Stritch University in Wisconsin Is Closing After 86 Years

. After 85 years, Cardinal Stritch University, a Catholic liberal arts college in Wisconsin, is closing.

FOX POINT (Wis.) -- Cardinal Stritch University is closing a year after it celebrated its 85th anniversary.

"I wish there were a different way we could go," President Dan Scholz stated in a Monday video. "However, the fiscal realities of declining enrollment trends, pandemic, increased resources, and mounting operational and facility problems presented a win-lose situation.

When it was founded in Milwaukee by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisii in 1937, the university was originally known as St. Clare College. In 1946, it was renamed after Cardinal Samuel Stritch and moved to northern Milwaukee County.

The Sisters were recommended to close by university trustees. Scholz agreed.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, enrollment had fallen to 1,400 by 2021 from 2,400 in 2018. More than 40,000 alumni are registered.

Scholz stated that while we are all affected by this development, he felt the need to make a decision after considering all options.

He stated that all programs would be completed by May 22. On May 21, the last ceremony of graduation will take place.