CHEERS TO 100

Fontbonne University

by stephanie wallace

IN 1923, THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET established Fontbonne College, a women’s college with a dedication to encouraging learning and a commitment to service. Now 100 years later, Fontbonne University is continuing that mission. The Catholic university has grown to reach more students, opening its doors to people of all backgrounds. The university provides a transformative education that inspires students to become global citizens with the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to build a more equitable world. Fontbonne is excited to celebrate its centennial anniversary with St. Louis.

While the university remains dedicated to its foundational mission of service, it continues to grow its offerings to better serve students. In 2022, the College of Education and Allied Health Professions added a four-year nursing degree. Later this fall, the university will welcome students into its new criminal justice program. “Fontbonne is dedicated to preparing students for real-life careers,” says board chair and alumna Karen Gedera. “Our singular purpose is to develop future leaders to serve a world in need and be successful in life. Fontbonne’s fundamental role in higher education is more important now than ever before in its history.”

The university is celebrating its anniversary in many ways. Throughout the year, faculty and special guests are offering lectures, including one from astrophysicist Anton Koekemoer, Ph.D., of the Hubble Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute on April 28. Fontbonne also is looking forward to projects like the development of a new living-learning community. The initiative will create renovated housing options with co-curricular community spaces on campus. These multi-purpose accommodations will be a stimulating environment in which students will experience enhanced professional development and knowledge building.