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Past Presidents

Monsignor Joseph J. "Doc" Wehrle (1933-56) - The institution's first president, “Doc” Wehrle is widely credited with putting in the hard work—and overcoming immensely difficult challenges—to advance Gannon to where it is today. Wehrle Hall, a Gannon residence hall located on West Sixth Street, is named in honor of “Doc,” who is fondly remembered for his dedication and devotion to and love for the school's students.

Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash (1956-77) - Monsignor Nash, who had been the school's Dean, succeeded Monsignor Wehrle as president in 1956. Monsignor Nash proved to be an ideal successor: the institution advanced qualitatively and quantitatively under his leadership. During his 20-plus year tenure, the Learning Resource Center (later renamed Nash Library in his honor) and the Zurn Science Center were constructed. Fittingly, a proclamation on the first floor of the library pays lasting tribute to him as a “unique and dedicated man.”

Joseph Scottino, Ph.D. (1977-87) - Dr. Scottino, a Gannon graduate, later returned to his alma mater as a professor, provost and vice president for academic affairs, dean, and ultimately president. In 1979, then-Gannon College was granted university status by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While the attainment of university status generally is recognized as Dr. Scottino's crowning achievement, he also led many other initiatives, including the Gannon-Hahnemann Family Medicine Program, evening and summer sessions, and the Liberal Studies Program.

Daniel M. Henry, Ph.D. (1987-91) - Dr. Henry's term is best remembered for Gannon's integration with Villa Maria College in January of 1989. A task force formed to study the issue had concluded that a “total and combined effort” between Gannon and Villa was “feasible and advantageous to assure the future of quality Catholic higher education in the Diocese of Erie.” The task force also resolved that an integration would promote unity in the delivery of Catholic higher education in Erie.

Monsignor David A. Rubino, Ph.D. (1991-2000) - Monsignor Rubino oversaw the renovation of the former Carlisle’s department store into the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center and the renovation of campus buildings like Beyer Hall, Zurn Science Center, and the Hammermill Center. The Waldron Campus Center was constructed during his presidency. Monsignor Rubino also completed the most successful fund-raising campaign ($15.5 million) in the University’s history and commissioned the first academic program review to strengthen the curriculum across the board.

Thomas S. Ostrowski, Ph.D. (2000-01) - Dr. Ostrowski moved from the role of provost and vice president for academic affairs to that of acting president. He also had served Gannon for 25 years as a member of the faculty in the Political Science department. After his service as acting president, Dr. Ostrowski returned to his role as Professor of Political Science.