Heritage and History

St. Edward’s University was founded by Father Edward Sorin, CSC, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross (he also founded the University of Notre Dame). Father Sorin was committed to providing a values-based education for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds. His vision remains the cornerstone of the university’s mission. Learn more about the Congregation of Holy Cross at St. Edward’s.

View 1900s    View 1800s


Residential Village
Green renovation and expansion of Doyle Hall is complete, adding new classrooms, psychology labs and offices.
2009
Residential Village
A new 119,000 square-foot residential village opens, adding three new residence halls, two dining facilities and a combined Health & Counseling Center to the center of campus.
John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center
Enrollment reaches 5,224. The John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center–North opens as the first phase of a two-building science complex.
2006
Jacques Dujarié Hall
Jacques Dujarié Hall opens with state-of-the art amenities
for students.
2005
Basil Moreau Hall
Basil Moreau Hall enhances student living in the heart of campus.
2003
Trustee Hall
Award-winning Trustee Hall opens its doors.
St.   Edward’s implements a master plan that details campus improvements while maintaining the overall architectural character of the hilltop.

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George E. Martin, PhD, begins his tenure as the 23rd president of St.   Edward’s and sets forth a 2010 strategic plan to become one of the best small universities in the country.
Ragsdale Center
Ragsdale Center opens as the community center of
campus activities.
Enrollment increases to 3,000. Recreation and Convocation
Center opens.
Patricia Hayes becomes the first woman and the second layperson to lead St.   Edward’s. In 1986, enrollment increases to 2,500 students.
New College Students
New College offers an undergraduate degree program designed to fit the lives of working adults.
St.   Edward’s offers a professionally oriented Theater Arts program and implements the College Assistance Migrant Program which helps children of migrant and seasonal workers access higher education.
Maryhill College Students
Women arrive at St.   Edward’s as students for Maryhill College.
By 1970, Maryhill is absorbed and St.   Edward’s becomes
co-educational.
Enrollment increases substantially as World War II veterans take advantage of the G.I. Bill. By 1946, courses in Business Administration, Arts and Letters, Engineering, and Science are part of the curriculum.
St.   Edward’s renews its state charter — this time as a university. Most of the personnel are Holy Cross Brothers.
A tornado causes destruction across campus. Main Building is damaged from flying debris. Holy Cross Hall is splintered. A gymnasium is obliterated. The school’s power plant is leveled and the natatorium — one of the few indoor swimming pools in the southwest — is destroyed.
A mysterious fire destroys the majority of Main Building. Rebuilding begins immediately and by fall of 1903, Main Building is again open for classes.

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Main Building is completed. Designed by Nicholas J. Clayton, it is a source of pride in the Holy Cross community and a grand structure for the early southwest.
Under Father Peter J. Hurth, the first school newspaper was published and the baseball and football teams were organized.
University President Father P.J. Franciscus secures a state charter and changes the name to St.   Edward’s College.
In the fledgling institution’s first year, three farm boys make up the student body and meet for classes in a makeshift building on the Doyle homestead.
Father Sorin founds a Catholic school on the property a year after Mrs. Doyle’s death and names it St.   Edward’s Academy in honor of his patron saint, Edward the Confessor and King.
Bishop Dubuis learns of Mrs. Mary Doyle’s intention to leave most of her 498-acre south Austin farm to the Catholic Church for an “educational institution” and invites Father Sorin to Texas.
Father Edward Sorin, CSC, superior general of the Congregation of Holy Cross and founder of Notre Dame University, meets the Reverend Claude M. Dubuis, bishop of Galveston, on a ship bound for Europe.

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