On Wednesday, June 30, Ancilla College hosted a transition event from being Ancilla College to partnering with Marian University to better the education of its students. This plan has been in the making for years and was announced in August of 2020.
Ancilla College’s board of trustees and The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, a sponsor of the college, decided that a partnership with Marian University would allow for Ancilla College to have a more expansive future.
The President of Ancilla College, Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC, Ed.D, and Marian University’s President, Daniel J. Elsner, hope to bring positive change to both institutions through their partnership.
“This strategic approach includes a long-range goal: to secure more opportunities for Ancilla alumni, current students and those in our local surrounding counties who seek further education in the region,” Dr. Dvorak said. “Education rooted in values will be a beacon of light and hope for the future. We believe Marian University commits to not only the mission, but also to fulfilling the mutual goal of advanced academic opportunities," said Dr. Dvorak.
The transition event was a symbolic and physical way for Marian University’s staff and Ancilla College’s staff to officially become a part of the same team.
The event began with a tour of the College’s facilities. Many of which have been, or are in, the process of being updated.
“Ancilla College looks forward to this transition providing students, donors, alumni and future students’ opportunities that will assist in achieving and advancing their personal goals. Ancilla is proud of its heritage and traditions of education since 1937 and looks forward to a thriving future. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have supported all of our ministries in the past and look forward to assisting in this exciting new venture into the future.” said Dr. Dvorak.
After the tour, there was mass led by Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese.
“The Catholic mass is a time in which people can share new hopes,” said Adam Setmeyer, Vice President of Mission and Ministry and Director of Campus Ministry. “This is a time for Ancilla’s staff and Marian’s staff to reflect on what they want the future to resemble and put struggles in the past.”
Setmeyer’s sentiment was echoed throughout the mass, including through Jeremiah 29:11.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord… ‘plans to give you hope and a future.’”
To learn more about Ancilla College of Marian University, please visit https://www.marian.edu/ancilla