About St. Mary’s University
Welcome to St. Mary’s University! As a thriving institution grounded in the rich Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we are committed to excellence and empowering you for success. With a renowned faculty, our personalized approach ensures individual attention and academic growth. Join our vibrant community, where 95% of graduates find meaningful employment within six months. Experience the transformative power of education at StMU, where traditions thrive and futures are forged.
Who We Are
The original St. Mary’s College Act received Royal Assent on September 18, 1986. On June 16, 2004, St. Mary’s College officially became St. Mary’s University College and was authorized to grant its own Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees. St. Mary’s University (StMU) is an innovative teaching and research university that provides affordable, accredited and highly valued degrees in Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education.
Located on a historic site in Calgary, Alberta, StMU inspires students to combine academics with a passionate commitment to ethics, social justice and respect for diversity of opinion and belief. With small class sizes, you can expect more personalized attention and interaction with your professors.
Our Vision
To be the preeminent Catholic University in Canada, known as a centre of academic excellence providing a vibrant and engaged student experience that prepares authentic leaders committed to the service of others.
Our Mission
Open to all and grounded in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, St. Mary’s University educates the whole person to inspire and empower tomorrow’s engaged, global citizens for the future.
As a Catholic community, we value:
We are student centered and believe in and value first and foremost our students’ authentic needs, enabling them to flourish in their life’s vocation. We celebrate and welcome people where they are. We see each person in our community as a unique human being, respecting their inherent rights and honouring their dignity. We value all individuals regardless of their culture, sex, talents, religion, race, perspectives, and social conditions. We are committed to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation, desiring to weave Reconciliation and Indigenous ways of knowing into the fabric of our community. We aim to serve others in ways that create community, connect people, and promote social justice.
We believe in pursuing academic excellence in teaching, learning, research, and creative enquiry. Recognizing academic freedom as fundamental to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we value the rich history and complexity of human thinking while engaging the intellectual potential of every student learner. Our students receive a holistic education, that respects reason and faith and which promotes democratic, global citizenship as well as ethical leadership, and — in discovering beauty, goodness, and truth — awakens in each a desire to transform the world.
We cherish faith, and we uphold a Christian worldview as revealed and interpreted over time through Sacred Scripture and Catholic teaching. We uphold the complementary nature of faith and reason and aim to foster this relationship in all we do. Further, as part of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we welcome all knowing that you do not have to be Catholic to believe that every human life is sacred; in the dignity of the poor; the common good; social responsibility; and that the earth is a gift to be shared.
History
2022
Universities Canada status granted and installation of new President.
2021
St. Mary’s University hosts the CCAA Cross Country Running National Championships on its beautiful campus. This is the first championship event hosted by St. Mary’s and featured participation from student-athletes from across Canada.
2020
St. Mary’s University expands its award-winning Bachelor of Education program by introducing the two-year Bachelor of Education (Secondary) after-degree program designed to prepare teachers at the secondary level (grades seven through 12) in Alberta schools.
2019
St. Mary’s University introduces a new four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Social Justice and Catholic Studies, a unique interdisciplinary program that encourages reflection on the injustices that characterize society, and upon the Catholic tradition and its engagement with the world.
2018
Thanks to a generous donation by Tom and Debra Mauro, the historic St. Mary’s University was masterfully restored and converted into the Maruo Gallery, a multi-purpose space utilized for classes, small receptions and rotating art exhibitions.
The St. Mary’s University Women’s Lightning Basketball team captures the first Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold medal in school history.
2017
St. Mary’s University commissioned and debuted First and Last by award-winning playwright and novelist Eugene Stickland. Having previously served as Writer-In-Residence at St. Mary’s, Stickland’s production marked the world premiere in the Heritage Centre.
Chosen from all universities and colleges in Canada, St. Mary’s hosted the Truth and Reconciliation National Educational Roundtable in January 2017. This three-day event marked the second annual gathering of representatives from every province and territory. Together they addressed the areas of teacher education, quality standards and curriculum updates including sharing the work done in their region to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in education.
2016
Coinciding with St. Mary’s University’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, the university officially opens the new Heritage Centre on campus. The 4,700-square-foot, multi-purpose space was made possible through the generosity of Stan and Marge Owerko, Frank and Jeanne Vetsch and Ed and Agnes Rewucki who helped raise most of the money necessary to provide this amazing facility for the students of StMU.
2015
St. Mary’s University launches the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Partnership with a formal ceremony and a Buffalo Robe Transfer from Blackfoot elder Casey Eagle Speaker to Dr. Gerry Turcotte.
Launch of the St. Mary’s Elders on Campus initiative with Casey Eagle Speaker (Blackfoot elder) and Edmee Comstock (Métis elder).
2014
Alberta Premier and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, the Honourable Dave Hancock, has given approval for St. Mary’s University College in Calgary to change its name to St. Mary’s University. The change acknowledges both the university’s stellar 28-year history and recognizes its actual status as a fully-accredited university within the post-secondary Campus Alberta system.
The Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education gives approval for a four-year Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology. The Honourable Dave Hancock, Premier of Alberta and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education gives approval for a four-year Bachelor of Arts with a Major in History.
2013
The Alberta Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education gives approval for a four-year Bachelor of Arts with a major in Liberal Studies. It is the first degree of its kind in Alberta. The program has been designed specifically for the 21st-century student and job market.
2012
St. Mary’s University introduces a new four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology. This brings the number of degrees offered to seven.
Through generous donations, St. Mary’s University College acquires a rare fine art edition of The Saint John’s Bible. A former gymnasium is transformed to house a new Collegiate Training Hall, with state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment.
2011
St. Mary’s University College marks its 25th anniversary Dr. Gerry Turcotte is appointed St. Mary’s University College’s third president.
The former Midlands United Church is renamed Father Michael J. McGivney Hall at a dedication ceremony recognizing the contributions of the Knights of Columbus of Alberta, and the Supreme Council.
St. Mary’s University College initiates a site development planning process to identify guiding principles, development options and concept plans for its 35-acre campus.
2010
The Catholic Women’s League endows the $1.2 million CWL Chair for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University College. Dr. Michael Duggan is appointed as the inaugural Chair.
St. Mary’s awards its first Bachelor of Education degrees.
Lightning Athletics is accepted into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).
St. Mary’s University College partners with the Ukrainian Catholic University to promote academic, research and cultural exchanges.
St. Mary’s University College is admitted to the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).
The Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) evaluates and affirms the baccalaureate programs at St. Mary’s University College.
2009
St. Mary’s University College marks its tenth anniversary on the former Father Lacombe Home site in Midnapore.
St. Mary’s produces the Canadian premiere of Speak Truth to Power, a play, photography exhibition and book which heralds human rights defenders from around the world.
2008
A Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree is introduced. It is Canada’s first education degree specifically designed to prepare teachers for Catholic schools and attracted full enrolment in Fall 2008. St. Mary’s University College is awarded a Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award for the restoration of the Le Fort Centre.
2007
Renovation of the historic Lacombe heritage buildings is completed thanks to the generous donation of Ron and Tara Mathison. The buildings are renamed The Le Fort Centre in honour of Monsignor Joseph Le Fort.
Lightning Athletics brings home gold in men’s and women’s basketball and women’s futsal.
Three-year Bachelor of Arts degrees with concentrations in History and Psychology are introduced.
2006
The Midlands United Church is purchased.
Restoration of the historic Lacombe heritage buildings begins.
2005
For the first time in St. Mary’s history over 500 students were enrolled.
The St. Mary’s University College Library upgraded to an internet-based system that linked it electronically to the University of Calgary Library as well as to the Alliance/Nazarene University College libraries.
In the 2005 provincial budget, St. Mary’s became eligible to receive public funds.
2004
In the 2003-2004 academic year, Lightning Athletics brings home ACAL gold in men’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball and futsal, and bronze in hockey.
The St. Mary’s College Act is amended. By Order-in-Council the Government of Alberta authorizes the college to grant three-year Bachelor of Arts degrees with concentrations in General Studies and English, and a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English.
The Minister of Learning grants approval to designate St. Mary’s as a University College. St. Mary’s University College holds its first convocation and awards its first BA degrees.
2003
The Private Colleges Accreditation Board recommends to the Ministry of Learning that St. Mary’s College be authorized to grant a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in General Studies.
The College applies to the Private Colleges Accreditation Board for authorization to grant a three-year BA degree with a concentration in English and a four-year BA degree with a major in English.
Full- and part-time enrolment increases to 432 students.
2002
St. Mary’s College submits its application for its first Bachelor of Arts degree to the Private Colleges Accreditation Board, Ministry of Learning and Province of Alberta.
Full- and part-time enrolment increases to 373 students.
2001
St. Mary’s College completes an agreement with the Diocese of Calgary to purchase the 35-acre Lacombe site. The College receives eight acres as a grant from the Diocese and purchases the remaining 27 acres for $8.75 million.
Lightning Athletics men’s and women’s basketball compete for the first time in the Alberta Colleges Athletic League (ACAL). Women win gold. Athletics grows to include men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and ice hockey.
Full- and part-time enrolment increases to 277 students.
2000
Full- and part-time enrolment increases to 237 students.
1999
St. Mary’s moves to the historic Father Lacombe Centre in Midnapore. A new library building is completed and named St. Basil’s Hall in recognition of the Basilian Fathers’ donation of the library and of their general support of the college.
Dr. Terrence Downey is appointed College President.
There are 183 full- and part-time students enrolled.
1998
St. Mary’s completes its last full year on the St. Anthony’s School campus and prepares to transfer the College to the Lacombe Centre.
There are 101 full- and part-time students enrolled.
1997
St. Mary’s hires its first faculty, enters into an affiliation agreement with St. Francis Xavier University and begins to offer university transfer courses at St. Anthony’s School.
1996
Dr. David Lawless becomes the first president.
1994
St. Mary’s begins to offer professional development courses for teachers and education students in collaboration with the Calgary Catholic School Board.
St. Mary’s College Foundation is created.
1993
Dr. John Thompson is named Executive Director of St. Mary’s College.
1991
The Board of Governors decides to create an independent Catholic liberal arts college following the University of Calgary’s decision not to proceed with affiliation.
1987-1991
An affiliation proposal with the University of Calgary is prepared and on-going discussions are held with the University and the Catholic community.
1986
The St. Mary’s College Act is passed by the provincial legislature.
1985
Fr. Tom Mohan, CSB, Dr. John McCarthy, and Mr. William Dickie draft a charter for a Catholic College to be known as St. Mary’s and affiliated with the University of Calgary.
A Star Is Born
The icon complementing the name StMU is based on the letter ‘M’ for Mary.
Simplifying the letter ‘M’ creates the top half of an open book, an appropriate visual reference for an educational institution of higher learning.
Four qualities of Mary (simplicity, clarity, purity and confidence) are each represented by one of the four letter M’s or books.
There are a total of eight points on the four letter M’s. Some theologians refer to Christ’s resurrection as an “eighth day” of creation – Christ was raised from the dead, and a new world was begun. This metaphor speaks of God recreating us in Christ.
With the frame complete, a source of light appears. The space inside this light forms a second source of light — enlightenment within each student.
The many points directed inward and outward imply an exchange of ideas between the University and the world outside. We reach upward as well as outward. The icon is simple, clear, pure and confident. Its dynamic design incorporates another aspect of Mary, who is known as the “Star of the Sea”. The circular arrangement forms a star, a halo of light and strong visual presence well suited to a dynamic, forward-looking institution.
In the typographical arrangement of the word mark, the emphasis is on the name Mary. The letter T is a pedestal that raises the icon’s profile. The light becomes a flame with the letter T acting as the candle. The letter T also forms a simple cross with Mary, symbolized by the star, standing in witness above.
Yellow is the colour of the sun which brings life to all living things. It is also the colour of fire, a single flame burning bright atop a candle.
Blue is the colour of the Virgin Mary. It also represents intellect, peace, contemplation, faith and compassion.
St. Mary’s University is proud to be represented by this illuminating icon.
Coat of Arms
There is much symbolism in St. Mary’s new Coat of Arms. The colour blue, the lily, and the rose are all associated with St. Mary, the patron saint of the University. The lily is a symbol of Francophone culture and refers to the fact that the University is located on the site of the home of the Quebec-born Father Albert Lacombe. The wild rose is the provincial flower of Alberta. The osprey — a local bird that nests on campus — is shown clasping a scroll, symbolizing scholarship. The supporters — a bison and white-tailed deer — demonstrate an acknowledgement that St. Mary’s is located at the site of a former Blackfoot buffalo jump. The University’s motto at the bottom of the Coat of Arms — “In lumine tuo videbimus lumen” — is a Latin phrase from Psalm 36 meaning “In your light, we shall see light.”