Marian College becomes a University
FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Chair of the Marian Board of Trustees S. Mary Mollison, CSA, and Marian President Josefina Castillo Baltodano, J.D. announced today that Marian College has officially become Marian University, effective May 1, 2008. This historic transition of the independent Catholic liberal arts institution followed the passage of resolutions by the Marian Board of Trustees and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.

Sister Mary Mollison stated, “We are pleased that Marian has advanced to even greater distinction in its 71-year history. Marian University is committed to preserving all the hallmarks of the fine student-centered education for which it is known. Marian will continue to offer faculty members who love to teach, small class sizes, and a deeply caring community that supports students’ lifelong development and achievement.”

Marian was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes with a total student body of 42. In academic year 2007-08, nearly 3,000 students were enrolled in Marian’s more than 40 undergraduate, master’s, doctorate and adult accelerated programs. Students come from 10 different states and eight countries worldwide.

“This significant change to University advances Marian to the next level of excellence among higher educational institutions throughout the country,” said President Baltodano. “The transition to Marian University will enable us to provide new undergraduate and graduate programming, and infuse the curriculum with global perspectives of particular interest to international students.

“While Marian creates new offerings and achievements, the University will continue to make an exceptional education affordable and accessible to a full range of diverse, qualified students,” she added.

This change offers several key benefits. The move to Marian University:

• Reflects Marian’s academic growth and aligns current functioning with the appropriate institutional designation.
• Advances Marian to the next level of excellence among peer institutions nationwide.
• Fulfills Marian’s strategic plan and institutional objectives.
• Adds significant value to the Marian reputation and degrees.
• Increases opportunities for new undergraduate and graduate programming.
• Strengthens Marian’s competitive position in national and international markets.

“We are proud of the legacy and rich heritage of Marian College,” said Daniel J. Maloney, Ed.D., founding provost. “We firmly believe that now is the right time for this exceptional transformation as Marian reaches new levels of distinction and opens doors wider than ever to greater opportunities for all members of the Marian University community.”

Marian University will remain an independent, private Catholic applied liberal arts institution. It will not be affiliated with the University of Wisconsin System.

Originally founded in 1936 as an all-woman’s college, Marian opened in response to the lack of public school venues where sisters could complete student teaching while wearing their religious habits. By the fall of 1966, student population and program growth far exceeded the space limitations offered at the Motherhouse, and Marian moved to its current location at South National Avenue and East Division Street in Fond du Lac. The institution officially became coeducational in 1970.

Marian University is a premier Catholic university located in Fond du Lac, Wis. The University offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs at its main campus, and a variety of adult accelerated-degree programs in facilities throughout Wisconsin. The size of the University permits a very favorable student–faculty ratio, one of the lowest among Wisconsin campuses. Campus planning efforts are under way to enhance facilities on the College’s University’s 104-acre Fond du Lac campus, as well as at Marian’s 15-acre Town of Byron campus and facilities in Appleton and West Allis. Marian’s programs of study are designed to meet a full range of pre-professional and professional academic needs, including business, education, the arts, sciences, nursing and technology. Marian University is a community committed to learning, dedicated to service and social justice, and joined together by spiritual traditions.

Courtesy of Marian University, Sports Information Department, May 7, 2008.