Saint Joseph's University history

The College experienced financial difficulties in its first decade, attempting a move to Filbert Street in 1856, but ultimately returned to its Willings Alley location.

In 1866, the College purchased a full city block between 17th and 18th Streets, fronting on Stiles Street, as a new site.

In September 1922, an ambitious building campaign to raise $1,000,000 was organized by Matthew Fortier, S.J. His work in this difficult undertaking was rewarded with contributions that exceeded the goal.

Construction of a handsome building in modern collegiate Gothic architectural style began in 1925.

1927: Saint Joseph’s moves to Hawk Hill, Philadelphia and opens the first building on the City Avenue campus.

One year later, in 1928, the student yearbook editor started a contest to identify a symbol to represent the College’s athletic teams.

In 1943, Saint Joseph’s founded its evening college, welcoming professionals and people with families to pursue degrees.

It was in 1948 that Saint Joseph’s acquired several spacious homes adjacent to the campus, which were converted to its first student residences.

Using a $120 grant from the student government, he had the costume created and made his debut as the Hawk on January 4, 1956, a 69-56 win over La Salle at the Palestra, one of the most storied gymnasiums in collegiate athletics.

His visit marked the 50th anniversary of another historic visit in 1967 by Lewis’s friend and mentor, Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1968 the Jesuit superior general, Father Pedro Arrupe, refocused the order with “a preferential option for the poor,” and the Jesuit ranks experienced a rise in the popularity of liberation theology, which holds that ministry should include involvement in the political struggle of the poor.

To continue to increase access to Jesuit education, the college welcomed its first full-time female undergraduates in fall 1970.

The corporate charter was formally changed to reflect University status on December 27, 1978.

In 1997, the College of Business and Administration was renamed Erivan K. Haub School of Business.

In 2003 the University broke ground on new residence halls at the corner of 54th Street and City Avenue that are now known as Rashford and Lannon Halls, named after the University’s 25th and 26th presidents, Nicholas S. Rashford, S.J., and Timothy R. Lannon, S.J.

2008: The 38-acre James J. Maguire ’58 campus is added to Saint Joseph’s in the suburbs on the Main Line.

Dedicated in March 2012, this ambitious initiative brought high-tech facilities and collaborative learning environments to the University with a three-story, 35,000-square-foot addition to the Drexel Library.

In 2013 Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, the first Jesuit to be elected pope.

She is also a former Jesuit Volunteer (Austin 2015-16).

New Beginnings on Hawk Hill: 2016-Present (Cont.)

2017: In July, the University announces the receipt of a $50 million gift from James J. Maguire ’58 and his wife, Frances: the single largest gift in the University’s history.

On April 16, 2018, Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga) addressed the campus and surrounding community, drawing on his experience as a civil rights crusader and champion of social justice.

In the Fall of 2019, the University opened its first new school in 30 years, the School of Health Studies and Education.

© Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education 2021