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Franciscan Studies Endowment

The Rev. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R. Endowment in Franciscan Studies and Roman Catholic Theology was established to reach out to those who share affinity with the distinct mission of the University's patron saints, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare, as well as Dorothy Day. 

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  •  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

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    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

    Zeis Endowment_Collage2This 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. 

  • Latest News

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    • Two Men Named Francis Spotlight

      Two Men Named Francis

      Exploration of the Saint and The Pope presented by Dr. William Cook, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History, SUNY Geneseo. The event is part of the The Rev. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R. Endowment in Franciscan Studies and Roman Catholic Theology.

      Learn more

    • Two Men Named Francis Spotlight

      Two Men Named Francis

      Exploration of the Saint and The Pope presented by Dr. William Cook, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History, SUNY Geneseo. The event is part of the The Rev. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R. Endowment in Franciscan Studies and Roman Catholic Theology.

      Learn more

    • Cardinal Dolan SFU visit spotlight

      Historic Visit

      Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, visited Saint Francis University on March 30, 2017.  

      View photos and video

    • Horan Lecture spotlight

      Fear of the Other: Discuss ...

      View the video from the lecture: A Franciscan Response to Racism & Fear if the "Other" in Today's World by Dr. Dan Horan, OFM.

      View the video here

    • Spiritus Award 2016

      2016 Spiritus Award

      And the 2016 St. Francis of Assisi Spiritus Paenitentiae (Spirit of Penance) Award goes to ... Project HOME. 

      Read about Project Home

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