Introduction:
Dominican University, located in River Forest, Illinois, is a private Catholic university with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence and social justice. Founded in 1901 by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Dominican University has a plethora of fun facts that are sure to delight and amaze you. In this blog post, we will explore some of these fascinating facts and uncover what makes Dominican University so unique.
The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters
Dominican University was founded by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, a Catholic religious order that was established in Wisconsin in 1847. The order is known for its dedication to education and social justice, and has a long history of service and advocacy for marginalized communities.
The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters played a key role in the founding of Dominican University, providing leadership and financial support to the fledgling institution. Today, the university continues to be inspired by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters’ commitment to education and social justice. The university’s mission is to provide a values-based education that promotes academic excellence, social responsibility, and spiritual growth.
Unique Academic Programs
Dominican University offers a range of unique academic programs that reflect its commitment to innovation and social justice. One of the most notable programs is the Brennan School of Business, which emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and social responsibility in business. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including an MBA program with a focus on sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Another unique program is the Criminal Justice program, which emphasizes restorative justice and community-based approaches to crime prevention and rehabilitation. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other criminal justice fields, while also promoting social justice and civic engagement.
The university also offers a range of other innovative programs, including Graphic Design, Information Studies, and Health Sciences. These programs reflect the university’s commitment to providing students with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world challenges.
Campus Architecture
Dominican University’s campus is known for its stunning architecture, which includes buildings designed by some of the most famous architects of the 20th century. The most notable building on campus is the Lewis Hall of Science, which was designed by the famous architect Eero Saarinen. The building is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and features a stunning circular design that is both functional and beautiful.
Another notable building on campus is the Parmer Hall of Music, which was designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. The building features a distinctive modernist design with a dramatic sweeping roofline and a stunning interior atrium.
The university’s commitment to architecture and design can be seen throughout the campus, from the Gothic Revival style of the Priory campus to the modernist designs of the Lewis Hall of Science and Parmer Hall of Music. The campus is a true reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Notable Alumni
Dominican University has produced many successful graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. One notable alumna is Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun and activist who is best known for her work on behalf of death row inmates. Sister Prejean graduated from Dominican University with a degree in English in 1962 and went on to write the bestselling book “Dead Man Walking,” which was later turned into an award-winning film.
Another notable alumna is Rita Garman, the first female Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Garman graduated from Dominican University with a degree in English in 1965 and went on to have a successful career in law, culminating in her appointment as Chief Justice in 2013.
Athletics Success
While Dominican University may be small, it has a strong athletics program with a range of men’s and women’s sports teams. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). The Dominican Stars have a long history of success in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball.
The women’s soccer team, in particular, has had a lot of success in recent years, winning several conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA Division III national tournament. The women’s basketball team has also had success, winning the NACC conference championship in 2019.
In addition to its athletics success, Dominican University also values sportsmanship and character development. The university’s student-athletes are encouraged to excel both on the field and in the classroom, and to contribute to the greater community through service and outreach.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dominican University may be small, but it has a rich history, a commitment to social justice and community service, and a strong athletics program. The university’s unique connection to the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters reflects its commitment to values-based education and social responsibility. The university’s innovative academic programs prepare students for real-world challenges and promote social justice and civic engagement. The university’s stunning architecture and notable alumni demonstrate the university’s tradition of excellence and success. Whether you’re a prospective student or simply interested in learning more about this unique university, Dominican University has plenty of fun facts and interesting stories to discover.
