Introduction
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) is a private, Catholic university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The university has a rich history, having been founded in 1923 as Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing. Today, FranU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including nursing, healthcare, business, and humanities. Besides its academic programs, the university also has unique features that make it stand out from other institutions. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
FranU is home to the largest nursing program in Louisiana
If you’re looking to pursue a career in nursing, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is an excellent choice. The university has the largest nursing program in Louisiana, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a focus on practical experience, FranU’s nursing program prepares students for successful careers in healthcare. In fact, FranU’s nursing graduates have a pass rate of over 90% on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is higher than the national average.
FranU has a unique mascot
One thing that sets Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University apart from other institutions is its unique mascot. The university’s mascot is a pelican, which is a symbol of Louisiana’s state bird. However, FranU’s pelican mascot has a special twist – it is wearing a nurse’s cap. This unique mascot represents the university’s focus on healthcare and nursing. You can often see the FranU pelican mascot at sporting events, cheering on the university’s teams.
FranU has a strong Catholic identity
As a Catholic university, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has a strong Catholic identity that is integrated into its academic programs and campus life. The university’s mission is to “provide a Catholic-centered education that promotes the Franciscan values of service, humility, collegiality, contemplation, and poverty.” The campus has a chapel where daily Mass is celebrated, and students are encouraged to participate in service opportunities that align with the university’s mission. Additionally, FranU’s healthcare programs have a focus on ethics and values, ensuring that graduates are prepared to provide compassionate and ethical care.
FranU has a unique tradition of the White Coat Ceremony
The White Coat Ceremony is a tradition at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University that celebrates the transition of nursing students into the clinical setting. During this ceremony, nursing students receive their white coats, a symbol of professionalism and commitment to patient care. The ceremony also includes a blessing of the hands, where students’ hands are blessed to remind them of the importance of caring for patients with compassion and skill. This unique tradition is a special moment for nursing students and their families.
FranU has a focus on interprofessional education
Interprofessional education is an approach to learning that involves students from different healthcare professions, such as nursing, medicine, and physical therapy, working together to improve patient care. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has a strong focus on interprofessional education, offering opportunities for students from different healthcare programs to collaborate and learn from each other. This approach to education prepares graduates to work effectively in healthcare teams, improving patient outcomes.
FranU offers unique study abroad opportunities
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University offers students the opportunity to study abroad in a variety of countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Spain. These study abroad programs allow students to gain a global perspective on their field of study and immerse themselves in different cultures. In addition to academic coursework, students also have opportunities to participate in service projects, cultural activities, and language immersion programs.
FranU has a strong commitment to community service
As part of its Franciscan values, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has a strong commitment to community service. The university encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in service opportunities both on and off campus. For example, the university has a service-learning program that integrates community service into academic coursework, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world situations. Additionally, the university hosts an annual Day of Service, where students, faculty, and staff volunteer at various community organizations.
Conclusion
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a unique and inspiring institution that offers students an exceptional education and a strong sense of community. From its largest nursing program in Louisiana to its unique pelican mascot, the university has many fun facts that make it stand out. If you’re considering Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University for your academic journey, you can be confident that you’ll receive an education that prepares you for success in your chosen field while also instilling the values of service, humility, collegiality, contemplation, and poverty.