Mercyhurst University is making history in its centennial year.
Much of the campus is now included in the National Register of Historic Places.
A marker noting the Mercyhurst College National Historic District designation was unveiled in front of Mercyhurst’s Zurn Hall on May 14.
The designation recognizes the architectural significance of the campus as well as the school’s broader role in American educational and social history, particularly in the education of women and its transition to a coeducational institution.
“With this designation the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation honor Mercyhurst for the social history that has unfolded here of a women’s college and seminary that reflected, moved with and often shaped the times, and the intangible values embodied both in the landscape and a half-century of architectural design,” Mercyhurst history professor Chris Magoc said.
Old Main, Egan Hall, Christ the King Chapel and Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto are the heart of the Mercyhurst College Historic District. All were part of the campus when the college opened a century ago.
Mercyhurst University President Kathleen Getz speaks during ceremonies celebrating the school’s National Register of Historic Places designation on May 14.
The historic district also includes the campus’ iron entrance gate and all university buildings erected through 1972.
Mercyhurst University’s legacy will continue to evolve through its second century, university president Kathleen Getz said during the marker dedication.
Path to historic designation: Mercyhurst to pursue National Register of Historic Places listing
“This campus has long been a place of purpose where tradition and transformation meet. Generations have learned and served and grown here, contributing to the legacy that continues to evolve.
“This dedication recognizes that legacy while also reminding us that history is not static. It lives through the people that study, work and gather here each and every day,” Getz said.
Mercyhurst centennial
The May 14 marker dedication opened Mercyhurst University’s centennial celebration.
The school was founded as Mercyhurst College by the Sisters of Mercy a century ago.
The 75-acre campus along East 38th Street opened on Sept. 20, 1926, for female students.
Mercyhurst centennial: University looks to future as well as the past
The school first enrolled male students in September 1969.
Mercyhurst College became Mercyhurst University in 2012 with authorization from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
About the National Register
The National Register of Historic Places is a listing of individual sites and districts worthy of historic preservation.
Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which determines the eligibility of sites submitted for consideration.
National Register: Here are Erie County properties listed as historic places
Other Erie sites on the National Register include the Boston Store, Dickson Tavern, the Land Lighthouse and Warner Theatre.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Mercyhurst to celebrate its centennial as national historic site