Believe. Inspire. Transform: Leverage the Gannon Fund

Goal: $10 MILLION

Alejandra Ledesma ’22 did not fully expect to ever go to college, but a letter from Gannon University awarding her the Archbishop Gannon Scholarship made all the difference.

“The scholarship has given me the opportunity to earn a college education to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher,” Ledesma said. “I am thankful to be an Archbishop Gannon Scholar.”

The scholarship targets students in the Erie Public Schools who have the academic credentials to be admitted to Gannon University but lack the financial ability to do so. Ledesma is one of many students who have received full tuition assistance through the program, empowering them to reach their full career potential.

Alejandra Ledesma is able to study education after recieving the Archbishop Gannon Scholarship.

Thanks to the scholarship, Ledesma is on her way to a meaningful teaching career. 

“I’ve had the chance to participate in multiple field experiences since the spring semester of my freshman year of college. This has given me the opportunity to meet and work with teachers in the City of Erie. I am also taking courses to earn a certification in teaching English as a Second Language,” Ledesma said. “The Archbishop Gannon Scholarship has helped to make this possible.”

Students like Ledesma come to Gannon to develop as career professionals and socially responsible citizens. Once they graduate, they take their knowledge and skills back into their communities to transform lives. 

“The scholarship has given me the opportunity to earn a college education to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. I am thankful to be an Archbishop Gannon Scholar.” - Alejandra Ledesma ’22

Gannon’s Next Century campaign will leverage the Gannon Fund to ensure this remains our students’ legacies. The Gannon Fund bridges the gap between the cost of educating students and the price that students pay to obtain this education. Gifts to the Gannon Fund support the greatest needs and emerging priorities of the university, as well as provide students with immediate access to financial and educational resources that they depend on to be successful.

A gift to the Gannon Fund furthers Gannon’s mission by enhancing student financial support and university experiences that make a difference in students’ lives and educational journeys.

“Donors who are giving to Gannon are really making a positive impact on the lives of many young people, because they are supporting us and helping us to pursue our careers and what we’re passionate for,” Ledesma said. “Because of that, we’re able to make a difference.”

Learn more about our goal of leveraging the Gannon Fund at campaign.gannon.edu/gannon-fund.

Alejandra Ledesma stands in a power stance, crossing her arms

Alejandra Ledesma '22 is pursuing her dreams of becoming a teacher, thanks to the Archbishop Gannon Scholarship.

Gannon University
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Erie, Pa 16541
(814) 871-7000
www.gannon.edu

Gannon Magazine is published bi-annually by University Marketing and Communications.

We value your input; please direct any comments, questions or feature ideas to magazine@gannon.edu.

editors

Doug Oathout
Chief of Staff and Director of Marketing and Communications

Brianna Mariotti
Marketing and Content Strategist

design

  • Laura Giannelli
  • Andrew Lapiska ’09M

contributing writers

  • Mallory (Hedlund) Bottoni ’14
  • John Chacona
  • Bryan Kast
  • Nicole (Dohoda) Lossie ’11

editorial contributors

  • Haley Figurski
  • Kristine Rilling

photography

  • student, staff and alumni contributors

exclusive video content

  • Matthew King

online edition

  • Michael Gorski ’11M
  • Chloe Forbes ’21

To submit a class note, please contact:
Office of Constituent Engagement
gannonalumni@gannon.edu
814-871-5310