The Board of Trustees of the Gregorian University Foundation is pleased to announce that it has elected Rev. Thomas Merkel, SJ as its next President, effective August 1, 2024.

Fr. Merkel is currently Assistant Vice President for University Relations at Creighton University, his alma mater.  Previously he served as President of Creighton Prep for nine years, and before that as Superintendent of Schools at the Red Cloud Indian School.  He has an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and an M.A. in Private School Administration from the University of San Francisco, as well as an M.Div. in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and a Licentiate in Philosophy from St. Michael’s Institute at Gonzaga University.  Fr. Merkel replaces Rev. Michael McFarland, SJ, who has been President of the Foundation for almost five years. 

“I am delighted and look forward to leading the Gregorian University Foundation, in service of the Gregorian University, the universal Catholic Church, and the world" said Fr. Merkel. "I recognize that our work helps to form men and women who are leaders for and with others, men and women of faith who make a difference in their local communities. I’m thankful for all the people who choose to support the Gregorian University Foundation in its mission of service, scholarship, leadership, and talent development. I trust that God will continue to bless this work.”