Saint Mary's College (Indiana)

Saint Mary's College (Indiana)
Name	Saint Mary's College
Established	1844
Type	Private women's liberal arts college
Religious affiliation	Catholic Church (Sisters of the Holy Cross)
Endowment	$194.2 million (2020)
President	Katie Conboy
City	Notre Dame
State	Indiana
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 275 acres
Students	1,456 (Fall 2022)
Faculty	120 full-time
Colors	Blue & Gold
Nickname	Belles
Mascot	Belle
Website	saintmarys.edu

Saint Mary's College (Indiana) is a private Catholic women's liberal arts college in Notre Dame, Indiana, adjacent to the city of South Bend. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the college is closely affiliated with the University of Notre Dame. It offers bachelor's degrees in over 30 majors, emphasizing a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

History

The institution was founded in Bertrand, Michigan, by Mother Mary of the Sacred Heart and four Sisters of Providence from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, at the invitation of French missionary Edward Sorin, founder of the University of Notre Dame. In 1855, the school relocated to its current site near South Bend. It was chartered as a college in 1898 and began granting the Bachelor of Arts degree. Throughout the 20th century, the college expanded its academic programs and facilities, maintaining its historic ties to the Congregation of Holy Cross. A significant modernization occurred under the presidency of William A. Hickey in the 1960s, and more recent developments include the establishment of graduate programs in 2015.

Academics

The college follows a liberal arts curriculum with a core requirement that includes studies in theology, philosophy, and ethics. Popular majors include biology, business administration, communication studies, nursing, and psychology. The college offers several pre-professional programs, including pre-law and pre-medicine. Students benefit from cross-registration opportunities with the University of Notre Dame and the Mendoza College of Business. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditation for its programs in music, nursing, and social work.

Campus

The 275-acre campus is located directly north of the University of Notre Dame, separated by Saint Mary's Lake. Historic buildings include Le Mans Hall, the main administrative and classroom building, and the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, known for its Henry V. Murphy-designed Moreau Seminary chapel and Fenwick stained glass. Modern facilities include the Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex, the Student Center Annex, and the Science Hall and Learning Center. The campus features extensive gardens, a greenhouse, and walking paths around two lakes.

Student life

Student life is centered on a residential model, with over 85% of students living on campus in halls like Le Mans Hall, Holy Cross Hall, and McCandless Hall. The student government association, Belles of Saint Mary's (BSM), plans campus events. There are over 60 student organizations, including academic clubs, service groups like the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership, and performing arts ensembles. Traditions include Dance Marathon (DM) and the annual Junior Parents Weekend. The college maintains a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on service learning and spiritual life through campus ministry.

Athletics

Saint Mary's athletic teams, nicknamed the Belles, compete in NCAA Division III as a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The college fields varsity teams in basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. The Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex serves as the primary athletic facility. The Belles have won multiple MIAA championships, particularly in tennis and golf. The school's rivalry with Hope College and Calvin University is prominent within the conference.

Notable alumnae

Notable graduates include actress and comedian Megan Mullally; television host and journalist Michele Tafoya; former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe; Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Sally Keith; and business executive Kathy Hannan, former National Managing Partner at KPMG. Other distinguished alumnae are educator and author Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and Catherine Pinkerton, a noted advocate for social justice and member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Category:Liberal arts colleges in Indiana Category:Women's universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1844 Category:1844 establishments in Indiana