Saint Xavier University

Step into a legacy of learning at Saint Xavier University, the pioneering institution recognized as the first Mercy College and the oldest chartered college in the vibrant city of Chicago. Since its inception, Saint Xavier has been a beacon of education, shaping minds and serving the community with a commitment to its founding principles.

The university's rich history began in 1846, when the Sisters of Mercy, under the insightful guidance of Mary Francis Xavier Warde, answered Bishop William Quarter's call to establish a Catholic presence in the nascent city of Chicago. What began as the Saint Francis Xavier Female Academy quickly evolved, becoming Saint Xavier College and eventually the comprehensive university it is today. This foundational act placed Saint Xavier among Chicago's very first institutions, laying down roots in a city less than a decade old.

Saint Xavier's journey is also a story of remarkable resilience. After its original downtown campus fell victim to the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the institution bravely rebuilt on Chicago's southern boundary, demonstrating an enduring commitment to its mission. In 1915, it further solidified its identity with the opening of Saint Francis Xavier College for Women, continuing its tradition of empowering students through education.