Franciscan University of Steubenville: Notable Alumni and Comprehensive Overview
Franciscan University of Steubenville, located in Steubenville, Ohio, has a rich history and a growing reputation for academic excellence within a vibrant Catholic environment. Ranking 2532nd in the world, 882nd in North America, and 835th in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence (EduRank), the university has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.
A Legacy of Faith and Intellect
Founded in 1946 by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular at the invitation of Bishop Anthony John King Mussio, the university was initially established to serve local students and World War II veterans. The friars purchased the Knights of Pythias Building in downtown Steubenville and invested $350,000 to establish the College of Steubenville.
The early years of the College of Steubenville saw success under the tenures of presidents Daniel W. Egan, Kevin R. Keelan, and Columba J. Devlin. However, by the end of Keelan's second term in 1974, the school faced social upheaval and declining enrollment.
The Scanlan Transformation
Michael Scanlan's arrival as president marked a turning point. Drawing from his experience in the charismatic renewal movement at St. Francis Seminary, Scanlan implemented similar changes at Steubenville. He revitalized the campus liturgy with charismatic praise and worship, established "households" - small groups dedicated to personal and communal growth - and created a renewal center offering retreats and seminars.
Despite initial challenges, Scanlan's changes revitalized the university. He reintroduced a theology program, which quickly became the top major, and oversaw the development of graduate programs in business and theology. These developments helped the college obtain the title of university in 1980.
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Scanlan also instituted an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium for theology professors and created the Human Life Studies minor, the only one of its kind in America. In 1985, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name to Franciscan University of Steubenville, recognizing the Catholic Franciscan spirit pervading the school.
Notable Alumni
The Franciscan University of Steubenville boasts a diverse array of accomplished alumni. Here are some notable figures:
- Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg: An aristocrat, Princess Alexandra is the fourth child and only daughter of Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. She is also "Princess of Nassau" and "Princess of Bourbon-Parma."
- Prince Sébastien of Luxembourg: Also an aristocrat, Prince Sébastien is the fifth and youngest child of Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. He is a Prince of Bourbon-Parma and Prince of Nassau.
- Jonathan Morris: An American author, actor, and commentator on religious matters, Morris has been a Fox News contributor and analyst since 2005. He formerly served as a Catholic priest in the Legionaries of Christ and later as a secular priest in the Archdiocese of New York.
- Jeff Fortenberry: An American politician, Fortenberry served in the United States House of Representatives from 2005 to 2022, representing Nebraska's 1st congressional district as a member of the Republican Party. He graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1996 with a Master of Theology.
- Jeff Cavins: An American Catholic evangelist, author, and biblical scholar.
- Cornelius Sim: (1951-2021) A Bruneian prelate of the Catholic Church, Sim served as Vicar Apostolic of Brunei from 2004 until his death. He had previously served as the apostolic prefect of Brunei from 1997 to 2004.
- Andrew Bremberg: An American attorney and political advisor, Bremberg served as Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.
- Gintaras Grušas: A Lithuanian-American Catholic prelate, Grušas has served as Archbishop of Vilnius since 2013. He was previously Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Lithuania from 2010 to 2013.
- Roger Joseph Foys: An American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, Foys served as bishop of the Diocese of Covington in Kentucky from 2002 to 2021.
- Jimmy Smith: An American basketball player and political activist. He was an All-American college player at the College of Steubenville and was a second-round pick in the 1958 NBA draft.
- Jim Campbell ’04: Received the Alumni Citizenship Award for his outstanding service and missionary work supporting children’s education with Mission Santa Maria in Ecuador.
- Brian McCarthy ’01: Accepted the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award for his exemplary success and leadership in business. He also generously gives his time by serving on the board for Vagabond Missions, mentoring young alumni, and serving as a member of Franciscan University’s Board of Trustees.
- Martha (McMenaman ’92) Reichert: Was given the Bishop John King Mussio Award for her faithful service to the Catholic Church through promoting human dignity. She was a former president and founding member of Endow, an international apostolate that encourages women to recognize their inherent worth and dignity.
- Shawn Salamida ’92: Received the Father Dan Egan Award for his leadership in the fields of mental health and child welfare.
- Dr. Marlo Cavnar Vernon ’01: Received the John J. Carrigg Award for her research and innovation in preventive health education, especially for mothers and their children.
- Edward Wamala ’17: Received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for his exceptional service bringing the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ to marginalized families in Uganda with his organization, Bugumiro Foundation Uganda.
- Father Brian Cavanaugh, TOR ’69: Received the Rose M. DeFede Faithful Franciscan Award for his many years of service to his alma mater.
- Abriana (Flynn ’06) Chilelli: Received the John J. Carrigg Award for her excellence as a leader in the field of Catholic education.
- Dr. Damian Olsen ’08: Received the Father Dan Egan Alumni Award for his fidelity to Church teaching and commitment to excellence in his medical profession.
- Robert Praetzel ’15: Received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for applying his entrepreneurial skills to revitalizing his community in Steubenville.
- Dan Vansteenburg ’93: Received the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award for achieving success as an entrepreneur and for his generosity in sharing its fruits.
Academics and Programs
The university offers 41 majors, 34 minors, 10 special minor programs, and seven graduate degree programs. The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Undergraduate students need a minimum of 124 credits for graduation. Since 1991, students have had the opportunity to study at the university's program in Gaming, Austria.
In 2014, Franciscan University introduced a dual-degree undergraduate engineering program, partnering with the University of Notre Dame, Gannon University and University of Dayton to offer an array of different engineering disciplines. In 2016, Franciscan University announced an agreement with D'Youville College which created a 3+4 dual degree program between the two schools.
In conjunction with the School of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Franciscan University offers a course of study that fulfills the requirements for the First Cycle of studies in Canon Law.
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Campus Life and Traditions
Originally, campus life consisted of fraternities and sororities starting at Franciscans' founding in 1946. Under the leadership of Father Michael Scanlan, households were instituted and Greek life began to disappear, ending in 2016 when the final chapters, Theta Phi Alpha and Alpha Phi Delta were excluded from campus life. Instead, students are encouraged to join in faith households.
The campus is known for its liturgies, retreats, and spiritual talks. Most students make a weekly commitment to Eucharistic adoration in the Portiuncula chapel, and Masses are well-attended.
Christ the King Chapel is the center of the spiritual life of the campus. There are four Masses every weekday while classes are in session, five Masses on Sundays, vespers on Sunday evening, praise & worship every Tuesday, and confessions held at least four times per week. The Portiuncula chapel, a replica of St. Francis' original chapel, sits on the edge of the main campus. Outside of this chapel are the Tomb of the Unborn Child, a Creche, Stations of the Cross, and Marian Grotto.
Athletics
The university sponsors 20 sports, nine for men and eleven for women. The Barons compete in NCAA Division III as a member of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. The men's rugby team is a member of the National Collegiate Rugby and competes in the Allegheny Rugby Union Conference.
Campus Facilities
The academic buildings on campus include Christ the Teacher Hall, Egan Hall, Stafford Hall, Saints Cosmas and Damian Hall, and the Saint Joseph Center. Christ the Teacher Hall houses engineering labs, business, and a nursing simulation lab. The St. John Paul II Library's collection includes more than 230,000 books and bound periodicals.
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There are 16 residence halls on campus: Solanus Casey Hall, Saint Francis Hall, Trinity Hall, Marian Hall, Saint Thomas More Hall, Saint Louis Hall, Saint Elizabeth Hall, Kolbe Hall, Clare Hall, Padua Hall, Saint Bonaventure Hall, Vianney Hall, Saint Junipero Serra Hall, Scotus Hall, and Saint Agnes Hall. Assisi Heights, a small neighborhood of apartments, is also available for upperclassman and graduate student housing.
Franciscan University of Steubenville has two soccer fields, a rugby field, a baseball field, and a field designated primarily for intramural sports. In 2007, the university purchased the golf course which borders the main campus from the city of Steubenville for future development.
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