Marymount University history

Thirteen freshmen entered the first year, and nine of them comprised the first graduating class in 1952.

Mother du Sacre Coeur Smith, a former classics professor and dean of the college, became president of Marymount in 1953.

Sister Elizabeth Gallagher, RSHM, becomes Marymount’s first president, serving until 1955.

A highlight of this decade was the 1957 celebration of the 50th anniversary of Marymount's founding.

Sister Berchmans Walsh, RSHM, becomes Marymount’s second president, serving until 1960.

Marymount’s first male students were admitted in 1972 in the nursing program.

After five years of sharing faculties and facilities, Loyola University and Marymount College merged and formed Loyola Marymount University in 1973.

Brigid Driscoll, then associate dean, introduced the Weekend College in 1975.

In 1976, Fordham University began offering graduate-level programs in social work, education, and business on property owned by the religious community near the Marymount campus but this had no effect on the independent status of either institution.

Doctor Christin resigned as president in 1979 and Sister Brigid Driscoll was formally installed as president in October of that year—restoring the tradition of Marymount being led by a member of the R.S.H.M. congregation.

The university established the Center for Ethical Concerns in 1993.

In 1997, Marymount celebrated the 90th anniversary of its founding with a Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral.

She spearheaded the restoration and re-dedication of the Butler Dome at the Honors Convocation in October 1999, an important symbolic gesture for the Marymount community.

In 2000, faced with declining enrollment and the increasing financial burdens experienced by many small liberal arts colleges during this time, Marymount sought assistance through a merger with Fordham University.

Sister Eymard Gallagher, RSHM, becomes Marymount’s fourth president, serving until 2001.

In 2005, Marymount was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer its first doctoral degree, the clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy.

The Marymount Campus was then sold by Fordham to EF Education in February 2008.

Doctor James E. Bundschuh becomes Marymount’s fifth president and first lay leader, serving until 2011.