St. Xavier University identifies both why and for whom Saint Xavier University exists. In a single sentence, this statement points to an educational mission, in a Catholic and Mercy context, that will help students pursue a worthwhile life as well as prepare to make a living.
One of 16 Mercy colleges and universities across the country, we are participants in a vibrant network that joins more than 43,000 students nationwide and a global community of educators – from Australia to South Africa to the Philippines. Founded early on to educate women and the poor, Saint Xavier University students today are a microcosm of the 21st century workforce, with a population that is 40 percent minority and among the most diverse in the City of Chicago.
We are important to this city, this region and this nation because, for nearly two centuries, we have successfully enabled students to reach their career goals by meeting their educational goals – while they learned that both demand a commitment to serving the greater good. That occurs in our College of Arts and Sciences, our School of Education, our Graham School of Management, our School of Nursing (one of only 17 designated Centers of Excellence by the National League of Nursing), and our Continuing and Adult Education. And it occurs in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
We attract an exceptional group of students who are passionate about what they do, concerned about our world and committed to making a difference. And we provide them with opportunities that integrate classroom learning with real-life problems and issues. Whether in front of a classroom or seated next to students in a laboratory, our professors are dedicated to exploring the possibilities with our students.
But no educational institution can be content these days with the status quo – and neither are we. The world is changing with all of you and we aim to pave the way. Our new Vision Statement challenges all of us to navigate this changing global socioeconomic landscape by generating thought leadership within our own educational community – so that we can create new opportunities for students like you – a diverse community of ethical, motivated and socially engaged learners who want to be prepared for 21st century careers.
