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.
In support of the mission, the Marywood University community actively espouses five core values:
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
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
Access to education that enables all to achieve their full potential to live as conscientious citizens in a pluralistic society
A commitment to promoting social responsibility which fosters community engagement to meet real needs
Manifesting Marywood University's pursuit of the highest level of achievement in support of "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas" (Holiness, Knowledge, Health)
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.
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.
Trapeta B. Mayson, LCSW, MBA, Philadelphia’s fifth poet laureate, will address graduates at Marywood University’s 105th Commencement on May 20, 2023. She will receive an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.
Sister Cor, Professor Emerita of Art, will receive the University’s Lead On Award at the May 4 celebration, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education, to service, and to the common good.
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