Gannon University was among just 240 U.S. colleges and universities selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to receive its 2015 Community Engagement Classification.
This honor recognizes Gannon's deep historical commitment to service and care for humanity and the Erie community.
Institutions applying for the Carnegie Classification voluntarily submitted materials describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, enabling the foundation to address elements of institutional mission and distinctiveness that are not represented in the national data on colleges and universities.
This year, 241 first-time applicants registered to receive the application for classification, 133 institutions submitted applications, and 83 were successfully classified as community engaged institutions.
“Gannon University is honored to be recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for commitment to the community that we serve and from which we draw strength,” said Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D. “Engaging in the community is a strategic goal that is articulated by our Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability) and many other initiatives, which we feel are essential to the continued growth and prosperity of both the campus and the community.”
Through Erie-GAINS, Gannon University reaches out to the community through programs in neighborhood and economic development, education, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability.
Among first-time recipients of the classification, 47 are public institutions and 36 are private. In terms of Carnegie’s Basic Classification, 28 are classified as research universities, 28 are master’s colleges and universities, including Gannon University, 17 are baccalaureate colleges, four are community colleges, and five institutions have a specialized focus—arts, medicine and other health professions. They represent campuses in 33 states and U.S. territories. Gannon University is the sole institution in Erie County to receive the honor.