St Catherine University

St. Catherine University, affectionately known as St. Kate's, stands as a distinguished private Catholic university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1905, it proudly holds the distinction of being one of the first institutions of higher learning specifically for women in the Midwest. While its baccalaureate programs are designed for women, St. Kate's extends its graduate and associate programs to both women and men, fostering a rich and inclusive academic environment.

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet under the visionary leadership of Mother Seraphine Ireland, the university is named after St. Catherine of Alexandria, a revered fourth-century Egyptian philosopher. From its humble beginnings with Derham Hall opening in 1905, offering high school and lower-division college classes, St. Kate's quickly grew, conferring its first Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1913 and earning full accreditation by 1917, solidifying its commitment to academic excellence from the outset.

St. Kate's is renowned for its innovative spirit and deep commitment to social justice. It was a national pioneer in establishing programs for non-traditional aged students and boasts one of the largest populations of Hmong scholars in the nation, reflecting its dedication to recruiting and retaining minority students. During World War II, the university significantly expanded its nursing programs to address critical shortages, partnering with the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps and graduating over 170 alumnae who served in military hospitals, showcasing its enduring legacy of service and adaptability.