Statements of Support

The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland fully support the strategic partnership agreement entered into by Ursuline College and Gannon University. 

We recognize the challenges facing Ursuline College and other institutions of higher education and are grateful to College leadership for the excellent job they have done in their efforts to identify an appropriate partner for the college. We believe this is the best way to extend the life of the College and continue Ursuline College’s legacy so that it can continue to educate students in the Catholic tradition, as it has done for more than 150 years. 

Many of the Sisters have devoted our lives to education, at the College and other schools, and to have the College continue as an institution of higher learning in the Catholic and Ursuline traditions is the best way we know to preserve that legacy.

-- Sr. Laura Bregar, OSU, ’81, MA ’99
    President

"Catholic campuses prepare wise, ethical graduates who work for the good of the world. Partnering with Gannon University will help shape a new model of Catholic higher education in the US, one where shared institutional strengths bring new opportunities for students and their communities.”

-- Sr. Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD '73
    17th president of Ursuline College

"The winds of change are upon higher education. The multiple strengths of Ursuline College put it in a very enviable position, with initiative and careful planning, to ride those winds to a thriving future. In Gannon University, Ursuline has found a similarly strong companion with congruent values and complimentary capabilities who sees and is approaching the future very much like Ursuline. The joinder envisioned will further develop an emerging model of Catholic higher education that is comprehensive, multi-location, accessible, and responsive to regional issues and growth trends. It will draw on existing strengths and opportunities of both institutions, while amalgamating and integrating them for maximum impact. We could not be more pleased with the prospect for a bright future together with Gannon."

-- John M. Newman, Jr.
    Chair

As a graduate of Ursuline College and Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to express my full support for the proposed partnership between Ursuline College and Gannon University. This collaboration will allow both schools to build on their proud histories while positioning themselves for continued success in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. This represents an exciting opportunity to capture the strengths and resources of both institutions, to offer greater financial stability and to create an enhanced ability to serve the evolving needs of our community. I am confident that this partnership will continue to provide students access to high quality education and foster greater pathways for student success for another 150 years.

-- Teri Herrmann Corletzi, ’90
    Vice Chairwoman

"As a member of the Ursuline community, I am confident that the strategic partnership with Gannon presents a transformative step forward, having the ability to bring together individuals with diverse strengths and similar values. I hope to see the combination of resources and academic programs that will not only enhance the experience for many students but showcase the available pathways for sustainability and growth, while integrating mission and faith.

-- Jocelyn Jones, ’17, ’18 MBA
    Trustee and Alumni Association President

“I believe discussions to evaluate a potential partnership between Ursuline College and Gannon University are worthwhile and have the potential to increase the strength and appeal of both entities, while maintaining their commitment to the Catholic tradition of values-centered, higher education. I recognize the challenges facing many colleges and universities in our region, so I support these efforts to make sure college-aged students continue to have opportunities for faith-based education.”

-- The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic
    Bishop of Cleveland