FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis commemorated the start of the academic year today with the Mass of the Holy Spirit—a tradition in Catholic educational institutions across the globe—a convocation address by President Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer and a complimentary lunch for attendees at the Hutzell Athletic Center.
The Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, celebrated the Mass and gave the homily. Fr. Zimmer and new USF Chaplain Fr. Dermot Gahan concelebrated. Students, faculty, staff, trustees and guests attended.
“It’s a great day to be a Cougar,” Fr. Zimmer said as he opened his address.
Fr. Zimmer spoke about the Franciscan value being emphasized for 2022-23, which is “Serve one another, society and the Church.”
“Here at the University of Saint Francis, we provide our students with a transformational Catholic university experience and create change-makers for our world,” Fr. Zimmer said.
Fr. Zimmer emphasized USF’s commitment to “invest and transform” in creating the best experience for students to grow in their faith as well as achieve their educational objectives. “We want you to not just transform yourself, but to transform others,” he said to the students in attendance.
Fr. Zimmer shared some of USF’s highlights from the past year, including moving the Business program back to the main campus, where it welcomed a record number of incoming students. He also mentioned growing the Campus Ministry program, extending the retreat programs, heightening commitment to service learning, creating the St. Benedict the Moor Justice Center, launching of the Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership, and expanding the Wellness Center. USF will continue relocating services and offices away from the main campus buildings to promote more space for student use, he said.
USF’s heightened investment in its Catholic, Franciscan identity can be seen in expanded scholarships, including the Catholic Foundation Scholarship, the Presidential Catholic Scholarship and the Assisi program, Fr. Zimmer said.
The annual Founders Day celebration welcomes new and returning students and employees, and honored guests, including the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration who have sponsored the university since its founding in 1890. This year, students will pursue degrees in more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology and graduate health sciences programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.