Lourdes University, a private Catholic institution in Sylvania, Ohio, will permanently close its doors at the end of the current academic year. The university's Board of Trustees announced the decision on Wednesday, citing severe financial challenges that have made operations unsustainable after more than six decades of service to the community.
The closure leaves students scrambling to find new academic homes and marks the end of an era for the institution founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958. University officials are now focused on ensuring a smooth transition for all affected individuals.
Key Takeaways
- Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, will cease operations permanently after the spring semester.
- The closure is attributed to declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and an unsustainable financial model.
- The University of Toledo and Walsh University have agreed to act as "teach-out partners," accepting Lourdes students in good standing.
- Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel has been appointed as the university's final president to oversee the closure process.
An Abrupt End for a Sylvania Institution
The announcement from the Board of Trustees confirmed what some had feared but many hoped would not happen. In a press release, the board detailed the difficult financial landscape that led to the closure. A combination of steadily declining student enrollment, increasing operational expenses, and a funding model that could no longer support the university created an insurmountable challenge.
As part of the transition, the university's current president, William J. Bisset, has agreed to step down. The Sisters of St. Francis have appointed Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel as the 13th and final president to guide the institution through its final months.
“The Sisters’ focus and ministry has always been on education and the individual student’s success,” said Linenkugel. “Unfortunately, the Sisters can no longer continue to subsidize the University at the level required to sustain its operations.”
Linenkugel affirmed that the university will remain fully operational for the remainder of the academic year. Her primary focus, she stated, is on the students, faculty, and staff who are now facing an uncertain future.
Scramble for Students and Staff
For students, the news has created significant disruption and anxiety. Many are now faced with the difficult task of transferring to a new institution, a process complicated by the timing of the announcement, which comes after many college application deadlines have passed.
Sydney Woodring, a senior in human resource management, is a second-generation Lourdes student. Her father is an alumnus, and her brother also attends the university.
“I went on campus, and immediately I just felt at home,” Woodring said. “It's hard for me to believe that I'm one of the last classes to ever graduate there.”
She expressed concern for her fellow students, particularly underclassmen who must now navigate the transfer process. "It's kind of past admissions time for a lot of colleges, which is making it very difficult for people to actually now transfer out and find another school to go to," she explained.
Partnerships to Ease the Transition
To assist students, Lourdes has secured agreements with other institutions. The University of Toledo and Walsh University have committed to serving as "teach-out partners." This means they will admit all interested Lourdes students who are in good academic standing, working to ensure they can complete their degrees with minimal disruption.
"All interested Lourdes students in good standing will be admitted to UToledo in a program aligned with their major and, to the fullest extent allowed by our accreditors, be supported to finish their degrees," said Dr. James Holloway, president of The University of Toledo.
Lourdes is holding a town hall meeting for students and will schedule a virtual meeting for parents to address the many questions and concerns about degree completion, transferring credits, and accessing academic records.
A History of Financial Strain
While the closure announcement was sudden for many, financial records indicate the university has been struggling for some time. Data reported by ProPublica shows that Lourdes University has been operating at a deficit since 2018. In 2024, the institution reported a deficit of nearly $5 million.
Lourdes University Timeline
- Early 1940s: An extension program of the College of St. Teresa is established on the Sylvania Franciscan campus.
- 1958: Lourdes Junior College is founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania.
- 1964: The institution receives regional accreditation.
- 1975: The first male students are admitted.
- Early 1980s: Receives authorization to offer bachelor’s degrees.
- 2011: Transitions from Lourdes College to Lourdes University.
This situation is not unique to Lourdes. Small, private liberal arts colleges across the country are facing similar pressures. Nearby, Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, also recently announced it would close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, citing similar financial reasons. These closures highlight a challenging trend in higher education, where smaller institutions struggle to compete with larger, better-funded universities.
Community Reacts to the Loss
The closure of Lourdes represents a significant loss for the Sylvania community and the broader region. The Diocese of Toledo expressed its disappointment in losing its only Catholic liberal arts university. Bishop Daniel Thomas was reportedly informed of the decision just one day before the public announcement.
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the university's contributions in preparing students for careers in healthcare, education, and business. Wendy Gramza, the Chamber's President & CEO, emphasized the need for collaboration to support those affected.
“Our focus now must be on solutions,” Gramza said. “The Chamber is committed to working with our higher education partners, regional employers, workforce organizations, and economic development stakeholders to ensure students have clear transfer pathways and career guidance [and] faculty and staff are connected to employment opportunities.”
As the final semester unfolds, the Lourdes community is left to grapple with the end of a long legacy. For students like Sydney Woodring, the focus is on cherishing the remaining time. "I'm trying to hold on to every moment because it's not going to be there anymore," she said.