Catholic college in Wisconsin closing, in part citing COVID-19

MANITOWOC, Wis. — A private Catholic college in Manitowoc says it will close for good, citing in part the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Holy Family College, formerly known as Silver Lake College, will lay off employees in June and eliminate any remaining jobs by the end of August.

WLUK-TV reports the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries announced the decision on Monday. Leaders say enrollment and fundraising challenges were made more difficult with COVID-19.

“Consistent with our Franciscan Catholic values, we will work with the College community and the community at large to implement closing procedures in the most compassionate, just and thoughtful way possible,” Sister Natalie added. “Our priority is how we can best assist all members of our college family in this transition, especially transitioning our students and trying to help our faculty and staff secure new jobs. They will be our priority going forward,” said Sister Natalie Binversie, the Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc.

“This means our current class of 2020 will be the final graduating class at Holy Family College. We will work with all other students to assist them in transferring to other schools so they may pursue and complete their college education,” Binversiee said. “This was a most difficult decision, and it was made only after a lot of discernment, much discussion and prayerful consideration of all the options.”

The college, founded in 1935, has about 360 students enrolled in the spring semester.

A limited number of already scheduled summer term classes will be offered to allow students to complete their degree requirements.

“The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have responded to our calling to the service of others in Manitowoc for 150 years. While we are saddened by the need to end our mission at Holy Family College, we will maintain our presence in the community through our health care and service ministries,” said Binversiee.

Crux staff contributed to this report.