Despite a challenging pandemic-defined year and the possible merger with the University of the Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University’s strategic plan remains on track, writes Kevin Gill for The Hawk Newspaper.

Details of the “Thinking Anew, Acting Anew” strategic plan was released publicly in March 2019. The resulting Campus Master Plan calls for several major improvements, including new parking garages and residence halls, a new student center, and renovations to O’Pake Recreation Center and other campus buildings.

An expansion of green spaces and a City Avenue pedestrian underpass are also part of the plan.

“The university remains committed to enhancing and optimizing our campus,” said Gabriella Lacherza, public relations manager.

When the initiative was originally released, Joseph Kender, vice president for University Relations, said that it was “probably a 10- to 20-year plan.”

The timeline remains the same, said Kender recently. However, the plan remains more of a “conceptual guide” than a “precise road map for our campus imprint.”

“Each project has multiple phases,” he said. “While some design has been completed, we have not completed any major construction projects associated with the master plan.”

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