History of the College
Mission Statement
The College of Saint Rose was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as a
The College of Saint Rose community engages highly motivated undergraduate and graduate
Roman Catholic college for women. Its founders selected the name of Saint Rose to honor the
students in rigorous educational experiences. In the progressive tradition of the founding
first canonized saint in the Americas. The primary academic purpose of the College was the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we welcome men and women from all religious and cultural
full development of the person through a strong liberal arts curriculum. Initially, emphasis was
backgrounds. In addition to developing their intellectual capacities, students have the opportunity
placed on the professional training of teachers, and this emphasis was later expanded to include
to cultivate their creative and spiritual gifts in a diverse learning community that fosters integrity,
preparation for business and other professions.
interdependence, and mutual respect. The College delivers distinctive and comprehensive liberal arts and professional programs that inspire our graduates to be productive adults, critical thinkers,
As needs in the Albany area increased, the College revised its programs to meet those needs.
and motivated, caring citizens. Our engagement with the urban environment expands the setting
An evening division was developed in 1946 to support World War II veterans and reinstituted
for educational opportunities and encourages the Saint Rose community’s energetic involvement
in 1974 to provide for continuing education. In 1949, a graduate school was added to provide
and effective leadership in society.
master’s degree programs. Men were admitted to both the original evening and the graduate division and, in 1969, the College became fully coeducational. In 1970, the Board of Trustees was expanded to include laypersons in addition to the Sisters of
Integrity Statement
St. Joseph. With the formal transfer of control to this Board, The College of Saint Rose became an
Honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility, and the free exchange of ideas form the foundation
independent college sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province.
of integrity that supports the entire community at The College of Saint Rose. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students embrace these ideals in all their interactions and communications. Members of the Saint Rose community are committed to developing and implementing clear and fair institutional policies, standards, and practices, applied equitably and humanely. In keeping with its mission, The College of Saint Rose creates a culture that continually fosters the development of personal integrity and promotes ethical behavior throughout the larger society.
Statement of Values The College of Saint Rose values an environment which: Promotes academic excellence; Nurtures respect for, and commitment to, lifelong learning; Strives to achieve a caring, diverse community; Fosters the development of the whole person; Empowers individuals to improve themselves and the world around them; and Reveres its Catholic history, heritage and respect for other traditions.
In tuo lumine videbimus lumen
In thy light we shall see light