Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN), Minneapolis

Saint John Baptist de La Salle knew that education was the way forward; the path to equality and progress. Today, more than 330 years later, as the world wrestles with the role of higher education, our resolve in our mission has never been stronger o r resolve in our mission has never been stronger or our ideals more relevant. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is more necessary than ever. Through intense inquiry, we discover the truths in the world around us and the character within us. It begins with embracing respect and being dedicated to every person. For us, this style of community is an intentional expression of our Lasallian Catholic heritage. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) , a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In the Lasallian Catholic tradition, we meet learners where they are and provide them with opportunities for growth in knowledge, professional preparation, and personal transformation. Saint Mary's operates several institutes and collaborates with several affiliates that give students, faculty, and the surrounding communities numerous opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth. Whether it’s a university-sponsored conference or an event recommended or hosted by one of our institutes or affiliates, Saint Mary’s strives to create forums for dialogue that engage learners to expand their knowledge alongside others. The Resource Analysis Department and GeoSpatial Services integrate graduate studies and training with consulting for public agencies and private companies in spatial data analysis using geographic information science (GIS). The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership sponsors special events, speakers, and other educational programming for the university and the community. Committed to serving both emerging and current leaders of society, the Hendrickson Institute provides a forum for the exploration of ethical issues. The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary partners with Saint Mary’s to prepare new generations of priests for leadership and service. Our mission informs and infuses all we do at Saint Mary's. Here, you will be greeted with respect, taught with humanity, and supported. You will find people who value critical thinking, problem-solving, and character-building as much as you do. At Saint Mary's, we are steadfast in our beliefs and committed to each other, our students, and our community. Our vision is to be a nationally prominent and regionally dominant university that transforms individuals and communities through an education that emphasizes excellence, aligns with workforce needs, provides access and flexibility to support student needs, and develops ethically-guided graduates leading in their communities and succeeding in their careers. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s mission and vision reflect its Lasallian Catholic identity, building upon the past and providing direction for the future. In 1912, Saint Mary’s College was founded by the Most Reverend Patrick R. Heffron, the second bishop of Winona (now the Diocese of Winona-Rochester). In 1933, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers), an international Catholic teaching order, purchased Saint Mary’s College from the Diocese. The De La Salle Christian Brothers and their spirituality continues to animate the university today. Guided by Pope John Paul II’s Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota possesses the necessary essential characteristics1 of a Catholic higher education institution. Our Catholic mission and identity are experienced through tangible signs and symbols on campus (e.g., crucifixes, sacred art) and the lived expression – celebration of the Mass, Campus Ministry programming, and accompaniment. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, as do all Catholic universities, guarantees academic freedom to pursue the truth. This includes an intellectual openness to the divine as well as the integration of faith and reason. Unique to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the intentionality with which we approach character education, virtue formation and related programming, which permeates both our curricular and co-curricular initiatives and fosters our authentic community. Our culture is rooted in upholding the human dignity of each person and developing ethical leaders who advance the common good. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our distinctive Lasallian charism is expressed by way of an education that provides human and Christian formation in the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Patron Saint of Teachers. A Lasallian education is student-centric, dedicated to serving the poor, and promoting the common good in Jesus Christ. We believe education has the capability to transform lives, evangelize, and be the conduit for one’s vocation/calling in life. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we strive to be the premier Lasallian Catholic university, empowering students to live lives of ethical service and leadership. The university values faith, authentic community, education, service to the poor, and dignity of each person. ...view more