The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America
Name	The Catholic University of America
Caption	The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception overlooks the campus.
Established	1887
Type	Private
Religious affiliation	Catholic Church
Endowment	$307.2 million (2021)
President	Peter Kilpatrick
City	Washington, D.C.
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 176 acres
Colors	Cardinal & Gray
Nickname	Cardinals
Affiliations	ACCU, NAICU, CIC

Contents

History
Academics
Campus
Student life
Notable people
See also

The Catholic University of America. It is a private Catholic research university located in Washington, D.C.. Founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops and chartered by Pope Leo XIII, it is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. The institution is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and operates as the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops.

History

The establishment was approved during the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1884, with its founding formally occurring in 1887. Key early figures included Bishop John Lancaster Spalding and the first rector, Bishop John J. Keane. The university's early development was significantly supported by a generous donation from Mary Gwendoline Caldwell. It became a center for theological discourse in the late 19th century and expanded its offerings beyond theology under the leadership of Thomas Joseph Shahan. Throughout the 20th century, it grew its graduate programs and professional schools, including the Columbus School of Law and the Conway School of Nursing.

Academics

The university is composed of twelve schools, including the School of Theology and Religious Studies, the School of Philosophy, and the School of Engineering. It is particularly renowned for its pontifical faculties in canon law, philosophy, and theology, which grant ecclesiastical degrees recognized by the Holy See. The Columbus School of Law is a prominent fixture, and other notable units include the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art and the National Catholic School of Social Service. The university's libraries, especially the Mullen Library, hold significant collections such as the American Catholic History Research Center.

Campus

The 176-acre campus is situated in the Brookland neighborhood, often called "Little Rome" due to the presence of many Catholic institutions. Dominated by the towering Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the campus features a mix of Gothic Revival and modern buildings. Key structures include McMahon Hall, the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, and the Hartke Theatre. The university also maintains the Cardinal Stadium for athletics and the CUA Metro station provides direct access to the Washington Metro.

Student life

Student life is centered around a vibrant Catholic identity, with daily Mass offered at the St. Vincent de Paul Chapel and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Over 100 student organizations exist, including the student newspaper, The Tower. Students participate in NCAA Division III athletics as the CUA Cardinals, competing in the Landmark Conference. Major annual events include Cardinal Weekend and the Christmas at CUA celebration. Many students engage in service through the Center for Cultural Engagement.

Notable people

The university's alumni and faculty include numerous influential figures in theology, law, politics, and the arts. Notable alumni include Speaker of the House John Boehner, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Distinguished faculty have included theologian John Courtney Murray, composer Gian Carlo Menotti, and author Flannery O'Connor. Other prominent graduates are Acting Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy and CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.