GREENSBURG, PA-Seton Hill College announced today it will become Seton Hill University, a name and status that represents the institution's high caliber academic programs and rich heritage, while embracing its future as an institution offering a range of distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs.

"Seton Hill continues to grow to meet the challenges of new times in the best tradition of the Sisters of Charity who founded this institution. We fully support this bold step forward," said Sister Gertrude Foley, President of the Sisters of Charity. Paul M. Pohl, Chairman of the Seton Hill Board of Trustees, added, "Seton Hill offers a myriad of exceptional coed undergraduate programs and an increasing number of innovative graduate programs for men and women. Several exciting new majors are in development in music therapy, sports psychology and hospitality and tourism, with a focus on the heritage, history and culture of Western Pennsylvania. As a university, we will continue to develop graduate offerings as well to further our commitment to meet the evolving needs of our community."

Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education Charles B. Zogby approved the College's designation as a university. According to Seton Hill President JoAnne Boyle, the change to university status reflects the institution's move in recent years to expand its offerings to include graduate study and centers which serve the needs of the region. "We will remain a small and personal place where the focus is on academics and teaching," Boyle said. "As a university, Seton Hill will continue to provide our more than 1,400 students with educations that as Elizabeth Ann Seton said, 'will equip them for the world in which they will live.'"

The formal announcement of Seton Hill's university status will coincide with the opening of the fall 2002 academic year. A number of celebratory events are being planned. Details will be released in the months ahead.