51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

As Gannon University forges into its second century, the institution celebrated a landmark achievement on Thursday, Feb. 19 in the Highmark Events Center, recognizing the successful completion of its. This culminates a transformational effort that raised $105.6 million in support of students, academics and campus life. 

Launched in July 2016, the comprehensive campaign rallied alumni, donors, community partners, faculty, staff and friends around a shared vision to strengthen Gannon University’s mission and position the institution for continued success as it enters its next 100 years. The campaign concluded in December 2025, marking one of the most significant fundraising achievements in university history. 

“Exceeding the $100 million goal by $5.6 million of the Believe. Inspire. Transform. campaign is a powerful testament to the generosity and trust of the Gannon family,” President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., said. “This achievement is not just about dollars raised, but about lives changed through expanded access to education, strengthened academic programs, and meaningful investments in our campus and community. We are proud to celebrate the many individuals who made this possible.” 

Funds raised through the campaign supported four strategic priorities: enhancing the student experience, fostering academic excellence, improving campus infrastructure and strengthening the Gannon Fund to ensure flexibility in meeting evolving institutional needs. 

“This milestone belongs to our donors, volunteers, alumni and partners who believed deeply in Gannon’s mission,” Nancy Bird, vice president for University Advancement, said. “Their generosity has created a lasting impact that will benefit students for generations to come. This celebration is an opportunity to say thank you and to reflect on what we can accomplish together when we are united by purpose.” 

The campaign was publicly launched under the leadership of President Emeritus Keith Taylor, Ph.D., who reflected on the significance of the achievement. 

“When Believe. Inspire. Transform. began, it was rooted in a bold vision for Gannon’s future,” Taylor said. “Seeing this campaign exceed its goal affirms the deep commitment our community has to the University and its students. The legacy of this effort will shape Gannon’s next century in meaningful and lasting ways.” 

Campaign impact by the numbers: 

Academic & Learning Spaces 

• Nash Library and Student Learning Commons now welcomes approximately 240,000 visits annually, a nearly 60 percent increase since its modernization. 

• The STEM Center, relocated to Nash Library, now tutors approximately 700 unique students each year, a 35 percent increase, and offers 60 specialized group tutoring sessions weekly across the approximately 20 courses per term. 

Academic and Career Development 

• The Career Closet, opened in 2022, has served 750 students, providing access to professional attire. 

• 2,966 students have participated in Career Fairs during the campaign. 

• Within six months of graduation, up to 94 percent of undergraduate and 98 percent of graduate students secured employment in substantive roles or continued their education. 

• Individual scholarships distributed more than $20 million, impacting 3,743 unique students. 

Faith, Mission and Service 

• The Center for Social Concerns engaged 10,038 participants through GIVE Day during the campaign. 

• Students completed 78 Alternative Break Service Trips, involving 650 student participants. 

• Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel offers approximately 220 Masses annually, with consistent daily and weekly participation. 

• Campus Ministry sponsored more than 1,700 student events and gatherings during the campaign period. 

Student Engagement & Campus Life 

• Gannon supports 104 student organizations across its Erie and Ruskin campuses, with approximately 1,100 students engaged annually. 

• Since its launch in 2022, 2,311 students have completed Gannon 101. 

• In the 2024-25 school year alone, the University hosted 1,518 student-focused events. 

• An average of 328 students participate annually in fraternities and sororities. 

Athletics 

• Approximately 650 to 700 student-athletes compete for the Golden Knights each year. 

• Gannon earned the PSAC Dixon Trophy three times during the campaign period, recognizing conference-leading athletic excellence. 

• In 2024-25, 290 student-athletes were named PSAC Scholar-Athletes. 

• The University sponsors 24 varsity sports. 

Philanthropy & Advancement 

• The campaign engaged more than 22,000 individual and organizational donors. 

• A total of 51,420 gifts were made. 

• 326 new funds were created, including 80 new endowments. 

• Planned giving efforts resulted in 56 new or realized planned gifts. 

• Alumni participation included more than 8,100 alumni donors. 

Together, these investments reflect the collective impact of more than $105.6 million raised to support Gannon University’s students, mission and future.