From left, Reba Copeland, Craig Teetsel, Dr. Amanda Leffler, Tony Roswarski, Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, Sister Margart Mary Mitchel, Dr. Lance Richey, Most Reverend Timothy Doherty, Dr. Angie Harrell, Katie Dwyer, Mike McCaffrey
LAFAYETTE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis welcomed city officials and members of the Lafayette community today for a blessing, ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the university’s newest site.
More than 120 people attended the event at Our Lady of Lourdes Hall, 1415 Salem Street, Lafayette. Saint Francis began educating Lafayette-based students online prior to the building opening, with in-person classes slated to begin this fall.
“It is incredibly important that we have opportunities for people in our community to obtain this education, these licenses, these certifications, and many, many jobs in healthcare that need filled,” Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. “And when you think about that, what a wonderful way to touch the community.”
Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty, S.T.L., Ph.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana blessed the building and offered words of encouragement. He praised the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration—the university sponsors—for their ongoing contributions to education and the Lafayette community.
“This is wonderfully marvelous, both for the church and for our society, that there’s a place where younger people—sometimes not so young people—can get a toehold in certain skills, and enter the job market again, for the good of the whole community,” Bishop Doherty said.
Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey offered his appreciation to the Sisters and to all who contributed to bring Saint Francis back to the town of its founding in 1890. Mayor Roswarski presented the university with a plaque and Indiana Rep. Sheila Klinker presented a framed certificate commemorating the opening.
Franciscan Health donated the building to the university, and an anonymous donor contributed $3.5 million for the renovation.
“Thanks to the generosity of our sister ministry, Franciscan Health and to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we are excited today to officially open the University of Saint Francis’ newest site back where we started our educational ministry 136 years ago,” Richey said. “Healing, education, service and personal transformation—these are the hallmarks of the ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. And it is because of their support and inspiration that the University of Saint Francis can continue its mission to prepare students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service and joy. Here in Lafayette, that work starts now.”
Saint Francis Lafayette students may pursue bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees, as well as streamlined certificate programs through the Leffler Academy of Saint Francis. Degree programs include Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical Imaging, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences and Radiologic Technology. Certificates include Clinical Medical Assistant, Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy Technician Preparation and Qualified Medication Aide.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.