roberta.gervasi.jpgQUINCY - Quincy University ends the fall semester just as Robert Gervasi is introduced as its next president.

Gervasi, 57, will officially assume office in June 2008 as the 22nd president of the liberal arts college. Married and the father of three, Gervasi is the first lay person to head the university, which was founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars from Germany.

"I am eager and blessed to accept this invitation," said Gervasi, at a press conference Dec. 13 on campus, when his appointment was announced.

"I'm aware this is a momentous and historic transition to lay leadership," he said, noting it comes just as the Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province are celebrating their 150th anniversary. He has a long-running history with and knowledge of Franciscan charism, dating back to when he was a youngster growing up, and his aunt, his mother's sister, was a Franciscan sister. She founded a resident guest house in Assisi, where the Franciscan order was founded in the 13th century.

"She has long since passed away, but the guest house is still there," said Gervasi.

His family's association with the Franciscans "helped make us who we are," he said. "The inclusiveness of the Franciscans for all people, for all creation, welcoming people of all faiths, is the atmosphere that I sense here at Quincy. Even though there may be fewer Franciscan robes visible on campus than their used to be, I will do everything I can do to work with everyone to promote and nourish the Franciscan spirit which is such a vital part of Quincy University."

Currently a higher education consultant, Gervasi comes to the university with more than 30 years experience in higher education and business. Most recently he served as president and CEO of the Indianapolis-­based Institute for Study Abroad. Prior to that he was dean for nine years at McKendree University satellite campuses in Louisville and Radcliff, Ky., where his responsibilities included strategic planning, marketing, fund-raising and recruitment among other duties. Enrollment at both campuses steadily increased under his leadership.

A native of New York, Gervasi received his bachelor's degree in classics from Xavier University, his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and his doctorate in classics from Ohio State University. He can read or speak Spanish, Italian, Greek (ancient and modern), Latin, French and German.

He has taught courses in numerous fields at the University of Louisville; McKendree University; Chatfield College in St. Martin, Ohio; the University of Zimbabwe in Harare; Miami University in Miami, Ohio; Xavier University in Cincinnati; the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; and Ohio State University.

 "We were fortunate to have input from faculty, staff, students and administrators on the search committee," said Brian Belobradic, search committee chairman and member of the QU board of trustees. "We wanted everyone to have a voice, and in the end, I think everyone feels their voice was heard."

Father Ken Capalbo, OFM, chairman of the QU board of Trustees, described the presidential search as a wonderful process.

"Working with the entire Quincy University community has proven to be very fruitful," he said. "We are extremely excited and fortunate to have Dr. Gervasi joining us on campus in June."