Carlow University - History

History

The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Pittsburgh, PA on December 21, 1843. They traveled from Carlow Ireland to the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, where they purchased 13-acres. This land became the location of a new motherhouse and Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Some reports state that the site of the current campus was the location of a Civil War fortification named Fort Zug . In 1929, the Sisters of Mercy opened Mount Mercy College. The first Commencement ceremony for Mount Mercy College was conducted in 1933. The college’s seal and motto was also established that year. Aquinas Hall was built to house the library and administrative offices in 1936. Five years later, Trinity Hall opened as the science center for the college. Following World War II, men were admitted to the school under the G.I. Bill. One of these men was the late Pete Flaherty, who went on to become a two term Mayor of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Commissioner. In 1948, Antonian Hall opened with office, classroom, and theater space. Thirteen years later, in 1961, Frances Warde Hall dormitory was opened. Prior to this students lived in houses or halls in the surrounding area. Mount Mercy College’s name was changed to Carlow College in 1969. A year later, Curran Hall was renovated to house the nursing school. In 1975, Carlow’s mission statement was drafted. In 1978, Carlow College went where few institutions of higher education had gone - accelerated classes especially designed for working adults. In 2004, Carlow College officially became Carlow University and a year later appointed its first lay president, Dr. Mary Hines. In 2011, Carlow University was selected for the U.S. President’s Community Service Honor Roll. In the fall of 2011, Carlow University began offering housing in on-campus residence halls to men. Beginning in Fall 2012, Carlow will begin men's and women's cross country, the first male sport offered at Carlow.