Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's College of California is a private institution that promises its students a transformative learning experience. It lies nestled in the scenic town of Moraga in California, in close proximity to both Oakland and San Francisco. The College offers over 40 undergraduate degrees, distinguishing itself through a robust liberal arts program with a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, ensuring meaningful interaction between the students and their instructors.
Saint Mary's College is distinctive in its adherence to the Great Books program, where students engage substantially with classic works of literature, philosophy, and social science, culminating in a unique and broad-based learning journey that's rarely found today. Indian students, in particular, will find compelling parallels with ancient Indian thought and literature, enhancing their understanding of global intellectual traditions. Additionally, Saint Mary's College, despite its historic lineage, has managed to stay modern and relevant by maintaining a commitment to incorporate technology in every classroom.
From a student perspective, Saint Mary's College of California presents immense opportunities for personal and professional growth. A thriving community of around 4,000 students provides an environment conducive to cultivating lifelong friendships, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and encouraging intellectual exchanges.
The school boasts a remarkable spread of student organizations, extracurricular activities, and athletics that cater to a variety of interests, instilling a sense of balance in student life beyond academics. For Indian students, the University's emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and global perspectives is a significant draw. International students will not only feel welcomed, but they'll also enjoy the advantage of studying in a multicultural setting, providing them a global edge in their careers. The small class sizes guarantee that each student gets individual attention, thus fostering academic success.
Nestled in the verdant hills of Moraga, California, Saint Mary's College of California stands as a citadel of higher learning and intellectual growth. This forward-thinking institution ardently weaves a rich tapestry of multiculturalism and inclusivity, inviting students, faculty, and staff from diverse socio-economic and cultural backdrops. The college fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding within its community, nurturing an environment conducive to collaborative learning.
The academic infrastructure at Saint Mary's College is designed to offer an enriching learning experience. The institution prides itself on its well-rounded curriculum which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects. At the core of the academic program is the belief in the continuous growth of knowledge, wisdom, and love. The faculty comprises seasoned educators from varied backgrounds, each bringing to the table unique perspectives that add depth to the academic conversations. Saint Mary's College ensures a favorable teacher-student ratio, garnering personal attention and individual progress tracking for each student.
Within the student community of Saint Mary's College, you will find an eclectic mix of bright young minds from various parts of the globe. This melting pot of cultures provides the students with a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain a global perspective. Each student, be it a local or an international, is welcomed into the community with open arms and given equal opportunity to thrive. International students, in particular, find the college's multicultural and inclusive environment conducive to adaptation and cultural exchange.
Coming to the aspect of financial assistance, Saint Mary's College of California has a structured program to provide scholarships and other forms of monetary aid to its international students. While studying abroad can often prove to be a pricey affair, the college tries to ease the financial burden on the students wherever possible. The financial aid programs are designed to be inclusive and vary based on academic merit and individual needs. The objective is to ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to study at Saint Mary's due to financial constraints. In short, Saint Mary's College of California does not only provide a platform for academic excellence but also ensures an enriching and inclusive experience for its students from across the globe.
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Starting way back in the year 1863, St. Mary's College took off with a commitment to provide premium education designed by the creative mind of Joseph Alemany, a member of the Dominicans and the first Archbishop of San Francisco. Interesting enough, one of the first supporters of this idea was Mary Ellen Pleasant, a well-known Black Catholic philanthropist. Her generosity sowed seeds for this educational institution with a donation equivalent to roughly $10,000 in present terms.
This grand endeavor did face a few humps in its infancy. Archbishop Alemany wasn't quite pleased with the archdiocese's handling of the college. This led him to seek assistance from Rome in 1868. Fortunately, the desired help arrived and the De La Salle Christian Brothers took over St. Mary's College.
Fast forward to 1889, a significant milestone occurred when the college packed up its books and desks and moved from San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. This location, nestled on the corner of 30th and Broadway, was fondly christened as "The Brickpile". This became the haven for St. Mary's college until 1928 when an unfortunate fire damaged The Brickpile severely. After this incident, the college shifted further to Moraga, marking its new journey.
Following the big move to Moraga, the institution faced some brick walls financially. Yet, teetering on near-bankruptcy, St. Mary's managed to achieve a sturdy financial footing with the aid of Archbishop John Joseph Mitty. His name now graces a residence hall on campus as an homage to his integral role in the college's history.
During World War II, St. Mary's College found a new purpose serving the United States Navy. It trained countless pilots, including the future US President Gerald Ford who worked as a naval instructor. It was during this time that the world's largest indoor pool was built. However, of all the buildings the Navy erected, only one—Assumption Hall—still stands as the college found little use for the others after the war.
A significant shift happened in 1970 when St. Mary's switched from being a male-only school to becoming coeducational. This opened its doors more widely, attracting an increasing number of women until by 2011, women made up 62% of the student body.
In the 1970s, it distinguished itself with a Math Contest that other schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area recognized, drawing in students passionate about numbers. Although it was discontinued in 1978, this contest inspired the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival that remains popular today.
It's fascinating to note that about two dozen Christian Brothers continue to live and work at St. Mary's to this day. They had always served as the school presidents until 2013. Due to the decreasing number of Christian Brothers, the college's bylaws were amended in 2003 to allow the election of a non-Christian Brother as a president, if necessary. Thus, James A. Donahue, an active and dedicated Roman Catholic, became the first non-Christian Brother to be elected president in the 150-year history of St. Mary's College. His tenure marked a new era, commencing on July 1, 2013.
Not at all! as an international student, you will have access to a myriad of support services. these include orientation programs, academic counselling, and cultural events, all designed to make your transition smoother.
Getting involved in saint mary's is as easy as pie! there are over 50 student clubs and organizations hosting cultural events, leadership workshops, outdoor activities and more. so, you'll always find something to meet your interests.
Saint mary's ensures your stay is well taken care of. the college offers students both on-campus and off-campus housing options. on-campus living here is a real treat, with residence halls having a vibrant, communal spirit.
Yes, indeed. the university understands the importance of real-world exposure and hence, internships are integrated into most academic programs. depending on your field of study, you can land an exciting opportunity and gain hands-on experience.
Safety is a top priority at saint mary's. the university boasts of a 24-hour security service, well-lit paths, and a dedicated campus watch program. it ensures you’ll be able to focus on your studies without any worry.
Absolutely! saint mary's is pretty generous in acknowledging the hard work you've already put in. the university grants credits for both ap and ib examinations, allowing students to gain a head-start with their college education.
Saint mary's college of california distinguishes itself with its strong commitment to personalized, values-based education. it fosters a small, tight-knit community where students can expect interaction with their professors, something you wouldn't usually find in larger universities. aiming for the holistic formation of each student, the university also prides itself in its culture of inclusivity and social responsibility.
Offering over 40 majors from liberal arts to business and economics, saint mary's caters to a varied range of academic interests. each programme here is designed to encourage students to explore intellectually, and critically consider our global society. it’s a perfect space for you to grow as a world-changer!
Yes, you can. saint mary's makes a sincere effort to provide financial assistance to deserving students. both need-based and merit-based scholarships are available, so don’t hesitate to apply.
Certainly! saint mary's truly appreciates global diversity and welcomes students from all sorts of linguistic backgrounds. however, non-native english speakers might need to submit an english proficiency test score. it's just a way to ensure that you can comfortably participate in the academic activities.
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Hi. I want to connect with Indian students in Penryn campus. Please help me to connect. I will travel to penryn in September to start my undergrad course.