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Our Franciscan Story

Photos, Videos, Stories, and More

Treasured Memories

As our 75th Anniversary drew near, we reached out to alumni and friends, asking you to share your favorite memories of Franciscan University of Steubenville. After all, this is your anniversary, too! We also raided the archives in the St. John Paul II Library, boxes of VHS and ¾-inch mystery tapes, and our photo library and found some historical gems. Enjoy!

It’s not too late to share your Franciscan story! Upload stories here or send to franciscanmagazine@franciscan.edu.

Legends from the Hill Podcast

If you want to hear more from your fellow alums discuss the impact that Franciscan has had on their lives, check out the Legends from the Hill podcast.


Fr. Dan Sinisi

Memory Video

Father Daniel Sinisi, TOR, helped launch the theology major at Franciscan University of Steubenville and served as the Theology Department’s…

Dr. John Carrigg

Memory Video

Dr. John Carrigg was an esteemed history professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville for over 50 years. English professor Dr.…

Dr. Rose Cerroni

Memory Video

Dr. Rose Cerroni ’52 started at the College of Steubenville as a student but became a beloved biology professor who…

Fred Waring and the Alma Mater

Audio Photo

The year was 1950. The young College of Steubenville, founded less than four years prior, was preparing to graduate its…

Charles J. Robinson ’69, D.Sc., P.E. 

Memory Story Video

I am responding to your FRANCISCAN article on Memorable Professors. I am sorry I did not submit anything for that…

Jim Przepasniak ’57

Baronette

A damaged class ring had sat in Jim Przepasniak’s drawer for many years. But now it’s been repaired, and Jim,…

Tom Kneier ’73

Memory Photo Story

When I arrived on campus in the fall of 1969, I was a 17-year-old freshman with a smart-aleck attitude and…

Fr. Kiley Outlines History of Franciscan Education

Memory Photo Story

For the 1954 Convocation Mass at the College of Steubenville, Father Bonaventure Kiley, TOR, gave an address outlining the rich…

Al Abel ’69 and Janis Bates ’72

Memory Photo

Al Abel ’69 and Janis Bates ’72 were married in Christ the King Chapel on July 18, 1970.  They believe…

A Thank You to Professor Humberto Belli

Memory

Motives: 1) To thank the TOR Franciscans who founded a college to benefit veterans. 2) To thank Professor Humberto Belli,…

God Calling

Franciscan Magazine

Franciscan University encourages students to listen, not only to their professors but to God himself. Here is what some of…

A Warm Welcoming

Memory

I was one of the four Nigerians who came to study in 1989. We were picked from the airport by…

From Our Archives

Franciscan Magazine

A few historical treasures from the St. John Paul II Library Archives. 1. The minister general of the Franciscan Third…

Explore the Archives

Franciscan Magazine

A look inside the archives of St. John Paul II Library. 1. Printed on paper made of linen rags, these…

From the Archives – Exploring Fr. Egan’s Desk

Franciscan Magazine

“A few months after I started working here, someone mentioned that the big ‘table’ used as storage in the archives…

Favorite Eateries

Baronette

This winter The Baronette did an e-mail survey asking alumni to vote for their favorite eateries in Steubenville and vicinity. The response…

Larry Bedore ’71

Baronette

CSI and Crossing Jordan could base many episodes on the work of Larry Bedore ’71. Two weeks after graduating with his biology degree,…

Kathleen Small ’76

Baronette

“Kathy, your Spanish needs so much work, you have to go to Spain to catch up.” That was Professor Richard…

Hail, Steubenville!

Franciscan Magazine

Your responses to the question about your favorite spots in Steubenville and its environs were many and varied, though you’ll…

It’s All Greek!

Franciscan Magazine

Although I never joined a Greek organization, I always knew the brotherhood and sisterhood ran deep among those who did.…

“Lift High the Banners of Love”

Franciscan Magazine

Faith households have become a household name at Franciscan University since Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, established them early in his…

Gaming Pioneer

Memory Photo

This is the story of one of the original pioneers of the Gaming experience. The first two semesters of Gaming’s…

Unsung Heroes: Professor James Gaston

Memory Unsung Heroes

I would like to speak to an unsung hero right there on Franciscan’s campus: Professor James Gaston. When I showed…

The Lord’s Guided Tour

Memory Photo

Fall ’93. It was our first trip. Nine of us from Gaming were going to head to Krakow, Poland, to…

Cheering for the Home Team

Baronette

We asked for your favorite moments of Steubenville sports, and Baron basketball came up the winner. But there are fond…

Alumni Across the Decades

Alumni Across the Decades Baronette

George Fertal  Class of 1953 Major: Economics Fraternity: Omicron Alpha Kappa George chose the College of Steubenville first of all for…

Dr. Jim Slater

Baronette

“In a difficult economic time, they offered me a job, and I haven’t been fired yet.”  That’s how Dr. Jim…

A Match Made in Steubenville

Franciscan Magazine

By Emily Stimpson Franciscan University promises its students a first-rate education and strong faith formation. But the one thing it…

The Soundtracks of Steubie U

Franciscan Magazine

Music serves as the soundtrack of our lives and forever links us to powerful memories, sweet, silly, and sad. So…

Franciscan’s Got Talent

Franciscan Magazine

You relive your time in the Franciscan limelight—and reveal some hidden talents. —Lisa Ferguson ’84, Editor I was a member…

Every Tiny Flower

Memory

Franciscan University and household life gave me more than words can adequately express. First and foremost, it gave me the knowledge…

My Austrian Experience

Memory

I spent the fall semester of 1996 in Austria. When trying to think of my favorite memory from Austria, my…

“Breathing With Both Lungs”

Memory Photo

That glorious home away from home known as the Kartause was for me, in the fall of 1997, a haven…

Prof. Robert Englert

Baronette

The College of Steubenville was revamping its entire English Department during the late sixties. Robert Englert was then finishing his…

Hall of Fame Ushers in New Members

Baronette

Franciscan University’s recent return to intercollegiate athletics as NCAA Division III provisional members has brought new life to the Baron…

Alumni Across the Decades

Alumni Across the Decades Baronette

Victor Lynskey Class of 1951 Major: Biology and Chemistry Fraternity: Sigma Sigma Mu Home: Steubenville Vic chose the College of Steubenville…

“I Picked the Right Spot”

Memory

When I saw the request to reflect and recall my fondest memories of attending Franciscan University, it goes without saying…

A Life-Changing Moment

Memory Photo

My most life-changing moment was in March of my freshman year, sitting in the J.C. with next-door neighbor, Nettie (Beaudrie ’02)…

Totus Tuus Maria

Memory Photo

Stephanie Hunt ’04 shares two photos of her household, Totus Tuus Maria, taken between 2002-2004. She said, “I currently live…

My Favorite Prank

Alumni Survey Baronette

The best one I remember was pulled by some guys on second floor Marian. The victim was Ruth Oswald ’82.…

An Interview With John Romanoski ’51

Baronette

Although John Romanoski ’51 of Bridgeport, Ohio, has never owned an automobile, he has certainly gotten around! John recently talked…

Dr. John Herrmann

Baronette

After a 40-year career at Franciscan University, Dr. John Herrmann has decided to retire, although he continues to make the…

Unsung Heroes: Knights

Memory Unsung Heroes

My unsung heroes can be summed up in one household: Knights of the Holy Queen. No one on campus showed…

Father Joseph Kim ’05

Archive Story

 “When you go through seven years of seminary, you think you know what the priesthood is, but there are so…

“Just Friends”

Memory

I was not happy with Dr. Safranski on the first day of Scripture and Tradition my freshman year of college…

My Favorite Prof

Baronette

Who was your favorite prof? The one whose fascinating lectures kept you awake, even when you used to think you…

Alumni Across the Decades

Alumni Across the Decades Baronette

Donald R. Donell  Class of 1950  Major: Political Science Nickname: Buff Fraternity: Alpha Phi Delta Home: Weirton, West Virginia Don attended…

When We Danced the Night Away

Alumni Survey Baronette

Formals. Sock Hops. The Greek Ball. Homecoming. Seems there was a different dance every week. Our last survey asked you…

A Dream Come True

Memory Photo

It was early February of 2021 when I received a phone call from one of my Franciscan TOR sisters who…

Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found by Franciscan University Biology Students

Photo Story

A spotted lanternfly—feared for its potential to cost hundreds of millions in agricultural damage to grapes, hardwoods, orchard trees, homes,…

A Hurricane Katrina Remembrance

Audio Memory

In this audio file, Father Timothy Danaher, OP, ’09, shares his memory of the impact Hurricane Katrina had on Franciscan…

Falling in Love at Franciscan

Memory

While I did not meet my husband on campus at Franciscan, my alma mater played a huge role in us…

Dr. Rose Cerroni ’52

Baronette

       Dr. Rose Cerroni’s career at Franciscan University spans half a century, from her student days in the early 1950s to…

Dr. Jack Boyde ’66

Baronette

Dr. Jack Boyde, beloved professor of history, mentor, and friend to so many, lived in the memories of Late 60s/Early…

Alumni Across the Decades

Alumni Across the Decades Baronette

Bob Fahey Class of 1952  Age: 83 Major: English; minor in history; master’s in English from WVU A World War II and…

An Unforgettable Prof: Ed Kelly

Baronette

“The consummate professional.”   “So down to earth.”  “He should have been on Broadway.”  When Ed Kelly’s students reminisce, each focuses…

An Interview With Tom O’Connor ’72

Baronette

Tom O’Connor ’72 majored in biology and was an active member of his fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho, while attending the College…

I’ve Been Workin’ on the Campus

Baronette

We asked our early alumni to share memories of student jobs. Who would have thought working your way through college…

Antoinette “Nettie” (Mantica ’53) Grant

Baronette

         An administration building on Washington Street, a house and a Quonset hut for classrooms a few blocks up, and sports…

Good Books

Franciscan Magazine

Based on this survey, I’d say some of you (OK, us) have a serious book addiction. What else would possess…

Victoria Cain ’97

Memory Photo

I am outside the Portiuncula Chapel, where in school, I realized that this was the true presence of Jesus Christ,…

Prof. James Anderson

Baronette

Professor James Anderson has devoted his entire career to Franciscan University. In his 40-plus years here, he has held many…

Remember the Barons

Baronette

The fifties were certainly the glory years for intercollegiate basketball at the College of Steubenville: two players named All-American, three…

Sierra (Prinzbach ’16) Redmond

Memory Photo

God bless this place! Memories filled with Dr. Joseph Pathakamuri’s lab (photos from 2013) and fun times with Daughters of…

A Most Embarrassing Moment

Memory

My most embarrassing moment happened when I was still in the MA Theology Program.   I was working a SWOP office…

A Major Influence

Franciscan Magazine

Would you choose the same major if you had a chance at a do-over? Most of our alumni gave a…

Dream Job?

Franciscan Magazine

Some of you had a clear idea of what you wanted to do after college. And you did it. Others,…

Rosemarie (Zagiba ’57) Chonzena

Memory

My student job was in the Athletic Office during the glory years of Baron Basketball from 1955-1957. The office was…


It’s not too late to share your Franciscan story! Upload stories here or send to franciscanmagazine@franciscan.edu.