MARYMOUNT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

A number of institutions of higher education in the United States sponsored by the Religious of the sacred heart of mary (r.s.h.m.) have their roots in the tradition established by Mother Marie Joseph butler, the founder of Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y. Mindful of Father Gailhac's advice to study and adapt to all that is good in local customs, the R.S.H.M. in North America became deeply involved in that uniquely American institution, the parochial school system. Their involvement in higher education dates from the founding of Marymount College in 1907. Butler created a place of learning where women could grow and receive an education that would prepare them for leadership and influence in society. Marymount was the first women's college to establish a study abroad program. A pioneer in women's education, in 2000 Marymount entered into a process of consolidation with Fordham University to become Marymount College of Fordham University.

Marymount Manhattan College began in 1936 as the city campus of Marymount College Tarrytown. Located in New York City, it became a four-year branch in 1948. In 1961 Marymount Manhattan College was separately incorporated. As an urban, independent undergraduate liberal arts college, it offers strong programs in the arts and sciences for students of all ages, as well as pre-professional preparation.

In 1923, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary expanded to Los Angeles. Ten years later Marymount College opened as a two-year institution which in 1948 was chartered by the State of California as a four-year institution. In 1960 it moved to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and in 1968 Marymount College moved again, this time to the campus of Loyola University. Five years later, the two became a single institution, Loyola Marymount University. Marymount Palos Verdes, a two-year college, was established at the same time on its present site. In 1983, Marymount College Palos Verdes added a weekend college to its programs.

At the request of Peter Ireton, Bishop of Richmond, Marymount University in Arlington, Va., began as a two-year liberal arts college for women in 1950. In 1973 it became a four-year college. With the inauguration of its first graduate program in 1979, it admitted its first male students. In 1986 Marymount moved to university status and became fully co-educational. As an independent, comprehensive Catholic university, combining a liberal arts tradition with career preparation, Marymount University is marked by the heritage of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, by its proximity to the nation's capital, and by its creative and enterprising spirit.

Each of these five institutions has its own relationship to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. All R.S.H.M. colleges and universities continue to be marked by an emphasis on a liberal arts education; internationality and respect for all cultures; care and concern for the total growth of the person; attention to justice which respects the rights and responsibilities of all persons; spiritual and ethical formation; and a special commitment to the education of women. Throughout its nearly century-long involvement in American higher education, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary have endeavored to collaborate with others in educating students in this heritage, forming them to take responsibility for their own lives and making a positive contribution to the society and culture of their times.

[m. milligan]