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Franciscan University of Steubenville dedicates the Inn at Franciscan Square

The Rev. Nathan Malavolti, vice president of pastoral care and evangelization, delivered the opening prayer at grand opening ceremonies Thursday at the Inn of Franciscan Square on University Boulevard. Seated in front of the new hotel were several local and state officials along with representatives of Franciscan University of Steubenville. — Dave Gossett

STEUBENVILLE — The basket tied to several green and gold balloons containing the symbolic front door key to the Inn at Franciscan Square slowly floated away Thursday morning.

It was no ordinary ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the multimillion dollar hotel on University Boulevard, as representatives from Franciscan University of Steubenville were joined by city, county, state and federal officials to pray, give thanks and commend everyone involved in the project that will see the four-story, 113-room facility open for guests early next week.

“We have a tradition when we open a new hotel of throwing the front door key away because we are always open for guests 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Today we are going to send the key off in a basket tied to balloons,” explained Don Andrezjwski, vice president for sales and marketing for Prospera Hospitality of Pittsburgh, the company that will manage the Inn at Franciscan Square.

The grand opening ceremony was held on the gathering space in front of the hotel under sunny skies.

The hotel is expected to officially open for guests early next week.

“In some ways, it seems like only yesterday that we gathered on the Green Strip to break ground for the Franciscan Square development. In fact, many months and a great deal of effort have gone into the transformation of that grassy slope into the beautiful Inn at Franciscan Square and the surrounding landscaping we see before us today,” said Franciscan University of Steubenville President the Rev. Sean O. Sheridan, TOR.

“One of the things I find most beautiful about this Franciscan Square development is that it is truly a community achievement. It was designed and built with the assistance and encouragement of so many here; it was created with the belief that we can work together to revitalize our hometown of Steubenville and the greater Ohio Valley,” continued Sheridan.

“As a Franciscan priest, a member of the religious community founded by St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, I am pleased that the Inn at Franciscan Square symbolizes hospitality, one of the virtues dear to his heart. As Franciscans, we strive to extend that spirit of warmth and welcome to all, believing we encounter Jesus Christ in each person we meet. It is my hope and prayer that the Inn at Franciscan Square, as well as this green space and the future restaurants, will be known for the blessing of hospitality they bring to our guests and our local friends and neighbors alike,” said Sheridan.

“I would like to close with one of the uplifting quotes you’ll see as you tour the Inn. It is from Mother Teresa of Calcutta, lately named St. Teresa of Calcutta, and it neatly sums up the optimism and work ethic we need to keep in mind as we seek the transformation of ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, our churches and our communities, ‘Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin,'” quoted Sheridan.

“What a remarkable day for the university and the community. It shows that when we come together we can accomplish great results,” noted Steubenville Mayor Domenick Mucci.

Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Gentile recalled a conversation he had with the late John Madigan and John Siciliano and Chris Irvin 15 to 20 years ago.

“I felt at some point the university needed to come off the hilltop and make a contribution to the community. This is a significant contribution today,” said Tom Gentile.

And state Sen. Lou Gentile, D-Steubenville, said, “no matter where I travel, the reputation of Franciscan University of Steubenville is well known.”

“This is a great effort to revitalize this city and Eastern Ohio. Much work was done behind the scenes to make this hotel a reality,” added Lou Gentile.

“This is an unbelievable start and I believe there will be a lot more opportunities to come in Steubenville,” according to Paul Mitchell, who represented U.S, Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, during the ceremony.

Probably the most emotional moments during the ceremony came when David Skiviat, vice president for finance and administration at the university, thanked his wife Patsy for her support while Skiviat was working on the development project.

“This has not been an easy project and there were a number of challenges. There were a number of people involved in making this come together, including our university development team that included Joe McGurn and Vince Oliver of physical plant services, who took on this project in addition to their regular jobs. I also want to thank my wife Patsy for her help and support,” Skiviat said as his voice broke.

The Rev. Richard Davis, TOR, minister provincial of the Sacred Heart Province and chairman of the university board of trustees, blessed the hotel property with holy water and declared, “this is God’s work and God’s plan.”

“Once you see the interior design of the Inn of Franciscan Square, you will agree this is a very impressive hotel. We want to be the hotel of choice for your friends and visitors who come to Steubenville. We will make them feel welcome and comfortable,” stated Andrezjwski.

A community open house will be planned within the next several days.

 

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