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Mission Statement

Marywood University, sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, roots itself in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the principle of justice, and the belief that education empowers people. The University integrates an enduring liberal arts tradition and professional disciplines to create a comprehensive learning experience. Our undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic excellence, advance innovative scholarship, and foster leadership in service to others. Within a welcoming and supportive community, Marywood challenges individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make choices based on spiritual and ethical values. Marywood University prepares students to seek sustainable solutions for the common good and educates global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Our Core Values

In support of the mission, the Marywood University community actively espouses five core values:

  • Catholic Identity

    The pursuit of truth, goodness, beauty, justice, and the common good within the context of the Catholic faith tradition and in dialogue and service with persons of diverse faiths and worldviews

  • Respect

    Honoring the uniqueness and dignity of each human person; demonstrating ethical and just interactions; and caring for the earth and all creation through a commitment to sustainability

  • Empowerment

    Access to education that enables all to achieve their full potential to live as conscientious citizens in a pluralistic society

  • Service

    A commitment to promoting social responsibility which fosters community engagement to meet real needs

  • Excellence

    Manifesting Marywood University's pursuit of the highest level of achievement in support of "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas" (Holiness, Knowledge, Health) 

Seal of the University

The Marywood University Seal

The black diamond in the lower center of the circular seal represents the city of Scranton, which is located in the heart of the once-thriving anthracite coal district of Pennsylvania. Coal was king in Scranton at the time of Marywood's founding, and the gold field surrounding the diamond symbolizes the wealth the coal industry produced.

The diamond is charged with the open book of learning, and upon its pages the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega, are inscribed. These letters, taken from the coat of arms of Most Reverend Michael J. Hoban, Bishop of Scranton when Marywood was founded, represent God as the beginning and end of all things and the foundation of a true education. An image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, garlanded with roses, pierced by a sword, marked by her crown as Queen of Heaven and tinctured in the gold eternity, is displayed on a forest-green background to symbolize in canting form the name of the University. (Canting arms indicate the name of the bearer.) 

On either side of the heart are fleurs-de-lis, a symbol of the Blessed Virgin, taken from the seal of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who founded Marywood College (now University) in 1915. The seal is bordered with the words "Marywood University" at the top and the University's motto, "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas" ("Holiness, Knowledge, Health") at the bottom.

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University Stone

A picture of the Tourmaline stone

To the first graduating class, the Class of 1919, goes the credit for introducing the Tourmaline to Marywood. This dark green stone of great beauty is mounted in a gold setting for the University ring.

Living Our Mission

Graduates in academic attire lined up to receive their degrees. Marywood University Celebrates 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Marywood University Celebrates 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Former NFL QB/NFL Analyst Ron Jaworski addressed more than 950 graduates.
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  • A gold engraved Marywood commencement medal on a green ribbon against a black graduation robe Class of 2025 Commencement Medalists

    Class of 2025 Commencement Medalists

    Graduate and undergraduate students who have attained a notable level of academic excellence and/or shown great leadership abilities earned these distinctions.

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  • Students gather around lighted letters that spell out MARYWOOD. New Endowed/Annual Scholarships and Programmatic Endowment Announced

    New Endowed/Annual Scholarships and Programmatic Endowment Announced

    Marywood University recently announced four endowed scholarships, one programmatic endowment, and six annual scholarships at the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual luncheon brought together students, donors, and esteemed guests to celebrate the impact of scholarships and express heartfelt appreciation for the donors who make scholarships possible.

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