Grace Ann Geibel Institute

The Grace Ann Geibel Institute strives to develop a woman-centered approach to leadership that challenges oppression and engages in outreach with University faculty, staff and students. With a vision guided by Carlow University’s mission, history and traditions, as well as its founders and sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy, the institute’s operations are rooted in academic freedom, with an emphasis on valuing the pursuit of knowledge and asking, “What makes a just society?”

Established in 2004 to honor the late Sister Grace Ann Geibel, longtime Carlow president, the institute was endowed with a $1 million gift from Elsie Hilliard Hillman through the Elsie Hilliard Hillman Foundation.

The institute supports faculty and staff projects with financial and technical assistance. A rotating team of faculty co-facilitators provides administrative and strategic support to guide the institute. 

The goals of the institute and relevant projects aim to:

• Address issues of justice and social responsibility through research and outreach projects led by Carlow faculty and staff
• Support faculty development that enhances woman-centered approaches to issues of justice and social responsibility
• Increase engagement with University faculty and students in community, corporate and cultural education efforts that address relevant issues

Faculty and staff undertaking work that supports these goals can apply for project support. When choices must be made among applications due to limited resources, priority will be given to faculty projects due to University policies that emphasize faculty scholarship.

The institute conducts two cycles of grant-making every year, with opportunities announced via the University’s intranet and through communication with University deans and chairs. A peer panel of faculty members reviews proposals and makes funding recommendations.

Services offered:

• Outreach with faculty, staff and students
• Scholarship and project financial and technical assistance