History of Marylhurst University

Marylhurst's legacy is represented by academic excellence with seminar-style classes and a community of self-directed students. The University's founders, the Sisters of the Holy Names, believed in offering educational choices to everyone. Today, their mission still guides and inspires as Marylhurst provides forward-thinking programs with classes offered days, evenings, weekends and online. Innovative resources, such as Shoen Library's online access to more than 22 million volumes, enhance the learning environment.

Oregon's oldest Catholic university, Marylhurst remains true to its rich heritage as a pioneer in education.

The Marylhurst Timeline

2009
Marylhurst launches the MBA in Sustainable Business program.

Marylhurst hosts the Oregon Sesquicentennial Film Festival, marking Oregon's 150th year of statehood as well as the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Names' arrival in Oregon.

2008
Judith Johansen, J.D. is named the 13th president of Marylhurst University.

Marylhurst establishes the Master of Education program.

2007
Marylhurst inaugurates the Master of Arts in Teaching program, approved by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

2006
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) awards accreditation to Marylhurst University's Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design.

2004
At the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning's 2004 international conference, Marylhurst University receives the Institutional Service Award for "outstanding commitment to the expansion of lifelong learning opportunities and for innovative efforts to improve access and quality in academic programs for adult learners."

2003
Marylhurst University is ranked as a "Best Value" in the 2003 US News & World Report college guide.

2002
Marylhurst University is recognized by The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) for its MBA, BS in Business and BS in Real Estate Studies degree programs.

2000
The Master of Arts in Applied Theology program, a graduate degree in interfaith pastoral and spiritual care, is established.

Marylhurst inaugurates the Bachelor of Music Therapy program, the only program in the Northwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

1998
Marylhurst College becomes Marylhurst University, Clackamas County's first university.

The Online Degree Completion program is established, with bachelor's degrees in Management and Organizational Communication available online. Marylhurst was among the first to offer online courses, beginning in 1996.

Marylhurst is one of six institutions – and the only institution in the Western United States – recognized by the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) for best practices in adult learning.

A cooperative Doctor of Ministry degree program with San Francisco Theological Seminary is launched.

1994
The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program is established. Concentrations include Organizational Communication and Spiritual Traditions and Ethics. Gerontology concentration is added in 1998.

1993
Marylhurst University celebrates its 100th year of academic excellence. Marylhurst Online Library is installed (MOLLI).

1990
Marylhurst inaugurates its Master of Business Administration program.

A concentration in Interior Design is added to Marylhurst's Art program. In 2002, the University offers a BFA in Interior Design.

1986
Marylhurst inaugurates the Master of Art Therapy program, the only accredited art therapy program in the Northwest. The program has been approved by the American Art Therapy Association since 1991.

1980
The gymnasium and auditorium in the BP John Administration Building becomes The Art Gym, providing a showcase for Northwest artists.

1977
Marylhurst receives accreditation from the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools, now known as Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

1976
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program is established, providing adult students with the ability to earn credit for college-level learning gained through life experience.

1974
Marylhurst becomes a co-educational institution and the first liberal arts college in the United States to be designated as a college for lifelong learning.

1968
Construction of Shoen Library and St. Anne's Chapel are completed.

1961
Marylhurst receives an institutional membership in the National Association of Schools of Music.

1959
Marylhurst College becomes an independent corporation with its own Board of Trustees, separate from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

1931
Marylhurst College receives accreditation from the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools.

1930
St. Mary's College is renamed Marylhurst College and moves to its present location. The BP John Administration Building, St. Catherine Hall and Aquinas Hall, designed by noted local architect Josef Jacobberger, are completed.

1908
The Sisters purchase 63 acres between Lake Oswego and West Linn. The Sisters name the pastoral land Marylhurst, which means "Mary's Woods."

1893
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary found Marylhurst as the first liberal arts college to serve the educational needs of Northwest women. The school is originally located in downtown Portland, Oregon, and called St. Mary's Academy and College.

1859
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary arrive in Oregon to serve the educational needs of the community.

More about the history of the Sisters of the Holy Names

More about the Sisters of the Holy Names in Oregon