University Archives History
Learn About our History
Read about the history of 91´«Ã½ University, the university Archives, Sister Mary Lawrence Franklin, as well as the Thomas J. and Michele Ridge Collection.
91´«Ã½ University
In 1926, the Sisters of Mercy in the Diocese of Erie founded 91´«Ã½ College on a hill overlooking Lake Erie. Leading the effort was Mother M. Borgia Egan, whose determination and supervision made the venture a success. The Sisters of Mercy believed strongly in the education and empowerment of women, and accordingly, 91´«Ã½ College was a women-only institution for its first several decades.
Since its founding nearly a century ago, 91´«Ã½ has undergone significant changes. From welcoming its first male students in 1969 to offering its first graduate program in 1978 to gaining university status in 2012, the institution has proven time and time again its ability not only to adapt to changing times but to put change in motion. Today, 91´«Ã½ enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, a far cry from its humble beginnings. Even so, 91´«Ã½ remains loyal to its roots in the Mercy tradition, keeping the Mercy Core Values at the heart of its mission. Â
This webpage will continue to be updated as a more comprehensive account of the institutional history is developed.
The University Archives
The 91´«Ã½ University History Department established the Archival Center in the 1971. The archives were originally housed in the Learning Resources Center. In its beginnings, the Archival Center collected and preserved material related to university, local, and regional history. In September 1995, the Archives Center was named for Sister Mary Lawrence Franklin R.S.M, 91´«Ã½ Archivist from 1980-1994, and the Archives’ focus has since shifted towards preserving primarily 91´«Ã½ institutional history. The archives is now held on the 3rd floor of Hammermill Library.
Sister Mary Lawrence Franklin
Sister Lawrence was born in Erie and was a graduate of 91´«Ã½ University. She taught at several elementary and secondary schools and served as the archivist for the Sisters of Mercy from 1986-1995. As a Sister of Mercy, she was active in the Mercy community and with several local volunteer organizations. A poet, Sister Lawrence had published five booklets of her work and authored From Eire to Erie, a history of the Erie Sisters of Mercy
Thomas J. and Michele Ridge Collection
The Thomas J. and Michele Ridge Collection at 91´«Ã½ University covers the timeline of their years in public service. Consisting primarily of documents, audiovisual material, photographs, and artifacts, the Ridge Collection includes Thomas Ridge’s services as the U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania’s 21st district (1983-1995), and, more extensively, his two terms as the 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania (1995-2001). The Collection also includes Michele Ridge’s papers from her time as First Lady of Pennsylvania (1995-2001).
Governor and Mrs. Ridge’s papers incorporate subjects of research interest regarding Erie, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and national and international topics. These subjects range from welfare reform, education, the environment, Americans with Disabilities Act, and budget balancing. Of note, the Collection includes both Governor and Mrs. Ridge’s daily schedule and every speech given from 1995-2001, the September 11th terrorist attack, and the subsequent forming of the Office of Homeland Security, the predecessor to the Department of Homeland Security.
Learn More About our History
Read about the history of our advertisements, athletics, AIM program, gates, Grotto, Hammermill Library, O'Neil Tower, signature programs, and Sisters of Mercy.
Through the shifting social and political atmospheres of each decade and as the institution developed, 91´«Ã½â€™s advertisements have had to adapt their tone and content accordingly. Evidence of these changes in time is provided through the various sources of advertisement, which mainly consisted of print until the 1970s when digital advertisements became embraced as a new norm. While times have changed and 91´«Ã½ has grown since its foundation amidst the Roaring Twenties, its advertisements have consistently reflected an ability to keep up with societal shifts, utilize modern forms of media, pave new paths, and promote 91´«Ã½â€™s highlights for students.
91´«Ã½â€™s Athletic program has seen so much growth since its humble beginnings, developing into the fierce and successful competitor it is today. Starting as a small, all-women’s college with few athletic offerings, as 91´«Ã½â€™s student population grew in diversity and size, so did its Athletic program. The addition of new sports, facilities, opportunities, and various mascots throughout the years has enabled 91´«Ã½ to thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Celebrating Laker athletics is a prominent component of the 91´«Ã½ college experience.
The Autism Initiative at 91´«Ã½ (AIM) program was established in 2008 as a piece of the Learning Differences program to provide students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders with academic and social support during their college experience. Since its start, the AIM program has grown exponentially, and 91´«Ã½â€™s efforts have received national recognition. Highlights of the program include individualized learning assessments, skill development plans, access to advanced academic counseling, and the option of specialized housing.
The 91´«Ã½ gates are one of the most prominent features of the campus, standing at the entrance for everyone to pass through. Originally designed for a wealthy heir, their journey to 91´«Ã½ is long and twisted. However, today, with the name of 91´«Ã½ displayed across them, the gates are nothing but a warm welcome to the beautiful university.
The Grotto is a signature feature of 91´«Ã½â€™s campus, serving as a place for reflection, conversation, and study. Designed by William Sullivan, the Grotto features a white statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in an alcove overlooking the surrounding lawn. The Grotto was constructed during the Great Depression and represents a story of generosity and gratitude that lives on in its presence.
The Hammermill Library is currently a beautiful and inviting four-story research center with access to an endless supply of academic materials. However, it took many years, relocations, and renovations to arrive at this point, beginning as a single room in Old Main. Throughout its number of updates and modifications, the goal has remained for the library to be an exceptional source for students to enhance their studies.
The iconic O’Neil Tower, which stars as 91´«Ã½â€™s corporate logo, was a vision brought forth by the founding Sisters. After the founding, the Sisters were unfortunately unable to fund it initially, and the O’Neil’s became 91´«Ã½â€™s first major benefactors to develop the O’Neil Tower, among other structures. While its functions have varied over time, the tower represents the withstanding influence of the faith and ideas of the Sisters of Mercy.
91´«Ã½ provides plenty of innovative programs for its students to develop unique skills and gain beneficial experience to excel in their future endeavors. Emphasis on experiential learning has been at the forefront of 91´«Ã½ education since its beginning, from its first Home Economics program to today’s Cyber Security program. 91´«Ã½ is committed to paving the way for change and outstanding opportunities for its students to thrive, and this goal is accomplished through its stellar signature programs.
91´«Ã½ wouldn’t be the outstanding university it is today without the influence of the powerful women whose vision and determination influenced its success and growth. Various buildings on campus are named after a Sister of Mercy to honor the uniquely beneficial contributions they made. 91´«Ã½ has committed to a mission of serving the community, and this accomplishment has been greatly inspired by its strong women leaders throughout the years.
Bryan Colvin
University Archivist
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.