About Us

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.

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.

 

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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.
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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

Hands-On Learning Experiences Making Headlines

University Communications & Marketing | 02/09/2024
Saint Francis University garnered front-page headlines in The Tribute-Democrat newspaper twice this week, both showcasing experiential learning in action.

Unified Bocce Ball: A Journey of Unity and Joy 

William W. Marshall, Penn Cambria School District | 01/26/2024
The Penn Cambria School District Superintendent shares the emotional "why" of how he brought an activity that showcases the power of unity and inclusion to his students by partnering with Saint Francis University's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute.

Printing with a Purpose

University Communications & Marketing | 01/23/2024
An empty plastic Powerade bottle kicked off an unexpected journey for three Saint Francis University Biology/Pre-Medicine majors. Their quest for free filament to use in their personal 3-D printers has blossomed into something truly extraordinary.

SFU's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership Institute Hosts National Expert

University Communications & Marketing | 11/29/2023
Saint Francis University's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute invited Dr. Richard Ingersoll, a leading national expert on America’s elementary and secondary teaching force, to address a crowd more than 70 educational leaders on Nov. 16, 2023.

30th Annual STEAM Day in the Books

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 11/21/2023
The university hosted its 30th Annual STEAM Day attended by 33 local high schools, 51 high school teachers, and record attendance of 481 high school students.

Saint Francis University 2023 Blanket Collection Comforts Many in Need

Melita O'Donnell, Academic Affairs | 11/07/2023
The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeer collected 275 beautiful quilted, crocheted, knitted, and tied blankets that will be distributed to sick and needy children in Cambria, Blair, and Somerset counties through the Healing Patch and Nurse Family Partnership (Home Nursing Agency), and through Dauntless Fire Company for comfort during emergency situations.

SFU Community Blanketeers seeks donations for annual blanket drive

Melita O'Donnell | 09/11/2023
The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collection will begin September 25 and run through November 1, 2023. Since 2006, the Blanketeers have collected more than 2,337 beautiful blankets, which have been donated to local children in Blair County, Cambria County, and surrounding areas.

Go Baby Go! Alternative Electric Mobility for Kids at SFU

General Engineering & PT Departments | 07/27/2023
Physical Therapy and General Engineering students teamed up to take on the challenge of providing a custom-modified Power Wheels car for a local child struggling with physical disabilities impeding her from getting around on her own.

Franciscan Friar to Bike in 13th Annual Charity Ride

University Communications & Marketing | 05/12/2023
Brother Shamus McGrenra, a 76-year-old stage IV colon cancer survivor and a Franciscan Friar, will embark on his 13th Annual #GoBroShamus Charity Bike Ride on June 3, 2023. Cycling the local Rails to Trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Brother Shamus will complete the ride over the course of two back-to-back weekends.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage: SFU and TEACH

Dr. Melissa Peppetti | 05/09/2023
While the teaching crisis impacts all locales, rural schools are having issues finding teachers for specific classes and grade spans, especially the disciplines of math and science. Saint Francis University's Graduate Education Department is committed to improving teacher quality by offering research-based solutions that may serve as viable solutions to the teacher shortage.