About Us

Community Resources

  • About Us Homepage
  • Maps and Directions
    • 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.
    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.
    Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
    SAMA exists to preserve, exhibit, and advance American art and is dedicated to making its programs and activities accessible to the people of the southwestern area of central Pennsylvania.
    Theatre
    at Saint Francis University creates a unique avenue for students and area residents to come together as they learn and grow in their theatrical abilities.
    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 & Features

    Blog
    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.
    Students participating in the Poverty Simulation

    Poverty Simulation Event Highlights the Struggles of Those in Need

    Mitchell Jubas | 10/21/2024
    On October 18th, the Poverty Simulation Event gathered students and faculty from nursing, PT, social work, and public health to experience the challenges of poverty firsthand. Participants faced scenarios involving housing, healthcare, and limited resources, fostering empathy and raising awareness. The event highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired attendees to take action in addressing poverty within their communities.
    Mercy Ships

    Nursing alumnae volunteers with Mercy Ships in Africa

    Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 10/15/2024
    Michaela Smith, a 2016 Saint Francis University BSN graduate, recently served as a volunteer nurse for a two-week rotation in September with Mercy Ships, bringing healing and hope to communities in Sierra Leone, Africa.
    Brother Shamus McGrenra posing with his bike in front of Dorothy Day Outreach Center sign

    Shamus 14th Annual Charity Bike Ride

    Erin McCloskey, University Communications & Marketing | 09/06/2024
    On September 14, 2024, Brother Shamus will hit the trails of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, embarking on a ride that spans two weekends and covers over 98 miles. Each year, 100% of the charity ride proceeds are donated to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center with over 800,000 being raised since the inception of the bike ride.
    Dawson at Go Baby Go pick Up Day at Saint Francis University

    Go Baby Go! offers cool wheels and big smiles

    Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman ‘13 | 05/09/2024
    Interdisciplinary, community-engaged program, Go Baby Go! benefits children with disabilities and offers hands-on experience for OT, PA, and engineering students at Saint Francis University.
    Ava prepping for OT food lab

    Occupational Therapy in Action: Eating it All Up

    Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman ‘13 | 05/03/2024
    4-year-old Ava’s weekly feeding treatments offer hands-on experience for OT students. Since fall 2022, she has been attending these feeding sessions as part of a hands-on, community-engaged lab with the students in the pediatrics course.
    View All