Franciscan Studies Endowment

The Rev. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R. Endowment in Franciscan Studies and Roman Catholic Theology 

The goal of this endowment is to:

• Promote activities that reflect the works of St. Francis, St. Clare, and Dorothy Day;
• Attract national Franciscan and Roman Catholic scholars to campus;
• Develop a professor-in-residence program;
• Offer workshops for faculty, staff and students;
• Reach out to all people of good faith who promote shared values;
• Encourage faculty, staff and students to journey to Assisi, Italy for a guided program to further enhance their understanding of the University's mission through exposure to the roots and sources of Franciscan tradition.

 Support the Endowment

To learn how you may support this endowment, contact the Office of Advancement at 814-472-3021 or visit  francis.edu/endowments. 

In Giving, We Receive

This endowment has been made possible through the generous support of Lou DiCerbo, CLU, ChFC, of Manhasset, New York, a graduate of the Class of 1959, Distinguished Alumnus 1997, and Hall of Fame member of GAMA International and the American College. Lou made a $1 million commitment to begin this fund in honor of former University President Fr. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R.

Each year, through the Saint Francis Forum, the University recognizes a male and female whose acts of charity, love and care for all of creation, along with service to the needy, exemplifies the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. This recognition enhances the existing Assisi Award to honor those whose lives follow an example of St. Francis, St. Clare and Dorothy Day.