Today, The Cardinal Newman Society congratulated Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, on his retirement as chancellor from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
CNS President Patrick J. Reilly wrote to Fr. Scanlan:
I recall a Jesuit friend who told me in 1990 that he hoped for the renewal of Catholic colleges and universities, but it was a matter of “chasing the horses 20 years after the barn doors had opened.” He was right—it’s more than 40 years now—and we struggle with that reality each day.
But some of the horses have come home, and none so inspiringly as the Franciscan University of Steubenville under your many years of leadership and your continued guidance and encouragement. You have demonstrated that the key to Catholic education is not simply rules and curriculum, but personal testimony and Christian witness. You are loved by your students because of your generosity, holiness, joy, peace and wisdom—and the University that you rescued has nurtured these traits in thousands of young people. Today the Franciscan University of Steubenville is a model for the renewal of Catholic higher education.
In addition to serving Franciscan University for eleven years as chancellor, Fr. Scanlan served as president for 26 years. Read more about Fr. Scanlan’s contributions here.
Adam Wilson
CNS Staff
Matthew Archbold
Charlotte Hays
