As 2024 comes to a close, Ӱ̳ reflects on a momentous year marked by achievements, milestones and announcements that highlight its commitment to academic excellence and set the stage for continued momentum in the year ahead.
We invite you to read on to learn more about just some of the exciting highlights we celebrated throughout the year!
This past fall, Ӱ̳ welcomed its largest incoming class since 2020 and its most diverse in institutional history. This growth reflects the university’s growing appeal to students nationwide, drawn by its strong academic programs, supportive community, and commitment to developing leaders dedicated to serving others.
During the Convocation ceremony in August, Ӱ̳’s President, Alan Miciak, Ph.D., spoke to the incoming class about how a Jesuit liberal arts education enables individuals of all backgrounds to become contemplatives in action.
“A Jesuit liberal arts education aims to enable people of all faiths to become contemplatives in action,” Miciak said. “In other words, to enable our active life to feed our contemplative life, and for our contemplative life to inform our active life.”
In January, Ӱ̳ announced that it would be joining the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) beginning in the Fall of 2025. The move aligns the university’s nationally competitive athletic programs with other liberal arts colleges and universities that share a focus on prestigious academics and high-level athletics.
As the 10th member of the NCAC, which includes the likes of Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College and Depaw University, Ӱ̳ strengthens its commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
“We work every day to attract the type of student who wants an exceptional Jesuit education and who wants to compete at the highest level of Division III athletics, said Director of Athletics Brian Polian ‘97. “We believe today’s announcement aligns Ӱ̳ with peer institutions that share a common mission and that attract students from across the country.”
This year’s impressive placements in rankings from the Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and the Wall Street Journal collectively place Ӱ̳ among the top 7% of all 4-year institutions nationwide. The university ranked 206th in the Wall Street Journal’s The 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S., reflecting its dedication to graduate outcomes and career readiness. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Ӱ̳ as the third-best university in the Midwest and the third most innovative, highlighting its commitment to forward-thinking programs and student success.
Ӱ̳ was also honored in the Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges and named among the “Most Engaged in Community Service,” showcasing its mission-driven focus on forming leaders dedicated to serving others. These accolades reflect the university’s strong partnerships with local organizations and the exceptional contributions of its
students.
“We show up strongly in these methodologies because of their focus on outcomes," said Carolyn Noll Sorg, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing. “With our largest incoming class in years, the excitement and momentum on campus is inspiring.”
Dr. Tom Frazier, a 1994 Ӱ̳ alumnus, was recently appointed Chairman of the Autism Speaks Board of Directors. A leading clinical psychologist and autism researcher, Dr. Frazier’s new role underscores his commitment to advancing research, advocacy, and resources for individuals with autism and their families.
Dr. Axel Brandt, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Ӱ̳, was honored with the national Alder Award from the Mathematical Association of America, recognizing his exceptional teaching and mentorship. His innovative approach to engaging students in mathematics demonstrates the university’s dedication to fostering academic excellence.
Additionally, Dr. Bernard Prusak, Professor of Philosophy at Ӱ̳, was named an Affiliated Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC. This prestigious role reflects Dr. Prusak’s expertise in Catholic thought and ethics, reinforcing Ӱ̳’s impact on national and international scholarship.
Ӱ̳’s transformative Gateway North Project , marking a significant milestone in the university’s $100 million investment strategy. Planned for the intersection of Warrensville Center and Milford Roads, this 157,000-square-foot development will feature nearly 28,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store, alongside modern student living spaces.
The Gateway North Project is designed to enhance the campus and surrounding community, offering new amenities and revenue-generating opportunities for the university. It reflects Ӱ̳’s commitment to student success and innovative growth during a time when many higher education institutions are scaling back.
“The bold investments we are making at Ӱ̳ are more than enhancements to our campus. They are a testament to our unwavering commitment to our students’ success and the future of the university,” said Ӱ̳ President Al Miciak.