Saint Francis University Honors Dr. Wayne Takacs with First Named Academic Department

Loretto, PA (06/04/2024) - Saint Francis University proudly announces the naming of the Biology Department in honor of long-time faculty member Dr. Wayne Takacs. The Dr. Wayne and Elizabeth Takacs Biology Department is the University's first named academic department, made possible by a generous gift from the Takacs family.

The dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, May 18, at the SFU Science Center. Dr. Wayne Takacs and his wife Elizabeth ("Betsy") were joined by their four children-Jim, Nancy, Kathy, and Mary Beth-all Saint Francis University alumni. Their spouses, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attended the event, highlighting the family's deep and lasting connection to the University. Dr. Justin Merry, the current chair of the Biology Department, also attended the ceremony.

Dr. Wayne Takacs was a cornerstone of the SFU biology department for many years, inspiring countless students with his dedication to teaching and research over 45 years of service (1965 until 2010). He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Duquesne University and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in Physiology. The generosity of the Takacs family will allow the University to continue to offer our students the highest quality of academic programs and transformational experiences while enriching the educational experience for future generations of students.
"We are deeply honored to recognize Dr. Wayne Takacs' contributions to Saint Francis University," said Dr. Justin Merry. "The naming of the Biology Department not only celebrates his legacy but also sets a precedent for future investments in our academic programs."

The establishment of Dr. Wayne and Elizabeth Takacs Biology Department marks a significant milestone for the University as the first named academic department, joining the Dr. Philip Woo Economics Program and the Shields School of Business as named academic areas.

In the photo:

The Dr. Wayne and Elizabeth Takacs Biology Department is Saint Francis University's first named academic department, made possible by a generous gift from the Takacs family. Pictured L-R: Mary Jo Takacs, Mary Beth Takacs '90, Dr. Wayne Takacs, Kathy Takacs-Davidson '91, Betsy Takacs, Dr. Jim Takacs '82, Nancy (Takacs) Heffernan '86.