University reaches milestone

STEUBENVILLE - Franciscan University of Steubenville officials have reported its $25 million capital campaign has reached a significant milestone.

The Rev. Terence Henry, TOR, president of the university, announced the school's capital campaign is now ahead of schedule.

"As of Nov. 23, we have raised more than $20 million toward our campaign goal. This puts us ahead of schedule for our campaign benchmarks and surpasses any previous fundraising effort for the university," Henry said.

Recent gifts have funded student scholarships, enabling the university to help students receive an authentically Catholic education in a faith environment, officials said.

The campaign received more than $200,000 toward scholarships through the 50th anniversary celebration held in October for the Rev. Michael Scanlan, TOR, university chancellor.

"In spite of a troubling economy, our benefactors remain tremendously generous, and often at great sacrifice they have continued to support Franciscan University and our mission. I am deeply grateful for their support and prayers, which have made this $20 million milestone possible," Henry stated.

According to Henry, in addition to scholarships, priorities for the Campaign for Franciscan University of Steubenville include enhancing academic life and enriching the student life experience on campus.

Initiatives already funded by this campaign include the John N. and Jamie D. McAleer Chair in Bioethics, the first-ever endowed faculty chair in the university's history, made possible by a $1.5 million gift from a university trustee; construction of the new Holy Spirit Friary for the Franciscan priests and brothers who serve as the spiritual leaders of the campus; and H. Graham Brown Jr. Fellowship in Catechetics, the gift of another university trustee, which allows the university's catechetical program to better meet the church's need for religious educators.

"I also want to congratulate our trustees, especially those who serve on our campaign cabinet, as well as Michael Hernon, our vice president for advancement, and his entire staff for their dedication to our Catholic educational mission," Henry added.

The university attracts more than 2,400 students from all 50 states and 15 foreign countries with its 40-plus undergraduate and seven graduate programs and a study abroad program in Austria.