Alvernia University in Pennsylvania has proposed acquiring Marian University in Wisconsin, a move that would bring two Catholic institutions under the sponsorship of the religious congregation that founded Alvernia.
The proposed combination would transfer sponsorship of Marian from the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, which founded Alvernia. The universities said the arrangement would expand educational opportunities, strengthen their collective resources, and preserve their shared Catholic mission.
Marian, founded in 1936, has served Fond du Lac and surrounding communities for 90 years. The institutions said they intend to preserve Marian’s heritage and identity while exploring ways to share resources and expertise.
“This is an opportunity to enhance Marian’s future while honoring the people and traditions that have made this university so special for generations,” Marian President Aaron Sadoff said in a press release announcing the proposed acquisition.
Sadoff said finding a partner that understood the university’s Catholic mission and commitment to the Fond du Lac community was important as leaders considered its future.
The proposed acquisition comes as Marian has faced enrollment and financial challenges. According to Higher Ed Dive, Marian's enrollment declined 24.8% over five years, reaching 1,246 students in fall 2024. The university declared an enrollment emergency in 2023 and subsequently eliminated more than 20 academic programs and laid off an undisclosed number of employees.
Marian has also recorded operating deficits since fiscal 2023, Higher Ed Dive reported. Alvernia, by contrast, has generally posted multimillion-dollar budget surpluses over the past decade. Its enrollment grew 2.4% over five years, reaching 2,796 students in fall 2024.
Alvernia has pushed back against characterizing the proposed combination as a response to financial distress. In an FAQ about the acquisition, the university said both institutions were approaching the opportunity “from a position of strength, guided by a shared commitment to mission alignment, long-term stewardship, and expanded opportunities for students.”
“Alvernia has taken deliberate steps over the past several years to strengthen our financial position, clarify our strategic priorities, and prepare for the university’s next chapter,” Alvernia President Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald said. “We’re incredibly excited about this opportunity to bring together two institutions that are grounded in shared Catholic mission and values.”
Donna M. Carroll, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, called the proposal an example of collaboration with significant implications for both institutions.
“This is an example of deeply meaningful governance at its best — a decision that invests in mission with significant organizational and financial implications. It is risky, courageous, and generous,” Carroll said. “The fact that the sponsoring congregations initiated the consolidation — as an exchange of gifts — offers Catholic higher education another hopeful pathway for collaboration.”
The proposed acquisition remains subject to further discussions and reviews, along with institutional, canonical, regulatory, and accrediting approvals.
Both universities will continue operating as they do now during the review process. The institutions said there will be no immediate changes to academic programs, employment, tuition, athletics, campus operations, or the student experience.
