STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—On the feast of St. Francis, Franciscan University of Steubenville celebrated reaching $99.8 million and announced an ambitious new goal of $110 million for its Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign. Now extended through 2024, the campaign will allow the University to renovate and expand its iconic Christ the King Chapel as well as establish a permanent footprint in the D.C. metro area.

“I could not be more grateful, humbled, and inspired by the support and encouragement of so many of our friends and benefactors,” said Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University. “We believe God will continue to bless our efforts to the degree that we are faithful in listening and responding in the manner with which he invites us. He’s moving hearts. He’s opening doors. He’s making a pathway. Clearly, there is more to do.”

Launched in December 2021, Franciscan’s 75th Anniversary Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign set an ambitious goal of $75 million, more than twice any previous campaign goal in the University’s history. Thanks to the generous support of many friends, alumni, and benefactors, it surpassed the initial goal in six months and became the University’s most successful campaign. Last month, it also surpassed its stretch goal of $85 million. The University’s confidence in reaching its new $110 million goal stems from a growing excitement among supporters about Franciscan’s future as annual enrollment continues to break records.

“This new goal will raise funds for two important initiatives,” said Bob Hickey, vice president of Advancement. “One is right here on campus: a much-needed expansion and renovation of Christ the King Chapel, the spiritual heart of Franciscan University. We have paid particular attention not only to expanding the chapel but to making it a more beautiful and inspiring place of worship.”

Hickey also referenced the University’s growing global reach through its programs in Austria, Iraq, and India, adding, “Franciscan’s reach will also be strengthened within our beloved United States of America through a new initiative to bring Franciscan student-missionaries into the political heart of our nation as joyful witnesses of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith!”

“This is a big-time good news day for the University and the region,” said Paul Michael “Mickey” Pohl, chairman of the University’s Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign. “Our donors in the world have opened up our eyes to the new possibilities, and we’re enthusiastically going to embrace them. I urge all of you here to keep working with us. More great things are going to happen on this campus!”

Franciscan’s alumni have played an instrumental role in the campaign’s unprecedented success, having already donated over $22 million.

“I am especially grateful for the support of our alumni for this campaign,” said Tim Delaney, executive director of Alumni and Constituent Relations. “Today is another unbelievable day, as we expand this dream even further. What our alumni, parents, and friends see and appreciate so much is the alignment of mission throughout our university with the leadership of Father Dave, the support of his brother friars, and the backing of our Board of Trustees.”

Thanks to Franciscan’s generous benefactors, including the late Thomas and Audrey Ruthman, 75 percent of Christ the King Chapel’s renovation has already been funded. Their contributions will allow the University to begin work on the chapel in spring 2024.

The renovation aims to increase the chapel’s seating capacity from 325 to 500 while preserving its intimate, familiar atmosphere as a sacred worship space beloved by many since it opened in 1969. An equally important goal is to enhance its beauty and noble simplicity in the spirit of St. Francis, integrating the traditional Franciscan themes of crib, cross, and Eucharist. The chapel will also include shrines to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph, and the Blessed Mother.

Underlining the significance of Christ the King Chapel for so many over the decades, including being the place he first heard the call to priesthood, Father Pivonka said, “I’m excited about being able to expand the chapel to be a place of worship at the University for decades to come.”

The University’s plans to establish a new footprint near the nation’s capital reflect its mission to be not only a city on a hill but a light to the world. Although still in the planning stage, this initiative’s purpose will center on Franciscan’s widely recognized charism of sanctifying the world by fostering life-changing encounters with Christ, ongoing conversion, and vibrant Christian community. With the encouragement and support of a benefactor couple who will commit up to an eight-figure gift to the enterprise, Franciscan’s students will be able to enter the political heart of our nation as joyful witnesses to Jesus Christ.

The initial case components of the Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign will also be extended through 2024. These include enhancing and expanding academics, such as the now far-advanced construction of the 110,000-square-foot Christ the Teacher Academic Hall and Conference Center; increasing financial aid and scholarships; expanding Franciscan’s outreach and evangelization initiatives; and developing the Leadership Institute and the Criminal Justice Program.

At the campaign milestone events, Franciscan University screened two new videos highlighting the success of the campaign so far and explaining the plan for renovating Christ the King Chapel.

Architectural renderings for Christ the King Chapel’s planned renovation can be found here along with photos from today’s news conference.

For more information and to donate, go to giving.franciscan.edu.