FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Marian University and Alvernia University in Reading, Pa. announce plans to “unite” the two institutions.
In a joint statement released Monday, the universities announced that “Alvernia would acquire Marian, bringing together two Catholic universities united by a commitment to faith, service, student success and comprehensive, values-driven regional higher education.”
The announcement did not include a timeline for the merger. The transfer of ownership between the Universities requires regulatory and accrediting approvals, as well as canonical review.
“In Catholic higher education, sponsoring congregations play a vital role in preserving and advancing the institution’s Catholic mission and identity,” the statement said.
Marian University was founded by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes in 1936. Alvernia University was founded in 1958 in Reading, Pa. by the Bernadine Franciscan Sisters.
No immediate changes to academic programs, employment, tuition, athletics, or campus operations are expected.
