La Salle University Names First Female President In School's 152-Year History
By Steve Beck
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- La Salle University named its female president Tuesday in the 152-year history of the school.
Colleen M. Hanycz, the current president of Brescia University College in London, Ontario, will take over the role of president at La Salle later this year.
Hanycz, the 29th president of La Salle University, is the school's first female president. She is also the school's first lay president, which has until now been a Christian brother.
The historic appointment was announced by William Sautter, '71, chair of La Salle's board of trustees.
"This is a pivotal moment in La Salle's history," Sautter said. "We are very pleased and excited to name Dr. Hanycz as the next president of La Salle University. She is an innovative academic leader with an impressive record as an agent of positive change. She is ideally suited to maximize La Salle's potential while continuing to honor our distinctive mission and values."
Hanycz will formally succeed Brother Michael McGinniss, '70, who stepped down at the end of his term on May 31, 2014, after serving 15 years as president.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed the next president of La Salle University," Hanycz said. "I have a deep appreciation for La Salle's exceptional values and its sense of purpose and mission. I attended a Lasallian high school, and I understand that the educational charism of the Christian Brothers emphasizes a commitment to academic rigor, a strong sense of social justice and service, and dedication to a transformational educational experience. I am eager to work with the entire La Salle community to build upon La Salle's strengths and to position it as a leading Catholic university."
Hancyz earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from St. Michael's College, at the University of Toronto. She completed her JD at Dalhousie University, and her LLM. and PhD at Osgoode Hall Law School.
