Celebrating 70 Years of Academic Excellence
As Holy Family University celebrates its 70th anniversary, we reflect on our rich history and look forward to an exciting future as we continue to build upon our legacy of academic excellence and success.
As you will see in the pages ahead, each milestone in Holy Family’s storied history reflects the commitment and dedication of a community centered on providing opportunities to students. From the visionary concept by Sister M. Neomisia Rutkowska, CSFN, Provincial Superior of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, of establishing a university in 1952, and the legal charter of Holy Family College in 1954, to enrolling the first male students in 1971, the university continues to innovate and to reinvent itself based on the needs of its students and the community. Throughout, we remain grounded in our core values and motto of teneor votis (“I am bound by my responsibilities”).
Holy Family’s dedication to providing a sound educational experience for students has led to a historic high in enrollment this fall. We’ve seen a 59% increase in new first-year students and a 19% increase in transfer students over the past two years. Our housing facilities are at full capacity, demonstrating our commitment to accommodating our growing student population.
We continue to transform our academic programs and physical spaces thanks to grants and support from generous donors. As our budget has grown, our main campus in Philadelphia has seen significant enhancements, including new Campus Center spaces and the groundbreaking for a new athletic fieldhouse. We’ve modernized classrooms and laboratories to provide students with the latest technology and resources. Our expansion into Newtown West reflects the university’s strategic planning and commitment to growth with our plans for a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
A focus on exceptional academics and student success has led to the launch of the Holy Family Experience, our new general education program, which has become an in-demand curriculum model. In addition, we launched BLUEprint designed to provide students with a roadmap for success for their intellectual, social, spiritual, and personal development. We have also developed programs such as Cybersecurity and Nutrition, and expanded offerings in the Life Sciences and Nursing. These programs are designed to meet modern workforce demands and equip our students with essential skills.
To support students holistically, we’ve enhanced support services, including an expanded counseling team and range of wellness-centered programs and services. These initiatives ensure students have the resources they need to succeed academically and in life.
As we mark this milestone, I express my gratitude for the dedication and support of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. Guided by the core values of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, we continue to honor tradition while embracing innovation for student success.
Here’s to the next 70 years and beyond!
Onward & upward together in faith & family,
Anne Prisco, Ph.D.
President