“There couldn’t be a better pick than Father Dave Pivonka as the new president of FUS. He was a close disciple of Father Michael Scanlan, who set the direction for FUS that has been fruitfully followed ever since: dynamic orthodoxy. Father Dave is uniquely equipped to understand this direction and bring it to new levels,”
-Ralph Martin, President of Renewal Ministries, faculty at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit quoted by National Catholic Register
“Speaking personally, I was struck with a sense of gratitude and excitement in hearing that the university board of trustees voted unanimously to call such a dynamic priest — a protégé of Father Michael Scanlan — and my good friend of many years. Believe me, the Lord has great blessings for us in the years to come!”
-Dr. Scott Hahn, The Father Michael Scanlan TOR Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization quoted by National Catholic Register
“Everything he has gone through has prepared him for this. He’s a very caring person, and he’s a very deep spiritual person, as well; and yet that doesn’t make him aloof in any way. He’s very approachable.”
-John Beaulieu, Director of Evangelization and Engagement in the Christian Outreach Office quoted by National Catholic Register
“I am happy to welcome Father Pivonka. He understands our mission to be ‘Passionately Catholic’ and will infuse that passion and love for Christ into all aspects of our academics and our student life. There will be no question of our commitment to our Catholic identity.”
-Dr. Anne Hendershott, Professor of Sociology & Director, Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life quoted by National Catholic Register
We wish to congratulate everyone connected with Franciscan University of Steubenville on the selection of Fr. Dave Pivonka as the 7th President. As a graduate of the University, Fr. Dave fully understands the Mission and because he is totally open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (the Wild Goose), he will be able to lead, protect and love FUS. Fr. Dave has the amazing gift of meeting people where they are and he is comfortable with all ages. We cannot wait to see the blessings God will bestow through Fr. Dave: ‘Not as man sees does God see, because man looks at appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7)”
-Jamie and Jack McAleer
“In each of my encounters with Fr. Dave, I have been impressed by his commitment to Christ and the new evangelization. He is the perfect choice to keep Franciscan University as the leading force for equipping young leaders for a lifetime of dynamic, Christ-centered renewal.”
-Curtis Martin ’93, Founder, FOCUS quoted by Catholic News Agency
“I remember Fr. Dave from my days as a student, when he had recently returned from his graduate studies and became a faculty member. Students loved him. He is energetic, vibrant, and a convincing preacher much like Fr. Mike [Scanlan] was…I have no doubt that Fr. Dave understands what makes Franciscan unique. He experienced it himself as a student and, in a way ever since then, has carried that experience to others through his pastoral ministry.” ”
-Jeanette DeMelo ’98, Editor-in-Chief, National Catholic Register quoted by Catholic News Agency
“Fr. Pivonka brings tremendous faith and passion to the leadership of Franciscan University and he will continue its amazing service to the Church in the new evangelization. I can think of no one better to continue Franciscan’s spiritual leadership than Fr. David Pivonka. This is good news indeed!”
-Dr. Timothy Gray ’91, MA ’93, President, Augustine Institute quoted by Catholic News Agency
“Franciscan University has remained the hub for dynamically orthodox Catholicism under the two Presidents since Fr. Mike. That said, get ready for a renewal like the University hasn’t seen since Fr. Mike took the helm in 1974.
At the risk of sounding too prophetic, if Fr. Scanlan was an Elijah for Steubenville, Fr. Pavonka his Elisha! Expect great things to come from this appointment. ”
-Chris Stefanick ’98, Real Life Catholic
