Monsignor Creatively Shows Appreciation for Gannon University

Monsignor Henry Kriegel

Monsignor Henry Kriegel didn't always know that he wanted to be a priest, but he always knew he wanted to attend Gannon University. "I grew up in a little town and always had the dream of going to Gannon," he says. "I was the first person in my entire family to ever go to college."

Monsignor Kriegel started out as an accounting major but switched his major to philosophy when he decided to enter the seminary. "My experience at Gannon opened up whole new worlds and new ways of thinking to me," he says.

Following graduation, Monsignor Kriegel became a priest and currently serves as a monsignor in the Erie Diocese and as pastor for St. Patrick and St. Hedwig parishes. Over the years, he has also served Gannon in many ways, including sitting on the board of trustees.

In addition to giving his time, Monsignor Kriegel chose to designate Gannon as the beneficiary of his IRA. "I feel a debt of gratitude toward Gannon," he says. "And as I begin to get close to retirement, I thought this is something that I should do. I feel that in some small way, I'm trying to pay back for all the University gave me.

"Gannon continues to make an invaluable presence in the Erie community and the area," Monsignor Kriegel says. "It's vibrant and alive-a prominent anchor of downtown Erie that continues to not only educate undergraduate and graduate students, but also provide ongoing adult education."