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All for One, and One for All
Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a nonprofit university in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as the fourth oldest Jesuit-based higher learning institution in the United States. Recognized as one of the best regional institutions in the Midwest, Xavier provides an inclusive environment of open and free inquiry, preparing students for a world that is increasingly diverse, complex and interdependent. Respected for our academic rigor and personalized student attention, our faculty and staff serve with integrity, justice, and generosity while teaching students to do the same—so that, together, we can successfully change the world. In addition to our renowned on-campus programs, Xavier offers 100% online programs designed for working professionals. Our dynamic graduate programs offer high-quality academics and provide a pathway for students to obtain meaningful and rewarding jobs.
Two centuries of change
Travel back 186 years to experience the transformation of Xavier, made possible by the gifts of many individuals, into the modern campus of today—and get a glimpse of the future.
- On Oct. 17, 1831, Bishop Edward Fenwick founded the Athenaeum, the first Catholic institution of higher learning in Ohio.
- In 1840, the Jesuits took over and renamed it St. Xavier College after St. Francis Xavier.
- From 1897-1915, the St. Xavier Scholarship Fund raised $300,000.
- On Sept. 19, 1911, the college purchased 27 acres from the Avondale Athletic Club for $85,999 for a new suburban campus.
- From 1915-1920, the Diamond Jubilee Campaign raised $150,000 to build Alumni Science Hall, and Mary Hinkle donated the first large gift of $100,000 for construction of Hinkle Hall.
- In the 1920’s, the original six Tudor Gothic style buildings were erected on the main campus: Alumni Science Hall, Hinkle Hall, Elet Hall, Schmidt Hall, Schmidt Fieldhouse and Albers Hall.
- In 1924, St. Xavier College welcomed the first boarders to the new campus with 90 residents in Elet Hall.
- In 1925, Francis J. Finn, S.J., selected the name “Musketeers” and the “All for One and One for All” motto to symbolize the spirit of the athletic teams.
- On Aug. 4, 1930, St. Xavier College became Xavier University.
- From 1945-1976, Xavier launched three separate campaigns—Xavier Steps Into the Future, Long Range Development Program and the Advancement Fund—that raised a total of $16.2 million.
- From 1945-1972, 11 new buildings were erected on campus, including three new residence halls: Brockman in 1955, Husman in 1965, and Kuhlman in 1967, and Alter Hall, the iconic main classroom building, in 1965.
- On Nov. 2, 1968, the statue of D’Artagnan was installed on the Musketeer Plaza as a gift from the Class of 1962.
- In September 1969, women were formally admitted as regular day students.
- On July 1, 1980, Xavier acquired Edgecliff College and its established programs in art, music, nursing and social work.
- From 1978-1982, the Sesquicentennial Fund raised $8.4 million for the new College of Business and the endowment.
- From 1986-1992, the Cornerstone Campaign raised $31.5 million to support University growth, including the new Lindner Family Physics Building.
- In 1995, Xavier joined the A-10 Conference.
- From 1996-2001, President James E. Hoff, S.J., led the Century Campaign, which raised $125 million, and construction of the Cintas Center, the Gallagher Student Center, and the residential and academic malls.
- From 2006-2010, President Michael J. Graham, S.J., led the To See Great Wonders campaign, raising $201 million for construction of the Conaton Learning Commons and Smith Hall within the Hoff Academic Quad.
- In 2011, Justice Hall (Formerly known as Fenwick Place) was contstructed to accommodate the rapid growth in enrollment.
- In 2013, Xavier Athletics joined the prestigious Big East Conference.
- The renovation of Altar Hall was completed in 2015. The building fills its thirty-three classrooms with courses from business, English, and math.
- Our Lady of Peace Chapel was relocated to Xavier’s campus in 2018. Originally constructed in 1938 in Anderson Township, the 22-seat chapel is now located off Dana Avenue on the west end of the Academic Mall.
- The Heidt Family Champions Center at O’Connor Sports Complex, home to Xavier’s Olympic sports and nearly 250 student-athletes, opened in April 2021.
- From 2017 – 2021 the Together. For Others. Campaign raised $257 Million (Endowment $96.6 million- $53.1 in scholarships; Annual $81.5 million; Capital $79.2 million).
- The Health United Building opened in 2019. The Health United Building serves 1,400 students academically and also includes a recreational center, a comprehensive primary care clinic and a mental health center.
All for One, and One for All
Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a nonprofit university in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as the fourth oldest Jesuit-based higher learning institution in the United States. Recognized as one of the best regional institutions in the Midwest, Xavier provides an inclusive environment of open and free inquiry, preparing students for a world that is increasingly diverse, complex and interdependent. Respected for our academic rigor and personalized student attention, our faculty and staff serve with integrity, justice, and generosity while teaching students to do the same—so that, together, we can successfully change the world. In addition to our renowned on-campus programs, Xavier offers 100% online programs designed for working professionals. Our dynamic graduate programs offer high-quality academics and provide a pathway for students to obtain meaningful and rewarding jobs.
Two centuries of change
Travel back 186 years to experience the transformation of Xavier, made possible by the gifts of many individuals, into the modern campus of today—and get a glimpse of the future.
- On Oct. 17, 1831, Bishop Edward Fenwick founded the Athenaeum, the first Catholic institution of higher learning in Ohio.
- In 1840, the Jesuits took over and renamed it St. Xavier College after St. Francis Xavier.
- From 1897-1915, the St. Xavier Scholarship Fund raised $300,000.
- On Sept. 19, 1911, the college purchased 27 acres from the Avondale Athletic Club for $85,999 for a new suburban campus.
- From 1915-1920, the Diamond Jubilee Campaign raised $150,000 to build Alumni Science Hall, and Mary Hinkle donated the first large gift of $100,000 for construction of Hinkle Hall.
- In the 1920’s, the original six Tudor Gothic style buildings were erected on the main campus: Alumni Science Hall, Hinkle Hall, Elet Hall, Schmidt Hall, Schmidt Fieldhouse and Albers Hall.
- In 1924, St. Xavier College welcomed the first boarders to the new campus with 90 residents in Elet Hall.
- In 1925, Francis J. Finn, S.J., selected the name “Musketeers” and the “All for One and One for All” motto to symbolize the spirit of the athletic teams.
- On Aug. 4, 1930, St. Xavier College became Xavier University.
- From 1945-1976, Xavier launched three separate campaigns—Xavier Steps Into the Future, Long Range Development Program and the Advancement Fund—that raised a total of $16.2 million.
- From 1945-1972, 11 new buildings were erected on campus, including three new residence halls: Brockman in 1955, Husman in 1965, and Kuhlman in 1967, and Alter Hall, the iconic main classroom building, in 1965.
- On Nov. 2, 1968, the statue of D’Artagnan was installed on the Musketeer Plaza as a gift from the Class of 1962.
- In September 1969, women were formally admitted as regular day students.
- On July 1, 1980, Xavier acquired Edgecliff College and its established programs in art, music, nursing and social work.
- From 1978-1982, the Sesquicentennial Fund raised $8.4 million for the new College of Business and the endowment.
- From 1986-1992, the Cornerstone Campaign raised $31.5 million to support University growth, including the new Lindner Family Physics Building.
- In 1995, Xavier joined the A-10 Conference.
- From 1996-2001, President James E. Hoff, S.J., led the Century Campaign, which raised $125 million, and construction of the Cintas Center, the Gallagher Student Center, and the residential and academic malls.
- From 2006-2010, President Michael J. Graham, S.J., led the To See Great Wonders campaign, raising $201 million for construction of the Conaton Learning Commons and Smith Hall within the Hoff Academic Quad.
- In 2011, Justice Hall (Formerly known as Fenwick Place) was contstructed to accommodate the rapid growth in enrollment.
- In 2013, Xavier Athletics joined the prestigious Big East Conference.
- The renovation of Altar Hall was completed in 2015. The building fills its thirty-three classrooms with courses from business, English, and math.
- Our Lady of Peace Chapel was relocated to Xavier’s campus in 2018. Originally constructed in 1938 in Anderson Township, the 22-seat chapel is now located off Dana Avenue on the west end of the Academic Mall.
- The Heidt Family Champions Center at O’Connor Sports Complex, home to Xavier’s Olympic sports and nearly 250 student-athletes, opened in April 2021.
- From 2017 – 2021 the Together. For Others. Campaign raised $257 Million (Endowment $96.6 million- $53.1 in scholarships; Annual $81.5 million; Capital $79.2 million).
- The Health United Building opened in 2019. The Health United Building serves 1,400 students academically and also includes a recreational center, a comprehensive primary care clinic and a mental health center.