STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville marked the start of its year-long 75th anniversary celebration with a campus-wide Mass and mosaic unveiling on December 10, 2021.

During the Mass, Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, spoke of the University’s history and growth since the then-College of Steubenville opened its doors in downtown Steubenville on December 10, 1946. Founded by the Franciscan friars of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis (TOR) from the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the school was created to provide students with both an excellent academic education and a strong spiritual formation in the Catholic faith—a mission, Father Pivonka said, that Franciscan University continues to uphold today.

“I can only imagine that the friars who came here 75 years ago at the invitation of the local bishop would have longed to celebrate what’s happening here. God is doing wonderous things,” he said.

Father Pivonka also expressed gratitude for the students, faculty, staff, and other community members presently at the University and hope for God’s continued blessings in the future.

“You may think it was just happenstance or circumstance that you’re here this day, but I disagree,” he said. “From the foundations of the world, it was God’s desire and his will that you be here at Franciscan University at this time, because God has gathered together a people who is going to lead the University now.”

At the service’s closing, Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton congratulated Franciscan University on the milestone, saying he has been “grateful for the collaboration and cooperation” between the University and the diocese over the last 75 years.

After the Mass, a new mosaic of Our Lady of the Angels was unveiled on the outside of the J.C. Williams Center, overlooking Rosary Circle and the main entrance to campus. The mosaic was designed from an original painting commissioned from alumna Blair (Gordy ’15) Piras and installed by Andrew Wilson Smith Sculpture Studio. University alumni also spearheaded the fundraising efforts to pay for the project.

Father Pivonka blessed the mosaic, and Piras spoke about her artistic inspiration for the image, which features Mary with Jesus in her womb and elements such as the sun, moon, and stars from St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures.

“We all yearn to see a face for the divine and to turn to that in prayer,” Piras said. “I hope this image will be that for students and visitors to campus as they remember to call out to Our Lady and Jesus Christ in prayer.”

Earlier that day, the University also announced the launch of the public phase of its $75 million Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign. This campaign seeks to raise funds for a new academic and conference building, student financial aid and scholarships, and increased outreach and evangelization efforts.

To learn more about the history of Franciscan University and its 75th anniversary, visit 75.franciscan.edu.