She was described by her students as having "a towering stance and ready sense of humor combined with this intellectual prowess to make her an unforgettable woman.

With the help of the Sisters of Mercy, Egan took out all of the money from the bank and bought a large piece of land to fulfill Gannon's wishes.

The building itself was designed by architect F. Ferdinand Durang in a Tudor Gothic style.

Originally an all Catholic, women’s institution, Mercyhurst College opened with the help of the Sisters of Mercy in the Diocese of Erie.

With Egan as the first president, the college sought to enhance the learning experiences of young women and to give them a chance to use their potential.

Egan remained president of Mercyhurst College from 1926 to 1927, all while maintaining the position of Mother Superior for the Sisters of Mercy in the Diocese of Erie.