Nazareth's story is one of responding to the needs of the time, and of creating success against all odds. Asked by Roman Catholic Bishop of Rochester Thomas Hickey to found a college for women — an underserved population then — the Sisters of St. Joseph responded. Despite traditional gender roles and a prevailing anti-Catholic bias, the sisters led the way to success. With newly-minted doctorates from Fordham University in New York City, and extensive graduate study at Oxford University and the Sorbonne, five Sisters of St. Joseph launched Nazareth College with the first 25 students starting classes September 24, 1924, which came to be known as Naz Day.
As needs changed and expanded with time, Nazareth responded.
Graduate programs were added, further developing Nazareth as a leader in quality teacher education programs and social work.
Nazareth values experiential learning as a teaching tool, often intersecting with community-based work or projects. Nazareth approaches these opportunities with a spirit of reciprocity: The community and the college are equal stakeholders who each give and benefit.
Cassandra "Cassie" Matalavage '17, '18G began tutoring Rochester elementary students during her first year through Nazareth's Partners for Learning program.
A Nazareth team, including Prof. Padmini Das, Ph.D. (hand raised), and Nazareth student Shane Fuentes '18 (right), guide high school students in investigating an algae problem in local waterways.
Determined to become an equity-minded, inclusive campus, Nazareth administrators and students are committed to welcoming and creating space for all to discover their identity, inclusive of any sexual/gender orientation, race/ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic background.
Through its 80+ academic programs and majors, and through community partnerships, Nazareth continues to empower its students for a life-long journey of self-awareness and discovery through passionate dialogue and lively debate. Committed to the dynamic synergy of academic inquiry, community engagement, spiritual development, and principles of justice, the College challenges students to experience new cultures, confront racism, and respond with empathy to the cry of the environment and the cry of the poor.
Emulating the passion, drive, and perseverance of the founding sisters, Nazareth students — known as the Golden Flyers — are prepared to fly: to develop a sense of purpose, to investigate and respect divergent world views across borders and cultural divides, to pour energy into creatively shaping a world of compassion, equity, and inclusivity, and to become community leaders who are authentic Changemakers.
Learn more about today’s guiding principles, which draw from Nazareth’s roots:
June 1, 2023: The name Nazareth University takes effect, recognizing the significant graduate programs the institution has long offered.
Nazareth's Archives collects, organizes, describes, maintains, promotes, and provides access to institutional records of enduring historical and research value as a resource for the Nazareth community.
For more information, contact Deborah Janetos in the Library at djaneto1@naz.edu or 389-2140.