Alvernia, Marian University Announce Plans to Unite Under a Shared Mission
Proposed acquisition is grounded in Catholic values, student opportunity and long-term stewardship
Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., and Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wis., announce a mission-aligned combination that will build on the strengths and distinctive traditions of both institutions, expand educational opportunities for students, and strengthen their collective impact on the communities they serve.
Under the proposed combination, sponsorship of Marian University would transfer from the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, who founded Alvernia. As part of this transition, Alvernia would acquire Marian, bringing together two Catholic universities united by a commitment to faith, service, student success and comprehensive, values-driven regional higher education.
Marian, founded by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes in 1936, has served Fond du Lac and the surrounding region for 90 years. As Alvernia and Marian begin the formal process of bringing their universities together, they are committed to honoring Marian’s rich heritage and distinctive identity while exploring how shared resources, expertise and mission can strengthen both universities for the future.
In Catholic higher education, sponsoring congregations play a vital role in preserving and advancing the institution’s Catholic mission and identity. The two congregations have worked closely to build a shared understanding of Marian’s culture, values and long-term mission.
“Alvernia has taken deliberate steps over the past several years to strengthen our financial position, clarify our strategic priorities and prepare for the university’s next chapter,” said Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “We’re incredibly excited about this opportunity to bring together two institutions that are grounded in shared Catholic mission and values, and we are grateful for the trust the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes has placed in us and in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Together, we have an opportunity to honor Marian’s heritage, strengthen our shared mission and expand the opportunities we can offer students. We believe the future of Catholic higher education will be shaped by institutions willing to work together, steward their resources wisely and remain steadfast in their commitment to the students and communities they serve.”
The proposed acquisition remains subject to further discussions and reviews, as well as required institutional, canonical, regulatory and accrediting approvals. During this process, both universities will continue to operate as they do today, with no immediate changes to academic programs, employment, tuition, athletics, campus operations or the student experience.
“This is an opportunity to enhance Marian’s future while honoring the people and traditions that have made this university so special for generations,” said Aaron Sadoff, Marian President. “As we looked ahead to Marian’s future, it was important to find a partner who understands and shares our commitment to our Catholic mission, our values, and the Fond du Lac community we call home. We believe Alvernia shares that commitment, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the communities we serve."
Alvernia Board Chair Michael Duff said the process reflects the university’s long-term strategy and commitment to strengthening Catholic higher education.
“This is a thoughtful, mission-aligned step for Alvernia,” said Duff. “The board’s responsibility is to help ensure the university is positioned to serve students well today and into the future. This next step reflects Alvernia’s strength, its disciplined stewardship and its commitment to pursuing opportunities that are consistent with our mission.”
Marian Board Chair Holly M. Brenner said the process is focused on preserving Marian’s mission and identity while creating new opportunities for the institution’s future.
“Marian has a rich history and a special place in the heart of the Fond du Lac community,” said Brenner. “As a board, we have a deep responsibility to honor that legacy while thoughtfully considering what will best serve Marian and its students for generations to come. Throughout this process, protecting Marian’s mission and identity has been at the heart of our discussions. We believe this proposed path forward with Alvernia offers an opportunity to build on Marian’s strong foundation, create new possibilities for our students, and carry our mission forward into the future.”
Sister John Ann Proach, OSF, Congregational Minister of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, said the process reflects Alvernia’s Franciscan mission and commitment to service.
“Alvernia University was founded to extend the Franciscan Catholic heritage of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ commitment to education that recognizes and values the importance of diversity of thought, faiths, cultures, service, and the dignity of every person.” said Sister John Ann. “We are honored by the trust reflected in the proposed transfer of Marian’s sponsorship and by the opportunity to help carry forward a Catholic higher education mission that has been faithfully stewarded by the Sisters of St. Agnes for 90 years. We assume that responsibility with much humility, respect, and a deep commitment to Marian’s continued vitality.”
Sister Sharon Pollnow, General Superior of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, said Marian’s mission and identity remain central to the path forward.
“Since its founding 90 years ago, Marian has always been rooted in Catholic mission, service, and the belief that education can transform lives,” Sister Sharon said. “As we considered how best to sustain that mission for future generations, it was important to us to find a partner and sponsoring congregation that understood Marian’s identity and values. We are grateful for the trusting relationship we have built with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters during the past two years of dialogue, prayer, and discernment, and we are confident that they will honor the legacy entrusted to them as Marian moves into its next chapter.”
Donna M. Carroll, Ed.D., president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, said the partnership is a strong example of collaboration in Catholic higher education.
“This is an example of deeply meaningful governance at its best — a decision that invests in mission with significant organizational and financial implications. It is risky, courageous, and generous," Carroll said. "The fact that the sponsoring congregations initiated the consolidation – as an exchange of gifts – offers Catholic higher education another hopeful pathway for collaboration.”
Additional information will be shared as the process continues and details are finalized.