La Salle University
La Salle Magazine | Fall 2026
Cover Story
Be ready for more
As graduate students, these Explorers gained more than just a new credential at La Salle University. They earned additional expertise and experience for the next stage in their careers.
A message from the Office of the President
The start of a new academic year is one of the most vibrant times for our campus. I was excited to welcome our second largest class of incoming students since 2019 to 20th and Olney alongside our returning Explorers.
This fall, I am as excited as ever to dig into our important work of equipping Explorers with the education, critical thinking, and Lasallian values they need to be ready for whatever life brings their way.
Campus News
Over 1,000 Explorers received their degrees on May 9, with many celebrating over two ceremonies held at McCarthy Stadium.
Two new agreements allow Bucks honors graduates to transfer directly into La Salle’s honors program, and Bucks graduates to complete select bachelor’s and master’s in just three years with great savings.
The program combines chemistry and biology with knowledge of how to translate the scientific principles to the cosmetic and personal care industries.
Feature Story
As graduate students, these Explorers gained more than just a new credential at La Salle University. They earned additional expertise and experience for the next stage in their careers.
Music has always been a significant part of life for Paul Hannan, ‘70, from playing the trombone to performing in bands. Now he hopes to provide more accessibility for current and future music lovers through the La Salle University Pep Band.
Alumni Profiles
Kathleen Meriwether, Esq., ’79, and Ellen Meriwether, Esq., ’81, were the first of their five siblings to attend college. They both found purpose and success at La Salle University laying the foundation for successful careers as lawyers.
For Jim and Ceil Tuman, giving back to La Salle University is about more than just supporting their daughter’s alma mater. It’s a contribution to the local community and helping Explorers’ access potentially life-changing educations.
Advancement
Over $2 million was raised on La Salle’s 13th Annual Day of Giving, held on April 28.
The funds will support the Lynch Gordon Family Scholars program and the creation of a new Health and Wellness Center.
The gift will be used to establish the Scalvino Family Student Success Initiative.
Faculty and Staff Focus
After 15 years in La Salle University’s History Department and one year into his role as Director of the Honors Program, Lyman Stebbins, Ph.D., is grateful to share his love of learning and the value of a liberal arts education with Explorers.
Swan, who joined the School of Nursing and Health Sciences as interim dean in 2025, will continue to build upon her strong commitment to the University, clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead, and leadership and drive needed to move key initiatives forward.
As Interim Vice President of Student Development & Campus Life and Vice President of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion, Macksey brings a student-centered, mission- oriented approach to all of her work at the University.
Schools
A collaborative faculty student research project gave computer science majors Tannah Duncan, ‘27, and Ilia Volkov, ‘27, the chance to see how what they were learning in the classroom could help address tanking, one of the NBA’s biggest problems.
La Salle University’s Speech-Language-Hearing Community Clinics provide a space on campus for speech pathology graduate students to put what they learn in the classroom into practice, building their confidence and professional skills.
At La Salle University’s School of Business, preparing Explorer’s for a successful career after graduation is a priority. As well as AACSB International Accreditation and faculty with a widespread knowledge base, business students at 20th and Olney have access to several resources in Founders’ Hall where they can start learning the skills they’ll need in their careers.
Athletics
In April, La Salle University entered a multi-year partnership with Univest Financial Corporation, designating Univest as the University’s Official Banking Partner. This partnership also secured naming rights for the University’s primary athletics facility, which will now be known as the Univest Financial Fieldhouse.
Paul Westhead, head coach of the La Salle Men’s Basketball from 1970 to 1979, was awarded the Chuck Daly Award for Lifetime Achievement by the NBA at the NBA Finals game in June.
The Explorer women’s basketball team had a historic 2025-26 season, participating in the tournament’s postseason play for the first time since the early 90s.