’s new Master’s degree in Environmental Studies. Theprogram trains graduate students in applying science and technology to environmental problem-solving in industry and society.

The first Gannon Alumni Sunday at Chautauqua brought together 40 Villa Maria alumnae andGannon alumni at the Atheneum Hotel in Chautauqua, New York.

SeptemberU.S. News & World Report named Gannon University one of 15 “Best Values: Great Schools atGreat Prices” in its annual college guide—the only school in the region to make the list. Gannon wascited for its affordability, academic quality, and excellent retention and graduation rates.

More than 300 Gannon students participated in the University’s annual GIVE Day, performingvolunteer work and community service at 31 local agencies and organizations.

Gannon’s On-line Community debuted, linking alumni to theUniversity in new ways. Over 1,000 alumni registered withinthe first week, a number which grew to 2,100 by June, 2003.

OctoberMore than 500 alumni and friends gathered for the Gannonand Villa Maria Homecoming/Reunion Weekend—a recordcrowd. They attended Alumni College classes, the Alumni ofColor reception, Women of the 60s reunion, danced at the8-Ball, and enjoyed many other activities.

Monika Hellwig, Ph.D., LL.B., Executive Director of theAssociation of Catholic Colleges and Universities, receivedthe Ut Diligatis Invincem Award. The award memorializesfounding Archbishop John Mark Gannon’s motto, That YouMay Love One Another.

Gannon honored faculty members Monsignor Addison R.“Bud” Yehl and John S. Rouch, Ph.D., and Trustee WilliamC. Springer ’63 with the Archbishop Gannon Medal of Dis-

tinction at the annual Scholarship Celebration. The Medal is awarded annually to individuals whohave been instrumental in promoting the cause of Catholic higher education.

Elizabeth Rupert '02, DataEntry Recorder, and BrittDaehnke '98, AssistantDirector of the Annual Fund

Professor EmeritusJohn S. Rouch, Ph.D.,

Trustee William C. Springer'63, and Monsignor

Addison R. "Bud" Yehl

32

NovemberThe first Faculty Scholarship Awards Ceremony recognized the creative efforts of 76Gannon staff, faculty, and administration members. Their efforts outside of the class-room enriched and expanded their interactions with students inside the classroom.

Gannon University’s Model United Nations, coordinated in 2002-03 by secretarygeneral Christine Wintermute, a senior political science and history major, cel-ebrated its 50th year. It is the second-oldest Model UN in the country and strivesto promote an understanding of the complex problems of international affairs.

Over 300 students, faculty and staff members participated in the annual Golden Har-vest Food Drive, which raised food and funds for Second Harvest Food Bank in Erie.

DecemberRichard J. McGlinchey ’72 delivered the keynote address at Winter Commence-ment. Gannon University awarded 226 degrees—one Doctorate, 117 Master’s,106 Bachelor’s and two Associate’s degrees.

The Social Work Club Dinner celebrated its 25th year of service to the Eriecommunity. Students, staff and faculty volunteers at the Annual Christmas Partyprovided toys and meals to a diverse group of individuals and celebrated together.

Sophomore Darmel Whitfield became the first quarterback in Gannon history to rushand pass for one thousand yards in the same season. He rushed for 1,032 yards and passed

for 1,770 yards, broke Gannon’s single-season records for pass completions, pass attempts,passing yards, pass completion percentage, total offensive plays and total offensive yards (2,802).

He was ranked sixth nationally among Division II players in total yards per game.

JanuaryDon Henry, Head Coach of Gannon Wrestling, received the prestigious National WrestlingCoaches Association Coaching Excellence Award. Henry has produced 14 All-Americans and14 regional champions, along with 26 All-Academic wrestlers and 30 national qualifiers.

Totem, Gannon’s student-edited Literary Magazine, won a First Place with Merit award from theAmerican Scholastic Association, marking its seventh entry and seventh win.

Gannon took Godspell on the road. The cast of students froma variety of majors packed every performance on campus in

December before performing for students at Villa MariaAcademy, Erie Day School, and Dubois Catholic High

School, and three other performances for youth in Harborcreekand Meadville.

FebruaryA survey of recent graduates confirmed the high placement ratefor Gannon grads—91% were employed in their chosen field orenrolled in graduate or professional schools. Many majors achieved100% placement, including accounting, biology, chemistry, el-ementary education/early childhood, electrical engineering,mechanical engineering, environmental science, health sciences,international business, mathematics, nursing, paralegal, radiologic sciences and science.

A number of events on campus celebrated Black History Month and the life of Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr., including a one-man show in the Distinguished Speaker Series, “Reflections,” by JimLucas; an ecumenical Gathering in Praise service, planned and celebrated by students from Gannon’sMinority Cultures United; and a memorial march.

At the sixth annual Knight with Scholars Program over 90 accepted and prospective Gannon studentswere able to spend the night on campus; attend lectures and labs; and meet the president, faculty intheir respective majors, deans, coaches, and current students.

Richard J. McGlinchey '72

Darmel Whitfield

Cast of Godspell

MarchStudent Service Spring Breaks sponsored by the University’s Centerfor Social Concerns took over 30 students to Arkansas, New Yorkand Mexico, where they volunteered with Habitat for Humanity inFort Smith, at a New York City soup kitchen and homeless shelter,and in Aqua Prieta on a border awareness mission.

Gannon’s chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society re-ceived the Lloyd M. Bertholf “Outstanding Chapter in the Country”award for the third time. Service, scholarship, and social activities areevaluated in bestowing the award.

The Faculty Awards Convocation honored Dr. Michael J. Panza withthe Distinguished Faculty Award, Dr. David Dees with the SGA

Excellence in Teaching Award, and Reverend Scott Detisch with the Bishop Trautman “Feed MySheep” Award. Dr. Mahesh Aggarwal, Dr. Mehmet Cultu, Dr. Sally LeVan and Dr. Richard Schauerwere recognized for 25 years of service.

AprilThe Third Annual Health Fair at Franklin Terrace, the Gannon-sponsored Nursing Center, served thecommunity in a unique way as Nursing and Physical Therapy students were joined by other students,faculty and staff members in providing health care services to Franklin Terrace residents.

As part of the Executive on Campus Program, which brings successful alumni to campus to interact withstudents in small group settings, Judge John Cherry ’73 lectured about juvenile justice and the courtsystem to a Criminal Justice class. Bill Sanko ’62 joined an Engineering class and spoke on hissuccessful engineering career and how it was enabled by his liberal arts education at Gannon. Bothalumni held question and answer sessions after their lectures and also lunched with students.

Academic Excellence awards were presented at the Founder’s Day Awards Ceremony to graduatingseniors for superior academic performance in their majors and for contributions to their depart-ments and fields of study.

MayFormer President of Villa Maria College, Sister Leonie Shanley, SSJ ’57 VMC, addressed528 graduates, their families and friends at the May Commencement Ceremony. Gradu-ates included 10 Associate’s Degree recipients, 355 Bachelor’s, 160 Master’s, andthree post-Master’s certificates.

Gannon received a Health and Human Services Department Health Resources andServices grant for Advanced Nursing Education and Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships.

Dave Patronik became the first-ever Gannon golfer to win the Great Lakes Intercol-legiate Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Award. Patronik advanced to theNCAA Division II National Championships.

JuneThe 23rd Annual Distinguished Pennsylvanian awards were presented to the Honorable Michael E.Dunlavey and to Barbara Chaffee. The award is presented to leaders in their careers and communities.Dunlavey and Chaffee both served the country after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Senior and seminarian Justin Pina created an archival display for St. Mark Catholic Center as part ofthe celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the Diocese of Erie. The display featured artifacts ofprevious bishops, documents and items of significance to diocesan history.

Chris Knoll ’77, ’78M received the President’s Award at the Gannon SBDC luncheon. The SBDC hada tremendous year, receiving the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award for itsefforts in promoting exports and local entrepreneurship.

Provost Donna Dalton,Professor Mahesh

Aggarwal, and PresidentAntoine M. Garibaldi

Sister Leonie Shanley,SSJ '57 VMC

2002-2003

*Ex officio Members

Board of TrusteesMr. William M. Hilbert, Sr.President and CEOPHB, Inc.

Mr. Brian J. Jackman ’63Retired Business Executive

Mr. James W. Keim, Jr.Senior Vice PresidentAdvest, Inc.

Sr. Mary Rita Kuhn, SSJ ’60 VMC, MA ’68Vicar for ReligiousDiocese of Erie

Mr. Thomas J. Loftus, MBA ’74Retired Business Executive

Mr. Michael Nuttall*PresidentGannon University Student Government Association

Mrs. Anne D. McCallion ’74Senior Managing Director for OperationsCountrywide Home Loans Inc.

Mr. John E. Paganie ’69President, Pennsylvania OperationsFirst Energy Services Corporation

Mr. James J. Rutkowski, Jr. ’83General Manager/TreasurerIndustrial Sales and Manufacturing, Inc.

Mr. James A. Schaffner, CPA ’68Managing PrincipalSchaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Co., P.C.

Helen M. Schilling, M.D., D.D.S. ’77PhysicianPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Very Rev. John M. Schultz ’78Vicar for EducationDiocese of Erie

Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Smith, JCLVicar GeneralDiocese of Erie

Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Speice ’55PastorSt. Anthony Church

Mr. William C. Springer ’63PartnerDawar Associates

James F. Toohey, Esquire ’56PartnerQuinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto Inc.

Sr. Anastasia Valimont, SSJ ’50 VMCConsultantSaint Mary’s Home of Erie

Sr. Ricarda Vincent, SSJ ’64 VMC*

PresidentSisters of Saint Joseph of Northwest Pennsylvania

Mr. Melvin Witherspoon ’68Community Initiative ConsultantPenelec

Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL*

ChairpersonBishop of Erie

Joseph T. Messina, Esquire ’63Vice ChairpersonPartnerElderkin, Martin, Kelly and Messina

Mr. Thomas L. Doolin ’61SecretaryWagner & Doolin Acquisition Group

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.*PresidentGannon University

Mr. William I. Alford II ’66Executive DirectorHead Start

Mr. Joseph F. AllisonRetired Business Executive

Rev. Michael P. Allison ’81Chaplain and Theology ProfessorMercyhurst Prep High School

Robert H. Allshouse, Ph.D.*PresidentGannon University Faculty Senate

Mr. James A. Baldauf ’62Retired Business Executive

Mr. L. Scott Barnard ’65Managing Senior PartnerProgrammix, LLC

Mr. George J. Behringer III ’66Managing PartnerPricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

Mr. Arnold E. Bergquist, CPA ’58PartnerMalin, Bergquist and Company

Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Brandt, Ph.D., JCDChancellorDiocese of Erie

Rev. Msgr. Robert L. BruggerPastorSt. Jude the Apostle Church

Mr. Donald M. Carlson ’73*

PresidentGannon University National Alumni Association

Daniel C. Carneval, D.O. ’51Orthopedic Surgeon/Team PhysicianGannon University

Honorable Stephanie DomitrovichJudgeCommonwealth Court of Pennsylvania

Mr. James J. DuratzDirectorBarco-Duratz Foundation

Mr. Thomas C. Guelcher ’62, MBA ’76TreasurerSisters of Mercy

Gannon U

niversity

109 University Square

Erie, PA 16541