Gannon University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Gannon University is a private Catholic university located in Erie, with an additional campus in Ruskin. The university was originally founded in 1925 as Villa Maria College by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and later developed through several institutional changes. In 1933, the Diocese of Erie established Cathedral College as a two-year institution under the leadership of Joseph J. “Doc” Wehrle. In 1944, the institution expanded into a four-year college for men and was renamed Gannon College of Arts and Sciences, honoring Bishop John Mark Gannon of Erie, who played a key role in its development. Over time, the institution continued to grow and evolve. It became coeducational in 1964, allowing both men and women to enroll, and later achieved full university status in 1979, becoming known as Gannon University.The university follows the motto “Sanitas, Scientia, Sanctitas,” which translates to Health, Knowledge, and Holiness, reflecting its Catholic educational mission. Today, Gannon University serves thousands of students from various backgrounds. As of fall 2024, the university enrolls approximately 4,189 students, including about 2,768 undergraduate students and 1,421 postgraduate students. The institution offers a wide range of academic programs and maintains affiliations with several academic organizations. Its campus environment is urban, and the university’s official colors are maroon and gold. Students and athletic teams are known as the Golden Knights, and the university mascot is Victor E. Knight.Athletics play an important role in student life at the university. Gannon fields 18 intercollegiate athletic programs for both men and women that compete at the NCAA Division II level. In addition to academic and athletic development, the university continues to expand its institutional presence. In 1989, Villa Maria College officially merged with the university, though the Villa Maria School of Nursing retained the historic name. More recently, in 2024, the university’s board of trustees approved a plan to merge with Ursuline College. By the end of 2026, Ursuline College is expected to become part of Gannon University as the Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University while maintaining its own academic and athletic programs.