Published: 05/11/2026
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Gannon University proudly conferred more than 700 degrees to members of the Class of 2026 during its Spring Commencement ceremonies for the Erie campus on Saturday, May 9. Both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies took place at Erie Insurance Arena, following the Baccalaureate Mass in St. Peter Cathedral, honoring the academic achievements and future aspirations of hundreds of graduates from the university.
Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., awarded degrees to graduates in attendance. This year’s graduating class of 738 students earned the following degrees: 54 doctoral degrees, 206 master’s degrees, 458 bachelor’s degrees and 20 associate’s degrees. Graduating with distinction, more than 200 students will be recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, including 67 summa cum laude, 81 magna cum laude and 96 cum laude honorees. In addition, 139--77 undergraduate and 62 graduate--global students representing 39 countries will proudly earn their degrees, highlighting the university’s international reach and diversity.
This year’s keynote speaker was The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L, the Bishop of the and Gannon University Board of Trustees Chairperson.
In recognition of his faithful leadership, enduring commitment to Catholic education and service to Gannon University and the Diocese of Erie, Bishop Persico will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris causa, degree during Saturday’s commencement ceremony.
More on the speaker:
The Most Reverend Lawrence Thomas Persico, 10th bishop of the Diocese of Erie, has dedicated nearly five decades to priestly ministry and leadership in the Catholic Church, with an enduring commitment to Catholic education and the formation of young people.
Born Nov. 21, 1950, in Monessen, Pa., he was raised in a close-knit, faith-centered family in the steel valley of southwestern Pennsylvania. He attended Saint Cajetan Elementary School and Saint Joseph Hall, the diocesan high school seminary in Greensburg. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky, and a Master of Divinity from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe. In 1982, he received a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America.
Bishop Persico was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Greensburg on April 30, 1977. Over the next three decades he served in numerous leadership roles including assistant chancellor, vice chancellor and chancellor of the diocese, while also serving as pastor of Saint James Parish in New Alexandria. In 2005 he was appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia, positions that required both pastoral sensitivity and administrative leadership.
On July 31, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Persico the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Erie. He was ordained and installed at Saint Peter Cathedral on Oct. 1, 2012. His episcopal motto, Veritas in Caritate — “Truth in Love” — reflects his approach to ministry rooted in compassion, integrity and service.
Throughout his time as bishop, Bishop Persico has been a strong advocate for Catholic education and the mission of Catholic universities. As Bishop of Erie, he serves as chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Gannon University, providing guidance in preserving the university’s Catholic identity and supporting its commitment to academic excellence, service and the formation of the whole person.
In that role he has worked closely with university leadership, faculty and students, supporting initiatives that strengthen the university’s mission and expand opportunities for students seeking both intellectual and spiritual growth.
Beyond his work with Gannon University, Bishop Persico has served on several national and regional boards and remains active with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
Having reached the canonical age of 75 in 2025, Bishop Persico has submitted his resignation to the Holy Father as required by Church law and continues to serve the Diocese of Erie while awaiting the appointment of his successor.
