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Community Resources

OVERVIEW

We welcome you to discover what all SFU has to offer!

 

Saint Francis University has a variety of services for the area community as well as attractions and events that are open to the public. See what is available by topic in each section:

 

 

Charity & Services

 

Dorothy Day Outreach Center
Through kindness and generosity of campus administration, faculty, staff, and members of several local parishes the center is given the opportunity to serve local families in need with support, programs, food, clothing and fuel assistance.
Fundraising and Awareness Events
Saint Francis students, staff, and faculty participate in many charity drives, benefit walks/runs, and service events throughout the year. Our Events calendar has details on the latest campus activities.
Project Red
Annual Service day in where students perform service projects in Loretto and surrounding communities.

 

Cultural and Recreation Banner

Cultural & Recreation

 

Athletic Events
Come see any of the University's 23 men's and women's sports teams compete at the Division I level.
Community Events
There is always something to do at Saint Francis University. We hope to see you at one of our many campus events!

 

Bookstore
A favorite stop for students, staff, and alumni. Pick up your Red Flash gear here!
Captain Michael McGuire Park
A multi-use community facility to promote health and fitness while celebrating the historical, religious, and cultural heritage of Loretto.
Connors Family Fine Arts Center
The Connors Family Fine Arts Center serves as a cultural hub where students and community members can find fulfilling experiences through various arts programs, including band, chorus, dance, drumming, photography, painting, drawing, and live theatre.
Dining
Our dining facilities are open to the public. Check on the hours of operation and this week's menus!
The Grotto
This beautiful outdoor spiritual space includes a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, the Pieta statue, a Nativity scene, and the Stations of the Cross. It can be accessed from a paved path across from Cafe Gubbio.
Immergrün
is a short demanding course that serves as the on-campus home of the Red Flash golf and cross-country teams. Located on the Saint Francis University campus, Immergrün has never been altered since it was built for Charles M. Schwab in 1917.
The Keirn Family World War II Museum
is a significant collection that captures the essence of the “Greatest Generation” and paints a picture of life in the 1940s that goes far beyond the battlefield as told through the stories of the men and women of Pennsylvania. Now conveniently located within The Library and Learning Commons on the SFU campus.
Schwab Gardens
gardens of the magnificent former Charles M. Schwab Estate (now Mount Assisi Friary) are open for public viewing. The Italian Renaissance-style garden was created by Charles Wellford Leavitt Jr., a pioneering landscape engineer who also designed Forbes Field.
Stokes Athletics Center Natatorium
The natatorium features a 6-lane 25-yard pool that is used for competitive and recreational swimming. View the swimming pool homepage.

 

Health & Wellness

 

DiSepio Institute for Rural Health & Wellness
Focusing on a holistic approach to wellness, the DiSepio Institute believes in the importance of a person’s interior and exterior health. The Institute’s state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge programs, and academically rigorous programs are combined with a deep sense of compassion to help heal the local community.
DiSepio Center for Rehabilitation
The DiSepio Center for Rehabilitation provides occupational and physical therapy rehabilitation services to the members of the Saint Francis University community as well as to the members of our surrounding communities.
DiSepio Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation
The Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation offers a variety of physical therapy and occupational therapy services for children from birth to age 21. Individualized treatment plans, created by our dedicated and experienced staff, are designed based on a child’s specific needs and goals to provide the most effective care for ever patient.

 

DiSepio Image

 

Human Performance Lab
The HPL at DiSepio offers the latest in physical fitness assessments that help people of all ages meet their health and fitness goals. The Lab is open to anyone who wants evaluate ways to operate at their physical best.

 

Physical Therapy Residency Programs
In conjunction with our Department of Physical Therapy, The DiSepio Institute offers three physical therapy residency programs for physical therapists interested in pursuing a career in sports, orthopaedic or pediatric physical therapy.

 

Swimming Pool
Home to the Red Flash swim team, the Stokes Pool is available to the public during designated times. In addition to providing open swim hours, the SFU pool offers lifeguard certification and youth swim lessons for all ages and abilities. The Pool can also reserved for private events.

Business Resources 

 

Business Resources

 

Continuing Studies and Professional Development 
Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies offers convenient online courses tailored to fit the schedules of working adults and corporate-focused training.
Center for Watershed Research and Service
The CWRS helps match nonprofit partners in need of assistance with faculty and students from various academic schools and degree Programs at Saint Francis University.
Institute for Energy
The IFE provides information about alternative energy solutions (biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar, and of course, wind). The institute also leads businesses, schools, and communities in the development of cost-effective, environmentally sound energy alternatives.
Purchasing Department
If you are interesting in providing vendor services to the university, the purchasing department is the place to start.
Small Business Development Center
Whatever challenge faces your business, a consultant from the SBDC is ready to meet with you individually to help you launch your business, discuss your existing business plan, or help develop the strategies you need to meet your goals.

 

Spiritual

As the oldest Franciscan university in the country, SFU welcomes all students and community members to strengthen their faith amongst our spiritual landmarks on campus.
Spiritual Image

Chapel

The Immaculate Conception Chapel hosts a daily public mass schedule.
Captain Michael McGuire Park
A multi-use community facility to promote health and fitness while celebrating the historical, religious, and cultural heritage of Loretto.
The Grotto
This beautiful outdoor spiritual space includes a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, the Pieta statue, a Nativity scene, in addition to the Stations of the Cross. It can be accessed from a paved path across from Campus Ministry.
Schwab Gardens
The gardens of the magnificent former Charles M. Schwab Estate (now Mount Assisi Friary) are open for public viewing. The Italian Renaissance style garden was created by Charles Wellford Leavitt Jr., a pioneering landscape engineer who also designed Forbes Field.

 

Youth

Find events, youth camps and fun stuff to do for children and teens. Hope to see your family in Loretto soon!

Outreach News and Features

Blog
REAL AI Forum

Educators meet for AI Forum hosted by SFU REAL Institute

Dr. Melissa Peppetti, Director of Graduate Education | 10/01/2025
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education, and school leaders play a critical role in guiding its impact. SFU's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute fall workshop examined opportunities and challenges of AI in classrooms, school operations, and district leadership.
Blankets

Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers Collection Begins September 15

University Communications & Marketing | 09/09/2025
Join the Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers! From September 15 to October 30, help us create cozy, handmade blankets for children and seniors in need. Since 2006, more than 3,200 blankets have been donated thanks to the generosity of our community. Drop off your blanket at Scotus Hall and make a difference this fall.
Br. Shamus poses for photo with fellow bikers

Br Shamus Gears Up for 15th Annual Fundraising Ride

University Communications & Marketing | 06/23/2025
Saint Francis University’s 15th Annual Charity Bike Ride, led by 78-year-old cancer survivor Br. Shamus McGrenra, will take place this October to benefit the Dorothy Day Outreach Center. Spanning from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C., the ride aims to surpass $1 million in total fundraising and continues to inspire with its message of hope and service.
Photo of Flags

Why I Served: A Storytelling Event

Mitchell Jubas | 05/23/2025
Join us for an afternoon of live storytelling as local veterans share powerful, personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and service. This free event offers a rare chance to connect with the humanity behind the uniform and honor those who served.
Local high schools gather at Saint Francis University to start the 31st annual STEAM Day

STEAM Day 2024: A Tradition of Career Exploration Continues

Mitchell Jubas | 12/03/2024
Celebrating 31 years of innovation, Saint Francis University's STEAM Day continues to inspire high school students with hands-on learning and discovery across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
ROCK turns 30

Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids Turns 30

Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman '13 | 11/20/2024
Since 1995, the Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) program at Saint Francis University has had an enormous impact, with over 3,700 events reaching over 86,000 school children and community members.
2024 SFU Blanket Collection

Saint Francis University 2024 Blanket Collection Comforts Many in Need

Melita O'Donnell, Academic Affairs | 11/04/2024
The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collected 264 blankets that will be distributed to sick and needy children in Cambria, Blair, and Somerset counties through the Healing Patch, Nurse-Family Partnership (Home Nursing Agency), and local fire companies.
First Responsers Day CJ club

SFU hosts 3rd Annual First Responders Day

University Communications & Marketing | 10/28/2024
Saint Francis University welcomed First Responders from across the state on Oct. 25, 2024 for the 3rd Annual First Responders Day. It was the university's largest First Responders Day celebration, with almost 20 organizations from the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services participating.
3rd annual wheelchair wash and tune

Doctor of Physical Therapy Students help at Third Annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune

Department of Physical Therapy | 10/23/2024
The South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the United Spinal Association and Laurel Medical Solutions hosted their third annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune on October 4th, 2024. Saint Francis University’s DPT Class of 2027 students assisted during the event, transferring patients and cleaning wheelchairs.
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