Gannon, Erie Campus – This past Monday Gannon took a step toward the future. It took place with just a simple stroke of a pen. Gannon University started a new partnership with Ursuline College by signing a letter of intent putting into motion a strategic partnership that will potentially create an institution of about 6,000 students, 1,300 employees, and campuses in three different states. Once this merger is complete it is expected to be the largest Catholic University system in the region.

Dr. Iwanenko states, “We have the opportunity to expand our footprint and build on our tradition of excellent catholic education along Lake Erie and Florida.”

The goal of this merger is to bring together two institutions with the mission of service, faith, and academic excellence.

President Iwanenko explained the letter of intent as an agreement between the two institutions stating that they would like to work together but still want to explore all the details.

Ursuline College has been run by the Ursuline sisters for more than 150 years in which they have devoted to catholic educations. Most of the sisters have dedicated their entire lives to the institution.

In recent times Ursuline College had been facing difficulty finding educators who will be dedicated to the catholic education.

Which is why they were looking for a partner, such as Gannon, who was dedicated to catholic education excellence to help continue their legacy that they have maintained for many years.

Dr. Iwanenko provided the students of Gannon with a video announcement informing the community about the merger.

The president was out of town to visit Ursuline College and be present with the president of Ursuline Dr. David King announces the next step to their students, faculty, and staff.

“We are joining together our stories.”- Dr. Iwanenko