Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
From Winona roots, Saint Mary's empowers leaders with robust graduate and professional studies.
Nestled in the picturesque Winona, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a dynamic institution with a rich legacy, evolving from its humble beginnings into a comprehensive university celebrated for its expansive graduate and professional programs. With a foundational charism of teaching inherited from the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Saint Mary's is dedicated to academic excellence and nurturing holistic growth, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.
The university's journey began in 1912 as Saint Mary's College, a men's institution founded by Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron. It quickly grew, becoming a four-year liberal arts college by 1925, and a pivotal moment arrived in 1933 when the De La Salle Christian Brothers took the helm, embedding their profound commitment to education into the college's DNA. A significant transformation occurred in 1969 with the embrace of co-education, and its expanded academic scope was formally recognized in 1995 when it proudly became Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Today, Saint Mary's is particularly renowned for its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP), which stands as one of Minnesota's largest graduate schools, extending its reach through various course delivery methods and centers across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Students benefit from a vibrant campus experience, enriched by vigorous growth and development, including state-of-the-art facilities like the Ice Arena, Performance Center, Gostomski Fieldhouse, and modern residence halls. Recent additions, such as the renovated Aquinas Hall housing a new nursing program, underscore the university's commitment to forward-thinking education and preparing students for in-demand careers.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1912 by Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron as a men's college, evolving into a comprehensive co-educational university.
- ✦Operated by the De La Salle Christian Brothers since 1933, embodying a strong charism of teaching and service.
- ✦Home to the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP), recognized as one of Minnesota's largest graduate schools, with programs offered across multiple centers and delivery methods.
- ✦Underwent vigorous campus growth, especially in the 1980s, resulting in a modern campus with facilities like the Ice Arena, Performance Center, and Gostomski Fieldhouse.
- ✦Includes a state-of-the-art nursing program facility in the recently renovated Aquinas Hall (2021).
- ✦Acquired the campus and buildings of the former College of Saint Teresa in 1989, further expanding its footprint.
- ✦Renamed Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 1995 to accurately reflect its expanded graduate and professional programming.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
One of Minnesota's largest graduate schools, offering diverse programs across multiple centers and delivery methods in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Nursing Program
A modern and expanded nursing facility established within the renovated Aquinas Hall, preparing students for vital healthcare roles.
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