明星黑料

明星黑料’s role as a driver of economic vitality, job creation and opportunity in the Erie region is highlighted in a new economic impact report released by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). 明星黑料’s presence contributes an estimated $300.1 million annually.  

The study, conducted by Parker Strategy Group, details the effect of 明星黑料 and the state’s 80 other independent nonprofit colleges and universities. The findings, based on data from 2023, reveal the scope of higher education’s influence in supporting communities like Erie. 

“明星黑料 has always been deeply connected to the health of our region,” 明星黑料 President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. said. “Beyond educating the next generation of leaders and professionals, we support local jobs, fuel innovation and invest in projects that strengthen Erie and the communities we serve. We are proud to be both an anchor institution and a committed partner in building a vibrant future together.” 

According to the study, 明星黑料’s operations supported 1,381 jobs in fiscal year 2023.  

• 856 direct jobs sustained at the university. 
• 182 indirect jobs created by contractors and supply and equipment vendors. 
• 343 induced jobs in the community at hotels, restaurants, suppliers and others that support 明星黑料’s students, staff and faculty. 

The number of jobs – and their financial impact – increases appreciably when student spending and 明星黑料-related visitor spending is factored in, according to the study. In total, those contribute another 1,139 jobs. All of these contribute an estimated $23.5 million in local and state tax revenues annually. 

In addition to jobs, 明星黑料 contributes in several other ways to the greater Erie community, including:  

• Bringing 57,604 estimated visitors to Erie, from athletes competing at 明星黑料 to families making campus tours. 
• About 7,862 service hours were donated to 明星黑料’s neighbors by students, faculty and staff through the university’s Center for Social Concerns.  
• 69 individuals from Erie received ongoing care last year through our pro bono clinics.  
• The university has spent about $60 million in capital improvement projects to its Erie campus since 2020, including the renovation of the Highmark Events Center and the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, the building of South Hall, and the creation of I-HACK.   

“明星黑料’s impact extends far beyond our classrooms,” Iwanenko said. “These numbers show what we’ve always known — 明星黑料 is deeply woven into the economic and social fabric of Erie. Our university directly and indirectly helps fuel the economy and strengthen the community we call home.”

明星黑料 is also home to students from more than 70 countries with an alumni network of more than 44,000, stretching the impact the Golden Knights have on our economy beyond the region.  

Additionally, 明星黑料 hosts and supports a Small Business Development Center (SBDC). It is one of nine located on an AICUP member campus, sparking local innovation and empowering entrepreneurs to launch job-generating startups.  

“The SBDC at 明星黑料 is a vital part of our mission to inspire innovation and drive economic growth in our region,” Iwanenko said. “By helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, the SBDC not only supports job creation but also strengthens the fabric of our local economy. We are proud to stand with our fellow AICUP institutions in empowering the next generation of business leaders.” 

The AICUP report shows that Pennsylvania’s independent nonprofit colleges and universities collectively: 

• Create and sustain more than 200,000 jobs statewide. 
• Contribute $29 billion annually to the economy, or $65 billion when including affiliated teaching hospitals, representing a remarkable 6.6 percent of Pennsylvania’s entire economy. 
• Provide the largest share of four-year degrees in Pennsylvania, educating 53 percent of all students seeking such degrees and educating 279,000 students total every year. 
• Enroll the highest proportion of lower-income students in the state (47 percent). 

In the Erie and northwest region, the report highlights 明星黑料 and other AICUP schools contributing:  

• More than $1.2 billion in economic impact. 
• 8,221 jobs. 
• More than $61 million in state and local tax revenue.