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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

Students are shown finalizing the installation of a hydroponic pipe system for a community garden. Marywood University Collaborates with Garden of Cedar on Community Garden Project: Public Unveiling Ceremony Is Set for May 15

Marywood University Collaborates with Garden of Cedar on Community Garden Project: Public Unveiling Ceremony Is Set for May 15

All are welcome to attend a public unveiling ceremony of the space on May 15, at 5 p.m., at the Garden of Cedar, 715 Cedar Avenue, Scranton.
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  • Marywood President Lisa A. Lori greeting/shaking hands with Pope Francis. President's Message to the Marywood Community on the Passing of Pope Francis

    President's Message to the Marywood Community on the Passing of Pope Francis

    Pope Francis led the Catholic Church and guided our faith and our shared beliefs for 12 years, but he also spoke to all of humanity and to each of our hearts, whether or not we profess the Catholic faith, leading by example with mercy, humility, compassion, love, and hope towards all people.

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  • man smiling in a brown sport coat and shirt against a stone wall Alumnus and Trustee Michael E. Bugno to Chair Marywood’s Flagship Annual Fundraiser Celebrate Marywood

    Alumnus and Trustee Michael E. Bugno to Chair Marywood’s Flagship Annual Fundraiser Celebrate Marywood

    This vibrant event will take place outdoors in the stunning Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden for a unique experience in a distinctly Marywood way. The celebration will honor Marywood former trustee Richard Kane and his wife, Erin.

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