The University of Holy Cross, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private Catholic university that has a rich history and a commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students. As with any university, there are many interesting facts about UHC that are not widely known. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fun facts about University of Holy Cross that you may not have heard of before.
The Oldest Catholic University in the Gulf South
Founded in 1916, the University of Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic university in the Gulf South region of the United States. Originally known as Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the university has a long and storied history that is rooted in its Catholic identity. From its humble beginnings as a small college for women, the university has grown and expanded over the years to become a coeducational institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The University’s Name Has Changed Over Time
As previously mentioned, the University of Holy Cross was originally known as Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Over time, the name of the institution has changed several times to reflect its growth and development. In 1960, the college became known as Holy Cross College, and in 1989, it was granted university status by the Louisiana legislature. The university’s current name, the University of Holy Cross, was adopted in 2010 to better reflect its identity as a Catholic institution of higher learning.
The University Has a Strong Commitment to Community Service
One of the defining characteristics of the University of Holy Cross is its commitment to serving the community. This commitment is evident in the university’s mission statement, which states that UHC “is a Catholic, teaching-intensive university that offers a liberal arts curriculum emphasizing the importance of service to others.” To that end, the university has a number of programs and initiatives that are designed to serve the community, including the Institute for Ministry, which provides training and support to lay ministers in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, which connects students with local organizations to provide hands-on learning experiences.
The University is Home to the Holy Cross School of Nursing
The Holy Cross School of Nursing is one of the most well-known and respected nursing programs in the region. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, an RN-to-BSN program, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The school has a reputation for producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who are dedicated to serving their patients and the community.
The University Offers a Wide Range of Academic Programs
While the Holy Cross School of Nursing may be the university’s most well-known program, it is by no means the only one. UHC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, psychology, and more. In addition to its traditional on-campus programs, the university also offers online and hybrid programs that allow students to earn their degree on their own schedule.
The University Has a Strong Athletic Program
The University of Holy Cross is home to a strong athletic program that includes men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis teams. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). The university’s athletic teams have a strong tradition of excellence and have won numerous conference championships and individual awards over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Holy Cross is a small but remarkable institution that offers a unique educational experience. From its rich history to its innovative programs, UHC has something for everyone. Its commitment to community service and diversity sets it apart from other universities, and its focus on hands-on learning and real-world experiences prepare its graduates for successful careers in a variety of fields. As we have seen, there are many fun and interesting facts about UHC that make it a special place. Whether you are a current student, alumni, or just someone interested in higher education, the University of Holy Cross is definitely worth checking out.