Year in Review: Top Stories of 2022

Published: 12/28/2022

Gannon's seventh president, Dr. Keith Taylor, shares a moment on AJ's Way with president-elect Dr. Walter Iwanenko.

You continue to make history, Knights. We saw a record-breaking incoming class, new student programs and accolades, community initiatives, awards and more - you made 2022 what it was. You adapted, grew, and continued to transform the world.

Here's a look back at just a few of the top stories of 2022.

Gannon starts the year ranked among the best in four college rankings
Thanks to our community, we also rounded out the year ranking as a Top National University by U.S. News & World Report, and a 2022 Great College to Work For.

Gannon partnered with TimelyMD to offer students 24/7 medical and mental health care
The university took another major step in its efforts to prioritize the health and well-being of the campus community, partnering with TimelyMD to offer students 24/7 medical and mental health care.

Gannon opened Chick-fil-A on campus, enhancing dining options
Gannon and Metz Culinary Management officially opened the new Chick-fil-A location on campus in the Waldron Campus Center, enhancing the variety of dining options available to students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Home of Gannon Golden Knights now to be known as Highmark Events Center
The home court of the Golden Knights has a new name, The Highmark Events Center, offering the promise of enhanced facilities and an expansion of the long-standing partnership between Gannon and Highmark.

Gannon Women’s Basketball earns back-to-back PSAC Championships.
Gannon has now won three PSAC championships, all under head coach Cleve Wright.

Gannon University Wins PSAC Dixon Trophy
Gannon became the first school in Erie County to be honored with the illustrious PSAC Dixon Trophy.

PSAC Three-Peat for Women's Golfers as White Claims Individual Crown
The Gannon women's golf team joined Cal U as the only team to win three consecutive PSAC championships after dominating the field in the 2022 PSAC Women's Golf Championships.

Gannon volleyball takes Atlantic Regional Championship
The outstanding season ended with a trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

87 students explored the world this summer as Gannon TRAVEL returned to full force.
Starting in May, Gannon launched international TRAVEL programs for the first time since 2019, effectively re-establishing opportunities for our Gannon family to spend a part of the summer in locations across the globe.

Gannon community well represented, Erie’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022
The Erie Reader released its annual Erie's 40 Under 40 class, including many in the Gannon community on its list of "40 young innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of Erie."

Gannon Ruskin Campus Voted Best of the Best in Tampa Bay Times
The Tampa Bay Times announced Gannon's Ruskin Campus was voted Best of the Best for Best Graduate Schools.

Gannon University Dedicates New Student Residence: South Hall
The university opened its newest residence, South Hall, to accommodate Gannon's growing student body and provide a thoughtfully designed and welcoming place they can call home.

Gannon president Keith Taylor Ph.D. announces he will step down; search initiated
Keith Taylor, Ph.D., Gannon's seventh president, announced he will step down next June. Highly regarded for his personal touch, Taylor announced his decision during a community meeting with staff and faculty, and in a letter to Gannon students and colleagues.

Gannon University volunteers GIVE back to communities in Erie, Pa. and Ruskin, Fla.
Gannon's fall service day brings more than 1,000 Gannon students, employees, and alumni to serve at more than 40 sites across Erie, Ruskin, and the nation.

Students collaborate to create, rename event space above Doc’s Landing: The Deck
Gannon’s Activities Programming Board and Student Government Association teamed up to revitalize and repurpose the second-floor space of the Waldron Campus Center above Doc’s Landing.

Gannon Dedicates New Floor of Academic Building at Ruskin Campus
Gannon celebrated the completion of this $3.9 million investment, which Sarah Ewing, Ph.D., dean of the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, described as “a continuation of our visionary plan to deliver practical and hands-on learning environments that educate students to become highly skilled professionals who meet the evolving needs of today’s health care industry.”

I-HACK's Triangulum sees completion
Thanks to a generous gift provided by Deacon Martin P. Eisert ’85M, ’89M and Kathryn A. Eisert, CPA, a new sculpture rests in the Inspiration Plaza of the Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge.

Knights return to Ruskin campus, supporting one another and their Florida community impacted by Hurricane Ian
Knights gathered to support efforts getting an industrial-size generator to Fort Myers that will help maintain food supply for evacuees and first responders, and volunteered opportunities with the Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice directing traffic, and distributing food and water at sites in the Fort Meyers area.

Gannon University Announces its Eighth President, Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.
Walter Iwanenko Jr., Ph.D., an occupational therapist and epidemiologist whose six-year tenure as Gannon University’s provost and vice president for student experience has earned him a reputation as a creative problem solver and an advocate for academic excellence, has been selected as the university’s eighth president.

First-Generation College Students at Gannon Gather in Honor and Support
More than 100 students, faculty and staff from across the Gannon community gathered to honor #FirstGenDay, the recognition of students who are the first in their families to pursue or obtain a degree in higher education.

Gannon launches Project NePTWNE to protect freshwater and strengthen Erie
Project NePTWNE, a $24-million project, will be completed in phases; the unconventional spelling is a acronym for “Nano & Polymer Technology for Water and Neural-Networks in Erie,” and the trident represents a three-tiered goal for the project which aims to “measure, mitigate and manufacture.”

History Meets High-Tech in Collaboration Among Gannon, Kidder Jefferys Construction, Thomas Hagen and Historic Erie Preservation Trust
A team of Gannon engineers collaborates to 3D print balusters needed in the restoration of a nearly 130-year-old staircase in an historic home.

Gannon athletic director Lisa Goddard McGuirk named Erie Times-News Sportswoman of the Year
“Lisa has transformed our athletics program through her tireless commitment to hiring and developing a team of coaches and staff that share her and the university’s passion for excellence,” said Gannon President Keith Taylor.

We couldn't possibly contain everything you accomplished in such a short list; here are a few other stories we think you’ll enjoy:

You gave of yourselves, answering the call to service in new ways.

Faculty, staff and alumni once again redefined the standard of excellence.

You didn't do it for the awards, but people had really nice things about you, Knights.

You brought in funding and support for important research and collaboration.

You continued to be great neighbors, locally and globally.

We celebrated your transformational scholarly experiences, academic and athletic achievements, as well as personal and professional milestones.

See much more coverage from Gannon Athletics at gannonsports.com.

We welcomed incredible guests to expand our world views.

Plus, you dropped new podcasts.

What were your favorite stories from the past year – on this list, or otherwise? Email social@gannon.edu or find us on social media to let us know, @gannonu! Happy New Year, Knights.