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Rev. Nicholas Rouch '83

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Reverend Nicholas J. Rouch, S.T.D., went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Gannon University in 1983, graduating summa cum laude. While a student at Gannon, Rev. Rouch served as a Resident Advisor in Wehrle Hall, was involved in the Student Government Association and Campus Ministry. During his senior year, he discerned the call to priesthood and entered seminary formation after graduating in 1983.

He continued his education at St. Mary’s Seminary, receiving a Master’s of Divinity, S.T.D. in Theology/Theological Studies in 1988. He then received a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 1993. Still furthering his education, Rev. Rouch received a doctorate in spiritual theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas in Rome where his dissertation addressed the relationship of Christian dogma and spirituality in the writings of Cardinal Newman.

Ordained a Catholic priest in 1989 for the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, Rev. Rouch is currently the Vicar for Education for the diocese. He teaches regularly at Gannon University and at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

In addition to his present duties, Rev. Rouch is co-chaplain of the Serra Club of Erie and of the Holy Family Carmelite Monastery. Since ordination, his assignments have included high school theology teacher, Gannon University Chaplain and Gannon University Vice President for Mission and Ministry, as well as sacramental assistance at various parishes.

In recent years, he has been significantly involved in Bishop Persico’s pastoral planning process for the Diocese of Erie, particularly in the areas of Catholic schools and faith formation. He serves as a member of Gannon’s Board of Trustees, is Vice- President of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and holds memberships in the National Catholic Educational Association and the Newman Association of America.

Rev. Rouch is the son of the late Dr. John S. Rouch and the late Ann K. Rouch. His second mother, Sally Buseck Rouch, was honored by Gannon in 2004 as an honorary alumna. He and his five brothers all graduated from Gannon University, where their father taught for over 30 years in the English Department.

(published September 2018)