Xavier University president Reynold Verret reassured university supporters and alumni on Thursday that Xavier was on “strong footing” after the university abruptly laid off about 50 employees last week, citing f ederal funding cuts.

Speaking at an invitation-only breakfast event for top university donors during homecoming week, Verret said the cuts were meant to help ensure Xavier’s long-term viability with pending changes to federal student financial aid and cuts to research funding.

“We’ve had to make some difficult decisions in the last few weeks,” Verret said. “The federal government is decreasing its support and possibly its commitment to higher education.”

Verret has served as president of Xavier since 2016 , when he was hired to succeed Norman Francis, who stepped down after

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