’ Cyber Education Center; The Roost Irish pub; and a main-foor facelift of the university s library featuring built-in glass display cases containing historic artifacts from the Thomas J. and Michele Ridge Archival Collection. Victor also oversaw the university s frst ever capital campaign for athletics, which succeeded not only in meeting its goal of $9.5 million, but in exceeding it by $500,000, making possible signifcant renovations to nearly all of the university s athletic facilities. ’ - ’ ’ Mercyhurst witnessed gains in its reputational standing among higher education institutions, most recently being recognized in the top third (#38) of the 135 top-tier Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report . During the Victor administration, Mercyhurst was named a Purple Heart University for its commitment to veterans and their families, a likely contributor to the university s additional U.S. News ranking at #18 among “Best Schools for Veterans, and earned a #48 ranking in the category of “Best Value Schools. Victor s administration introduced the REACH Curriculum, a streamlined ” ” ’ and more fexible liberal arts core; replaced the term system with semesters; advanced the mission of the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) in ofering accessible and afordable entertainment to the Erie community; and introduced new traditions like Hurst Day and The 501, a unique fundraising arm of MIAC.
“ While Mercyhurst University has always been a place where close connections can be fostered, when chosen, it is easy to get lost in the day-to day busyness of academic life. Hurst Day impressed upon us the good of connecting together through recreation – not only as fellow faculty, staf, and administration, but also in our relationship with students, said Faculty Senate President Dr. Rich McCarty. “I am also especially appreciative of President Victor s support of MIAC. With his advocacy and participation on the advisory board, President Victor identifed the need to revolutionize this forward-facing institution. MIAC is now a crown jewel at Mercyhurst University and a regional asset of the performing arts. - ” ’ ” With the absence of any Sister of Mercy working full time at the university, Victor was committed to sustaining the Mercy legacy and supported the establishment of the Mercy Emissary Program toward that end. He also ushered in new initiatives designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. ’ During Victor s tenure, Mercyhurst made great strides in fundraising, including the largest alumni donation in history: $4 million from William and Betsy Hirt Vorsheck ‘77; Mrs. Vorsheck also contributed $1.25 million to establish the F.W. Hirt Erie Insurance Risk Management Program at Mercyhurst. Other memorable contributions include $1.5 million from philanthropist and historic preservationist Thomas B. Hagen, for whom the university named its history department; and $1.5 million from John
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