Chancellor's Welcome
From the Chancellor
Dear Friends,
I have spent many years of my life and ministry in Steubenville, first as dean of the College, then as president for 26 years, and now as chancellor of Franciscan University. I have heard all the stories of the school’s shoestring beginnings, growth, and move from downtown to the current campus site. I lived through the trying days when a For Sale sign stood in front of the largest residence hall, St. Thomas More, and the College was listed on three educational foundation reports with those most likely to close before 1980.
As I walk across campus today, I thank God for the prayer and perseverance of friars, staff, and faculty, but I especially give thanks for his mercy in blessing our efforts and bringing forth success.
I enjoy the friendliness of the students as they walk between buildings. I love their worship in Christ the King Chapel. I am proud of our faculty for their scholarship and their enthusiastic commitment to our Catholic Christian values, both of which make them good models for our students. I am proud, too, of our staff, which provides loving service to all our students, alumni, visitors, and conference guests. I rejoice in the brotherhood of the Franciscan friars, and I experience God’s blessings in living here and serving students with so many of them over the years.
Our students witness to the new evangelization proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. They reach out locally and around the world through many works of mercy and missionary activities. I love their zeal and spirit of sacrifice. When they graduate, many continue to work for the Church in religious and lay vocations as well as in many different careers.
I see our students and alumni as part of the bright future of the Church and the world, and I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to share this exciting journey of faith. Please join me and all those who wholeheartedly embrace the mission of Franciscan University—students, alumni, staff and faculty, benefactors, conference participants, and intercessors—as we pray and work that the University may continue to bear good fruit in every life it touches.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Michael Scanlan, TOR
Chancellor
Franciscan University of Steubenville