About Dominican University

Mission

As a Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored institution, Dominican University prepares students to pursue truth, give compassionate service and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

 A Catholic Dominican education requires a commitment to and the cultivation of an intellectual and spiritual life. This dedication results in life-long learning and an obligation to work for justice and peace in the world.

Dominican University is faithful to its mission and cherishes its traditions. Being a part of Dominican University means being a part of the Dominican heritage we proudly embrace.

History

Dominican University’s history began when a charter was granted in 1848 by the state of Wisconsin to St. Clara Academy, a frontier school for young women founded by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP. The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters founded St. Clara College in 1901. The Dominican love of teaching and learning continued to build the college materially and intellectually, and St. Clara’s soon became accepted as an equal of older eastern colleges. Mother Samuel Coughlin and the sisters moved the college to River Forest where it opened in 1922 under the name Rosary College.

The college became coeducational in 1971 and changed its name to Dominican University in 1997. The name reaffirms the university’s commitment to the Sinsinawa Dominican and Catholic values. It also recognizes the school’s status as a university, now with six schools: the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, the Brennan School of Business, the School of Education, the Graduate School of Social Work and the School of Leadership and Continuing Studies.

As a follower of St. Dominic, the Italian-born missionary Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli began his life’s journey as a traveling preacher and teacher. With a frontier spirit and a heart for preaching and teaching, Fr. Mazzuchelli founded the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary in 1847. Drawing upon the intellectual tradition of the Order of Preachers (OP), Fr. Mazzuchelli planned a revolutionary curriculum for young women, which included subjects such as astronomy, chemistry, logic, history, natural philosophy, and the ancient and modern languages.

The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and their sponsored institution, Dominican University, have remained faithful to their founder’s vision of providing an excellent education. The Dominican ideals of community, rigorous study, prayer and compassionate service form a Dominican education.

Caritas et Veritas

The university’s formal shield includes the university motto, Caritas et Veritas, Latin for “love and truth.” The Dominican University community is committed to these concepts. The love of truth compels one to share wisdom with others, and the truth of love creates grateful and compassionate hearts able to serve others.

Academic Convocation

Academic Convocation provides the entire Dominican community with an opportunity to learn about the mission and values of Dominican University and to share plans for the future. Guest speakers, academic processions and ritual celebrations mark this official university event.

Founder’s Day

Part of the Dominican tradition includes celebrating the birthday of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli on November 4. Celebrations vary each year but always include an evening prayer, dinner and a birthday cake. This event is celebrated by all students, faculty, staff and Dominican Sisters, as well as alumnae/i and friends.

Candle and Rose

One of the most treasured traditions at Dominican University is the Candle and Rose ceremony. This moving tribute takes place in May on the evening before commencement. It is an expression of shared friendship between graduating seniors and supportive friends and classmates. The simple exchange of the candle and rose symbolizes the intrinsic, inseparable and indelible relationship between Caritas et Veritas, love and truth.