Marian University (Indiana) - History

History

1851 – Teacher Training

Formed in 1851 in the liberal arts tradition as a teacher training school by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg to serve the educational needs of the German-Catholic residents of southern Indiana. Under the direction of Father Francis Joseph Rudolph and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier, teachers were trained at Oldenburg for more than a decade before Indiana adopted its first tax-supported normal school.

1936 – The Beginning

Originally known as St. Francis Normal, the school became a four-year, state-approved institution which merged with Immaculate Conception Junior College to form Marian College. In November 1936, the Sisters of St. Francis purchased the former James Allison estate, “Riverdale,” located in Indianapolis, as a site for Marian College.

1937 – Marian College Is Born

In 1937, the college moved to Indianapolis under the direction of Mother M. Clarissa Dillhoff, after securing a state charter and purchasing the Riverdale estate in 1936. Allison Mansion became the new location of Marian College. The building housed the library, administrative offices, classrooms, and sleeping quarters for the Sisters. Classes began September 15, 1937.

1948 – Expansion, Co-Education, and Accreditation

In 1948 the college began an expansion project that included the addition of Clare Hall, the Gymnasium, and Marian Hall. In 1954, as the new Marian Hall was completed, the school became the first co-educational Catholic college in Indiana. Two years later, the North Central Association accredited Marian College.

1970 – Growth Continued

In 1970, a new 58,000-square-foot (5,400 m2) library was completed. It was designed by Woollen, Molzan and Partners.

1976 – Accreditation For Teachers and Nurses

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education formally accepted all teacher education programs of the college in 1976. The Indiana State Board of Nursing approved the associate level nursing curriculum in 1977 and the baccalaureate program in 1987. The National League of Nursing has accredited both programs—the associate in 1986 and the baccalaureate in 1992.

2000 – Marian’s Adult Programs

Marian's Adult Programs (MAP) offer bachelor and associate degrees in business.

2001

On November 2, 2001, Daniel J. Elsener was inaugurated as Marian College's eighth president.

2009 – Marian College Becomes Marian University

On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University. Over the past several years, the college grew and progressed through expansions of the academic curriculum; enhancing the faith dimension on campus the addition of a football team and marching band; and adding and renovating buildings.

2010 – Marian University Announces College of Osteopathic Medicine

On January 15, 2010, Marian University announced plans to begin a college of osteopathic medicine; the second in the state of Indiana and the first Catholic osteopathic medical school due to the generosity of an anonymous donor’s $30 million pledge. On August 23, 2011 during the groundbreaking ceremony, the new school of osteopathic medicine is officially named after the anonymous donor, AIT Labs CEO Michael A. Evans. Additionally, Margaret Mary Community Hospital pledged $150,000 to the College of Osteopathic Medicine dedicated to building a simulation lab and seminar room for the medical students.

2011

On August 1, 2011 Greg Ballard, Mayor of the City of Indianapolis declared it "President Daniel J. Elsener Day" in the city. The proclamation came on the 10-year anniversary of President Elsener's service to Marian University.

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