The university, located in Milwaukee, cites downward enrollment trends and the pandemic as reasons for closing
Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee will be closing, effective on May 22, 2023. The university’s president, Dan Scholz, made the announcement in a video posted on the school’s YouTube page. Cardinal Stritch is a private Catholic university founded in 1937 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
In the video, Scholz said, “We are all devastated by this development, but after examining all options, this decision was necessary. I wish there was a different path we could pursue. However, the fiscal realities, downward enrollment trends, the pandemic, the need for more resources and the mounting operational and facility challenges presented a no-win situation. I am profoundly sad for the students.”
Students who spoke with WISN 12 News Monday are not shocked by the decision.
“I mean like the school itself, it’s not the most up kept and everything. There’s been like some problems here and there. Honestly, I figured it would happen in the next couple years,” freshman Rachel Harrell said.
“I live in California, so the Cal State deadline has also passed a long time ago, so I’m a little running around,” Savannah Barajas said. “I might have to take a gap year. We’ll see.”
Cardinal Stritch will hold their final commencement ceremony on May 21 at Wisconsin Center. The university adds that it will help students transition to another school. They also say they will offer an employee assistance program for faculty and staff.
