Mercyhurst celebrates grand opening of Studio 26

Mercyhurst University officially celebrated the opening of Studio 26 on Thursday, June 4, marking a significant step forward in the university's commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and workforce development.

University leaders, community partners, elected officials, and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the launch of the venture studio initiative.

Designed to bring together students, faculty, industry partners, and community organizations, Studio 26 serves as a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can be explored, emerging technologies can be tested, businesses can be developed, and real-world challenges can be addressed through hands-on learning and applied research.

"Studio 26 reflects Mercyhurst's longstanding commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and preparing students to address real-world challenges," said President Kathleen A. Getz. "Through collaboration with industry, community, and government partners, we are creating new opportunities for students while contributing to the economic vitality of our region and the future of Northwest Pennsylvania."

The initiative strengthens Mercyhurst's growing innovation ecosystem and expands opportunities for students to engage with emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven problem solving.

During the ceremony, speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration among higher education, government, and industry in preparing the next generation of innovators and workforce leaders.

"Studio 26 represents the kind of forward-looking environment where students can move beyond the classroom and engage directly with real-world projects, emerging technologies, and industry partners," said Dr. John Olszowka, vice president for strategic initiatives. "In addition to preparing graduates for the workforce, we envision Studio 26 serving as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and business creation, helping talented students build careers and companies in Erie and contributing to the long-term vitality of our region."

The project was supported through a $500,000 grant from the ECGRA, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, talent development, and regional economic growth.

University leaders noted that Studio 26 was also conceived as a tool for retaining talent in Northwest Pennsylvania by creating opportunities for students and entrepreneurs to launch and grow ventures within the region.

"Studio 26 creates new opportunities for collaboration between Mercyhurst and the broader community," said Dr. Chris Mansour, chair of the Department of Computing & Information Science. "By connecting students, faculty, and external partners, we are creating an environment where ideas can become solutions and learning can lead directly to impact."

Representatives from ECGRA and DCED joined university leadership in recognizing the role institutions like Mercyhurst play in strengthening Pennsylvania's innovation economy and developing the workforce needed to support emerging industries.

Following remarks, President Getz joined Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship Jen Gilburg, ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood, and university leaders in officially cutting the ribbon and opening the space.

As Mercyhurst approaches its Centennial celebration, Studio 26 represents another investment in the university's future and its mission of preparing students to lead, innovate, and serve in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.