Gannon, Erie Campus – Gannon University is home to over 2,000 students at any given time of year. Within this student body, a variety of different people exist. We are united though our pursuit of education at Gannon University. However, our differences may lie in our ages, career choices, races, faiths, or a plethora of other things. In every aspect that we are different, there is one where we are similar. In RoundTable, we explore the similarities and differences in the thoughts and opinions of Gannon students.

From new students to experienced staff, almost everyone has an important and impactful memory revolving around Gannon University.

A core memory is a memory that is very impactful or emotional. When asked the question, “What is a core memory you have involving Gannon?” Mortuary Science student Marisa Weaver answers, “Probably just meeting new people in general. Coming from a small town, I didn’t meet anyone, I didn’t have anyone here. Being in sports, cheering here, has brought me so many friends.”

She goes on to talk about her experiences on the dance and cheer team. Last year, the team went to Daytona, Florida, to compete at nationals. “We worked really hard to go to nationals, we had a great routine, it was a lot of fun. Florida was great, and it was a great time.”

Concert Band Director Robert Reid recalls the day he directed his first concert for Gannon, in winter of 2023. “Probably my first concert. The week of my first concert I lost not only one of my lead clarinet players to a funeral, but I also lost my tuba player, because he had to go to the hospital. So, over the course of two or three days I had to replace a clarinet player, and I had to replace my only tuba player.”

Gannon University’s Concert Band is comprised of both students and community members, some of which filled in last minute at the concert. Reid goes on to say, “Luckily, I have a lot of good friends that play instruments, and they were willing to hop in at the last minute. I was worried enough about that first concert without having to go through the angst of having to replace people. Still, in all, it all turned out, and it turned out to be a great performance. It all came together, as scared as I was, and as worried as I was, it all came together. Everything worked well.”

Sometimes, core memories are stories that impacted us in a profound way. Sometimes, they are the friends and teammates that are made, and that stick by us throughout university.

What core memories do you have about Gannon?