Franciscan University of Steubenville installs the Rev. Dave Pivonka as its new president
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STEUBENVILLE -- The Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, was inaugurated Friday as the seventh president of the Franciscan University of Steubenville on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
It was a homecoming for Pivonka during homecoming weekend at the university.
Pivonka graduated from the university in 1989, and then headed into formation with the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance in Loretto, Pa. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1996. He returned to spend 12 years at the university in several roles.
"When I was a student, I never imagined I would be president of the Franciscan University of Steubenville," he said. "It is such an honor to come back to my alma mater. I have spent almost one-quarter of my adult life at the university. When I think back, it is a place I lived most of my life. The places and people are familiar."
Pivonka said the university has a great opportunity to support the city, adding it is a relationship than can benefit both. He said the university presents an educational opportunity to city residents, especially with scholarships. He said the thousands of people who come to the university for conferences provide an economic impact on the city with eating at restaurants and shopping at stores.
Pivonka said he won't be sitting in his office much in the first year.
He plans on visiting 26 different cities in the coming year, meeting with alumni.
But he also plans on getting to know city residents after being away for the past 11 years.
He said, because of the conferences, people all over the world know of the university and the city of Steubenville.
"We want to determine what it means to be Franciscan University. The opportunity is exciting but it is a hard job, one that I am truly excited about," he said.
"The university has been a part of my life for 33 years," he said.
The Very Rev. Joseph Lehan, TOR, the minister provincial of the Sacred Heart Province and the chairman of the university's board of trustees, said Pivonka has quality of character in the way he lives his life with profound spirituality and authenticity.
"He is what he believes," he said.
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton said Pivonka has been called to maintain the helm of the university.
David DeWolf, university board of trustees vice chairman, said the school's president plays a critical role at this time in history with the challenges facing secular society. He said the board of trustees in its search process for a new president couldn't be more confident in its decision.
"God not only chose Father Dave, but prepared him throughout his life," DeWolf said.
Pivonka has spent his time walking around campus, meeting with the students.
"He goes out and meets one-on-one with each of his spiritual children," said Derek Markle, student government president.
The students cheered when Markle said there are stickers around campus with the face of Pivonka.
Pivonka, in his inaugural address, said Jesus was an educator of his followers. He said the university's mission is to carry on with the teachings of Jesus.
"As a Catholic university, we strive to carry out the work of Jesus," he said, adding the school is both a faith and academic community.
He said coming to the university is more than just the acquisition of an academic degree.
"In the end, it can't be about working success," he said, adding it is more about how students and graduates care about their fellow man.
"We need to reach out to those the world has forgotten," he said.
Pivonka said there is no reason to reinvent the university, saying much good has been done.
"Franciscan University is being invited to be the center of the revitalization of the church," he added.